Now that we are several weeks into the LiveSTRONG program that we launched at our gym last month, it’s time to introduce participants to new things that relate to their overall health and wellness. Each week we’re going to bring in a guest – typically a group exercise instructor or a speaker – to either take participants through a workout out teach them about something that may benefit their health.
Last night we had our first speaker, a doctor of oriental medicine, address our group. Erica Olstein, DOM, AP, of A Better U Healthcare, shared her knowledge about the benefits of acupuncture and the different kinds of wellness therapies she offers.
I have obviously heard of acupuncture and cupping before, but I found Erica’s presentation very educational and would love to try acupuncture in the future.
Today I’m heading off to the Cancer Alliance of Marion County meeting to speak about LiveSTRONG and encourage local organizations to refer people to our program. Hopefully we’ll secure more speakers, too!
The Voice
***SPOILER ALERT – Don’t keep reading if you DVRed the show!!!
Last night, right when I arrived home from work, I flipped on the TV to catch the very end of The Voice. Apparently I’m much more invested in this show than I thought because I participated in voting for a contestant in a television show for the first time in my life.
I immediately logged into Twitter to cast my vote to save Caroline when I found out that she was up for elimination. (And how cool it is that live tweets can immediately save someone!?) I want her to make an album because she has such a beautiful, soothing voice that I would love to listen to when I’m cooking in the kitchen or relaxing around the house. I’m so glad she made it through!
Workout
When the alarm went off this morning, I really wanted to stay in bed but knew that my busy day today meant that if I didn’t work out first thing this morning, a workout wouldn’t happen at all. Time to haul my butt to the gym!
I completed a leg workout and three rounds (instead of six) of my 6×6 workout and called it a day.
Breakfast
Breakfast today was another batch of overnight oats.
They look a little brown (and disgusting) because I ended up stirring some chocolate milk and almond butter into the mix before topping everything with a sprinkle of dried cranberries.
Now it’s time to blow dry my hair and head out! Have a great day!
Questions of the Morning
- Have you ever tried acupuncture or cupping before? What did you think? If you haven’t tried it before, would you want to?
- If you are watching The Voice, who do you want to win?
My two favorites this season are Caroline and Matthew. So talented!
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I used acupuncture several years ago to try and treat repeated sinus issues that I’ve suffered from since childhood. I really enjoyed the process and found it extremely relaxing (and a little painful at times) but in the end I didn’t find it to be completely useful. I ended up getting allergy tested and discovered that I had a dust mite allergy. I wouldn’t rule out trying acupuncture again in the future and I love the idea of incorporating eastern medicine in my life, but treatments are pricey and results are a bit slower than western methods.
I’ve done acupuncture a few times and really enjoyed it! You don’t feel anything because the needles are about the same diameter as a cat’s whisker, except on your ears or the tops of your feet — those areas are a little sensitive so you can feel a pinch there but nothing bad by any means.
I also really enjoyed the acupuncturist’s approach to the treatments; she asked lots of questions about my habits and health problems, and then offered thoughtful suggestions of small changes I could incorporate in my routine to address them. I would really recommend at least trying it once (there are usually Groupons and other deals for acupuncture)!
For those in the Atlanta area, go see Jessica at Atlanta Holistic Medicine; she’s the bomb! 🙂
I saved Caroline, as well, via Twitter! So glad she’s still on, she’s very talented. Overall, I’d like Matthew Schuler to win, not only because he has an excellent voice, but also because he is from my town!
That’s awesome! His voice is incredible.
I’d like to try acupuncture or cupping for sure. It just isn’t a necessity for my budget right now!
Acupuncture is truly wonderful and I can definitely vouch for it because at one point in my life, I was going regularly for a year. I actually wrote an entire post about the benefits. It’s not only good for your physical well-being, but also your mental well-being. It’s so relaxing and allows you that “me time” that we all need when we’re so busy. I hope to go back one of these days!
I’ve heard so many good things about acupuncture, I’d love to try it! Next time I have an excuse it will be healer of choice!
What a great idea to add chocolate milk to your overnight oats! I love adding yummy extras just before eating the oats like nuts, craisins, and almond butter.
I was having a lot of back pain last year and tried acupuncture out and although it didn’t cute my back it definitely helped so much with the discomfort. So I’m a believer!
I’ve really wanted to try acupuncture sometime, I’ve heard it can do great things and I’m always up for trying anything once!
acupuncture is something I would really like to try…I don’t really understand it but it has always been fascinating to me..
I should probably be DVRing the show because I keep missing it and it doesn’t show up on OnDemand for a few days so now I haven’t really watched the show in a couple weeks. I think last season was the first time I really voted and it was more because I didn’t want bad singers to go through…it’s probably a good thing I work in A&R because I feel like it makes my extreme pickiness in music justified. 😉
I voted for Caroline too! And when she was saved, I looked at my husband and said, “What if my vote saved her!” HAHA!
Acupuncture has always been very intriguing to me. I have mixed feelings about it, but I wouldn’t hesitate one bit if I had the opportunity to try it. It can be pricey though, so I’d probably only do it if it were something I got to do for free/a good deal OR if it was for something very important to me. I’ve had a few friends try it, and they had very positive experience with it!
I’ve never tried acupuncture before, but have wanted to. Just to see what it does, and if I notice any benefits of it. I’m always up for anything health related that might help me 🙂
I always get really into the voice during the blind auditions then forget about it… Not on purpose though!
Never done any sort of alternative medicine outside of massages!
I used to keep up with the voice but I just haven’t had the time this season. Enjoy your Wednesday!
I have tried – and loved! – acupuncture. For some reason cupping scares me, but needles sticking out of me doesn’t :-p
We were routing for Kat since she’s from the Raleigh area like us, but I heard she was voted off. I haven’t been invested enough yet in any show to vote though!
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I love The Voice! It’s pretty much the only reality tv that I watch, buut in going to have to disagree with you on Caroline. She’s my least favorite of the season! I fast forward through most of her songs. I couldn’t pick a favorite though, the rest are so great!
I’ve never tried acupuncture but I sure would like to! It’s just hard to find a reputable place to go around where I live.
My holistic doctor used a form of electric current acupuncture the last time I went to see him around my ear. Apparently effecting different spots in the ear can stimulate different spots in the body. It didn’t hurt but for a few days afterwards I had a wierd burning sensation in my ear. Not sure I would do it again, or if it worked, but worth a try!
I tried acupuncture twice and really enjoyed it. It’s really relaxing and you definitely feel like your “at ease” when leaving. It’s just a shame it’s so expensive! And I love, love, LOVE Caroline’s voice. She reminds me of Florence and the Machine and her voice is just something I could listen to while taking a drive in my car. I love the other young singer, too, but I forget her name right now. Girl can BELT.IT.OUT for being only 15!
I’ve done both acupuncture and cupping (as a part of a massage) and thought they were both helpful. The only problem is that hey can both be pricey.
I have never tried acupuncture or cupping before but I am ALL about homeopathic remedies. I would love to try it at some point, especially if I were facing a serious illness!
PS: Chocolate milk added to anything is worth making it look gross 😉
Yes, I did acupuncture for about 6 months for shoulder impingement injury. I tried cortisone & physical therapy first and no relief. Acupuncture got me back in motion & relieved the pain more than anything else. I am a believer! It’ so relaxing too. 🙂
I go to acupuncture regularly every week and I love it! I am fortunate enough that my insurance covers it. If you are interested I would definitely suggest trying it out.
I would love to try acupuncture. I am toward the end of my pregnancy and they say it helps with labor! I might need to give it a try.
Acupunture freaks me out. I can’t- I don’t think I could ever do it. I’ve heard it does amazing things for some people though! I am SO unmotivated to workout today… I did a 4×4 workout on Monday and a 10k run yesterday, and my legs are so TIRED. I’ll probably go to the gym anyway and crank out something… sigh! 😉
I just tried accupuncture for the first time about a month ago and I’m a believer! I’ve suffered from migraines at least once a week for the last few years and have tried just about every drug that western medicine has to offer, along with dry needling by my physical therapist (which I’ve loved for other injuries but didn’t see big results with on the headaches).
I finally went to an accupuncturist/naturopath and wish I would have years ago. I arrived at my appointment with a migraine starting, and she literally stuck two needles in my foot and it was gone. Plus, in the month following my appointment, I’ve only had one migraine. That’s huge for me! I’m also taking some nutritional supplements that she recommended, so they could take some of the credit, but I’m pretty sure the accupuncture was instrumental. Even though it’s expensive and not covered by most insurance, and I know what works for me might not work for others, I’d recommend that migraine sufferers give it a shot!
it’s leg day here too! love that burrrrrrn!
I tried acupuncture when I was treating migraines, and it worked for me. I went for about 6-7 sessions and it although I felt relaxed right away it didn’t address my pain until a few sessions in. I would recommend it though!
Yessss I saved Caroline too!! She is adorable and her voice is so unique I love it! I have always heard nothing but GREAT things acupuncture…would love to try it sometime 🙂
I’ve recently started having acupuncture treatments for running injuries, and I LOVE it! I’m in the initial diagnostic phase where I go once weekly, and I plan to continue with appointments at least once each month moving forward.
Julie,
I think you may want to remove the word “oriental” as it’s politically incorrect. Maybe I’m just being picky, but “oriental” is a bit of a faux pas.
I had acupuncture done twice during a 9-month period when I had a herniated disk at L4/L5, and it actually made me cry the first time I did it, and I am not one to cry at pain, but I think a lot of that had to do with the pain I was already in. I would like to try it again now that I am at a different and better stage of dealing with pack and hip pain. I do think it is beneficial overall.
I have to admit, that needle picture freaks me out. But I won’t say I’d never try acupuncture…I would just be nervous about it.
I tried acupuncture to get my labor started…and it worked! SO I def believe in it 🙂 I was a bit freaked out by the needles, but they were so small & didn’t hurt too much either. Plus the lady who did it was awesome!
I’ve used Chinese medicine before where they use cupping, massage, acupuncture and herbs in combination to treat you. I used it for sleep issues and stress and found it to be very helpful. They also sell these amazing cold and flu tablets that you can take at the first sign of a cold and the next day it is gone, not sure what’s in it but it works every time 🙂
I LOVE the Voice! I haven’t missed a season yet (especially with the sexiest man alive on there 😉 ). My favorite is James Wolpert, but I also love Will & Ray. I generally go more for guy singers.
Just had another acupuncture/cupping session yesterday! I like Caroline too, but I’d like to see Will or Matthew win
I lived in China for 2 years and have tried all types of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cupping is a standard part of Reflexology and I have often had it done on my feet (but never my back!). I have also done a lot of accupuncture, but not for anything specific. A friend of mine was practicing TCM and I went to her to have my chakras “opened”. She also did reiki on me, which was weird and I wouldn’t recommend. I never felt that it specifically made me feel better or cured any ailments (but I didn’t do it for that purpose), however I definitely have experienced having toxins released post treatment. The first two times I had accupuncture it triggered migraines which I’d never had before in my life! My accupuncturist thought it was from built up toxins being released and said that having a reaction of any kind means your body is responding. After those first 2 sessions, I never experienced it again! I’d love to try it again some day for a specific illness or problem and see what happens.
I’m with you — I never vote for talent competitions, but because I happened to be sitting at my computer while The Voice was on, and sending a tweet is so easy, I voted to save Caroline too! She’s amazing!
I had acupuncture done every three weeks for a year while I was going through chemo treatments for breast cancer. I truly believe that it helped with all the side effects like nausea and insomnia to name a few. I can see why an acupunturist would be a speaker during your cancer program.
I DEF need to try adding chocolate almond milk to my overnight oats…sounds fab!
I am actually a licensed acupuncturist and a regular reader, so I was really excited to see acupuncture on your blog! I thought you and your readers would be interested to know that acupuncture is excellent for cross training. Many of my patients are either athletes or just really active people who come in to keep their muscles in prime shape, or to help repair themselves after injuries. The needles work by loosening up tight tissue, similar to massage but on a much deeper level. I treat my husband, who is a long distance runner, on a weekly basis and he has not had an injury or muscle aches in years!
I have always wanted to try acupuncture! Sometimes I get really painful lower back pains and I hear it can help. 🙂
I’ve never had acupuncture (needles scare me) but I once heard a presentation by a chiropractor/acupuncturist who demonstrated how a needle placed in the skin between your thumb and index finger can numb the sensations all the way up your arm to your jaw! He knew a guy who used only that for pain during a root canal!
Acupuncture is AMAZING! It is so relaxing and just “you time” I seriously think I feel asleep on the table during one session because I was so Zen-ed out! I HIGHLY recommend it 🙂
I’ve been a fan of Caroline since the beginning but I was really sad to see Austin go! Everyone is SO incredibly talented it sucks seeing any of them go home!
I have FSH MD and I cannot say enough about acupuncture. I had a serious case of tendonosis from my job as a dental hygienist. I had tried everything with my MD, but as a last resort listened to a pt. and went three times for tx with an acupuncturist. I went from waking up at night crying in pain to NO PAIN. It changed my life.
I’m loving The Voice right now too! Caroline’s voice is very sweet and soothing, but I think I want either Tessanne or Matthew to win. I haven’t participated in tweet voting yet, but a couple of seasons ago I felt so strongly about a contestant that I called in a vote for the first and only time ever!
Acupuncture, and Chinese medicine in general, is something I am really interest in so I would love to learn more about it and eventually try it for myself!