-- Dr. Danielle Neilson, Dr. Ac of Radiance Acupuncture

Why Do Ovarian Cysts Form?
From a Western perspective, cysts are often linked to hormonal imbalances, especially around ovulation. Stress, poor sleep, and lifestyle factors can all play a role. In Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we look at it a little differently. Instead of focusing only on the cyst itself, we look at what’s happening in the body that allowed it to form in the first place.
Often, this can include:

• Poor circulation in the pelvic area
• Hormonal imbalance
• Stress and tension affecting the body
• Digestive issues that lead to fluid buildup

When energy (Qi) and blood aren’t moving properly, the body can develop areas of stagnation—and over time, that can contribute to things like cysts.

How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture works by helping your body return to a more balanced, natural state. It doesn’t just target the cyst—it supports your whole system.

• Regulates hormones: Acupuncture can help bring your cycle back into balance, which is key for preventing and managing cysts.
• Improves circulation: Better blood flow to the ovaries and uterus helps the body reabsorb fluid and reduce stagnation.
• Reduces pain and pressure: Many women notice a decrease in pelvic pain, bloating, and discomfort after just a few treatments.
• Calms the nervous system: Stress plays a bigger role than most people realize. Acupuncture helps shift your body out of “fight or flight” and into a relaxed state where healing can happen.

Treatments are tailored specifically to you. Your Doctor of Acupuncture will choose points based on your symptoms, cycle, and overall health.

Most treatment plans involve a series of sessions over a few weeks or months, depending on how long symptoms have been present. This isn’t a quick fix—but it’s a powerful way to support long-term healing.

The Bottom Line
Ovarian cysts are common, but they shouldn’t be something you just “live with.” If you’re dealing with pain, irregular cycles, or ongoing discomfort, your body is asking for support. Acupuncture offers a natural, gentle way to help regulate hormones, improve circulation, and reduce symptoms—while supporting your overall health at the same time. To get started, click here to book a free consultation with one of our Doctors of Acupuncture. ​

Common Symptoms
Neuropathy often develops slowly and can feel different for each person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Tingling or “pins and needles”
• Burning or sharp nerve pain
• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Sensitivity to touch
• Changes in temperature sensation

Symptoms often begin in the feet or hands and gradually move upward.

What Causes Neuropathy?
There are many possible causes, and sometimes more than one factor is involved. The most common include:

• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy treatments
• Vitamin deficiencies (especially B12)
• Thyroid disorders
• Alcohol use
• Autoimmune conditions
• Injuries or nerve compression
• Idiopathic (no clear cause)

Neuropathy Through the Lens of Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), neuropathy is often viewed as a problem of Qi and Blood circulation. When circulation is reduced or blocked, nerves and tissues are not properly nourished. Over time, this can lead to numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. Acupuncture aims to restore this flow and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Modern research is beginning to show parallels with this perspective. Studies suggest acupuncture may improve blood flow, stimulate nerve pathways, and support nerve regeneration — which is especially helpful for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Can Acupuncture Help Neuropathy?
Research into acupuncture for neuropathy continues to grow. While more large studies are needed, the existing evidence is encouraging. Clinical reviews show acupuncture has demonstrated benefits for several neuropathic conditions, particularly diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Recent research suggests acupuncture may:

• Reduce numbness and nerve pain
• Improve nerve conduction and sensation
• Increase blood flow to nerves
• Support nerve repair and regeneration

Many patients also appreciate that acupuncture has fewer side effects compared to medications commonly used for nerve pain. Treatment typically involves a series of sessions, with gradual improvement over time as nerves recover and circulation improves.
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Supporting Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
For those experiencing neuropathy after chemotherapy, acupuncture can be especially beneficial as part of a broader supportive plan. Many patients combine acupuncture with other gentle, evidence-informed strategies to improve nerve health and quality of life:

• ​Nutritional support: Vitamins like B12, B6, and alpha-lipoic acid can help support nerve repair.
• Physical therapy & gentle exercise: Stretching, balance exercises, and low-impact movement can maintain muscle strength and improve circulation.
• Topical therapies: Products like White Flower Oil ((a Traditional Chinese Medicine topical with menthol and herbal oils) or Medistik Roll‑On – Natural Ice Therapy may provide temporary relief from tingling or burning sensations.
• Mind-body practices: Meditation, relaxation techniques, and breathwork can help manage pain perception and improve overall wellbeing.

Acupuncture complements these approaches by promoting blood flow, supporting nerve regeneration, and helping reduce discomfort. Many patients find that a combination of these therapies leads to gradual, meaningful improvement in nerve function and daily comfort.

Exploring Your Options
Neuropathy can feel frustrating, unpredictable, and sometimes overwhelming. But there is hope. Whether the goal is reducing pain, improving sensation, or slowing progression, integrative care can play an important role.

Acupuncture works best as part of a holistic approach — supporting the nervous system while addressing underlying causes whenever possible, including chemotherapy-induced nerve damage.

At Wellness on 1st, our Doctors of Acupuncture can guide you through personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. We offer free consultations to help you explore which therapies may be most helpful, so you can start feeling more comfortable and supported in your daily life.

​What Is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is an immediate and potentially serious immune reaction. It involves a specific part of the immune system (IgE antibodies) and usually happens within minutes to a few hours after eating the food. I like to think of it as a fire alarm response in the body. All it takes is contact with the specific food allergen and our body sounds the alarm to let us know something is wrong. Because food allergies can be life-threatening, they require strict avoidance and medical management, often under the care of an allergist.

Common food allergens include:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Shellfish
• Fish
• Eggs
• Milk

Symptoms of food allergies may include:

• Anaphylaxis (a medical emergency)
• Hives or itching
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting

What Is a Food Sensitivity?
A food sensitivity (delayed food reaction) is much more subtle and far more common. Unlike allergies, food sensitivities do not involve IgE antibodies and often cause delayed symptoms, appearing hours or even days later. This delay is why food sensitivities can be so hard to identify. Foods like gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, and certain additives are frequent triggers—but sensitivities are highly individual. I like to think of food sensitivities as a pot of boiling water on the stove. You have your eyes on it and turn away for one quick second and suddenly it overflows.

Common symptoms of food sensitivities include:

• Bloating or gas
• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headaches or migraines
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Skin issues (acne, eczema)
• Hormonal or inflammatory symptoms

Why Food Sensitivities Happen 
In naturopathic medicine, we often look at food sensitivities as a signal, not just a problem to suppress. Some common root contributors include:

• Gut inflammation or increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)
• Imbalances in gut bacteria
• Chronic stress
• Hormonal imbalances
• Repeated exposure to foods the body is struggling to process

When the gut is under stress, the immune system can start reacting to foods that were once tolerated just fine. Because food sensitivities are delayed and non-specific, guessing or randomly eliminating foods can be frustrating and overly restrictive.

A personalized approach may include:

• Targeted food sensitivity testing
• Guided elimination and reintroduction plans
• Supporting gut health, digestion, and the nervous system
• Addressing underlying inflammation rather than just avoiding foods forever

Food allergies require immediate medical attention and strict avoidance. Food sensitivities, on the other hand, are often a reflection of what’s happening inside the body and they can be improved with the right support.

If you suspect certain foods may be contributing to how you feel, working with a naturopathic doctor can help you uncover patterns, support your gut, and create a plan that feels sustainable and empowering.
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Ready to uncover what foods might be affecting your health? Book a complimentary 15-minute discovery call today and take the first step toward feeling your best.

How Acupuncture Helps Low Back Pain
From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system. When needles are placed into specific points, the body releases endorphins (natural painkillers), improves local blood flow, and down-regulates inflammation. This helps relax tight muscles, reduce nerve sensitivity, and restore normal movement patterns.

Acupuncture also shifts the body out of “fight or flight” mode. Chronic pain keeps the nervous system stuck in a heightened state, which amplifies pain signals. Acupuncture helps calm this response, allowing the body to heal instead of constantly protecting.

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, low back pain is often linked to stagnation (poor circulation), weakness, or overuse. Treatment focuses not only on where the pain is felt, but why the body can’t recover.

What Types of Low Back Pain Respond Well?
Acupuncture is commonly used for:

• Chronic low back pain
• Muscle strain and tension
• Disc bulges or herniations (without severe neurological symptoms)
• Sciatica
• Degenerative changes
• Pain aggravated by stress or prolonged sitting

Even when imaging shows “wear and tear,” pain levels don’t always match what’s on the scan. Acupuncture treats the pain experience, not just the picture.

What to Expect From Treatment
Most people notice some real change within 3–5 treatments—less pain, better movement, or quicker recovery after activity. Chronic or long-standing pain usually requires a short series of treatments to retrain the nervous system and restore balance.

Acupuncture is often combined with:

• Heat therapy
• Herbal Medicine
• Gentle movement recommendations
• Lifestyle or ergonomic advice

This isn’t a passive “lie down and hope” approach. It’s active healing.

Is Acupuncture Safe?
When performed by a Doctor of Acupuncture, acupuncture is very safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are minimal and may include temporary soreness or mild fatigue after treatment—often a sign the nervous system is recalibrating.

The Bottom Line
Low back pain doesn’t mean your body is broken. It means something is overloaded, irritated, or stuck. Acupuncture helps restore communication between the nervous system, muscles, and joints so the body can do what it’s designed to do—heal.
If painkillers, stretching, or “waiting it out” haven’t worked, acupuncture offers a clinically supported, drug-free option that treats the root of the problem—not just the symptoms.