How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
How do you want to FEEL? Create goals with SOUL!
I’m like most people — this time of year I start thinking about what went well in the year past and what I want to do better next year. But if I am honest I have to say that these goals that I’ve set for myself in years past have never amounted to much — within a few weeks my commitment to exercising more, keeping a journal, and not yelling at my kids has fizzled and I’m left feeling discouraged and annoyed with myself. The Desire Map The year before last I signed up for a program called the Desire Map by... [Read more...]
How I got off hydrocodone, recovered from fibromyalgia, and got my life back
I spent nearly a decade suffering from debilitating pain and side effects from the drugs used to treat it. I was stuck — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and I felt despair as I looked toward the future. I am now 100% off all of medications and I feel ten times better than I ever did on the pills. I feel powerful and victorious, clear-headed and free. I love it when I fill out a form and can write “none” when I’m asked what medications I take. I am free of side effects and my body is MINE again! If... [Read more...]
Jennifer Smith, Crawford TX
“Kristen was a God send. I suffered with TMJ problems for years and after I had a really bad episode with it and had exhausted all medical and dental treatment, I decided to give her a try. She has helped me tremendously and I no longer depend on anti-inflammatory medicine for relief . I have just begun using the essential oils and I love them. Bonus is she is an awesome person and really cares about your well being . Take my word for it , you won’t be disappointed.” Read More →
Trying to get off hydrocodone? Acupuncture can help
Modalities such as acupuncture and mindfulness meditation can be extremely useful in easing the process of discontinuing opiate pain medications such as hydrocodone. Contrary to what many people assume, discontinuing hydrocodone can result in better overall pain control, improved quality of life, as well as avoidance of the serious side effects associated with this drug. New DEA regulations go into effect If you or someone you love uses hydrocodone to manage chronic pain, you are probably aware that as of October 6, 2014 all hydrocodone... [Read more...]
Kelly Clines Thompson, Waco TX
Over the years I have seen Kristen for various ailments, and have always been impressed with the results. I have started seeing her most recently for stress management and to help alleviate some of the physical manifestations of stress in my body, and I am so glad I did. I trust Kristen’s expertise not only because I have always had great results, but also because I know she is highly qualified and well-educated in both Eastern AND Western approaches to medicine, science, and the human body. Because of her expertise, as well as... [Read more...]
Not getting better? Eastern medicine may help
Below is a great little video with Dr. Sanjay Gupta talking about the new Chinese herbal clinic at the Cleveland Clinic. A patient with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia) is featured. The herbal clinic at the Cleveland Clinic is an exciting development because, although acupuncture is increasingly accepted and utilized at progressive medical centers around the country, Chinese herbal medicine has not been embraced to nearly the same extent. This is too bad because, in China, herbal medicine is considered the preferred modality for... [Read more...]
Three reasons to consider diluting essential oils
Many essential oil users apply oils without dilution and never experience any problems. Personally (knock on wood) I have not experienced any adverse consequences from neat (undiluted) application of essential oils, nor have members of my family. But I am always one to err on the side of caution and am aware that many of my patients fall into the category of “sensitive”. Therefore I wanted to provide guidance in this article and the previous one about who might want to consider diluting essential oils for topical use and how... [Read more...]
Is it possible to be allergic to essential oils?
The short answer to this question is yes, it is possible to be allergic to even very pure and high quality essential oils. Anyone who tells you that you cannot be allergic to essential oils or that when skin irritation arises in response to the use of essential oils (for example hives, rashes, itching, etc.) it means that your body is “detoxing” and that you need to continue to use oils is misinformed (please see postscript below about the emotional origin of allergies). Top quality essential oils do not contain synthetic... [Read more...]
Parrots and essential oils
Me and my citron crested cockatoo Maggie (left) and a Goffin cockatoo that we fostered (right) Please note that I am not a veterinarian. I do, however, share my home with eight parrots. I have spent a great deal of time researching the use of essential oils on and around parrots in an effort to insure that my birds are safe. Resources I recommend on this topic include The Animal Desk Reference: Essential Oils for Animals by Melissa Shelton, DVM and Aromatherapy for Parrots by Angela Nelson (with the caveats mentioned in my review... [Read more...]
Acupuncture and the placebo response
A recent study comparing real acupuncture, laser acupuncture, and sham laser acupuncture with no treatment for knee arthritis showed that real acupuncture, laser acupuncture, and sham laser acupuncture all resulted in decrease in pain. In the media this study has been presented as evidence that acupuncture does not work and that any decrease in pain associated with acupuncture is the result of the placebo effect. In reality the story is more complicated than that. First of all, the study was small, with fewer than 20 patients in each treatment... [Read more...]
Arbor Vitae — a new essential oil
We are very excited about one of the new oils launched at the recent dōTERRA Global Convention — Arborvitae, which translates to “tree of life”. Benefits This oil has benefits for the skin and immune systems, as well as emotional wellbeing. One of the chemical constituents in Arborvitae is tropolones. This constituent is unique and is not found in any other essential oil. Tropolones have a seven carbon ring structure, which is important because pathogens have never been exposed to seven carbon rings before. This makes... [Read more...]
Can I ask a favor?
Live Oak Acupuncture & Wellness Center is supported in part by patients purchasing products (herbal medicines, dietary supplements, essential oils, etc.) from me. It is no exaggeration to say that I have invested hundreds of hours of time and tens of thousands of dollars into selecting the products that I recommend and sell to you. For each product that you see on my shelves, I have researched and tested dozens of others. I have spent over a decade pulling together the contents of my pharmacy and only carry the best quality, most... [Read more...]
Beth Barrows, Frost TX
“Is it ok if I brag just a wee bit? I just took my Blood glucose, it was 109! (remember, I’m down from 400 as my average back in March.) ANNNNNDDDDD!!! I’m back in a size small top!!! Big Happy Dance!!!! Thanks to doTERRA oils, and nutritional supplements, a healthy diet, walking 1.5 miles a day and acupuncture 2x a month. Thank you Kristen Horner Warren for your great care!!” Read More →
Morgan Castillo, China Spring TX
“Just wanted to let you know that I have definitely noticed a difference in my response to stress this week. With the summer regimen of acupuncture, essential oils, and Lifelong Vitality pack, feelings of being overwhelmed have been replaced with a calm, steady approach. Yesterday, I was involved in an intense discussion about a challenge my team has had much difficulty resolving with mutual agreement. Former feelings of tension and frustration were replaced with a positive, calm, results-oriented attitude. I attribute this to my... [Read more...]
