About Lynn

lynn jaffeeLynn Jaffee is a licensed acupuncturist and the author of the book, Simple Steps: The Chinese Way to Better Health, a clear and concise explanation of Chinese medicine for the lay person. She is co-author of the book, The BodyWise Woman, a personal health manual for physically active women and girls. Read more about Lynn...

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Acupuncture Practice Insights


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Better Health... Inner Peace

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Acupuncture during pregnancy

I remember the first pregnant woman I treated with acupuncture. I was in acupuncture school at the time, and putting in my hours in the teaching clinic. A classmate of mine had become pregnant and had a wicked case of morning sickness. Most of the time she was a rock; she was young, strong, smart, and the person you wanted to work with in class. However, her morning sickness had become all-day sickness, and had turned her into a whimpering mess. With regular acupuncture . . . → Read More: Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Ten Tips for Staying Healthy This Winter

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Here in Minnesota, there are two types of people. Those who love winter, and those who think it basically sucks. I’m one of the latter, but working hard to make my peace with the cold, dark days of January. I have new snowshoes to get me outside to play, really warm and fuzzy long underwear, every color of fleece imaginable, and some great looking boots. All of these things help, but I will never be a winter-lover.

Whether you love winter or not, it’s . . . → Read More: Ten Tips for Staying Healthy This Winter

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

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I can spot people with a fear of needles from a mile away, especially at health fairs, talks, or community events.  When they see that I’m an acupuncturist, their eyes meet mine for an instant, then their gaze slides to the floor and they keep on walking. The needle-shy, those people who only think of the needles when someone mentions acupuncture, are often the ones who have had painful shots, blood draws, or some other traumatic medical procedure involving needles.

It’s unfortunate; there are so many people with . . . → Read More: Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Stress and Anxiety in the Workplace

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Lately I’ve been seeing a disturbing trend among my patients.  More and more are seeking acupuncture for health issues due to stress and anxiety related to their jobs.  A few examples:

Joe* has a job he loves, but is anxious about his performance and afraid of being in the next round of layoffs.  Every Sunday night and Monday morning, Joe is physically sick from the stress.  He has heart palpitations, a tight chest, nausea, and numbness and tingling in his arms and hands.

Carrie . . . → Read More: Stress and Anxiety in the Workplace

A Whole Lotta Moxa

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Many years ago a patient came into my acupuncture clinic and asked me if I had moxie. Huh? I have been described as many things, including intense, impatient, and opinionated, so I guess you could say I have moxie, but why was she asking? After a few minutes of conversation, I realized that she was actually asking about moxa, or moxabustion, a method of warming in Chinese medicine. Close enough.

Moxabustion is an ancient way of applying heat in Chinese medicine, sometimes used independently . . . → Read More: A Whole Lotta Moxa