50 Ways to Leave Your Acupuncturist

I’m a lucky acupuncturist.

I work with wonderful people every day and I get to hear your stories, celebrate when you get well and watch your families grow up.

I always try to think of ways to improve your health but suddenly it occurred to me—there is one way I haven’t yet helped you.

I haven’t given you a definitive guide to staying healthy.

This pains me.  Not only have I neglected giving you the secret to good health but also if I give it to you, you’ll leave me.  You won’t need me anymore.

The more I thought about this, the more nervous I became.  You see, there’s not one way to stay well, not two or three.

In fact, there must be 50 ways to leave your acupuncturist.

The 50 Ways to Leave Your Acupuncturist:

1. Spend 20 minutes outdoors every day.
2. Limit processed food.
3. Take a walk every day.
4. Balance your exercise between weight training, aerobics and stretching.
5. Listen to music regularly.
6. Do a random act of kindness every day.
7. Eat at least 2-3 servings of fruits every day.
8. Eat locally produced foods.
9. Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
10. Dance regularly.
11. Exercise at least 3x/week.
12. Journal regularly.
13. Throw out personal care products with ingredients from the dirty dozen cosmetic chemicals.
14. Connect with your Higher Power every day.
15. Spend time with friends.
16. Limit sweets.
17. Follow your passion.
18. Eat at least 3-4 servings of vegetables every day.
19. Lift with your legs, not with your back.
20. Stay hydrated.
21. Wash your fruits and vegetables, especially if you eat the peel.
22. Limit alcohol.
23. Have regular family meals where you eat and talk together.
24. Wear a fanny pack instead of carrying a purse or keeping a wallet in your pocket.
25. Wash your hands regularly.
26. Eat plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids.
27. Keep your kidneys warm.
28. Spend time with someone you love.
29. Eat a healthy breakfast.
30. Drink room temperature liquids.
31. Follow speed limits.
32. Eliminate soda.
33. Eat moderate portions.
34. Position your keyboard and monitor so your posture is aligned, with your wrists and head neutral.
35. Meditate.
36. Limit stimulating activities before bed.
37. Don’t drink and drive.
38. Quit smoking.
39. Take deep breaths from your belly several times a day.
40. Eat whole grains.
41. Practice safe sex.
42. Do a big yearly cleanse and seasonal small ones.
43. Go barefoot as often as possible.
44. Take a break from the computer and stretch every 45 minutes.
45. Spend time in the sun, especially in the winter.
46. Limit time wearing high heels.
47. Stretch before running.
48. Use non-toxic household cleaners.
49. Prepare meals with a balance of the 5 flavors: sweet, salty, sour, pungent and bitter.
50. Make sure your ladder or stool is steady before climbing onto it.

When I finished this list, I took a look at it and realized that there is one thing you can do that keeps you healthy, keeps you out of my office and still keeps us in contact—visit me once every season for a well-person tune-up.

With or without acupuncture, I wish you the very best health possible.