Who: Dr. Marisa Blume, DACM, LAc, FABORM
Specialty: Reproductive Health & Fertility
Practice: Be + Well Acupuncture
Location: Encinitas, Ca
Website: https://bewellencinitas.com/
Instagram: @drmarisablume + @bewellencinitas
TCM in Modern Wellness
How did you get acquainted with TCM?
My mother took me to a Chinese herbalist when I was experiencing a health crisis in my early 20s. I got sick traveling abroad in Peru and my digestion was destroyed. At the same time, I was also diagnosed with PCOS after coming off of birth control. You would not recognize me back then - my face was covered in painful cystic acne. This doctor not only changed my health, but the course of my career.
How has TCM impacted your life?
TCM completely changed my life! I was planning on going to medical school (western) and then I became a patient of a TCM doctor and he completely transformed my health. He did not practice acupuncture but was rather an internist and herbalist from China, but soon after that, I started getting acupuncture regularly and I felt like I was coming home. After a lot of physical discomfort and emotional stress, acupuncture made me feel comfortable in my body again.
What's your favorite way to de-stress?
Acupuncture (obviously) - but also, walking in nature (beach or forest); and more recently, hypnosis!
What's one advice you would share with your patients?
Find joy and gratitude daily, and really FEEL it in your body. Mindset is great, but FEELING is everything. Feeling gratitude and joy is truly good medicine…so is a good cup of tea.
Acupressure At Home
What is one health issue that’s common in your practice?
Infertility, Endometriosis, PCOS are my top 3
What is one acupressure point that is helpful for this issue?
Spleen 6! The crossing point of the Liver-Spleen-Kidney meridians. There’s great research showing that stimulating this point alone increases blood flow to the uterus.
Food As Medicine
What is your favorite TCM herb?
Cinnamon (Gui Zhi)
Favorite food and why?
I have a recent fascination with the therapeutic uses of Cinnamon (gui zhi) and all the Gui Zhi Tang family formulas for reproductive conditions - and a sprinkle of cinnamon makes everything taste just a little cozier
Favorite YINA product and why:
I love them all, but The Essential Mist is truly essential 😀 A spritz of mist can change a mood, nourish skin and be a ritual all in one!
