Finding Calm and Balance This Holiday Season with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Written by Amber Merkens, Clinical Herbalist and Integrative Specialist

Images and layout curated by Susan Spellman

The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring extra stress, busy schedules, and emotional ups and downs. At our center, we often see how the demands of this season can leave people feeling drained, scattered, or tense. Fortunately, traditional herbal medicine and acupuncture work beautifully together to restore balance, calm the mind, and build resilience from within.

Herbal medicine offers gentle yet powerful support for your nervous system. Calming herbs can help you stay grounded and centered, even when life feels hectic. When combined with acupuncture - which promotes the smooth flow of energy and helps regulate the body’s stress response - these therapies encourage a deep sense of relaxation and renewal.

Together, they nurture your emotional steadiness and physical vitality, helping you navigate the holidays with greater ease and strength.

Read on to learn how you can achieve holiday calm and balance with acupuncture and herbal medicine.

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Herbal Allies for a Calmer Season

Ashwagandha

Perfect for those who feel “wired but tired.” This adaptogenic root helps calm the nervous system while replenishing depleted energy - helping you unwind without feeling sluggish.

California Poppy

Known for easing racing thoughts and overthinking, California poppy is a gentle yet powerful herb that helps quiet the mind and promotes more restful sleep.

Nettle

Often overlooked as a mood-supportive herb, nettle's nutrient-rich profile actually makes it a wonderful ally for emotional and physical balance. Packed with magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins, nettle nourishes the nerves and muscles, offering natural relaxation and stability.

How Herbs and Acupuncture Work Together

When used alongside acupuncture, herbs help extend the calm and balance you feel after your treatment. Herbal teas, tinctures, and formulas provide ongoing support between visits, keeping your energy smooth, your mood stable, and your body more resilient to seasonal stress.

Together, these therapies create a powerful foundation for peace, so you can enjoy the holidays feeling more grounded.

Discover the Ease of Herbal Medicine

Are you curious about trying herbal medicine, but not sure where to begin? If you’re an acupuncture patient at Pellegrino Healing Center, I invite you to book a 15‑minute herbal consultation with me. These short sessions are a gentle way to explore how herbs can support your wellbeing, without any pressure.

During your visit, I’ll offer personalized suggestions for stress-relieving herbs, collaborate with your acupuncturist to understand your full health picture, and prepare a custom blend or recommend the format that suits you best—whether that’s tea, tincture, or capsules.

It’s a simple, caring way to experience the benefits of herbal medicine for yourself. I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey!

Explore Herbal Medicine with Amber