Top 5 Tips for Better Health From an Acupuncturist

Osher Center for Integrative Health acupuncturist Kelly Baron provides health recommendations based on her many years of patient service and training as a licensed acupuncturist and NCBAHM Diplomate of Oriental Medicine.

As a UHealth—University of Miami Health System acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Medicine, here are my top five tips for better health and longevity. Many of these recommendations are not just for my patients but practices I try to follow myself.

As the acupuncturist on staff at the Osher Center for Integrative Health, I draw on years of experience treating patients with a wide range of concerns, including chronic and acute pain, digestive disorders, anxiety, fertility challenges and overall wellness goals. I am also an instructor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Medicine, which continually reinforces the importance of healthy daily habits. These tips can be incorporated into your everyday life.

Avoid drinking iced or cold beverages and reduce drinking with meals

This is one of the most common recommendations I make to patients, and one that can be especially challenging in a hot city like Miami.

In Chinese Medicine, the spleen, which plays a central role in digestion, prefers warmth. When we regularly consume cold beverages and foods, digestion may become sluggish and spleen qi can be weakened. For many people, room-temperature water and warm teas feel more supportive to digestive health.

It may also be helpful to avoid drinking large amounts of liquid with meals, particularly if you experience bloating or indigestion. Try making this small change and see how your body responds.

Have a warm breakfast, especially before coffee

Because of our busy schedules, many people skip breakfast and instead reach for coffee first thing in the morning.

Our body needs fuel to get through the day. Starting with a warm, protein-rich breakfast can help support digestion and provide more sustained energy throughout the morning. In Chinese Medicine, this is another way of supporting spleen health and overall vitality.

Even small changes, such as eating breakfast before your first cup of coffee, may have a positive impact on how you feel during the day.

Gentle stretching daily, throughout the day

In Chinese Medicine, pain is often associated with stagnation of qi or blood. One way to encourage healthy circulation and movement is through gentle daily movement.

While strength training and more vigorous exercise are important, gentle stretching is often undervalued. It can support joint mobility, flexibility and healthy movement throughout the body.

I often recommend stretching first thing in the morning, especially movements that incorporate both the spine and limbs. Some of my favorite practices include qigong exercises, which combine gentle movement, breathing and mindfulness.

Mindfulness and breathing

One of the foundational principles of Chinese Medicine is understanding the connection between emotions and physical health.

Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that worry affects the spleen, grief affects the lungs, fear affects the kidneys, anger affects the liver and joy affects the heart. While everyone experiences these emotions, prolonged emotional stress can affect overall well-being.

This is why I frequently encourage mindfulness practices and breath awareness. Becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings and breathing patterns can help us better understand how stress may be affecting us. Something as simple as pausing to take a few slow, intentional breaths throughout the day can make a meaningful difference.

My background in psychology, combined with years of treating patients in both wellness and mental health settings, has only reinforced the importance of caring for both mind and body.

Get acupuncture

This may sound biased coming from an acupuncturist, but I wholeheartedly believe in the value of acupuncture.

Acupuncture has traditionally been used not only to address symptoms but also to support overall wellness and balance. Today, people seek acupuncture care for many reasons, including pain management, stress reduction, digestive concerns and fertility support.

In my clinical practice, I have worked with patients in private practice, community acupuncture settings, mental health programs and multidisciplinary clinics. One thing I have learned is that every patient is unique. The right treatment plan depends on your health history, symptoms and goals.

If you’re interested in learning whether acupuncture may be right for you, the best first step is scheduling a consultation so we can discuss your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan.

Schedule an acupuncture appointment

To schedule an Osher Center acupuncture appointment, call (305) 243-5267, option 1, or email [email protected].

About Kelly Baron

Kelly Baron is a licensed acupuncture physician and NCBAHM Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. She earned her master’s degree in Oriental Medicine and Health Sciences from the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine and is currently pursuing advanced doctoral training in Chinese Medicine. Her clinical experience includes treating patients with chronic and acute pain, digestive disorders, anxiety, fertility concerns and other health conditions.

Written and reviewed by Kelly Baron.

Tags: acupuncture treatment, anxiety, Breathing, diet, mental health, mindfulness and emotional health, Nutrition, stress, stretching