July is a very important month in the history of Nature's Balance Acupuncture and Wellness Center. I have had the great fortune of owning and running this company for exactly 17 years! It has been an amazing experience, and I am so grateful for all my customers. Read my Health Journal below for more about my journey into acupuncture and wellness!

Q: 

What inspired you to start Nature's Balance Acupuncture and Wellness Center? 

I was working at Sears while getting my master's degree in counseling. I started looking for a counseling job, which seemed to be nonexistent at the time. I was offered an opportunity in Information Technology, so I took that instead. I worked my way up through management, becoming a project director and managing a large percentage of the funds for IT projects throughout the company. 

The stress of corporate America and the stress of being a project director got to be a lot. I was introduced to Nikken, a wellness company that sells magnetic products. I started taking more classes and became a Reiki master. Eventually, I got pretty sick of my job. I was done. Shortly after that, they had a reorganization and asked me what I wanted to do. I said, "I don't want to be a project director anymore", so they let me go.

At that point, I had already looked into acupuncture. The next day, I called an acupuncture school and asked when classes started. It was my good fortune that they were starting that month! Here began my journey into acupuncture. 

I had originally heard about acupuncture when I was 14. President Nixon went to China, and his press secretary had an appendectomy while there. They used acupuncture for anesthesia and pain relief. That made perfect sense to me. I never even questioned it. It's interesting because so many people think it's all voodoo. To me, it just made perfect sense. I've always resonated with things that are not mainstream. I'm very open-minded, and I see the bigger picture.

Q: 

How did you develop your expertise, and what training did you undergo? 

I went through a three-year program. We got a week off at Memorial Day, a week off at Labor Day, and two weeks off at Christmas. So, other than that, we were in school. It's an intensive program. I spent 3,000 clinical hours treating patients over a three-year period. That was my basic training. Then, I was introduced to Dr. Tan and his method. I followed him for an entire year, attending every class he offered. When I finally got to the point where I knew what he would say next, I decided to open my own practice.

Q: 

What would you say you find most rewarding about your work? 

When people return and say, "I don't understand what you did, but I feel amazing." People come in with all sorts of pain, and that's what I treat most often. People don't appreciate how long it will take to resolve their issues. There are many different things we can try. It takes time to find the right switch that will best address your problem. In Chinese medicine, we believe it takes one month of treatment for every year you've had a problem. 

Q: 

In your 17 years, how has the field of acupuncture and wellness evolved? 

When I first opened my doors, a doctor would never even consider referring their patients to an acupuncturist. Acupuncture didn't fall into the standard of care flow chart. It seemed too risky and outside the norm to them. Now, I get referrals regularly from physicians. The research is finally catching up with what I already know to be true about the benefits of acupuncture. Nothing sticks around for 5,000 years if it doesn't work.

Q: 

Are any exciting trends emerging in the wellness industry today?

Oh, there are so many trends! So many unique treatments are coming down the line. New technologies are being developed as we learn and scientifically prove what Chinese doctors have known for thousands of years. We currently have magnetic treatments, PEMF treatments, PEMF mats, the Biocharger, sauna, red light therapy, peptides, and the list goes on and on.

Q: 

How do you maintain your own wellness and balance? And do you use any of those things?

Do I use any of those things? Oh my gosh. I take supplements, exercise, eat clean, use the bioregulator and PEMF mats, and I use peptides. I don't sell or bring things into my office that I personally haven't benefitted from. Nobody's perfect, but I do as much as possible to continue to live a long and healthy life.

The Importance of Hydration

Hydration is crucial during the summer months as rising temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, which can lead to serious health issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Staying well-hydrated helps regulate body temperature, supports vital organ functions, and maintains energy levels, ensuring you can enjoy outdoor activities and remain productive. Drinking adequate water also aids in skin health, digestion, and overall well-being, making it essential to prioritize fluid intake to keep your body functioning optimally during the hot summer season.

3 Tips to Stay Hydrated

1. Carry a Water Bottle Everywhere: Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times. This makes it easy to take frequent sips throughout the day, ensuring you're consistently replenishing lost fluids. Amp up your water with some electrolytes and/or essential amino acids for water that checks all the boxes.

2. Eat Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, and leafy greens. These foods help keep you hydrated and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or hydration apps to remind you to drink water regularly. Sometimes, busy schedules can make it easy to forget, so having a reminder can help you stay on track with your hydration goals.

Fullscript products are 17% off from July 13-17

Fullscript carries every supplement under the sun for all your health and wellness needs. Check out their catalog of products and take advantage of this special sale!

be sure to follow nature's balance on

JANINE JOZWIAK, MS. LAc.

820 East Terra Cotta Avenue, Suite 101

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

815.788.8383

Email: info@naturesbalanceacupuncture.com