The Idiosyncratic Needle

A New Approach To Autoimmune and Chronic Illness Treatment

This is pulled from a video in The Idiosyncratic Program vault.What’s the vault?This is a page on my site, that’s complimentary, where you can look through videos describing my approach to autoimmune and chronic illness treatment. It’s a way to test drive, resonate, get curious, and ask questions before paying into the full module-based + support group chat model. A guest period.Modern medicine has its strengths. Traditional Chinese Medicine does too. The difference is that TCM tends to be lower amplitude in comparison. Let’s start low amplitude, then see how much support we need from high amplitude tools.We can start by strategically removing, getting to the studs, then working our way up through a framework that prioritizes different systems and organs in the body at an appropriate time. This gets the most benefit out of each practice, tool, supplement, etc., instead of relentlessly adding and waiting for something to get its footing.What is this approach?* Modules of videos that are continuously pruned, watered, weeded throughout time. This is not evergreen. You shape what you see.* The videos are broken down into stages. Each stage has specific signs/symptoms that guide if you should be using those tools/practices or not.* Some videos may have companion sheets that ask questions or prompt you to go further.* The videos are educational + provide actionable steps or practices.* We use assistance from herbs in each stage. These are sent directly to you.* A group chat with members who are going through the exact same program.* This community is crucial to healing. I’m very ‘go at it alone’ myself, but I’ve found a massive amount of motivation, creativity, and inspiration when in community with others. It has an impact if the community is cultivated correctly. This isn’t a place of selling, complaining, or cattiness. It’s filled with marvelously talented, bright, passionate individuals who have their own wisdom to share. This creates an environment where you have no choice but to walk away with knowledge.It seems more confusing than it is. You can find a clear and concise video explaining the process here.I want to share my knowledge and experience in a way that forces me to continue learning. In this model, I have no choice but to grow and evolve with you. That’s my goal. You have full autonomy, I’m there as a guide.Thanks for reading The Idiosyncratic Needle! Share this with the person who you know could use clarity and change in their healing process.IG: kieradlayneWebsite: bio.site/theidiosyncraticneedleAll posts are human produced. Get full access to The Idiosyncratic Needle at thedlneedle.substack.com/subscribe

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Things to Remember as You Recover From Long COVID

Nov 2500:20:38Tap to summarize

TakeawaysSmall changes can indicate larger health trends.A personal health history can empower you and improve health outcomes.You may feel worse as you begin the healing/clean-up process.IG: kieradlayneWebsite to work with me: bio.site/theidiosyncraticneedleThanks for reading The Idiosyncratic Needle! This post is public so feel free to share it with someone you know would appreciate it. Get full access to The Idiosyncratic Needle at thedlneedle.substack.com/subscribe

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The Autoimmunity Podcast

Oct 3000:29:49Tap to summarize

In this podcast, a colleague and I discuss how I approach the treatment of autoimmune conditions + provide some tips and tricks that are easy to apply. TakeawaysAutoimmunity can be seen as a breakdown of self.Patients have power in managing their autoimmune conditions.Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases can take years.Gut health is crucial for immune system function.Rediscovering oneself is important in the healing journey.Chapters00:00 Understanding Autoimmune Diseases07:22 Myths and Misconceptions about Autoimmunity10:54 Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches15:28 Case Studies and Real-Life Applications19:13 The Importance of Gut Health24:37 Mind-Body Connection and Rediscovering SelfIG: kieradlayneWebsite to work with me online or in LA: theidiosyncraticneedle.com Get full access to The Idiosyncratic Needle at thedlneedle.substack.com/subscribe

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GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS

Oct 2300:12:23Tap to summarize

Website for education and to work with me in LA or online: https://www.theidiosyncraticneedle.com/IG: @kieradlayneTakeawaysWhat I am currently working on. Women carry the weight of the world.Women deserve recognition, rest, reward, and respect.Chronic illnesses grasp onto women, who are undernourished by society.You don't need a large platform to make a difference. Get full access to The Idiosyncratic Needle at thedlneedle.substack.com/subscribe

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What am I Treating Lately as an Acupuncturist?

Sep 1200:19:15Tap to summarize

Website for education and to work with me in LA or online: https://www.theidiosyncraticneedle.com/IG: @kieradlayneTakeaways* The balance method involves using non-local points for healing.* E-stim can enhance acupuncture treatment for certain conditions.* Chronic unexplained health conditions often require holistic approaches.In this ep…"The neck pain went away immediately.""The bump went down. So that was great.""This is a sign of the times in healthcare."Chapters00:00 Exploring Acupuncture Treatments02:56 Innovative Approaches to Shoulder Pain05:52 Addressing Neck Tension and Pain Relief08:40 Tackling Achilles Tendonitis11:04 Understanding Chronic Unexplained Health Conditions Get full access to The Idiosyncratic Needle at thedlneedle.substack.com/subscribe

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Lymphedema Tips

Jul 21, 202500:23:13Tap to summarize

If you’re still up and movingCompression socksElevationMovementAvoid cuts/scrapes/constant frictionThe above 3 things are always first and foremost when lymphedema is first diagnosed. They should be non-negotiables as the first signs become noticeable.Immune breathing: In through your mouth or nose, fill up your entire ribcage, hold for as long as you can (10+ seconds would be great), and slowly let out through your nose.Selenium: Some literature suggests that there’s a link between selenium deficiency and lymphedema. Not as a cause, but as a correlation that should be noted. This is less of a magic bullet supplement and more of a ‘make sure you have enough of this’ (for anyone really - lymphedema or not). If you’re taking a multivitamin it should be in there.Hydration:Dusting/Air purifier:Decluttering:Nostril breathing/mouth tapingLymph massage/brush unaffected areaKeep feet warmSunlight - keep windows openSweat, dry off, shower, bundle up, sweat againKeep your neck warm/covered. Ideally, always, but especially in cold/damp/drafty weatherAssert boundaries with others, you have power to change, use itE-stim + Acupuncture + MoxaYou can’t eat a diet full of non-food (processed carbs) and heal chronic conditions. There’s a reason every IG/blog post is about diet. It’s simply that important. It’s not about eating “clean” all the time, just more often. It then becomes cravable. Add ginger, garlic, black pepper, fresh herbs, and lemons to anything and everything. Not the pre-packaged minced garlic or the fake lemon juice, but a freshly chopped clove and a fresh squeeze.No direct contact with AC - especially on top of your head/neckMassage your chest outward to your armpit as often as you’d like. Make tv time work for youBreathe deep into your chest and expand it as far as possible. Breathe into the muscles of your neck. You can flex your neck to either side as you breathe in to get a deeper stretch of those muscles, especially the SCM.Plants (well-dusted)BedboundWhatever you can do from the above plus…Protect your skin from infection. Get washed regularlyBrush your teeth and tongue scrapeManage food and water intake - strength to move fluids (wanted or unwanted) comes from managing blood pressure. Having adequate hydration and protein intake is crucial for keeping our vessels pumping wellLift arms above head and stretch them aroundMove neck around as it’s flexed forward. Do the ABCs with your neckMassage around your ears and down your neck to your claviclePercussion - tap lightly up and down arms and legsLift knees, twist - get them moving in whichever way possibleIG: kieradlayneWebsite: theidiosyncraticneedle.com Get full access to The Idiosyncratic Needle at thedlneedle.substack.com/subscribe

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When Pain Pills are Your BFF Once a Month

Jun 27, 202500:24:50Tap to summarize

If this isn’t relevant to you, the next post will be about tangible everyday tips to incorporate for a life of ~thriving~ Takeaways* Dysmenorrhea is often perceived as a catch-all term for menstrual pain.* Traditional Chinese medicine offers a unique perspective on menstrual health.* Understanding body patterns can help in self-advocacy for treatment.* Damp heat is a challenging condition to treat in TCM.* Ginger and moxa can be effective in alleviating menstrual pain.* Menstrual pain can be categorized based on timing relative to the period.Which other menstrual disorders should I do? Irregular? Heavy? Amenorrhea? Any other Q’s or suggestions for topics to discuss are always welcomeFind me and my work:IG: kieradlayneWebsite: theidiosyncraticneedle.com Get full access to The Idiosyncratic Needle at thedlneedle.substack.com/subscribe

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Comprehensive Q&A on Cosmetic Acupuncture: is it worth trying vs injectables?

Apr 25, 202500:35:53Tap to summarize

For more content or bookings:IG: kieradlayneWebsite: theidiosyncraticneedle.comSummaryThis conversation explores the growing trend of cosmetic acupuncture as an alternative to beauty treatments like Botox and fillers. This ep discusses the mechanisms behind cosmetic acupuncture, its benefits, and how it compares to other cosmetic procedures. It emphasizes the holistic approach of acupuncture, its safety, and the expected treatment frequency and costs, providing a comprehensive understanding.Takeaways* Cosmetic acupuncture is gaining popularity as an alternative to fillers and Botox.* It involves using needles primarily on the face, neck, and scalp to enhance beauty.* The treatment increases blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and boosts collagen production.* Cosmetic acupuncture has no downtime, unlike many other cosmetic procedures.* Patients often see immediate results in terms of brightness and firmness of the skin.* A typical treatment plan involves 10 sessions over five weeks for optimal results.* Cosmetic acupuncture is a treatment that addresses the body from head to toe.* The treatment is generally safe, with bruising being the most common side effect.* Costs vary widely based on location and practitioner. We go into specifics for big cities.* Patients should communicate any recent cosmetic procedures to their acupuncturist.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cosmetic Acupuncture04:55 Mechanisms and Benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture10:00 Comparing Cosmetic Acupuncture to Botox and Fillers19:45 Treatment Frequency and Expectations30:01 Safety, Pain, and Cost of Cosmetic AcupunctureTranscriptOkay, let's talk about cosmetic acupuncture today and all of the questions surrounding it. I still get questions all the time, whether it's from people who have had cosmetic acupuncture before or have only had body acupuncture and have seen cosmetic acupuncture. And then there's also people who have just never heard about it. And cosmetic acupuncture is not a new thing. It's been around for many years.but I do feel like it is coming more into the mainstream. I guess because of how much it's in my world, I am surprised that people haven't heard about it before because it is seen as an alternative to fillers or Botox. But I guess, you know, we all see what we're being pushed. So it's hard to tell. But I wanted to make onefor all of the commonly asked questions so that it's easy to run through. So let's start with the first question, broad overview of what is cosmetic acupuncture.Cosmetic acupuncture is using needles mostly concentrated from the decollete upward. And there's a lot of variance with techniques in cosmetic acupuncture, but I will speak for myself and what I personally do. So I use probably 12 to 13 different types of needles, where I at least have that many in my toolbox specifically forcosmetic acupuncture. And then the body, I probably use up to maybe four or five different types of needles. For the body, you can go up to whatever needle number you want, but I would say most of the time, body acupuncture for other ailments or conditions that you have, usually you use less needles for that than you would for cosmetic acupuncture.So the two things that I think are the most different about acupuncture used for conditions that are internal versus cosmetic acupuncture is the amount of needles used and the types of needles that are used. So all the needles that I use for the body, I don't use any of them for the face.I will sometimes use one type of them for the scalp because cosmetic acupuncture involves not just the face, but it can involve the chest, the neck, and then the scalp. It depends on what your goals are and who's administering it, but it can involve all of that. So for the scalp, I do use the same needles most of the time that I would use on the body.However, anywhere else, they are not the same needles. So my gauges are much smaller and it depends what you're using for your gauge on the body. Some people use smaller diameters of needles for body acupuncture just so that they can reach a wider audience without getting complaints about how much it hurts.and that's still very effective and it still works. There's nothing wrong with it. I tend to go a little bit thicker on the body, so I tend not to use those needles in facial acupuncture because I do think they're too painful. My range for the face in terms of diameter is 0.12, so 0.12 up to 0.18.Sometimes I'll do point 20 on myself or my partner because I feel like I can get away with more there. And then this scalp, I will go up to like point 25 because I use that on the body. But it's not a bad thing if you go to someone and they only use one type of needle on your face. That's not inherently a bad thing. It's all about how deep they're going and at what angle they're going.what your specific problems are. So unfortunately this is one of those things that's like well it depends but hopefully that makes sense as to what could make it different than just getting regular acupuncture.Okay, so what is it doing? Is it actually accomplishing anything? it a waste of money? This is more from a Western or, you know, science-backed way of thinking of things because unfortunately that's the only way that people receive information usually and I get it because I, half of my brain definitelyis all about that and so that's why I try to concentrate on this sort of stuff in a lot of my posts because I do think that way as well and it makes sense. You just want to make sure that you're safe and it's actually going to be worth your time and money. So I totally understand. So the three things that it's generally doing are increasing blood flow to the face,It is helping to reduce any muscle tension, so it's relaxing muscles, and it's also increasing the production of collagen and helping to lay more of that down, and that's being concentrated, obviously, in the face.I always say that we use our face and those muscles every day, all day. We're constantly in and out of making faces, whether it's disgust, anger, joy, whatever. And we never ever stretch those muscles and we rarely massage them. So if you think about it, your face is part of the rest of your body and the rest of your bodyintuitively you're like, okay, let me stretch a little before I run, whatever. But then with our face, we never think to do that. And so this is just a side note, but I find that for the first treatment that most people get, probably the first like two to three, honestly, people find that the forehead when I needled there and like around the mouth is sotender, even just pressing on it is tender. So the main thing that we want to do is increase blood flow to the face because if you don't have adequate, when I say adequate, I'm not talking about you're not having the blood flow at all to the face. Obviously then your tissue would die. So you don't have dead tissue on your face. You are getting technically.blood flow and adequate blood flow for your cells to survive. But I'm talking about releasing muscles and decreasing the agitation in those muscles, relaxing them so that blood flow is more optimally brought up to the head and face. So those are two things. Botox as weAll-know is used for relaxing the muscles. It paralyzes them. The thought behind that is that once your muscles are overworked and overused, as most of the muscles on our face are from eating, expressing, all the things, that tightness can lead to the lumps, the bumps, the sagging, the wrinkles, all the things.So the whole mechanism of action behind Botox is to stop that from happening. It just paralyzes your muscles so that they basically relax. They're forced into a state of relaxation so that it kind of smooths out any area that you put it in. So cosmetic acupuncture is also doing that. It is relaxing the muscle and we'll go into later more of thelike how many times you should get it done sort of thing, but high level blood flow and relaxing those muscles. The buzzword of collagen is also important to add in here. So it is helping to increase that collagen production at sites of micro trauma, which the needles are. SoThat is definitely happening. I don't have perfect research or how I feel about oral collagen that people take these days. That's been a thing for many years and I actually used to take collagen like powers probably like in college. I don't even know like how old I was but I do remember taking like that.vital proteins, it like a blue container. And I have not taken it since I stopped because it was a waste of money to me at the time. And then since then I've been in school, I have loads of other things that I could be spending money on. So I've not taken collagen in many years. I don't really notice a difference. There is conflicting research on it, so I'm not sure.who can give us a direct response. If anyone knows, please inform me. So the reason I bring that up is because people always ask, if I take collagen powders through the mouth and I digest them, are they doing anything for my skin? I've heard that there's like a camp of people who think, well, if you're already deficient, then your body is going to use that.protein for what it's deficient in and to build up the body. So maybe it will go to joints instead. The thought is that if you have everything else taken care of, then your body can send it to more extraneous places like the skin. I don't know.If that's true or not, I mean, it makes sense to me, but there is another, you know, side of this that says...

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Early Periods

Apr 17, 202500:52:42Tap to summarize

I also made a quick and pretty infographic for IG if you want the basics, fast. IG: kieradlayneThere’s a transcript for those who like to read.More of these to come! Menstrual disorders are many.If you or someone you know has menstrual irregularities that are not being optimally managed, I do telehealth herbal consults (& in-person sessions in LA). You can find me here: theidiosyncraticneedle.com Get full access to The Idiosyncratic Needle at thedlneedle.substack.com/subscribe

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Adaptogenic Spotlight: Schisandra

Mar 12, 202500:24:56Tap to summarize

AKA:✪ Wu Wei Zi✪ Schizandra✪ Magnolia-vine fruit✪ Five-flavor fruitSchisandra is an immune amphoteric - normalizing the function of the immune system.What can it be taken for? (in 2025 language)Fatigued eyes from staring at a screen for 12 hoursStress-induced palpitations, insomnia, sweatingSpontaneous sweating or night sweats due to a deficient stateWanting to throw something at a wallScary or annoying dreams that disturb your sleepCraving all the sugarChronic wheezingTo brighten, tighten, and hydrate skinBrain fog, poor memoryIncreased endurance for your hikesWhen you’re that person who’s always sickYou regularly indulge in a martini or 3 and want to keep your liver happy & healthyWhen you follow all the digestion influencers because yours feels “sluggish” or you deal with loose stoolsSeasicknessWhen Schisandra should not be taken:When you are starting to feel sick and have chills and/or a fever. Wait until these symptoms have passed.You “run hot” and have signs/symptoms of heat from excess such as: red face, weeping rashes, thick yellow tongue coating.Early stages of coughs (from sickness) or rashes.If you are pregnant. This herb can cause uterine contractions.If you have a stomach ulcer or are prone to heartburn.What are the TCM taste, temperature, and other attributes?Temperature: warmTaste: sour, sweet, (acrid), (bitter), (salty)Channels entered: Kidney, Heart, LungDosage: 1.5-3g for chronic cough; 6-9g as a tonicTips:Good quality Schisandra is large, oily, shiny, and has a purple hue.Cook lower than 60 degrees FAlso, Schisandra - what a cute name.Follow along on Instagram for cuter infographics.IG: kieradlayneWebsite: theidiosyncraticneedle.com Get full access to The Idiosyncratic Needle at thedlneedle.substack.com/subscribe

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All episodes

A New Approach To Autoimmune and Chronic Illness Treatment

Things to Remember as You Recover From Long COVID

The Autoimmunity Podcast

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS

What am I Treating Lately as an Acupuncturist?

Lymphedema Tips

When Pain Pills are Your BFF Once a Month

Comprehensive Q&A on Cosmetic Acupuncture: is it worth trying vs injectables?

Early Periods

Adaptogenic Spotlight: Schisandra