Laurie Binder Reveals Acupuncture is Ancient Medicine that Works for Modern Problems
Acupuncture has come in and out of my life for the past few years and each time I engage in the practice I always feel so calm and centered. When i was offered the opportunity to interview Laurie Binder, I was excited to get her expertise on healthy living from a holistic point of view. She has over 20 years of experience in health care as a Certified OB / GYN Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Acupuncturist. With her specialty in fertility, infertility, women's health including PMS and menopause, nutrition, pain relief, digestive issues, stress, anxiety, and energy enhancement. Continue reading to learn more about Laurie and her practice on the west coast.
NMF: Has health and fitness always been a major part of your life or was there a catalyst/point in your life when you made it more of a focus and priority? How did you decide to enter your present field?
Laurie Binder
Laurie Binder (LB): I became interested in fitness as a college student at age 19. I was under a lot of stress and I realized that Exercise helped to quiet my mind. I loved the side effect of a fit and attractive body. I became more interested in the health in college and after college I went to nursing school. I was very interested in the strong connection between lifestyle and health. My interest in preventative medicine and overall well-being started when I was working as a nurse and then as a nurse practitioner. This grew into my interest in acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine. My patients were combining the two modalities and I could see much better results when using alternative and traditional Chinese medicine in conjunction with Western medicine.
NMF: What are a few of your go-to healthy snacks/drinks that help keep you on the straight and narrow? Is there something in particular that you recommend to patients that is your go to healthy snack?
LB: I make myself vegetable juices, have a piece of fruit with a handful of almonds, and eat the occasional RX bar. In a pinch for a meal replacement I’ll use a pure protein RTD drink.
NMF: How do you train your mind and stay motivated? Is that the same as you would advise to patients?
LB: I’m just motivated. I don’t have train my mind. I enjoy exercise and eating healthy. I don’t enjoy not doing that.
I advise patients that exercise and eating healthy is the best way to elderly good and accomplish their health and wellness goals - be it pain relief, fertility, stomach and digestive issues or to relive stress or anything else.
NMF: How do you change or take care of your body?
LB: I always eat organic, free range, natural foods whenever possible. I drink only water. I lift weights three days a week and I do yoga twice a week. I do cardio 5 days a week with a 45 minute jog / walk. On Sundays I walk the well-known Santa Monica stairs in Santa Monica for an hour.
If I want to lose weight, I decrease carbs and increase cardio.
NMF: What are your fitness favorites?
LB: Weight training and yoga.
For more information on Laurie Binder visit https://acupunctureLA.org
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