I Tried Acupuncture For The First Time & This Happened
I was taught you only ever went to the doctor when something was wrong.
When I was growing up frequent doctors and dentist visits meant time off work my mother didn't have the luxury of taking. As an adult, my annual trip to the doctor's office is only for a routine pap smear, which means my doctor's visits, can vary from one to none. This might frighten some, but I'm more worried for my health when visiting a doctor, considering the statistics. Studies repeatedly show the lasting distrust between black Americans and their health care physicians.
There's a disconnect because Black people are more inclined to trust people that look like them, that have the same values as them, and are invested in their wellbeing as members of the larger community. When we are not well, we cannot be our best selves to support our families and cannot serve our communities to our greatest potential.
Building community begins with us.
So, I take more responsibility for my health and well-being, and to see other black women trailblazing in health and wellness is empowering, and continues to be a source of reassurance and comfort in knowing we're moving towards taking back our power to heal ourselves and our communities. That also means when I'm spending my coin on alternative treatments that I'm looking to spend black, being intentional about where my business goes and how it continues to help the people that look like me.
I met with Portia Wilson, founder of Deeper Genius Acupuncture & Healing Arts, an acupuncture practice rooted in the wisdom of the Traditional Chinese Medical system (TCM), for my first-ever acupuncture treatment and to talk black women in wellness and preventative health in our communities.
"It is such an exciting time!" Portia echoes. "Wellness spaces are evolving to be more inclusive and culturally competent. I'm so inspired by all of the black women out here in the health industry pushing the culture."
She mentions Chicago based yoga teacher and wellness guru Lauren Ash of Black Girl in Om, renowned vegan chefs Lauren Von Der Pool, Babette Davis, and Lynette Astaire, and veteran acupuncturist and community leader Jewel Thais-Williams of the LA-based Village Health Foundation as being a few of her inspirations—all of whose works consider the overall holistic health of the individuals they service.
While not completely negating the fact that "western medicine absolutely has its uses," Portia stresses the need for spaces that contribute to growth "in the areas of preventative care, patient empowerment, and nutrition."
"I think those three things are the key to overhauling our healthcare system as we know it."
Leaning on the teachings of many of these women, taking responsibility for my mental, physical, and emotional health has meant practicing yoga, eliminating meat and dairy from my diet almost completely, drinking more water, studying plant medicine and exploring more holistic health offerings like acupuncture.
Acupuncture at the superficial level is simply the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body that helps reduce stress and pain, and circulate blood flow. But a deeper look into the ancient Chinese tradition reveals it's more than that. Portia describes it as a "treatment" that penetrates beyond the physical to "assess the whole person in mind, body, and spirit."
Many would be surprised to learn that an acupuncture intake exam is just as, if not more, intensive than a first-time doctor's visit. "During the usual 20-minute intake, we discuss everything from daily food intake, cravings, color of menstrual blood, digestive experiences, quality of sleep, stress levels, if you have vivid dreams. We go really in-depth to get a thorough understanding of what's happening with the whole person," she explains.
For example, using pulse and tongue diagnosis, Wilson is better able to understand what's happening internally. Portia considers what relationships suggest where a person's particular imbalances reside to tailor her patient's treatments whether it be as common as PMS or distinct to the individual with chronic migraines or eczema.
I'll admit, I would not have been as open about describing my stool, eating habits, or sex life with any other physician. While she read my pulse, we casually discussed how she got into Traditional Chinese Medicine and laughed about our similar experiences studying biology at Howard University.
From reading my pulse, she was able to tell me that my period was on its way and where there may be places that I'm carrying grief, among other things. I wasn't at all expecting that. I was there to learn about what was going on in my body and to learn there may be some subtle grief I hadn't processed, that I might be carrying it with me definitely helped me to dive deeper into my own self-awareness.
A lack of knowledge of how to eat, how to process stress, how to listen to our bodies is how untreated grief can lead to depression.
"Black women have some of the highest rates of depression and untreated depression in the U.S." Portia said, "People feel better after their sessions, they sleep better, and they report lower levels of anxiety and irritability after treatment. With consistent treatment, these effects are longer lasting. Regular acupuncture optimizes our innate healing abilities by improving our ability to handle stress."
"Black women have some of the highest rates of depression and untreated depression in the U.S."
Where I might've been embarrassed to go as far as talk to a therapist about battling negative thoughts and feelings, I felt comfortable sorting through those thoughts and feelings with my acupuncturist.
Acupuncture should be seen as a "wellness tool for black women seeking complementary treatments for depression and anxiety," Portia suggests.
Another wellness tool that Portia keeps in her arsenal is fire cupping. Portia describes it as "a form of bodywork and detox all wrapped in one." Using a flames to create a vacuum inside of a glass cup, Portia quickly placed on the cups on every inch of my back. "The suction from the cup reaches about four inches deep into the body—lifting the underlying tissues to release tension, increase fresh blood flow, and relax the nervous system."
It left big red circles resembling different phases of the moon on my back. "Those dark marks that are left behind are areas where the body was storing tension. The darker the mark the more of a release of "stuck" energy from the underlying tissue," she assures.
I spent the following week explaining the dark marks to others and how it made my shoulders and back less tense, how I had the best sleep I'd had in a long time, felt an improvement in my mood, and experienced a lighter, easier period afterwards.
I have another appointment scheduled for next week.
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DeJanae Evins is a certified cannabis educator, consultant and the creator of GreenGoddessGlow, a digital resource at the intersection of cannabis and wellness encouraging mindful cannabis self-care practices. Evins is also a freelance health and wellness writer often discussing topics around sexual health and women's empowerment. Since learning about the Plant Queendom and the many ways we can use plant medicine to heal ourselves both individually and on a global scale, Evins has been vocal in both the cannabis and wellness communities about integrating cannabis in her approach to holistic health. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @dejanaetanye.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line CÉCRED & Here's My Honest Review
Beyoncé is snatching our wallets yet again with her latest business venture CÉCRED. In 2023, the Texas native hinted at a potential haircare line when she posted this photo causing fans to speculate that her next project would be focused on her famous tresses - they were right. Her haircare line Cécred launched on February 20 with her first drop called The Foundation Collection which focuses on haircare first, and I can only assume that a style product line for colored-treated hair will likely follow since Beyoncé is known for slaying various shades of blonde.
As a super fan since the early 2000s, it was only right that I give an honest review of the full line and purchase the Super Fan Bundle (retailed at $265) which includes the full product line of the 8 products, as well as a branded cosmetic bag. If you’re thinking, “Girl that bundle is too pricey for me,” I can assure you that for the value you're getting, the price is quite reasonable. This bundle was an intentional and marketable way to allow consumers to experience every Cécred product.
The brand messaging surrounding Cécred has been salon-inspired, and rightfully so as an ode to Beyoncé’s upbringing growing up in her mother’s hair salon in Houston. This line is backed by science and licensed cosmetologists showing that she’s done her research and appointed the experts. Cécred's IG feed has been filled with images and videos inside of hair salons including some videos of Ms. Tina herself assisting in the styling of beauty experts who visited Cécred's private salon to have the VIP treatment!
Now, have I seen influencers, consumers, and beauty stylists using the Foundation Collection at home? Yes, but I thought it was best to experience Cécred with my go-to cosmetologist who also happens to be my Auntie Tawana. She has been my educator and go-to for hair knowledge since I was a child and has had a hand in my mom's hair health which has always been goals for me. As a little girl, my Saturdays were spent sitting in her hair salon while my mama got her hair done as I patiently waited reading Jet and ESSENCE, ever so carefully eavesdropping on the conversations of the ladies who were coming for much more than just a beauty routine, but an experience.
I’d fall asleep on the plush couch in the waiting area flipping through magazines while listening to the sultry sounds of Maxwell. And I had my first lesson in breakup empowerment when I heard Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before.” So there was no other place for me to go than to see her, and because I’m her niece, I was able to visit her private salon in her home that she calls The After Hours where upon arrival I was greeted with my favorite Black-owned sparkling Rosé, candles lit, and my aunt’s breakdown of Cécred.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
But let me refocus and share my salon experience as I tried Cécred for the first time.
If You’re Wondering…Who is Cécred For?
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
When news of Beyoncé potentially launching a beauty brand hit the internet, there were a bunch of predictions of what and who the line would be marketed towards and if she’d have any wig care products as she’s known for slaying her units! But she went in a totally different direction which I love, and I’m going to tell you why. Critics have questioned if Beyoncé should be venturing into the haircare industry because she is often seen in weaves and wigs, but true Beyoncé fans know that she has healthy hair and that, like many Black women, experiments with various styles.
Cécred was created for all hair types and textures, including straight to coily, virgin, color-treated, chemically processed, and heat-styled. As a Black woman who has worn wigs, had chemically processed hair, heat-styled, natural, and color-treated hair, let me tell you, this was no easy feat! The amount of money I’ve spent on my hair through its various changes just on product alone, forget styling has been astronomical.
Cécred is serving the needs of various hair types in textures and I truly believe that this is going to make Beyoncé a true competitor in the hair industry amongst brands that are comparable such as OUAI and Olaplex. Both competitor brands have similar items at a higher price point and unlike Cécred, their products and brand messaging haven’t always felt inclusive to Black women and other hair types.
Cécred has been tested inclusively and the reviews from various hair types and backgrounds of consumers are allowing the brand to stand out.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line Cécred: My Honest Review
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
My hair has never felt cleaner and it shined for well over a week following the styling (but the oil should be used sparingly if like me, oil can weigh down your hair.) Immediately when my hair touched the sink, my aunt told me that she saw all the dirt and oils lifting from my hair when she applied the clarifying shampoo. As a girl who loves my curls, I am often judgy when I use any other shampoo and conditioner aside from Pattern, but not this time.
When my aunt guided my hands across my hair, she showed me how my curls weren’t tangled, and how she didn’t need to comb out my curls before applying the moisturizing deep conditioner or the deconstructing treatment mask.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
She applied each step with care and walked me through the process, and to my surprise, the hair mask wasn’t thick - but through trial and error as a natural girl, I’ve learned that a thick mask doesn’t always equal what’s best for your hair. She styled me with a silk press that left my hair with shine and I can honestly say that each step of the line is needed especially if you are someone who changes up your hair and deals with breakage. If your hair is healthy, you can opt out of the reconstructing treatment mask but I recommend taking the product line to your salon, having a discussion with your stylist on where your hair health needs improvement, and then purchasing based on that.
We know ourselves better than anyone else, but your stylist knows your hair better than you do. I like to lead with their knowledge first and then incorporate what my hair goals are. If you’re a girly who’s committed to hair health and has either the discipline to incorporate each step at home or can bring your products to the salon, Cécred is for you no matter if you’re a silk press or a wash-and-go naturalist.
Give Cécred a try, I’ll be using the line for my hair appointments until it runs out and if I see long-term results, it will be added to the beauty regimen indefinitely.
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Featured image courtesy of CÉCRED