Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

 972.992.8815

Nurturing the Heart Through Acupuncture: Integrative Support for Stress, Circulation and Restorative Balance

Jan 30, 2026 08:46AM ● By Bernice Butler

A whole-hearted approach to cardiovascular wellness recognizes that heart health is shaped not only by diet and physical activity, but also by stress physiology, circulation and restorative rest. Acupuncture, a time-honored integrative therapy, is increasingly used as a complementary approach to support these interconnected systems.

Ways acupuncture may support heart health include:

Calming the nervous system. Acupuncture encourages a shift from chronic “fight-or-flight” stress into a more restorative state, supporting relaxation and nervous system balance that can influence heart function.

Reducing stress-related tension. Ongoing stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular strain. Acupuncture sessions are commonly associated with deep relaxation and improved stress resilience.

Supporting healthy circulation and blood flow. From both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern integrative perspectives, acupuncture is used to promote circulation, supporting efficient oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body.

Promoting vascular function. Healthy blood vessels play a critical role in cardiovascular wellness. Acupuncture is often used as part of an integrative strategy to support vascular tone and overall circulatory health.

Improving sleep and recovery. Restorative sleep is essential for metabolic and heart health. Acupuncture is frequently used to support sleep quality, allowing the cardiovascular system time to recover and rebalance.

As interest grows in preventive and integrative approaches to heart wellness, acupuncture offers a personalized modality that supports both the physiological and lifestyle dimensions of living a whole-hearted life.

Nena Watkins, Licensed Acupuncturist, is founder of Oak Cliff Acupuncture, located in the Bishop Arts District at 201 S. Madison Ave., Ste. 200, Dallas. For more information, visit OakCliffAcu.com.

Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition
Natural Awakenings Dallas-Fort Worth February 2026
Read the Natural Awakenings Dallas-Fort Worth February 2026 Issue. Read More »
Unmasking Brilliance: When Authenticity Becomes a Wellness Practice
Whole-hearted health is often discussed in terms of nutrition, exercise, and annual medical exams. Yet there is an often-overlooked threat to whole-hearted health Read More »
Caring for Dogs from the Inside Out: How Integrative Veterinary Wellness Supports Mobility and Heart Health
As dogs age, changes in mobility, circulation and heart function often appear together—not by coincidence, but because these systems are deeply interconnected. Read More »
The Foundation of Movement: Why Foot Health Shapes How We Age
Feet are often overlooked until discomfort appears, yet they quietly influence nearly every aspect of movement. Acting as the body’s foundation, the feet absorb impact, support balance Read More »
Nurturing the Heart Through Acupuncture: Integrative Support for Stress, Circulation and Restorative Balance
A whole-hearted approach to cardiovascular wellness recognizes that heart health is shaped not only by diet and physical activity, but also by stress physiology, circulation and restorative Read More »
How Float Therapy Can Help Nurture Heart Health: Gentle, Integrative Support for Cardiovascular Calm
Float therapy—sometimes called flotation therapy—immerses the body in a warm, magnesium-rich Epsom salt solution that creates a sensation of weightlessness. Read More »
The Air We Share: How Regional Action Supports Healthier Living in North Texas
For households across North Texas, clean air is a shared quality-of-life issue. From daily commutes and outdoor exercise to time spent at home, the air we breathe influences Read More »
Specialty Garlic for Planting & Cooking
A well-known Dallas nursery and one of the best local resources for seed garlic suited to North Texas conditions. They also provide classes, growing guides Read More »
Healthy Living Fair Comes to Unity of Dallas
Unity of Dallas, in partnership with Natural Awakenings Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex Magazine, will host a Healthy Living Fair on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read More »
Cowtown Marathon Returns to Fort Worth
One of North Texas’ most enduring fitness traditions returns as the Cowtown Marathon takes place February 28–March 1, 2026, at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. Read More »
BrainHealth Week Encourages North Texans to Think about How You Think
BrainHealth Week, February 23–28, invites North Texans to take a proactive, lifelong approach to brain health through science-based learning, interactive experiences and practical strategies. Read More »
DFW Communities Invited to Join 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count
North Texas residents are invited to take part in the 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen-science initiative taking place February 13–16. Led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Read More »
McKinney Holistic Network Launches with First Networking Meeting
The McKinney Holistic Network will hold its first meeting on Thursday, February 26, marking the launch of a new collaborative effort to strengthen holistic, integrative and functional wellness Read More »
Go Red for Women Day Raises Heart Health Awareness Across North Texas
On Friday, February 6, 2026, residents across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex will join communities nationwide in wearing red for National Wear Red Day Read More »
When the Heart Leads
For as long as humans have tried to understand themselves, we have returned again and again to the heart, not merely as an organ, but as the governing center of who we are. Read More »
Young man with beard meditating in forest
A Whole-Hearted Life: The Daily Choices That Help Our Hearts Thrive
Daily habits like mindful eating, restorative sleep, social connection and nature time form a powerful foundation for long-term cardiovascular well-being Read More »
Shanna Shaprio Ph, D Clinical psychologist Santa Clara University School of Education and Counseling Psychology
From Negativity to Self-Compassion: A Conversation With Shauna Shapiro
Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D., shares science-backed practices to rewire the brain with mindfulness and self-compassion, offering tools for healing and emotional resilience. Read More »
A braided string of garlic bulbs hangs against a rustic brick wall.”
Garlic Therapy: Eating Our Way to a Healthier Heart
Studies show fresh garlic supports cardiovascular function, improves blood pressure and cholesterol, and offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits Read More »
ZINGY BALSAMIC-LIME VINAIGRETTE
Zingy Balsamic-Lime Vinaigrette
Tangy lime, sweet maple and fresh garlic bring bold flavor to salads, grilled veggies or shrimp—ready in minutes with pantry staples Read More »
Creamy herb soup served with basil leaves on top
Creamy Tofu Basil Sauce
This silky, dairy-free sauce blends tofu, fresh basil and lemon into a luscious topping perfect for grain bowls, pasta or baked potatoes Read More »
Black bean stew with purple sweet potatoes
Black Bean Stew With Purple Sweet Potatoes
Sweet, spicy, and protein-rich, this vibrant stew with mango and jalapeño is hearty, colorful and deeply satisfying for any season Read More »
roasted garlic
Roasted Garlic
Golden and mellow, this oven-roasted garlic paste brings rich umami to breads, potatoes and dips—and stores beautifully for days Read More »
“A handmade ceramic bowl with visible gold repair lines displayed on a white background.”
Weaving Gold Into Life’s Story
Inspired by Kintsugi, this reflection explores how grief and loss can be transformed into resilience, beauty and a deeper sense of self-worth Read More »
“A man stands near a window, looking upward with a thoughtful and reflective expression
Small Acts, Clear Skies: Daily Changes That Lighten Our Pollution Load
Daily choices—like skipping gas-powered tools, using low-VOC products and improving ventilation—can reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution Read More »
“A woman joyfully cleaning her living room while holding a mop and wearing gloves
Foot Fitness for Longevity: The Path to Better Balance and Blood Flow
Targeted foot and ankle exercises support longevity, reduce fall risk and improve blood flow—especially important for older adults and active lifestyles Read More »
A wooden mortar and pestle filled with fresh medicinal herbs and green leaves
Nature’s Cardiologist: Herbs and Nutrients That Heal the Heart
Botanicals like hawthorn, aged garlic and gotu kola may support circulation, reduce blood pressure and complement medical heart care when used safely Read More »
smiling young girl sits on a yoga mat while stretching her legs during a children’s exercise activity”
Gentle Relief for Growing Pains: Natural Strategies To Ease Body Aches in Children
Muscle fatigue, not growth, is the likely cause of childhood aches; gentle massage, stretching, hydration and vitamin D offer safe, effective relief Read More »
“A veterinarian in scrubs holds a cat while a dog sits beside them in a clinic”
Comfort in Motion: Holistic Joint Support for Dogs and Cats
Integrative therapies like acupuncture, laser treatments, massage and nutrition help dogs and cats stay active and comfortable with aging joints Read More »
“A couple sits with a therapist during a relationship counseling session in a professional office”
Body-Centered Therapy for Trauma
This body-centered therapy reduces PTSD symptoms and physical tension by building awareness of internal sensations and nervous system regulation Read More »
“A smiling man holds a bowl of fresh blueberries and a bowl of shredded cheese in a kitchen”
Microbiome Therapies for Depression
Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics can reduce depression symptoms and inflammation by improving gut microbiome balance Read More »
A woman stands indoors and looks directly at her reflection in a mirror
Cultivating a Positive Body Image
Reflecting on personal values helped protect college women from the negative effects of social media “fitspiration” in a recent study Read More »
“A smiling young woman with long red hair wears a yellow sweater and poses playfully against a light background”
Eye Yoga for Glaucoma
A 2024 study found daily eye yoga reduced intraocular pressure and improved blood flow in glaucoma patients without adverse effects Read More »
“An older woman sits cross-legged indoors with eyes closed while practicing meditation
Mind-Body Practices for Cancer Survivors
Mindfulness and tai chi reduce anxiety, depression and tension in cancer survivors, supporting emotional recovery post-treatment Read More »
A bull elk with large antlers interacts with another elk in a grassy field
North America’s Largest Wildlife Overpass Opens
Colorado’s I-25 wildlife overpass spans six lanes, connecting habitat for elk, deer and antelope and reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions by 90% Read More »
“A hiker with a backpack looks out at snow-covered mountains and a forested valley.”
Conquering Continents on Foot
Karl Bushby nears the end of a 27-year trek across the globe without motorized transport, highlighting human resilience and kindness worldwide Read More »
A turtle with a patterned shell stands on a white background facing right”
A Turtle’s Resilience and the Power of Proper Care
Rockalina the turtle recovered after decades of neglect, showing how proper food, space and natural light can restore instinct and vitality Read More »
“A multigenerational family walks together through tall grass while enjoying time outdoors”
Innovative Utah Freeway for Cyclists and Pedestrians
Utah’s 3,100-mile paved trail network will link towns, parks and schools with car-free routes, enhancing safety and active transportation access Read More »
A large collection of plastic water bottles gathered outdoors for recycling.
Bacteria Engineered to Tackle Microplastics
Scientists at Duke University are exploring how bioengineered bacteria could degrade PET plastic waste and turn it into reusable material Read More »
A technician repairs the internal components of a desktop computer in a workshop.
The Collaborative Magic of Repair Fairs
Volunteers at global repair fairs help fix broken household goods, reducing waste and encouraging DIY skills, community connection and environmental responsibility Read More »
In-Print, Community Heart Health February 2026 Oak Cliff Acupuncture Nena Watkins integrative therapy

Dallas-Fort Worth February 2026 Magazine

Read it Now

2025 Farmers Market & Healthy Food Guide

Read it Now

Upcoming Events Near You
Birding the Tetons | Highlights from the Jackson Hole Birding Festival
DART AIRPORT

 

Flourish Dental Boutique

 

 

Business Listing Ad

 

Healthy Living Healthy Planet Radio

 

3 Month Planner Editorial Calendar