Member Interview: Arden Yingling, Songbird Acupuncture
Arden Yingling, MAcOM, L.Ac., is a mother and a licensed/board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist offering compassionate support for pregnancy, postpartum, and fertility. Her own experience struggling with postpartum anxiety led her to study Chinese medicine and help women thrive during motherhood and beyond.
What services do you offer to folks during conception, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum?
I offer acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle counseling to anyone who'd like support during the perinatal period or with their overall reproductive health. That covers a lot of things! In particular, I work with preparing to conceive and regulating cycles, fertility challenges, support for healthy pregnancies, treatment of common pregnancy concerns, breech babies, labor preparation, and postpartum physical and emotional recovery.
How did you get into your line of work?
I'm a mom (to an awesome young adult) and my own journey was rough. I had pregnancy and birth complications, a NICU baby, and undiagnosed postpartum anxiety. Once I felt more like myself again, I got angry at the lack of support I'd received in the standard care model. I received inadequate screening, very little information, and was basically left to fend for myself. Not only that, my story wasn't unique: far too many mothers are in the same boat. The only care I got during pregnancy and postpartum that felt both nurturing and clinically helpful was from acupuncturists! I'd always been interested in women's health, and my own experience made me want to offer the kind of care I believe all mothers (and parents) deserve. I initially trained as a postpartum doula, and later decided I wanted to expand my role. After some soul searching, I decided to study acupuncture and Chinese medicine, not only because it helped me so much, but because it's a system of medicine that offers care not only to body, but also to mind and spirit.
Arden’s warm treatment room.
What do people think you do to support folks?
I love this question! Most people think I just stick needles in folks, probably to treat stuff that hurts. And they probably also think it's a little scary and weird.
What do you actually do to support folks?
Well, I DO use needles and they do treat pain, but it's a lot more than that. Research shows that acupuncture not only to regulates pain responses, but also regulates many of the body's key functions, including nervous system and immune function, digestion, reproduction, and endocrine regulation. Chinese medicine is also way more than just acupuncture. It's a complete health care system with a unique diagnostic lens that doesn't separate body and mind. This means I can support folks who've been told by their doctors that "nothing is wrong." I can support health and resilience, not just sickness. And I can hold space for people's experiences and feelings in a way that isn't always available in other models of care.
What is something that you feel like you are uniquely able to help people with?
Because pregnancy, birth, and postpartum were rough for me, I get it. I don't dismiss people's feelings or experiences, and I'm motivated to help them find the care they need, whether that's with me or someone else. I believe that a compassionate, listening ear is a big piece of healing, and I feel it's a huge honor to be able to offer that to others who need it.
What is the one piece of advice you find yourself telling people over and over again? It's okay, and actually necessary, to take time for yourself.
What are the top 3 questions people ask when they first start to work with you for support?
Question: Does acupuncture hurt?
Answer: No. I have a gentle style and acupuncture needles are super tiny. Most people find it relaxing and look forward to their naps on my table.
Question: How long does it take to work?
Answer: After over a decade and thousands of treatments, I find that the nervous system response is often quick. Some people feel calmer after their very first session. For everything else, it really depends on what we're working on and individual response. When someone starts seeing me, I do a detailed assessment and give my best estimate of their timeline for care.
Question: Is this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Answer: Yes, definitely. This is a very low risk system of medicine for most populations, including pregnant or breastfeeding people. I also have extensive post-graduate training in perinatal and pediatric safety.
Final thoughts:
It's really important to find care providers who are a good fit. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation that's zero pressure, just a chance to chat so you can learn more about my style and I can determine whether I can help you. If you'd like to schedule a consultation, just visit my website at songbirdacupuncture.com, or call my office at 802-448-2283.