Episode 638: The Wellness One: Acupuncture Explained with Boris Bernadsky (City of Oaks Acupuncture)

When I thought about putting together this wellness series, I knew I wanted to bring on my acupuncturist, Boris Bernadsky. Boris is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist at City of Oaks Acupuncture. He focuses on pain, neurological, and autoimmune conditions and was inspired by his own healing journey. His practice combines traditional Chinese medicine with ongoing study of physiology to provide personalized, effective care.

I first started seeing Boris in May for bursitis in my foot and Achilles tendonitis. I also asked if he could help with a strange itchy-arm condition I’ve dealt with every summer for over 10 years. Since then, he’s supported me not only with those issues, but also with nervous system regulation and anxiety. In this episode, Boris explains what acupuncture really is, what it can help with, and how it fits into traditional Chinese medicine. You’ll hear about herbs, dry needling, nervous system regulation, and why even a simple monthly visit can feel restorative.

Topics we cover:

• My personal path to acupuncture and what has changed for me

• Acupuncture within traditional Chinese medicine: the core branches

• How needles work today vs historically, and what “qi” actually means

• Nervous system regulation, rest and digest, and ear points

• Herbal medicine: warming vs cooling herbs and customizing formulas

• Common conditions acupuncture treats well, and when PT or other care is better

• Dry needling compared to acupuncture

• What a session feels like: environment, cost, insurance, and community models

• Boris’s marathon training, fueling, and love of running

• Tea, coffee, and nervous system effects

• Choosing the right acupuncturist and the role of moderation in health

Media and resources mentioned

• City of Oaks Acupuncture: cityofoaksacupuncture.com

• Books: He Who Fights With Monsters; Born to Run; Running with Sherman

• YouTube: “Ran to Japan” channel following Jake’s pro-running journey in Japan

• Events: Bolderthon marathon; Leadville burro race

• Fuel and gear mentioned: Tailwind, Huma gels, NOOGS, Brooks

• Tea site: Path of Cha (pathofcha.com)

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