Enter Fall with Holistic Wellness

As the vibrant hues of summer start to fade and a gentle crispness fills the air, we find ourselves transitioning into the beautiful season of fall. It’s a time of change and reflection, and it presents a perfect opportunity to explore holistic practices that can support our well-being. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of acupuncture, Chinese medicine, microneedling, and hypnotherapy, while offering tips on returning to school and embracing the seasonal shift. We’ll also tantalize your taste buds with a recipe for a healthy fall food that incorporates elements from these practices.

Acupuncture: Nurturing Balance

Acupuncture, an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine, can provide a myriad of benefits as we transition into fall. This ancient practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. During fall, acupuncturists focus on supporting the lung and large intestine meridians, which are closely associated with this season. By addressing imbalances in these meridians, acupuncture can help boost immunity, enhance respiratory health, and promote emotional balance.

Chinese Medicine: Harmonizing with Nature

Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to health that emphasizes the connection between our bodies and the natural world. According to this ancient wisdom, fall is associated with the metal element, representing clarity, introspection, and letting go. Practices such as herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and qigong exercises can help harmonize the body and mind with the seasonal energies.

Microneedling: Revitalizing Your Skin

As we bid farewell to summer, our skin may crave rejuvenation after sun exposure and outdoor activities. Microneedling, a cosmetic procedure that utilizes fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, can stimulate collagen production and promote skin renewal. This minimally invasive treatment can help reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and address various skin concerns.

Hypnotherapy: Harnessing the Power of the Mind

Fall is an excellent time to focus on personal growth and self-improvement. Hypnotherapy, a therapeutic technique that harnesses the power of the subconscious mind, can aid in overcoming limiting beliefs, managing stress, and achieving positive change. By entering a relaxed state of deep concentration, individuals can tap into their inner resources and transform their lives.

Tips for Returning to School and Embracing the Seasonal Shift

  • Establish a routine: Create a consistent schedule that balances academic responsibilities with self-care and leisure activities.
  • Prioritize sleep: Adequate rest is crucial for cognitive function and overall well-being. Aim for a regular sleep routine and create a peaceful sleep environment.
  • Nourish your body: As the weather cools down, opt for warming foods like soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. Incorporate immune-boosting ingredients like ginger, garlic, and mushrooms.
  • Stay hydrated: Even though the temperatures drop, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Drink warm herbal teas and infusions to keep your body hydrated and support your immune system.
  • Embrace mindfulness: Practice mindfulness or meditation to cultivate inner calmness, reduce stress, and enhance focus during the transition back to school.

Healthy Fall Recipe: Warming Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger

Ingredients:

  • 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  2. Add the cubed butternut squash and cook for a few minutes.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the squash is tender.
  4. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
  5. Stir in the turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
  6. Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Fall is a season of change, and by embracing holistic practices such as acupuncture, Chinese medicine, microneedling, and hypnotherapy, we can support our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re returning to school or navigating the transition from summer, these tips and techniques can help you thrive during this transformative time. We invite you to schedule an appointment or visit our website for further insights and guidance on incorporating holistic wellness into your life. Welcome fall with open arms and embark on a journey of self-discovery and wellness!

Enjoy the Serene Summer

As the warm embrace of summer envelops us, it’s time to delve into the holistic world of wellness and explore how ancient practices like acupuncture, Chinese medicine, hypnotherapy, and microneedling can enhance our well-being during this vibrant season. This month, we’ll unravel the interconnectedness of these modalities and also share a refreshing recipe that harmonizes the principles of these practices for a healthy and revitalizing summer treat. So, let’s embark on a journey of self-care and rejuvenation!

Harnessing the Flow of Energy

Acupuncture, an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine, can be particularly beneficial during the summer months. According to Chinese medicine principles, the body’s energy, known as “Qi,” flows through meridians. Acupuncture helps balance the flow of Qi, promoting harmony and vitality. In summer, specific acupuncture points can address imbalances related to excessive heat, irritability, and lack of energy, allowing us to thrive in this season of abundance.

Revitalizing Your Skin’s Glow

The summer sun can take a toll on our skin, but microneedling provides a rejuvenating solution. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate collagen production, leading to improved skin texture, reduced signs of aging, and a youthful radiance. Microneedling can help restore your skin’s natural glow and address issues such as sun damage and uneven pigmentation.

Nourishing the Elements

Chinese medicine views summer as a time of the Fire element, associated with the heart and small intestine. To maintain optimal health, it’s important to nourish these organs. Incorporating cooling foods like watermelon, cucumber, and mint into your diet can help counteract the heat and support your body’s natural balance. Traditional Chinese herbs such as chrysanthemum and lotus leaf tea can also provide additional relief from summer heat.

Releasing Stress and Inviting Relaxation

Summer should be a time of joy and relaxation, but sometimes stress can interfere with our well-being. Hypnotherapy offers a gentle and effective way to alleviate stress, anxiety, and other mental burdens that may be weighing us down. By tapping into the power of the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can help reframe negative thought patterns, enhance self-belief, and promote a deep sense of tranquility during the summer months.


Cooling Watermelon Salad with Mint and Chrysanthemum Dressing

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • Fresh mint leaves, torn
  • 2 tablespoons chrysanthemum tea (cooled)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, and torn mint leaves.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chrysanthemum tea, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon mixture and gently toss to coat.
  4. Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  5. Serve the refreshing watermelon salad chilled, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.

By embracing the holistic practices of acupuncture , Chinese medicine, hypnotherapy, and microneedling, we can nurture our well-being, find balance within ourselves, and flourish during the vibrant summer season. Let this be a time of self-care, renewal, and exploration as we tap into the ancient wisdom that connects us with the rhythm of nature and our own inner harmony.

To learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment, visit our website. Wishing you a summer filled with health, vitality, and serene bliss!

Embracing Summer: A Balanced Approach to Chinese Medicine

As we find ourselves on the cusp of summer, it’s an opportune time to consider how we can make the most of this vibrant season. Today, we’ll be exploring some elements of Chinese medicine and its dietary practices that could help us maintain our health during these warmer months.

Chinese medicine, a holistic health care system with thousands of years of wisdom behind it, emphasizes balance in the body. Picture this balance as a seesaw, with Yin on one side representing coolness and calm, and Yang on the other, symbolizing heat and energy. Summer is undeniably a Yang season, full of activity and warmth.

However, if we’re not careful, the increased heat and activity can tilt the seesaw towards Yang, leading to an imbalance that can cause dehydration and exhaustion. Let’s explore how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) suggests we restore this balance.

Choosing the Right Foods

In TCM, food isn’t just about satisfying our hunger; it has an ‘energy’ too. Some foods are considered ‘hot’ or ‘warm,’ while others are ‘cool’ or ‘cold.’ To balance the Yang of summer, it’s recommended to eat more cooling foods.

  • Fruits: Watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries are perfect choices. They’re seen as cooling and hydrating.
  • Vegetables: Light and leafy veggies like bok choy, spinach, and broccoli are tagged as ‘cooling’ foods.
  • Herbs and Spices: Incorporating mint, cilantro, and dill into your meals can have a cooling effect.

Try to go easy on grilled, fried, or spicy foods, as they might add more heat to your body.

Staying Hydrated

Hydration is key in summer. Herbal teas such as chrysanthemum and green tea are often recommended for their cooling properties. Even your regular water can be jazzed up with slices of cooling fruits like lemon or cucumber.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Acupuncture and moxibustion are Chinese treatments used to maintain the body’s balance. As summer corresponds with the heart and small intestine in TCM, an acupuncture session might involve stimulating these related points to ensure a smooth energy flow.

Moxibustion is a soothing treatment that uses burning herbs to stimulate acupuncture points. It’s a fantastic way to boost overall vitality, making it a unique addition to any treatment.

Rest and Relaxation

While summer is synonymous with activity, it’s also essential to have some downtime. Balancing high-energy activities with calming practices like meditation, Tai Chi, or gentle yoga can prevent an excess of Yang energy.

So, there you have it—a look into how you can apply the principles of Chinese medicine to your summer lifestyle. To learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment, visit our website.

Here’s a refreshing recipe to help jump start a balanced, healthy, and enjoyable summer!

Strawberry and Mint Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
  2. Rinse the mint leaves and gently pat them dry.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt until the honey dissolves completely.
  4. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl and toss them gently until they are fully coated with the honey-lemon dressing.
  5. Chop or tear the mint leaves and sprinkle them over the strawberries. Gently toss the salad again.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. Serve the salad chilled, on its own, or as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken.

This salad is not only delicious and refreshing but also aligns with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine for summer health. The strawberries are cooling, the mint adds an extra refreshing element, and the honey and lemon provide a balance of flavors.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Gift of Self-Care: An Ultimate Guide to Treatments and Tips that Moms Need

Motherhood is a rewarding experience, but let’s face it, it can also be challenging and exhausting. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate Mother’s Day by encouraging moms to prioritize their self-care. Acupuncture Healing Arts Center offers a variety of treatments that can help moms feel their best, both physically and mentally. And we’ve also got some fun tips for self-care at home!

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain while boosting energy levels. Our experienced acupuncturists provide personalized treatment plans that can help moms address their individual health concerns. So whether you’re dealing with migraines, back pain, or just need some relaxation, acupuncture can help!

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is another service we offer, which can help moms achieve a youthful, glowing complexion by increasing circulation, stimulating collagen production, and relaxing facial muscles. We also offer microneedling, a treatment that involves tiny needles that penetrate the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing process to produce collagen and elastin. This can help with anti-aging, scarring, and overall skin rejuvenation.

In addition to these services, we also offer herbal medicine to address a variety of health issues, including stress and fatigue. And for moms looking for a more holistic approach, our hypnotherapy services can help address a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and phobias.

But self-care doesn’t have to stop when you leave Acupuncture Healing Arts Center! Here are some fun and practical tips for self-care at home:

1. Take a bath! Add some Epsom salts, essential oils, or bubbles to really make it a spa-like experience.

2. Get outside! Take a walk, go for a hike, or even just sit in the sunshine and read a book.

3. Have a dance party! Put on your favorite tunes and dance like no one is watching.

4. Have a phone-free day! Disconnect from social media, emails, and work, and just enjoy some uninterrupted time with your family or friends.

5. Try a new hobby! Whether it’s painting, knitting, or baking, finding a new hobby can be a great way to practice self-care and unwind.

Self-care is essential for moms, and our wellness center provides the treatments and services to help moms prioritize their well-being. This Mother’s Day, give your mom the gift of self-care and book her an appointment with us. She deserves it!

To learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment, visit our website. And don’t forget to try out some of our fun self-care tips at home!

Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss

Are you fed up with dieting? Don’t despair; if no diet seems to work because you just keep falling off the wagon every time, it’s time for a new approach. Hypnotherapy for weight loss may be the secret ingredient for you if you struggle with emotional eating or perceived cravings.

Why should I try hypnotherapy for weight loss?

You may be reading this because you’ve never lost your excess body fat, regardless of how hard you tried. On the other hand, you may have lost weight and kept it off for years, but you recently turned back to old habits and seemed to regain it overnight.

If this is you, you’re not alone. It’s more common than you think for a stressful event, such as a financial loss, divorce, or death of a loved one, to trigger the return of emotional eating or food addictions. Even when the current issue has passed, e.g. you find a new job or the negative event feels more distant in time, you may still hold onto these old habits.

Why do I feel this way?

Never blame yourself for cravings, food addiction, or emotional eating. It’s not about a lack of willpower. Instead, how you subconsciously associate food and stress is what matters.

First, let’s look at the stress, or fight/flight, response. You release a surge of adrenaline in response to any kind of stress, which makes your heart beat faster, your brain and muscles work harder, and your body search for any source of readily-available energy. The purpose of this response is so you can escape from very Stone Age dangers, such as a predator. As you aren’t really running away, your blood sugar levels remain high, and indulging in sugary or fatty food may make you feel safer on a subconscious level.

You may also associate foods such as candy, ice cream, or fast food with comfort. Perhaps a caregiver always gave you a lollipop when you fell and hurt yourself, or you got to have fast food for dinner after a grandparent died.  These repeated or emotionally-charged events “taught” you that high-calorie foods bring comfort, or help to solve issues.  Another theory is that you’re more likely to overeat during stress if you have to consciously make an effort to control your food intake.

How do I know hypnotherapy for weight loss works?

Clinical studies show that hypnotherapy can be very effective for weight loss, with regular use often being the best approach. The results you can look forward to will often look like those seen in these two trials:

  • One study on self-hypnosis found that regular users lost almost 10kg (20 pounds) more than non-users. Everyone performing self-hypnosis showed improvements in quality of life, feelings of satiety (in other words, less binge-eating!), and inflammation.
  • Another trial involved 32 obese volunteers, and tested a 10-week hypnotherapy program on both weight loss and blood test results. After 10 weeks, their average BMI fell from 33.4 to 31.4 and their metabolic health improved.

Overall, hypnotherapy is an effective, safe way to support your weight loss journey. If you’re tired of relying on conscious willpower alone, and want to uncover the real reasons behind food addictions or binge eating, we’re happy to work with you! To get started on using hypnotherapy for weight loss, click here to book an appointment, or read our FAQs for more information.

Announcing Hypnosis Weight Release Program

Are you fed up with dieting? Don’t despair; if no diet seems to work because you just keep falling off the wagon every time, it’s time for a new approach. Hypnotherapy for weight loss may be the secret ingredient for you if you struggle with emotional eating or perceived cravings.

In early January, Marie is offering an exciting six-week online workshop on weight loss. Classes begin January 3, 2023 and are held on Zoom every Tuesday for six weeks from 6-7 PM ending just in time for you to be your best self and shine on Valentine’s Day!

Cost of entire workshop including materials is $400. Register before December 13, 2022 to get early-bird pricing of $360. Click here to register.

What is hypnosis for weight loss?

This unique program addresses the underlying subconscious beliefs we carry with us that undermine our success with reaching our weight loss goals. Each week we will learn new tools to support us in reaching these goals through discussion, a relaxing group led hypnosis session and homework each week in the workbook and by listening to the weekly recorded hypnosis sessions. We reach these goals by looking at our existing eating habits and shifting into newer conscious eating by tuning into our body and creating healthy habits that are sustainable and feel good. This program was created for the Cleveland Clinic and some participants were able to release up to 2 lbs a week! Once the habits are created in the subconscious mind after 21 days they become a part of you.

What to expect?

You will learn medical strategies for weight loss along with mind-body practices such as mindfulness, relaxation and coping skills, and guided imagery. You will also learn a set of tools to use daily to address the urge to eat for reasons other than hunger. As you become more mindful, it will be easier to make healthy food choices.

How can mindfulness and hypnosis work?

The Hypnosis Weight Release program is not a diet, it is a lifestyle change. The goals are to stop the pattern of yo-yo dieting, food restriction, and using food to deal with stress. You will learn how to identify what is weighing you down, meet your emotional needs in healthy ways, and stop emotional eating. You will learn how to meet your needs in healthy ways and to make self-care a priority. Weight release is a natural byproduct of this process. How can hypnosis and guided imagery help to manage weight?

Identify unhealthy eating patterns

  • Create a healthier approach to food and other lifestyle choices
  • Remove the desire for specific foods that sabotage weight loss
  • Reduce sugar cravings
  • Imagine a smaller stomach so less food is needed to feel satisfied
  • Create a deeper state of inner calm and quiet

How will I be able to manage my progress after 6 weeks?

You will be given all 6 weeks of the hypnosis and guided imagery session to use at any time as well as the workbook to revisit. Options are available to do one-on-one sessions as well!

Why Should I Try Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss?

You may be reading this because you’ve never lost your excess body fat, regardless of how hard you tried. On the other hand, you may have lost weight and kept it off for years, but you recently turned back to old habits and seemed to regain it overnight.

If this is you, you’re not alone. It’s more common than you think for a stressful event, such as a financial loss, divorce, or death of a loved one, to trigger the return of emotional eating or food addictions. Even when the current issue has passed, e.g. you find a new job or the negative event feels more distant in time, you may still hold onto these old habits.

Updated COVID-19 Policies and Procedures

At this time we are requiring proper face masks to be worn at all times in the center. The practitioner is masked at all times in an effort to maintain a safe environment for all. Please stay at home if you are feeling sick or suspect you have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

The following criteria must be met to be seen at Acupuncture Healing Arts Center

  1. The patient must not be experiencing symptoms such as a fever, coughing, shortness of breath, pressure in the chest, loss of smell or taste, or any other flu-like symptoms during the previous week. 
  2. Patient must not have been in contact with anyone suspected of COVID-19.

The following patients are at high risk for COVID-19 complications and should use extra precautions at all times:

  1. People aged 65 years and older
  2. People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  3. People who have serious heart conditions
  4. People who are immuno-compromised including cancer treatment

People of any age with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease may also be at risk.

In-Office Policies for COVID-19:

  • Masks: Your practitioner will be wearing a mask during your session. It is mandatory that you arrive wearing a mask or I will provide you with one.
  • Your practitioner ask that you proceed to the restroom to wash your hands prior to your session.
  • The center is equipped with a new UVC Light Sanitizer to purify each treatment room between patients and will run a quiet UV air purifier in the treatment room, filtering out the smallest microns of dust, pollen, and virus. 
  • Bleach is being used on the face rest covers and all linens (including top blanket) are cleaned and sanitized, just for you. 
  • All laundry will be washed in sanitizing hot water and high heat dryer. Tin warming blankets will be single-use only.
  • Lastly, stay at home if you are feeling sick or suspect you have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19. 

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Wishing you health and positivity throughout the week.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental Medicine encompasses a variety of health care therapies and is a way of looking at medicine that integrates all therapies in its understanding. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are the most popular forms of Oriental Medicine in the United States. Other aspects included diet, nutrition, lifestyle choices, Tai Qi (martial arts/physical exercise), Qi Gong (breath exercise), Tui’na (massage), and Feng Shui (environmental balance).

For thousands of years, oriental medicine has acknowledged that there is a vital life force that flows through all things which is called “qi” (pronounced “chee”). In the west, qi is often referred to as “energy”. Energy (qi) flows along pathways in the human body, which are related to the organs and the tendo-muscular system. Pain or illness results when the balance of this energy is disturbed due to either trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues. Oriental medicine focuses on correcting these energetic imbalances by breaking up any obstruction and encouraging an even flow of qi, which stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Oriental medicine is used not only for pain management but also as a comprehensive system of health care and health maintenance. Athletes use oriental medicine to achieve optimum performance levels. Cancer patients are treated for the side effects of chemotherapy to enhance their quality of life. Detoxification treatments have been proven to help those with chemical and/or substance dependency problems. Headaches and migraines may be eradicated or managed with the help of acupuncture.

Learn more about acupuncture and oriental medicine, read our faq’s, and schedule an appointment with Marie Healy at Acupuncture Healing Arts Center today!

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