Friday, April 8, 2011

April 2011 All Ways Well Newsletter

In This Issue:
**Acupuncture to Combat Stress

**Springtime is Liver Time
**Thanks for Tuning In!  Book On-lineAnytime!---------------------
Acupuncture to Combat Stress

If you've had acupuncture before (which most of you have...) you probably know that one of the great secrets acupuncture adherents enjoy, is that acupuncture is RELAXING.  When you tell someone who has never had acupuncture before that it has this effect, they generally give you the crazy eye and say, "uh huh..." quickly turning in the other direction, but the few that respond with curiosity and interest quickly discover the truth - that acupuncture is an incredible weapon against stress.

Indeed, a 2007 study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that patients who were treated for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) with acupuncture over a 12 week period saw marked improvement in their symptoms, and that the results were still strongly in effect when the patients were checked up on 3 months post treatment.

Indeed, acupuncture is even being used inAfghanistan to treat military personnel who suffer mild concussions and battlefield stress!

So if you are feeling stressed - come in!

If you know someone who is feeling stressed - refer them.

If stress is noticeably affecting your health -book an appointment now without delay to ensure that stress does not take a long term toll on your health and wellbeing.


Springtime is Liver Time
I know I've mentioned it before, but I can't help but celebrate again that Spring is Liver Time in Chinese Medicine.  As the five elements of Chinese Medicine continue their turning seasonal wheel, we find ourselves facing Spring - the season of the Wood Element - which dominates the Liver and the Gallbladder to boot.

The Liver in particular is our source of benevolence and creativity, and when I see the first shoots of spring outside my door (daphne in my planter box, so sweet!) I feel excited about the new life, new growth and new possibilities it represents.

In the body, your Qi wants to celebrate the same.  Now is the time to think about returning to old hobbies you love or starting new ones.  Engaging in creative activities that feed your soul and match the wonder of Spring.

When the Liver or Gallbladder are out of balance, however, one experiences frustration, anger, tension in the neck and shoulders and a flaring temper.  Too much stress for too long, especially in the Spring time, can compound or add to these feelings.

The best way to help you Qi celebrate with the Spring or rebalance itself, is therefore to feed your soul with enriching activities, to engage in freeing and revitalizing physical movement such as yoga, qigong and taiji, and to get an Acupuncture tune up to support your Qi through the seasonal transition.


Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in!  If you are interested in more information about treating stress or treating the Liver in Springtime with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, please don't hesitate to call or book on-line.  Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions.

Looking forward to seeing you!
~Rebecca