Acupuncture Free Day to Benefit Beverly Bootstraps

Below is an announcement for our Free Day Next Wednesday. I figured it may be a little lonely in the clinic as many people are traveling, so I am using the opportunity to double it as a fundraiser for Beverly Bootstraps. If your house is too crowded with relatives, send them over to me that day and I'll return them happy and relaxed.
-April

Coastal Acupuncture is kicking off the holiday season by offering complementary treatments to all NEW patients on Wednesday November 21st, 2012 during the community acupuncture clinic that runs from 2:00-6:00pm. The event also serves as a fundraising effort for benefit Beverly Bootstraps. Donations are kindly accepted, but not required to participate in the event.

Start the weekend off right by taking some time to relax and refresh before the hustle and bustle of the season begins. For further information please call 978-922-4111 or just walk in during the Wednesday event. Parking is available at the Beverly Farms Commuter Rail stop parking lot, directly adjacent to the clinic.
 

Plantar Fasciitis

In the past year I have seen a huge increase in patients with heel pain (I blame flip flops but that is another story). The best part is the look on somebody's face when they step down from the treatment table and realize the pain is gone. Here is some research for anyone interested.

Community Acupuncture Clinic

As most of you are aware I have been steadily adding community acupuncture shifts here at Coastal Acupuncture over the past year. For those of you who haven't popped in to experience it, an explanation of what it is can be read in this blog post.  What I have not done is articulate why I started the clinic, and why I'm in love with this method of treating people.

Acupuncture in this country has historically been done in a private room, one patient & one practitioner. That is mostly because it somehow got lumped into a "spa" type of treatment and followed the business model of massage therapists. This of course inflated the cost per treatment as the practitioner could only effectively treat one or two patients an hour.

As I was approaching my tenth year in business I reflected on what the major blockage was in getting people better. It mostly boiled down to time and money. People needed the ability to come multiple times a week in order to get better. The simplest way to fix that was to return to the roots of the medicine. In China treatments are administered in a group setting. That was all the proof I needed that the clinic could work.

Thus I started Walk in Wednesdays. That has expanded to additional days now so to avoid confusion I'll just call it community acupuncture, because that is what it is. I am providing acupuncture for you, my community. And I love every minute of it. In our busy day and age, watching a room full of people happily sleeping and healing together has helped me fall in love (again) with this medicine I practice.

I want to give a heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for supporting me over the past ten years. It is an amazing  privilege to help ones own community lead healthy & happy lives.

The Workshop Space at Creative & Fit Intentions

Announces:

An Evening with April Shewan, Acupuncturist

 

Free Community Lecture

Thursday night, October 25^th

7pm – 8:30pm

 

RSVP by responding to this email or calling April:  978-922-4111

 

Tips, Tactics and Tools for Staying Healthy this Fall

A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Simple Solutions for Maximizing Your Health and Wellness

 

 

In Chinese Medicine, fall is the season of storage. It is a time to build up our reserves.  We do so in order to remain healthy during leaner, winter times. Let April Shewan, Owner and Acupuncturist and owner of Coastal Acupuncture in Beverly Farms, share some simple ways for you to stay healthy this fall and winter.

 

*What are the best foods to eat in the fall and why – recipies included!

*How to best keep the chill out of our systems as the weather cools

*Suggestions from Chinese Medicine on how to ward off the common cold

*Learn some “cure all” acupuncture points to rub at home for balance and health

Zucchini Muffin Recipe

For all of you gardeners or CSA members, you are probably wondering what to do with all the zucchini you have this time of year. Below is a recipe to help you out. Given that I am incapable of following directions I modified with 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour and 1 ½ cups white flour. I also substituted half of the oil with applesauce, and threw in some chocolate chips and raisins for the kids. The original recipe was actually for a zucchini bread, but I find muffins easier to make as I can freeze half for later.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated zucchini

Directions

1. Grease and flour muffin tins. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove muffins from tins, and completely cool.

This week at Coastal Acupuncture

I am frequently asked what acupuncture can be used to treat. I've decided to list a few of the things we've been tackling this past week at Coastal Acupuncture......stress, anxiety, arthritis, infertility, sciatica, back pain, fatigue, weight loss and general health maintenance.

 There has been a lot of news about the use of acupuncture by Olympic Athletes. The marks you see on this swimmer are from cupping therapy. The most frequently asked question is if it hurts. The answer is no. Most of my patients love cupping and use it to release stubborn muscle knots and tension.

  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1041370/The-price-Gold-Chinese-athletes-left-huge-spots-cupping-therapy-quest-Olympic-glory.html

Asparagus with Citrus Butter and Fresh Thyme Recipe

Though butter in large amounts can deter good health, a small amount, such as that which is offered here, may be beneficial. Butter contains buteric acid, which helps the body absorb nutrients from food.

Ingredients:

1 pound asparagus

2 teaspoons unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel

1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

Pinch of sea salt

Steam the asparagus over boiling water until they’re tender, about 4 minutes. 

Meanwhile, in a small sauté pan over medium heat, combine the butter, orange peel, thyme, and salt, heating until the butter has melted, about 1 1/2 minutes. When the asparagus is ready, toss it with the butter and serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or side dish.

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Herb of the Day: Myrrh

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh-  these were the gifts of the wise men at the dawn of the Christian era. The aromatic resin of myrrh was valued at least 2,000 years before Christ. 

Myrrh’s aromatic and unguent properties, not its minor medicinal accomplishments, keep it among the world’s most prized substances. 

Aldehydes and phenols in its oil combine with acids in its resin to give myrrh its astringent and antiseptic properties. It is particularly effective when acting on mucous membranes. It has also been used for sore throats and gums and for mouth ulcers, where its antiseptic and astringent properties may be of real benefit. 

When burned, myrrh repels mosquitos. It burns slowly, emitting a mysterious odor that calls to mind an old church or synagogue. 

Myrrh remains confined to very hot regions of the Middle East with basaltic soil. 

 Source: Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs

Dermatitis Itch and Acupuncture

Dermatitis itch- one of the many things that acupuncture can treat.

Dandelion-Mint Tonic Recipe

This combination is popular with Cherokee herbalists to relieve water retention. Be sure, however, to find out why you’re retaining water (review your diet and exercise routine), rather than relying on herbs to cure the condition. 

Ingredients: 

1 tablespoon dried dandelion root

1 teaspoon dried peppermint 

3 cups water

In a small saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Continue to boil until the liquid has been reduced to 1 cup, about 10 minutes. Discard the plant material and sip. You can have up to 5 cups a day.*

*If weather is damp, stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon before sipping. If weather is dry, add 5 raisins to tonic before boiling. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Acupuncture and Osteoporosis

Studies show that a combination of Acupuncture and massage can help prevent Osteoporosis!

Recycle your Cell Phone

Keep your old cellular phone and  other electronics out of landfills by recycling them with your town or designated recycler. 

Cell phones contain mercury and lead that could present a hazard to you and your immediate environment over time. 

Most cell phone retailers, as well as private companies, will buy or recycle your old cell phones. You can also donate your old phones to various nonprofit organizations. 

Electronics equipment should also be recycled or donated. Check with http://earth911.org to find a recycling center or donation location near you. 

Tuna Salad with Green Beans and Red Wine-Tarragon Vinaigrette Recipe

This crisp and hydrating salad is a refresher for those who are fatigued from stress and overwork, because tuna helps the brain produce the energizing hormone dopamine. 

Ingredients: 

8 crisp romanine lettuce leaves

12 ounces tuna, packed in water

2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks and steamed

1/2 pound green beans, steamed

1 large, ripe tomato, cut into wedges

4 Greek olives, pitted and sliced

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon

Pinch of dried mustard 

Pinch of sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Arrange the salad by placing the romaine leaves in a starburst pattern on a round platter. Mound the tuna in the center and fill in with the potatoes, green beans, and tomato. Sprinkle the olives over all. 

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients and sprinkle on the salad. Serve as a lunch or dinner entrée. 

Source: Healing secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Herb of the Day: Pipsissewa

This shy woodland wildflower is seldom noticed, but it has been an ingredient in popular soft drinks for decades. 

Pipsissewa is an evergreen, a member of the heath family. It grows from coast to coast, primarily in the northern regions. Its latin name, Chimaphila, comes from the Greek cheima, which means “winter,” and philein, which means “to love”- an appropriate tag for a plant that stays green through the winter. 

Pipsissewa was used by the American Indians and the settlers to treat typhus by bringing on perspiration. The plant was used during the Civil War to relieve rheumatism and kidney disorders. 

The leaves of pipsissewa are used more widely than the other parts of the plant. The herb is a highly rated natural remedy for kidney problems. 

A typical infusion is 1 teaspoon of chopped leaves, steeped in 1/2 cup of water, sipped throughout the day. 

Source: Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs

Acupuncture helps you Quit Smoking

New studies show that Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help you quit smoking!

Dandelion Vinegar Recipe

This tasty condiment is a good source of calcium, a mineral that can promote nerve health, strong bones, and fit teeth. 

Ingredients: 

About 2 cups fresh dandelion leaves, coarsely chopped

Cider vinegar to cover (about 2 1/2 cups) 

Pack the dandelion leaves in a large glass jar and pour on vinegar to cover. Cover the jar and set it in a sunny window for about 2 weeks, shaking the jar once daily. After about 2 weeks, discard the dandelion leaves and enjoy the vinegar in salads, soups, sauces, or marinades. *

*If weather is damp, mince fresh jalapeños and let them marinate in the vinegar, to cover, for an hour before using to garnish with a spring salad. 

If weather is dry, fill a glass with half orange juice and half soda water, then swirl in half a teaspoon of the vinegar. 

Acupuncture and A-fib

New research shows acupuncture can treat A-fib- check it out!

Salmon Salad with Sprouts and Ginger-Lime Dressing Recipe

This recipe is a tonic for spring sinus trouble, since the gingerroot may hep clear the head. In addition, for those who become queasy when plagued with sinus congestion, gingerroot may help alleviate the problem. 

Ingredients: 

2 cups shredded romaine lettuce 

1 1/2 cups radish sprouts, or other sprouts

12 ounces salmon fillet, cooked and loosely broken into pieces 

1 teaspoon olive oil 

Juice from 1 lime 

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon regular or reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon finely grated fresh gingerroot

In a large bowl, combine the romaine, sprouts, and salmon. 

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Pour over the salad and toss well to combine, taking care not to break up the salmon pieces. Serve as a brunch, lunch, dinner, or entrée salad. *

*If weather is damp, add freshly ground pepper to taste to the dressing and serve the salad at room temperature. 

If weather is dry, serve the salad slightly chilled. 

Nourish Plants Naturally

Choose eco-friendly fertilizers for your lawn and garden. 

Commercial fertilizers made with toxic chemicals derived from fossil fuels do more than enhance the appearance of your plants. They can seep chemical toxic waste containing lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and dioxin into the soil and groundwater, endangering the entire ecosystem. And nitrogen runoff wreaks havoc in the environment. 

All-natural fertilizers, such as humus from a compost bin or grass clippings from your lawn, will promote healthy growth without the use of dangerous chemicals. Consult your local garden supply store for simple solutions and other green alternatives. 

Source: The Little Green Handbook by Ruth Cullen

Pär's Bio

For those of you who don't know Pär, he is at Coastal Acupuncture on Mondays from 1-8 pm. Below is his bio:

Pär Scott began doing massage in 1987 with an apprenticeship while Bard College at Simon's Rock in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Later he attended the Stillpoint School of Massage, where he focused on injury treatment. In 1993 and '94 he was the in-house massage therapist for Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, working with students and performers from around the world. In Boston, he worked with members of the Boston Ballet, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and touring companies like Riverdance. 

In the mid '90's he started studying herbal medicine and its topical application for traumatic injuries. This led to the study of Chinese medicine and acupuncture at the New England School of Acupuncture. After graduating in 2002, he helped to found a small bi-lingual Chinese medical journal, where he translated and edited throughout its three years of existence. More recently he has been an editor for the People's Medical Publishing House, the largest publisher of Chinese medical texts in the world. He edited several works, including The Treatment of Depressive Disorders with Chinese Medicine by Wang Yan-heng. He is also co-author of a forthcoming book of case histories from the Chinese category of "external medicine" which encompasses topical and internal herbal treatment for dermatological, men's reproductive health, tumor treatment, and a range of other categories in western medicine.

Pär has taught at New England School of Acupuncture for the last five years. He is an instructor of classes on the history of Chinese medicine and of reading classical Chinese medical texts. He also works as a teaching assistant for the advanced herbal medicine classes and advanced needling technique.

Par has clinically focused on the treatment of sleep and dreaming disorders, dermatological and cosmetic treatments, men's health, and pain conditions whether due to trauma or chronic postural issues.

For more information, visit Pär's Website.

Migraine Relief with Acupuncture

Suffering from migraines? New research shows that acupuncture can help!

Strawberry-Rhubarb Dessert Sauce Recipe

For those with sluggish spring digestion, this high-fiber dessert sauce will help provide relief. As when introducing any high-fiber food into the diet, be sure to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day; otherwise, all that fiber could get “stuck”. 

Ingredients: 

1 cup strawberries, sliced 

3 cups sliced rhubarb

1/4 cup orange juice concentrate

In a large frying pan, combine all of the ingredients and heat on medium-high, mashing the fruit as you go, and bringing the mixture slowly to a boil as the juice is released. Reduce the heat to low and simmer slowly, stirring frequently, until the mixture looks slightly thickened and saucy, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm or chilled atop ice cream, frozen yogurt, cake, fruit salad, or crepes. *

*If the weather is dry, swirl in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract after simmering. If the weather is damp, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the sauce while simmering. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Acupuncture and Hearing Loss

New research shows that acupuncture can treat hearing loss! 

Pot a Plant

Use houseplants to freshen the  air you breathe at home. 

Indoor air pollution caused by chemicals in building materials, new carpets, paint, and household cleaners, to name just a few, might have more of an effect on our health than previously thought. 

According to NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, the following indoor plants are especially effective at purifying the air: bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, chrysanthemum, corn cane, dracaena, English ivy, gerbera, peace lily, snake plant, and philodendron. 

Find more indoor plant recommendations at www.zone10.com/tech/NASA/Fyh.htm.

Source: The Little Green Handbook by Ruth Cullen

Elbows with Arugula Recipe

Arugula, a delicate member of the mustard family, is often recommended by herbalists as a mild spring diuretic. 

Ingredients: 

2 cups arugula leaves 

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1/4 cup minced fresh basil 

Pinch of sea salt 

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 cups hot, cooked elbow pasta

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and toss well, about 30 times, until the arugula has just wilted. Serve warm as a lunch or dinner entrée. *

*If weather is damp, add cayenne to taste when tossing. If weather is dry, serve with lemonade as the beverage. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Herb of the Day: Onion

What plant is most often depicted in Egyptian tomb paintings? What plant did the Greeks and Romans come to have a love-hate relationship with, both praising its healing properties and condemning its rank odor? What plant did Alexander the Great feed to his troops to give them strength for battle? The humble onion. 

As a medicine, onions contain smaller doses of garlic's antibacterial and antifungal components. A paste of onions is said to prevent infection in wounds and burns. Other extracts inhibit blood clotting and seem to reduce cholesterol levels in people who eat high-fat diets. Experiments have shown that rats injected with an onion extract had lower blood pressure. And recent research suggests that onions increase the production of high-density lipoproteins, which in turn are believed to help clear the arteries of fatty deposits. 

Gardeners recommend planting onions with beets, cabbages, lettuce, and strawberries to enhance their growth. They'll also tell you to keep onions away from beans, peas, and sage. Reportedly, onions repel cabbage loopers, Colorado potato beetles, carrot flies, and imported cabbageworms. 

Source: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs

Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia

Another amazing effect of acupuncture- the treatment of Pediatric Fibromyalgia. 

Fresh Strawberry Sherbet Recipe

Scientific researchers hold that eating strawberries may keep the heart healthy- the fruit contains a type of fiber that may help lower blood cholesterol levels. 

Ingredients: 

4 cups strawberries (pick up some organic strawberries at Green Meadows Farm!) 

2 egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks

Toss the berries into a food processor or blender and process until puréed. Scoop the berries into a bowl and fold in the whites. Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions. *

*If the weather is dry, top each serving with sliced strawberries. If the weather is damp, top each serving with a crunchy oat granola, or serve the sherbet atop waffles or in a crisp waffle cone. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Acupuncture and Morning Sickness

A recent study shows that acupuncture can help alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women.

Kill Weeds Kindly

The sight of unwelcome weeds in flower and vegetable gardens can provoke violent reactions in the most peaceful of gardeners. We yank weeds up by the roots and whack them into submission, but occasionally, we seek out something stronger. 

Fortunately, you can kill weeds kindly using a green thumb and nontoxic remedy. 

Pour scalding hot water directly onto your weeds, or choose from dozens of all-natural weed management products that do the job without any harsh chemicals. Ordinary white vinegar mixed with a pinch of salt and liquid dish soap, for example, zaps weeds without contaminating the environment, and it’s cheaper! 

Grilled Salmon with Mustard and Fennel Recipe

Try this dish after a spring day has left you frazzled- mustard and fennel are what herbalists call carminatives, substances that help soothe stressed digestion. 

Ingredients: 

12 ounces salmon filet 

2 tablespoons prepared mustard

1 tablespoon fennel seeds 

Prepare the grill or preheat the broiler. 

Spread the salmon flesh with the mustard, then sprinkle the fennel seeds. Grill or broil the salmon about 4 inches from the heat source until just cooked through, about 4 minutes on each side. Serve warm or at room temperature for a brunch, lunch, or dinner entrée. *

*If weather is damp, serve a side dish of steamed potatoes tossed with spicy salsa. If weather is dry, serve a side dish of steamed sugar snap peas tossed with sautéed mushrooms and fresh lemon juice. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons by Judith Benn Hurley

Herb of the Day: Ginseng

It’s hard to evaluate the medicinal qualities of a plant that has been said to help every human ailment. Perhaps the broadest health effect claimed for ginseng is that it is an “adaptogen,” a substance that protects against stress, physical and mental. Put another way, adaptogens help body functions return to normal more quickly than they would otherwise. 

This is a very simple ginseng tea recipe with the most minimum ingredients – ginseng, water and salt (optional). Ginseng with its cooling property is perfect for combating our hot weather, keeping the body balanced. It is also a drink which is touted to improve mental alertness, thus moms love to brew this for their children during exams period (for the same reason, you should avoid consuming this this drink too close to bedtime).

Ingredients: 

1 oz Ginseng “fibers” or “beards”

6 cups of water

A pinch of salt (optional)

Directions:

 1. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add ginseng and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Season with salt if desired. Take out the ginseng using a strainer and serve the drink at room temperature or chilled.

Walk-In Wednesdays

Our walk in wednesday hours are gaining in popularity, which is fantastic! That said, there still seems to be some confusion about what we do on Wednesday and how it is different than our private sessions. On Wednesdays you do not need an appointment and the cost is$25.00 per session. Patients are seated in comfortable reclining chairs that are separated with enough space to ensure that the treatments continue to be serene and peaceful. These sessions differ from our private sessions in that the patients are treated on one side and remain clothed throughout the session. However, even though the treatments themselves are done in a communal setting, the consultations continue to be done in private before going to the treatment space. 

A common misconception is that the chair treatments are less effective than a private session.These sessions are not mini treatments. We use meridian and channel theory to diagnose and treat the problem. What this means is that we do not need to needle the spot that is hurting. For instance, a common treatment area for low back pain is on the ankle. Many acupuncturists practice this method alone and it is very effective.

If you have any questions about our Walk in Wednesday program please feel free to call the clinic at (978) 922-4111, or better yet pop in and experience one yourself!