OCTOBER 2018 NEWSLETTER
Hi Folks, 

The Fall season is finally here and we’re all gearing up for cooler weather, gathering with friends and family and hopefully, taking some time to reflect and slow down when we can. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Fall is associated with two particular organs, the Lung and the Large Intestines. This is a time of breathing in the crisp, beautiful air as well as “letting go” of the things that no longer serve us. Notice how in nature the earth is releasing the last of the harvest and the trees are letting go of their leaves. The air is dryer and the sun bows out earlier in the day. We can learn from nature if we really pay attention. This newsletter has many tips to help us stay in balance with nature and within our own bodies. Again, since this is the time of Lung and Large Intestines, when we lose our balance, it is very easy to catch colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergy symptoms can often flare up. My patients always wonder why the Lung and Large Intestine are connected in TCM. In TCM the the Lung and Large Intestine have a very important relationship. They both have a very large surface area, one to absorb oxygen and the other to absorb nutrients and water. These organs are then responsible to eliminate or “let go” of waste products that can be toxic to the body. They are also connected in that the Large Intestines carries so much of our immune system, which protects us from getting colds, flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, as well as allergy symptoms that can affect the Lungs. In this newsletter we’ll share some advice from one of my mentors Grand Master Lu, we’ll share some herbs and essential oils to help prevent or restore healthy Lung and Large Intestine function, we’ll provide you with a yummy soup recipe and with some workshops to help keep you mentally and emotionally balanced during this sometimes hectic and chaotic season. Thank you so much for being a part of our community. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call or check in with us!  

As we progress through this beautiful season, please remember the basics:

1.       dress appropriately and break out those scarves,
2.       eat warming soups and stews,
3.       remember to take deep, cleansing breathes,
4.       take stock of what is weighing you down and change or eliminate it,
5.       try to get to be earlier or at least get a full night’s sleep. 

Peace and Love to you all, 
Donna and Edwin
FIVE TO THRIVE
by Grand Master Nan Lu
We often take steps to enhance our health. Some people run for miles while others work out for hours in the gym. Yet, traditional Chinese medicine believes that these strenuous activities aren’t the best things for us. Why? Running or other hard workouts force the body to use extra Qi—Qi that could otherwise have been used for healing.
Here are five lifestyle choices the ancients in China tuned into that will help you thrive.

HERBS FOR THE SEASON
Fall is here and unfortunately so is cold and flu season. In the Fall many of our patients also experience an increase in Allergy symptoms. Here are some simple herbs that we recommend you stock up on to help prevent or alleviate symptoms of allergies and cold and flu.
 
Xanthium Relieve Surface – Treats Allergy Symptoms

  • Treats allergic reactions – allergic rhinitis, sinus congestion (stuffy nose), sinus headaches, chronic aching muscles
  • Treats various itching skin rashes – dermatitis, hives, poison oak, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
  • Treats stuffy or runny nose associated with common colds or flu with heat signs

Cold Away – Treats Acute Stages of Cold and Flu

Cold Away is best used to treat the early stages of cold and flu but can be used at any stage. Symptoms Cold Away can address include fever, sinus and chest congestion, coughing, aversion to wind, headache, throat pain, tonsillitis, and symptoms associated with measles.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE SEASON
With Fall comes a sense of gathering in and stocking up. It’s a time to eliminate what is unnecessary and become aware of what is essentials… .
On Guard
(By doTERRAs)

Often times gatherings leave us with unwanted colds and flu. doTERRAs powerful protective blend, On Guard , is just what you need to cleanse the air and support healthy immune and respiratory function.
Be Balanced     
(By Spirit Potions) 
                       
This healing blend from Pure Spirit Potions contains Organic Blue Chamomile known to calm and restore unbalanced skin, Elemi and Geranium to melt away your tensions and stabilize your mood as the grounding powers of Sandalwood and Frankincense keep your feet rooted to your center. Italian Bergamot and Lemon leave you feeling and smelling fresh and alive. With an essential oil for each of the seven Chakras, your Body, Mind, & Spirit will receive the full balancing act.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
We finally have our new gathering space available for workshops and meditation. Here are some of the workshops we have set up but please stay tuned for more updates. Also, if you know of someone who wants to host small gatherings please let us know.  


MEDITATION TIPS FOR BUSY PEOPLE
By Jean Wible, RN, BSN, LMT, HTCP

Nov 10, 2018 at 2:30pm
Nov 14, 2018 at 7:00pm

Meditation is defined in many ways. Simply put, it is the practice of remaining in a calm and focused state for a period of time as a religious, spiritual or health activity.
The catch is getting to and remaining in that “calm and focused state”.




NUTRITION FOR CAREGIVERS
By Jacki Szimanski, CPT-NASM, CES, PNS

Are you a caregiver? Is it sometimes hard to take care of your loved one and yourself? Do you want to learn ways to stay healthy, eat well and feel better?

Series runs: Tuesdays, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13 and Nov 20 at 6:30-8:00pm




CHAKRA WORKSHOPS
Coming in January
FALL INTO A NICE BOWL OF SOUP
from Jacki Szimanski, CPT-NASM, CES, PNS
Autumn is here, there is no doubt. With the falling leaves and cooler weather comes the need for soothing, warming foods like soup which is a perfect meal for this time of year. The changing of the seasons can sometimes be unsettling and making a soup with seasonal vegetables has a magical way of grounding us. A really great soup is not too heavy, but is filling and nutritious. Here is a simple, healthy recipe that will feed your belly and your soul. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 T. Olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots ,sliced
2 cloves of garlic, diced or minced
Heat oil in a soup pot and add onion, carrots and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes.

Add:
2 T. fresh thyme, chopped
2 T. fresh parsley, chopped
2 8-oz. packages of sliced mushrooms, white, cremini or mix them
Cook until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes

Add:
6-8 cups of stock, vegetable or chicken and bring to a boil
Salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer for 20 minutes then serve.

This is a basic flavorful soup that you can spice up with… well, spices! To make it more savory, add paprika or sage or just about any vegetable like chopped spinach, squash, leeks, diced sweet potato or chopped kale. Other favorites to add are shredded chicken, rice, quinoa or noodles.  
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcoming Rachel
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of our team at Acupuncture & Wellness Center – Rachel Amos. We are all very happy and excited to be working with Rachel and are looking forward to experiencing all the gifts and talents she brings to our community! 


Rachel Amos is a part of the Baltimore community, she graduated this past May with a Bachelors in Fine Art & Design at Towson University. She currently is a Baltimore resident and is continuing her practice as an artist. She has a strong interest in wellness, healing, and emotional communication. Rachel is considering going back to grad school to explore avenues of becoming a therapist specifically within the area of Art Therapy. She had been coming to Acupuncture & Wellness for treatments herself before becoming new edition to the staff. Rachel is very excited to be a part of the team and is here to be a support to her community!
SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR EDWIN
Edwin:
Mondays/Wednesdays 8-12 and 1:30 -5:30,
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10-2 and 3:30-7:30
Alternating Saturdays 10-2
REMINDER:
SAME DAY CANCELLATION POLICY
Acupuncture & Wellness Center strives to provide the most professional care for our patients. In doing so we provide a structure in our treatment schedules that enable us to ensure the best care for all we serve. Therefore, we ask that you provide us with at least 24 hour notice if for some reason you have to cancel your appointment. No shows or frequent last-minute cancellations will mean that a slot that could have gone to another patient would be unfilled. Therefore, under these circumstances we will have to charge $40 missed appointment fee. We do not bill insurance companies for missed appointments or late cancellations (less than 24 hours notice). You are responsible for paying the missed appointment/late cancellation fees. We thank you for your understanding.  
GIFT CERTIFICATES
Available for the Holidays!
Give the gift of wellness to the ones you love!
Ask us how to get yours during your next visit or call us at 443-219-1220!