Are You Tired, Irritable and Anxious From the Heat?

Calm The Spirit, Nourish the Heart and Restore Energy Flow with Acupuncture

Summer Specials

Summer Special For Current Patients — 4 treatment package for $450.00 ($50.00 Savings)

Summer Special for New Patients — New Patient Visit $130.00 ($20.00 Savings).

Facial Acupuncture Packets — Current and new Patients $130.00 per treatment ($20.00 Savings per treatment). 6 treatments in 6 weeks recommended for good results. A rejuvenation for summer skin — brings blood flow to your face, restores and brightens the skin to a healthy glow, supports entire head, brain flow and body as well.

All Specials available through September 2022 and must be used by October 31st 2022.

Check out Lindsey Kalb’s Beauty Counter products for natural skin care here. First time buyers get 30% off!

Summer is Time to Nourish and Balance Heart Fire

To enhance our connection to nature and balance our bodies in the summer, we need to care for our heart. In Chinese medicine, the heart is ruled by the fire element and balanced heart fire is vital to keep the qi flowing freely. When over exposed to the excess summer heat, our heart fire can easily become unbalanced which can make us feel tired, irritable and anxious. To balance our fire element, we can use the element of water. All things that enhance the element of water in our bodies have cooling, calming effects . . . whereas fire element is energizing. There is a sweet dance these elements do in our bodies when in balance that makes us feel so good!

Summer Rituals

Yes, it’s HOT and easy to lie around in the AC, but this can stagnate our energy. Acupuncture helps beat the heat and get energy flowing. So when you want to lie around, come to the Acupuncture Cabin and get a treatment.

Tune into the slow energy of summer to balance the fire and water elements and get your rivers of energy flowing freely! Create some sweet summer rituals to soothe your heart in the crazy heat.

Rituals fill our vessel, and are a nice way to pour in loving self care. My favorite summer ritual to start the day is to first make a refreshing tea of Mint, Thyme, Lavender or Lemon Balm from my garden. Ancient Chinese Secret: hot tea opens the pores and releases the magical water our body makes to cool us down — sweat! As you sip your morning tea or other healing beverage like lemon water, celery juice or detox smoothie, make your plan to get outside while it’s cooler out. Go for a walk, do some energy balancing qi gong with Marisa, and catch some healing first morning rays of sunshine.

Practicing Summer rituals and turning all artificial light off after 10pm will reset your circadian rhythms and support your adrenals to power you through each day without stimulants that drain your energy. The early morning gentle summer breeze is heart soothing – close your eyes and connect to the morning sounds of nature.

In the late afternoon or evening take a plunge into Barton Springs — this brings in the cooling water element to balance heart fire energy. Live moving streams and rivers are the best way they soothe and remind your own rivers of energy to move. I learned to swim in Barton Springs as a child so it’s a special place for me. If you go to the springs early or late in the day it’s so peacefully quiet. Try a night swim!

Turn off the News

Remember my last blog advice — “Turn Off The News!” Who wants to start their morning listening to bad news? Ground yourself first in loving morning kindness, then if you do end up reading news, it isn’t setting the tone for the day. Perhaps know enough about the hard times to be of service in some meaningful ways, but strive not to worry over them. In a worry state we can do no good in our own little corner of the world.

Early Morning Open Consciousness
by Charlotte Sobeck

She held her heart with all her might
And woke into the dark glass night
A climb to mountain tops to seek
A dive to the abyss so deep
Things we hide protect and keep
Collected secrets while we sleep
Secrets take our hearts away 
From highest joy and deepest pain
The chance to feel the love again
Open up, let it bleed that fragile glass heart in its need
My promise is your soul will gain, even amongst the darkest pain
The joy of dancing in the rain

A song was released by the Impressions and performed by Curtis Mayfield in 1965. It had a bold, comforting theme about the struggle for freedom during that time. It was named the unofficial song of the civil rights movement. Many of these freedom issues are still amongst us today. The song reminds me of the power we have when we choose to unite and come from our hearts with gentle kindness. That is where the true power lies . . .

People get ready
There's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage
You just get on board . . . 

Much love to you my Seasons Health friends.  I hope to see you soon in the Acupuncture Cabin.  Please share my blog with your friends and family and spread the heart love.  We are all better equipped in the world when we take care of our hearts.

- Charlotte

Turn Off the News . . .

“And Build a Garden with Me” ~ Lukas Nelson

I am sitting in my backyard in the healing sunshine, embracing seasonal living while watching nature do its colorful dance. The winter weather brings a different look to the acupuncture cabin — the grass is a rich dark green, the flowers are gone and the red oak is hanging onto its last few leaves. The Acupuncture Cabin is cozy and warm, sunlight filters into the room and shines on the table, and on crisp dry days I slide open the cabin doors. You can hear the birds go about gathering the seeds I’ve put out for them…

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our Lung organ system is where we want to send our self-love this winter.

Ancient Chinese Secrets for Health in Winter

In TCM, the lungs and large intestine organs are linked by the same meridian system — this means cold, dry or damp winter air penetrates easily from the most superficial organ – the lungs, to one of the deepest organs – the large intestine. So to remain healthy we must support the lungs to be a strong barrier to weather extremes–this helps avoid cough, common colds and other viruses. In TCM we believe you don’t just “catch” a virus or contagion — you become ill with a virus when your body systems including the innate immune system are not well tended to. The foundation of Tibetan medicine is that mind and body are closely related. Therefore, Tibetan physicians have always considered a sound mind as a prerequisite for a healthy body. To keep the mind healthy, meditation is important to stay balanced and out of fear patterns that break down our bodies resilience. The Dali Lama promotes that as we move forward to make new discoveries, we must preserve and promote our ancient wisdom –and the innate wisdom of our own bodies.

The Cedar bloom is here, so let’s support the immune system to stay balanced and out of overreaction during this prolific show!

Keeping our lungs moist in dry weather is a good for the immune system. My favorite food for moistening the lungs is pears. Eat them in abundance. I love them steamed. Pears are in season now, because what our body needs grows in the season and location we live within. Nourish and strengthen your body with the abundant deep root vegetables, dark hearty greens and healing herbs that grow in the winter. We need them for energy stores, strength and stamina — nature is so smart!

Check out the seasonal foods that grow in the Austin region here. And shop your local farmers market – it’s charged with healing energy, kindhearted people, and amazing local farmers and food!

Modern Tips for Immunity Boosting

  • Sugar is a #1 immune system dis-regulator –Get your sugar naturally – in fruits, sweet herbs and veggies like carrots, beets and dates.
  • Zinc is helpful — Oysters, chickpeas, cashews and almonds are a great sources.
  • Vitamin D — Eat mushrooms; they lower risk of infection.
  • Probiotics — Eat fermented veggies and yogurt without added sugar. Many foods contain healthy prebiotics to assist your body in producing probiotics.
  • Eat antiviral and antibacterial foods — Chew a clove of garlic a day. Try Young Living’s Vitality Line Oregano – one or two drops is plenty. These both pack a punch, so don’t overdo it. Yowza!
  • If needed for an infection, concentrated plant supplements like Mediherb’s Andographis and Boswellia are good. And Astragalus can be helpful pre and post imfection. I can help you find the perfect supplements for your body at your next appointment, or via an online herbal consult. Reach out at cls@seasonsheatlh.com.
  • Get plenty of sleep — Sleep helps with cytokine production. These signal the immune system to do its job by affecting the growth of all blood cells and other cells to help the body’s immune and inflammatory responses.
  • Avoid excess EMF’s in your home — Check out some well-tested and documented remedies here at Aulterra. Spending many hours on and around electronics can lower your immunity.
  • Nurture your nature by managing your stress – You’ll enjoy the benefits of reduced cortisol. This also lowers fight or flight patterns and anxiety, depression and overwhelm. Try calming music and meditation; I love Joe Despensa’s YouTube videos. Try lying on the earth and connecting with its healing heartbeat — taking in nature quickly calms the spirit.
  • Keep your body moving — Keep your rivers of innate wisdom flowing with movement.
  • Acupuncture for optimum health — Acupuncture supports and balances your whole body and immune system through your energetic pathways!

You might also further pursue the paradigm shift that’s happening in the medical field – towards modalities that empower our body and its innate wisdom, instead of compromising it. Along those lines, I want to share with you a new favorite place of mine. Try the sauna and cold plunge! . . . Kuya

I also like Dr. Zach Bush’s YouTube videos and symposium on the “Innate Immune System” and how it functions optimally.

An essential oil remedy to soothe sore throats and tame coughs

Honey-Thyme Cough Alleviator

Mix in small bowl:

1/3 cup honey (use Manuka honey to increase the antiviral effects of this remedy)
6 drops thyme essential oil (To be sure the thyme essential oil you select is suitable for internal use, try Young Living’s vitality line.)

Store in small jar and use 1/2 to 1 tsp as needed or add to Traditional Medicinal’s Breathe Easy Tea.

Acupuncture Cabin and Seasons Health News

  • My patients will now have access to my new online pharmacy with a 25% discount on all supplements ordered there. I will get you set up at your next appointment.
  • I am collaborating with Marci Warren, LPC, a holistic trauma therapist with over 15 years of experience healing self and others. You will love her! In early May we will co-facilitate a women’s healing group in nature for women who care for others. This foundational support is vital for recovery, healing and post-traumatic growth — especially for women who carry so much. I am excited to share ancient healing remedies with the group — including healing with plants, Qi Gong exercises to support and cleanse our energy and many Ancient Chinese Secrets! More information to come!

I encourage you to come enjoy the warm, cozy Acupuncture Cabin soon – it’s a special place each season of the year. Slow down, breathe, nurture yourself abundantly. Stop doing and just BE in silence with your beautiful self — that is where the waves of calm and connection to your wisdom are found.

I wish you all a New Year full of joy and confidence that you and your loved ones are safe, sound and healthy. Whether you are new to Seasons Health or a long-time friend, I am grateful for you. I would love for you to share this post with anyone you feel would be happy to receive it. Many thanks.

“People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering.” ~ St. Augustine

With Love,

Charlotte
Seasons Health

Seasons Health Acupuncture Cabin–Your Peaceful Place.

Greetings to all my Seasons Health friends! I hope this blog finds you all healthy and happy. I would like to extend a warm welcome to my new office in the Brentwood Neighborhood in North Central Austin. I am treating patients Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday in the cabin, and continue to offer Home Visits on Fridays. Email me to schedule an appointment!

This is my space, I call it the Acupuncture Cabin. It is an old building given new life with the help of friends and family and some amazing contractors. It’s a sweet spot with a cozy cabin feel. See video below.

Anxiety and depression are at an all time high in both children and adults because of the many lifestyle changes we’ve had to make due to Covid-19. Acupuncture, and other non-needle Chinese medicine and holistic modalities are extremely effective treatment options for anxiety and depression, as well as being one of the best avenues for building a strong immune system.

Here you can review Seasons Health’s Contagious Virus Protocols. In these unprecedented times, I have created a space where you can let go of your worries, and get steady in peace and solace for yourself. Come get a deep healing acupuncture nap!

I look forward to treating you, your family and friends in my cozy Acupuncture Cabin. Take sweet care of yourselves and have a very happy and healthy 2021.

Namaste,

Charlotte

“WE ALL SHINE ON! LIKE THE MOON AND THE STARS AND THE SUN” (J.LENNON)

Staying Grounded in a Health Crisis and Embracing Boredom

Let’s all take a collective deep cleansing breath and reset our nervous systems.  

We are living in times unseen for many of us.  Rather than repeat the important mainstream do’s and don’ts we’ve all heard by now, I’d like to share with you some ancient wisdom to keep us grounded and in a place where we can do the most good for ourselves and others.

Check the “Run for your life!” mind chatter

The body’s stress response is designed on an evolutionary level to protect us from danger in emergency situations.  Where swift action is required in order to save ourselves or another, this stress response gives us power to survive.  Our body releases glucose, cortisol and other hormones into the blood stream during high stress. These hormones and chemicals help us run faster, increase strength and sharpen brain function. Our blood pressure rises and we’re primed to conquer any emergency! This same stress response shuts down systems in our body that are not required in an emergency like our digestion, reproductive hormones and other endocrine system functions that are vital. Ideally, this stress response would only be put into action on rare occasions.  Yet in today’s fast-paced stressful environment, some of us get stuck in patterns of stressful thoughts, rushing around and not sleeping or eating well.  This creates chronic health issues over time. Our bodies forget how to slow down and settle into our “Rest and Restore” parasympathetic nervous system.

Do you scroll email, news or social media late at night when your body needs to rest, restore and gather back the Qi it lost during the day?  It’s no wonder we are so stressed.  This pattern is unsettling to the central nervous system – fear-induced mind chatter and social media, non-stop doing, and not enough “being” throws our body into an excited response called the sympathetic response aka “fight or flight.” It’s characterized by anxiety, rapid heart rate and shallow breathing which depletes us of our vital resources and our super powers when we truly need them.

Embracing Boredom And Coping With Stress

Many today feel the need to be perpetually stimulated — watching the news as we eat, listening to music during exercise or chores, being on our laptop, phone and TV all at the same time. It’s a constant stream of stimuli.  If you find absence of this stimulus brings discomfort and you are scrambling to fill the space with talk or technology,  it may be time to practice embracing stillness and just be with what is.  Teach your body to rest and restore.

A wise meditation teacher Chogyam Trungpa taught about two kinds of boredom:

  1. “Hot Boredom” is that strong uncomfortable feeling that propels us to seek entertainment. It’s like being locked in a padded cell where we feel irritated, bored, closed in with just our thoughts.  Yet as we evolve in our practice of being still we begin to move into a different, higher state.
  2. “Cool Boredom” is where we notice our boredom without reacting to it in the same way.  It feels more spacious; we allow ourselves to sit with it, observe and lean into the boredom and thoughts without judgement — allowing it to exist as it is.  When we do this daily, a shift occurs over time and we learn to tap into the deep calm river that flows through each of us when needed.  It’s this steady calm transferred into real life situations — like the health crisis our country is experiencing today — that make us stronger individually and collectively.   So don’t buy into the fear. Stay steady my friends.

Ancient secrets Sustain calm and balance in the storms of life

Slow down, ground, and just be in each moment as it unfolds:

  • Just one deep breath can reset your nervous system.  For a deeper reset try 4-7-8 breathing (there are many good videos on youtube.com.)
  • Practice daily mindfulness: meditate, walk, close your eyes and just be with the stillness.
  • My personal favorite app to support mental well being is “Calm.”  I use their simple 5-10 minute guided meditations daily. The sleep stories lull me off to dreamland, I enjoy the soothing music compositions as I go about my day, and am especially impressed by the classes they offer by masters in the field of mindfulness. Patients can email me for a 30-day free trial of the Calm Premium app to get started.
  • Yoga may elevate the brain’s GABA levels and create calm.
  • GET OUTSIDE! Get fresh air daily.  Whether it’s sunny or rainy — take a walk, dig in the garden, pull weeds, hug a tree, feel the wind in your hair, connect to the earth under your feet and hear the music of nature!

Facing COVID-19

As for COVID-19, yes it is out there . . . and yes, this is a worthy of our calm and collected attention.  Remember your daily calming practices.  From there, take good care of yourselves and others. As my Dad told me often, “Don’t be scared, be smart,” and remember to separate facts from fear.

Please Note:  If you or someone in your family shows signs of COVID-19, you cannot show up at any walk-in urgent care or other clinic (including Seasons Health).  At this time, most clinics do not have the tools available to test you correctly. Please stay home if you think you are getting a cold/flu or COVID-19. Then call your doctor, describe your symptoms and they will inform you of the next steps to take. If you are experiencing any urgent symptoms, such as high fever, difficulty breathing or other symptoms of immediate concern, call 911, or go to your local emergency room.

Helpful links:

CDC Coronavirus Homepage
CDC Proper Handwashing Technique
City of Austin Updates on COVID-19

Other ideas to get you through the storm

  • Take a few daily supplements for preventative care such as vitamin C, Zinc, and a probiotic. There are many other options for preventative care and illness I suggest based upon each individual’s needs.
  • Practice good self-care to maintain a healthy immune system:  get plenty of exercise, healthy foods, purified water and sleep. Bring in your own special stress busters. I like to take long walks, practice yoga and meditation, bounce on my mini trampoline, garden, and get plenty of deep belly laughs!
  • Avoid exposure to crowds for now; avoid being with others when either you are they are feeling sick — don’t wait until you run a fever to self-quarantine. Remember studies are showing many people are asymptomatic with COVID-19.  One of those studies, published by Eurosurveillance found that of the 634 who tested positive aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship 328 of them showed no symptoms.  This means people who have the virus could be spreading it without knowing, which could be especially dangerous to older adults and people with underlying health issues.
  • Essence oils are a wonderful addition to your wellness kit
    • Create a calming atmosphere by Defusing therapeutic-grade essential oils in your home:  Like Young Living’s Stress Away, and Grounding, thieves, lavender or orange.
    • Looking to purify the air: Purification is the blend for you.
    • To create an uplifting environment try peppermint, lemon or lavender, or blend the three!
    • Think respiratory care with R.C., Raven and my favorite Ravintsara. These can bring a comforting aroma when applied to the chest.
    • Please Note:  Young Living’s Vitality line of oils are labeled for internal use, so you can safely and confidently use them as an addition to your wellness routine.  Thieves Vitality is a good choice to support a healthy immune system.*  Other vitality oils to consider?  How about Lemon Vitality.  It only takes a drop or two.
    • *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
    • Please contact me if you would like to learn more about essence oils and why I choose Young Living.
    • See Leslie’s Lifestyle Links on Facebook for more essence oil tips.

I invite you to tap into the deeper still waters of healing that run through each of us when we take time to sit, let go and listen to our inner wisdom.  Teach the people you love to do the same . . . Moreover, I am here to help and support you, your family and friends as you navigate the best choices for your health needs.

Charlotte’s Home Visits and Remote Holistic Healthcare Consults

**I am always available for online/remote holistic healthcare consults.** I can help you navigate the many options available for both preventive and healing purposes.  Together we will come up with a plan that may include diet, nutrition, lifestyle and calming tips, Chinese herbal formulas, and other wellness formulas.  Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine formulas have been around for centuries; they helped us through SARS and other health epidemics in the past.  They are now among the best and safest of herbal antivirals.

I close with sage advice from The Way of Zen to guide you through your days, this one is hanging in my very own kitchen:

Do one thing at a time

Do Things slowly and mindfully

Connect Deeply with People and Nature

Meditate frequently

Appreciate Silence

Expect Nothing

Be grateful for everything

Observe without judgment

Consume less, create more

Let go of fears and desires

Listen to understand, not to respond

Be Patient and generous

Love Deeply

Live Simply

And there is Always John Prine, who advises in his “Spanish Pipedream” song:

Blow up your TV, throw away your paper

Go to the country and build you a home

Plant you a garden, eat a lot of peaches

And try and find Jesus on your own . . .

From the light in me to the light in you, I wish you peace and calm to carry on through the storms of life.  We will all do this together, and we will be fine.

— Charlotte

 

Unplug, Get Outside! Get Acupuncture Before You Travel!

I’m raising a young adult growing up in the techno generation.   This task is a wild ride for those of us who came in on different rockets, had phones that plugged into the wall, had to seek out a pay phone if out and wanting to call someone, had no computer, and oh yeah walked miles to school each day in the rain!  Imagine that, and it wasn’t so long ago – was it?!  How do we grasp this brave new techno world, navigate it, and help our kids do the same?   We are the test run my friends!

I think there is too much techno on the brain for some, perhaps for many.   I hear comments ranging from “that’s just what kids do these days,” to a lot of  “I just don’t know what to do” — “I’ve tried it all.”   The truth is all of that and more!  Kids are light years ahead of us in techno know how! . . . and personally I don’t know how or want to keep up.   So we talk to each other about what helps, what doesn’t, and know we will all survive, and even thrive, if we keep circling back to our roots and nurture our connections.  I take night walks with my teen, a tuck in at night with a gratitude practice to end the day, hands on a real book, face to face conversations, deep listening — the kind where we just listen, see, listen more, love and strive to accept and understand — connect.  You cannot influence a kid you are not connected too!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine we talk a lot about moderation. Too much electronic use creates imbalance issues in our nervous system, and throws other organ systems out of whack.  This and other excesses can produce anxiety, depression, attention deficits and other health issues.  It’s more important than ever to teach ourselves and thereby our children the healing power of striking a balance in life so our body systems stay strong and healthy.  Modeling healthy behaviors and communication for our kids is paramount.

Teenage children and many adults use their phones as a socializing tool.  We have the benefit of reaching our people at the touch of a finger on snap chat, instagram, twitter and more.  So, don’t get me wrong, I can see the benefits and I am grateful.   I use those tools now as I write this blog, sitting on the patio at one of my favorite outdoor food trucks, Picnik, watching the rain fall and people go by–who knew that would be possible when I was a teenager!  Years ago, reaching so many people was impossible!  However, As parents we know some of the greatest lessons we can teach our children come from striking a balance in ourselves, and thereby helping our kids do the same.  It feels more difficult in this age and time, but is it really?  Each generation had it’s hardships.  I want to hear how you nurture your balance?  Do you feel like idle time is a waste of time, or can you sit still, quiet, and contemplate just being here now, without electronics on?  How do you slow your pace and consciously create slow mindful living?  Do we need to be plugged in Now, or can it wait?  How important are you, your family?  How balanced are you?  Let’s think about how we can connect, market, communicate, thrive and just be, without electronics sometimes.

As for me, my best answers for balancing are generally found in nature, and in the eyes and hearts of my son, and my people.  I put away my computer and phone as often as I can or it makes me crazy and not so nice! I get outside, sleep on my porch, put my feet on the ground, in a river stream — the ocean, feel my hair in the wind and my toes in the sand, listen to the leaves crunch under my feet as I hike through the woods, watch the clouds roll by,  plant and nurture herbs in my garden, dance in the rain!  Then sometimes I take a real camera on my outdoor adventures – and share some of nature with my friends hoping to inspire you to get out in it too!  Excess electromagnetic field radiation on the brain is a real problem!  Love the place you are in,  and the One You’re With, not the thing you’re with!

The Chinese New Year is one of the greatest migrations on Earth!  This year, around 400 million people journeyed home to family roots, a family feast, and time celebrating together.  This year is the year of the Pig – which is a zodiac sign that is declared to attract luck and success, which I love, since my Chinese Zodiac is the Pig!   Point is remember your roots!  I grew up in Austin (yes, there are a few of us here!), and I take my child each year on our own journey to the high mountain desert of the Big Bend area in Texas.  My father took me there growing up and now my son and I do the things my father and I did — we swim in Balmorhea Natural Springs, hike the Chisos mountains, and the Canyons, drive the beautiful roads of Big Bend National Park.   We partake in the slow living to be had in the small towns there, the heartfelt people and their beautiful sun touched faces.  We bask in the cool dry climate of late summer and appreciate the Great Outdoors!  This is our annual migration home in a way, we sing, laugh, play and are recharged and connected!

I hope you are traveling some this summer, and experiencing the great expansive outdoors.  Take a journey, even if it’s experiencing your own backyard in a different way.  My yard has some changes upcoming I’m excited about – I will keep you posted on facebook and instagram!

So, remember — sit or lie on the ground, be still and quiet — you will feel and hear in the wind that you are connected to all things and you will find the peace you desire.

Acupuncture, herbal remedies and essence oils can help you stay calm and steady on a plane, in a car, with the kids arguing in the back seat of your vehicle, or playing their rap music loudly!  Get your travel calm on with Acupuncture and grab your holistic care travel kit before you venture out this summer!  More on Travel Acupuncture Here.

I am very excited to share that I am expanding my Home Visit practice — so I can come to you and it’s quiet affordable!! More On Home Visits Here.

Happy Summer Solstice, Breathe, Love, Get outside!

Charlotte

Make and Appointment or Contact me email Here.

EE Cummings said many wise things . . .  here are a few of my favorites . . .

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), It’s always our self we find in the sea.

For every mile the feet go, the heart goes nine”
e.e. cummings, 100 Selected Poems

 

 

 

Acupuncture the Medicine of Peace, Calm and Carry On! Treating PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and Substance Abuse

Our country  is experiencing trauma in the form of intense and vacillating changes in our political climate, as well as our actual climate!  Our nation’s schools don’t feel like the safe haven they should be.  There is far too much suffering.  Our brothers and sisters of the world are seeking a safe place to call home and in the difficult journey are being torn from their families.  This trauma can rattle the very foundation of our well-being. I certainly have felt it, and it’s trickled into every aspect of my life at times . . . So how do we remain unshaken in a world of such trepidation?

PTSD, chronic stress,  anxiety,  and depression are manifestations of imbalances  — these imbalances can come from our environment, our food, and from lack of self-care – typically all of these.  I try to stop often, take a deep breath and ask the question, “What do I need right now?”  At times, the answer is a little sunshine — I’m a solar powered girl; sometimes it’s as simple as  a glass of water (with lemon!), putting my bare feet on mother earth,  or a night under the stars . . . Find your go to self care ideas.

Top among the things I do to feel grounded in a place I can do the most good is The NADA Five Needle Acupuncture Protocol. When I want a deeply effective long-lasting remedy, I turn to NADA — a short and simple ear acupuncture treatment.  And I love to share this treatment with my patients and friends. NADA helps patients tap into their inner quiet and calm strength so they can experience the peaceful silence we all need at times to heal.

SOME ISSUES TREATED WITH NADA PROTOCOL

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Emotional trauma
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability, anger and agitation
  • PTSD
  • Pain
  • Substance Abuse  — Reduced cravings for sugar, alcohol and drugs, including nicotine (we have a vaping epidemic in our nation’s teens).
  • Minimizes withdrawal symptoms
  • Stress reduction, and more

Our personal wellness is easier to reflect upon when we approach it from a calm, steady place.  Admitting our brokenness is necessary to heal.  If we don’t honestly reflect upon ourselves,  we remain stagnant in our problems, both physical and mental.  Acupuncture moves stagnation!  Specifically it moves liver qi stagnation (stuck energy).  Then the magic happens — our body  goes into a deep relaxation, restoring the natural energetic flow to our organ systems which  nourishes our tissues and cells.  Through a more balanced flow, our mental function is positively charged — helping us get off the spinning wheel of worry!

Deep relaxed breathing has been used to soothe the mind for thousands of years, and is a key element of meditation and yoga.  BREATHE yourself to wholeness — peaceful calm is just a few deep breaths away!  I use a simple deep breathing technique called 4-7-8 which shifts you from fight-or-flight mode into your parasympathetic nervous system to rest and restore.   Each time we breathe out we have the opportunity to let go that which is not serving us. On our inward breath we can rejuvenate — pulling in all the love, light and calm we desire.  Try it!

Deep breathing also has a physiological affect on the body because the increased oxygen encourages a resting heart rate.  Dr. Andrew Weil refers to the method as a “natural tranquilizer for the nervous system,” and states, “Practicing a regular, mindful breathing exercise can be calming and energizing and even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”

HOW TO DO 4-7-8 BREATHING

“Perhaps the most important thing we bring to another person is the silence in us, not the sort of silence that is filled with unspoken criticism or hard withdrawal.  The sort of silence that is a place of refuge, of rest, of acceptance of someone as they are.  We are all hungry for this other silence. It is hard to find. In its presence we can remember something beyond the moment, a strength on which to build a life.  Silence is a place of great power and healing.”

If you would like to try a calming NADA treatment, or have a family or friend you feel would benefit, click here to set up an appointment. My appointments are affordable and very relaxing.  I also offer much more in my clinic — see my website for more about my Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.   I treat the entire family from babies to grandparents, and would be honored to be a part of your families wellness team.

I am grateful should you ever wish to share my blog with a friend.  They can sign up to receive their own here.

Onward into the peace and quiet of your heart and it’s steady beat.

Namaste,

Charlotte

Acupuncture and the Road to Recovery from Addictions, Stress and Anxiety


In spite of decades of research regarding the negative effects of recreational and pharmaceutical drugs, nicotine, alcohol, sugar and caffeine –people continue to use these dangerous substances to the detriment of their well-being and that of the people who love them. Why?  Simply because they are profoundly addictive in nature.  To overcome addiction,  patients need a strong foundation of support. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be an integral part of the road to recovery from addiction.  It is important to note the support of a good medical doctor, therapist, a regular exercise program, and a healthy diet are of vital importance on a recovery journey as well.

There is a national opioid crisis in our country due to the overuse of pharmaceuticals to treat pain.  Acupuncture is a well-documented method of easing and resolving chronic pain without the use of addictive pharmaceuticals – increasing the patient’s physical activity and ability to heal naturally.  See more information on treating pain with acupuncture.

Create a Support System

Creating a circle of support takes the kind of focus that comes from a deep commitment and calm resolve.  A calm and rested state of mind is not usual when patients are dealing with addiction.  If the mind cannot turn itself off, it effects well-being profoundly — disturbing sleep patterns, frame of mind, and overall body balance.  Acupuncture and prescribed herbal remedies offer a well researched modality to safely and effectively treat addiction and core issues that can accompany addiction, including pain, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Use Acupuncture to Make Your Body an Ally in Recovery

Acupuncture guides patients into a deep healing state of relaxation, while in this relaxing state the acupuncture needles work to resolve stressors that commonly come with addiction issues.  Acupuncture points stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain; these chemicals either change the experience of stress, or trigger release of other chemicals and hormones — influencing the body’s internal regulating system and stimulating its natural healing abilities.  Obstructions in the body’s energy pathways are unblocked, restoring healthy flow to the tissues which naturally helps correct imbalances in the body’s brain chemistry and internal organs.

Acupuncture protocols often use ear points to help balance a patients overall constitution.  Fine needles are inserted into a set of 5 acupuncture points on each ear along with other points on the body.  Acupuncture treatment reduces symptoms associated with addictions, including withdrawal symptoms, cravings and anxiety.

The needles do not hurt, most patients feel only a minimal prick as they are inserted, many feel nothing at all and sleep on the acupuncture table, getting much needed rest and relaxation.  Visits to an acupuncture clinic several times a week for the first couple of weeks is recommended to get the healing process rolling — however, recommendations vary depending on the patients condition.

I am a certified detox specialist and trained in NADA protocol (ear acupuncture for the treatment of recovery from addiction).

Low Cost Option:  After establishing my patients health needs and goals in the first one to three treatments, I offer an affordable quick and easy 30 minute treatment plan to make coming 2-4 times weekly more affordable.  One hour treatments are always available when a longer “acu-nap” is desired.

Some of the addiction related issues that lend themselves well to the 30-40 minute treatments include:

  • Addictions: Recreational Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Alcohol, Nicotine, Caffeine, and Sugar
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Allergies, Asthma
  • Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Insomnia
  • PTSD
  • Substance Abuse Recovery
  • Weight Loss, sugar cravings and more . . .

Please share my blog with your friends and family – they can sign up for their own “health tips” and updates on the sidebar of most pages on my website.  I am ever grateful for the opportunity to guide you and your loved ones on a journey to experience and maintain optimal health.

Learn More in Person

Come to my free talk October 29th on “Overcoming Addictions with Acupuncture” at  7:00 pm Peoples Pharmacy Wellness Center, Lakeline location.  More details at http://peoplesrx.com/ seminar and event calendar.

Also, you can hear me on the “Let’s Get Healthy” Live Radio Show. See archive shows on various topics.

Don’t hesitate to email me cls@seasonshealth.com with any questions.

Make your appointment at Peoples Wellness Center North

Acupuncture Works!

When energy flows there is less pain, better communication, and improved well-being!