Unplug, Get Outside! Get Acupuncture Before You Travel!

June 12, 2019Leave a comment

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 and the Road to Recovery from Addictions, Stress and Anxiety

September 18, 2018Leave a comment

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!

How to Boost Your Immune System With Acupuncture As Fall Turns Into Winter

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Fall has arrived and winter is on it’s way. In Texas, fall moves into winter with plenty of vacillating weather making it difficult for our bodies to adjust, then bang – cold weather is here! Our immune and respiratory systems need strong natural support during this time, and regular acupuncture is an excellent way to provide that support.

In Chinese Medicine the immune system is strongly related to internal organ function, mainly the Lungs and Spleen which need extra care during the winter season. When these organs are well-balanced they support the immune system and strengthen its function, this prevents you from being easily affected by external pathogenic factors such as cold and flu viruses and other infectious diseases.

A long winters “acu-nap,” helps to calm and relax the body, reducing extra stress that can come with the winter and holiday season, and boosting immunity to help you sustain good health.

In addition to Acupuncture, plenty of rest, and daily exercise help keep healthy energies flowing strongly, and remember a diet, full of nutrition is vital to good health. The abundance of local fruits, deep rooted vegetables and herbal plants that grow in the winter season right where we live support our bodies as nature intends. So visit and support your local farmers markets and grocery stores for a fresh colorful winter food supply full of the nutrition your body needs. Making rich soup broths with plenty of healthy winter veggies, dark leafy greens, and healthy grains; eating good healthy fats, and drinking warm teas are all excellent winter rituals that fuel the body. Here are a few more winter wellness tips:

Avoid eating much frozen or cold foods; instead partake in warming foods which help sustain your body’s energies during the cold season.
Be sure to get plenty of rest.
Avoid exhausting yourself with overwork, or overjoy!
Avoid stress and excess emotion by practicing good self-care and a form of meditation.
Keep warm and protect yourself from the wind and cold with proper clothing such as a hat and scarf in addition to your warm jacket.
Balance and support your body with natural medicine (such as acupuncture and herbs from seasons Health) before the change of weather so your body has what it needs to do well in the seasonal changes.
Dry your hair before going to bed or out in the cold.

Charlotte offers herbal consults over the phone to her patients, assisting further in strengthening the immune system as well as resolving health issues that do arise so you can rest at home while recovering. She will also give you valuable diet, nutrition and lifestyle self care tips specific to your individual needs. Charlotte will set you up with a treatment plan to keep your body strong throughout the season, so remember Seasons Health can be a part of your family’s Winter Wellness Resource.