SOS — Self Care Is Necessary for Good Health and Vitality

August 3, 2021Leave a comment

Do You Feel Hungover From The Ups And Downs Of The Last Two Years?

Over the last two years there has been so much transition. This is hard on our physical and emotional body – and our immune system to boot! I invite you to slow down and immerse yourself in self care — rushing head on can be dangerous after navigating difficult times. FILL YOUR CUP SEVERAL TIMES A DAY with deep self care for your physical and emotional body. Then, from that place of going inward – expand out to your community and all your to do’s.

In the beginning of the spring of 2020, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands to contemplate. After losing my contract job as an acupuncturist due to the pandemic, the stillness and time I spent outdoors reflecting upon what was next for me is something I’m now deeply grateful for. I spent time on my back screened porch watching fireflies in the early evening; I ate my breakfast and dinner on the porch, watching wildlife coming to take in the spring air with me.

A thoughtful patient gifted me an Audubon membership and I went on an early misty morning bird walk at Commons Ford Ranch this spring. I was impressed by the many species of birds I saw in just two hours — including a Yellow Billed Cuckoo! Yep, there really is such a creature and it predicts the rain with it’s loud call more accurately than our weatherman! This slowing and stillness amongst the sights and sounds of nature helped me sort things out, and let necessary things go. I found gratitude for things taken for granted in my busy day to day life – time with my precious son, our sweet cottage home, and my health and vitality in the second half of my life. I was inspired to create a pollinators garden — I built it, and they came! The bees, the butterflies, moths, hummingbirds and other birds are all participating in the natural habitat I’m nurturing for them. And, I built the wonderful Acupuncture Cabin for you! This has all connected me to something very important . . . .

We Are All Part of Nature And The Natural Process Of Things

In my garden I give to the planet that supports me . . . I never use pesticides inside or out, I plant native trees and plants for the abundant wildlife. Here, I watch the cycles of life that have always taken place on our planet unfold before my eyes and listen to what it has to teach. Hippocrates said, “When there is an imbalance on earth, look to nature for answers . . . ” We have experienced a profound look at a great imbalance over the past years. And still the cycle of life continues. Through my TCM practice, I have been the grateful witness of new babies coming into our world, and many on their way currently growing in the ever amazing mother’s womb.

My Masters of Science at AOMA Integrative School of Medicine was the beginning of my learning to think outside mainstream medicine whenever I can to support health, and to remember how truly powerful and amazing our innate immune system is when we nurture it.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and holistic healthcare offer tried and true methods for building a strong immune system, and for supporting immunity through a health crisis.

Connect To Nature — What Do You Like To Do Outdoors?

The Negative Ions In Nature Are Healing!

Put your body in moving water, a river, a waterfall, a natural spring. Lie on the earth and get your daily grounding in . . . If not in your own backyard, we have an abundance of beautiful parks right here in the Austin area. I recommend Austin’s very own Barton Springs, Pedernales Falls State Park, South Llano River State Park, and Blanco State Park. Further out there is Garner State Park, and Lost Maples. Oh my gosh so many to choose from — I recommend the book “The Swimming Holes of Texas” by Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy at University of Texas Press, Austin.

The gift of living a healthy lifestyle is priceless, as it helps our immune system do it’s job. Eat healthy, local and seasonal. Plant a Garden — get inspiration from Barbara Kingsolver’s Book “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,” and any read by Michael Pollan who says, “Eat Food, Not too Much, Mostly Plants.”

Get plenty of sleep, move your body daily, drink spring water, (I like Mountain Valley) and they deliver it right to my door!

In that spirit, I would like to invite you to the Acupuncture Cabin, it is such a sweet place to come for a relaxing, deeply restorative self care session.

Now the wildflowers are gone but the pollinators garden is buzzing right along. My patients love the open air cabin on cool days, gentle rain sounds on the metal roof, sun filtering through the green vines at the window, birds singing in the garden, the music . . . come embrace the experience!

REMEMBER ACUPUNCTURE IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL!

Great for boosting immunity
Calms the Central Nervous System
Good before and after traveling — I can help you with a supplemental immune support travel kit!
Helps restore your parasympathetic nervous system’s resting state, and get you out of fight or flight patterns — treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
And I offer telemedicine Traditional Chinese Medicine and Holistic Healthcare consults, to promote wellness, or to support recovery from an illness.

I am here for you my Seasons Health friends. Just shoot me an email to make an appointment at the Acupuncture Cabin, or for me to come to you for a home visit. Please, share my blog with any friends or family you think may be interested. Thank you for supporting my practice.

Namaste, Charlotte

“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it“ Buddha

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.

Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy

Teens Love Acupuncture!

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It’s true — teenagers love and benefit from acupuncture in so many ways. Acupuncture helps balance male and female hormone cycles, and when teens are first navigating hormone fluctuations it can feel intense for both teens and their parents! Acupuncture helps teens unwind and relax, supporting them in the intense demands of the middle and high school years and the rapid growth of mind, body and spirit that happens in these years as they explore and learn who they are.

As us parents of teenagers know, it’s hard to slow them down – yet acupuncture actually does “pin them down!” . . . for awhile anyway. Over and over in our clinic I witness teens easily go into a deep state of relaxation with acupuncture. Yes, they sleep, unwind, and wake up refreshed and ready to conquer their multi-faceted day!

If your teens are exploring drug use, using drugs, or addicted to their smart phones or other screens remember it takes a village. These difficult times are easier to navigate when you incorporate a solid self care support system for you and your teen. Read this blog about an acupuncture treatment plan for addictions, anxiety and depression. I can help!

Acupuncture helps unplug, reset and unwind that overtaxed teenage brain! There is so much growing and transition from the teen adolescent years well into their 20’s — big hormonal changes, demands at school and in sports, and just learning to navigate the everyday stressors of life. The transformation from adolescence to young adult is hard work. My son is very active in sports and says acupuncture helps his tired muscles let go, relax and stay strong. It helps him quickly overcome the bumps and bruises that come with the active teen lifestyle, and it helps him focus and study for big tests at school. He often says hey mom “how ’bout some acupuncture!”

Here’s a personal acupuncture account from Isabel Luecke, a lovely accomplished teen writer who frequently visits my clinic and would like to share her experience:

“It was just the other day that, suffering from both writer’s block and the carpal tunnel that was the symptom of not having writers block, that I went to get acupuncture. This had not been my first visit and, unless I suddenly end up living solely in a survivalist bunker, it will not be my last. I use acupuncture to treat everything from colds to skin blemishes, to re-inspire and relax. It is truly something that I wholeheartedly recommend for people of all ages.”

And here’s a personal quote from sweet Gracie, age 13 who also comes regularly for acupuncture:

“I have been going to Charlotte for acupuncture for a few months to work on relaxation for anxiety. I like it because it is relaxing and helps me get a grip on life. It doesn’t hurt at all. I love it!

Acupuncture helps teens learn a strong and steady pattern of slowing their bodies down, letting go to rest, breathe and unwind when needed. Self-care is a nice thing to teach our teenagers, it is a skill that gets refined over time and serves them well. Believe me your teen will thank you for introducing them early in life to this ancient medicine for our sometimes overstimulating busy modern world. Even if at first teens are skeptical or a little bit nervous, once they experience the deep relaxation and healing power of Acupuncture, they quickly become believers!

I’ve also noticed some of our teens are having allergies. Here in Austin along with all the lovely bloomin’ green, and the beautiful lakes and rivers that support the nature that abounds — come the high mold spores, grass and tree pollen. Sometimes we get an over-zealous immune response to this abundance of pollen inundating our body, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and swollen lymph glands — this is an overactive inflammatory response. Acupuncture helps balance, soothe and support the immune system so it does not consider the pollen and molds threatening invaders requiring such arduous response. A little proactive care at home helps too, nasal rinses – I recommend NeilMed, showers to rinse off the excess pollen from the day, a healthy diet free of inflammatory foods, a healthy gut equals a healthy body, and the right herbal remedies and supplements to support the immune system through the more challenging seasons in Austin.

Helping your teen set up a support network outside the vital support they get at home is nice because it expands their self-care knowledge and supports you in your job as parents — it takes a village!

So instead of here take this pill to fix what ails you — acupuncture says . . . here try this needle it will remind your body of what it innately knows how to do . . . balance, relax, heal and transform! To add to your teens good qi flowing contact me here, I will support them in making positive changes in their health.