Tuesday, January 11, 2011

January 2011 Newsletter

Editor’s Corner

It always takes me a few months to get used to a new year . . . so you may see 2010 a few more times at Green AcuClinic. 

We’ve had colder, wetter weather than usual here in Virginia this year, so I have a few tips to help your body deal with the cold.  Most are common sense, but a few are unique to Chinese medicine, and have helped me a lot over the years.

Our NAET Practitioner, Katie Larimer, and I encourage you to come in now for spring allergies.  Pollen allergies are much harder to treat when you are constantly exposed to pollen; by starting treatment now you can get your body better prepared to deal with those tiny irritants.  For other allergies, having fewer allergens around this time of year makes it easier to tackle the ones that are there.  On another note, the points used to treat sinus allergies are the same ones used for wrinkle treatment in facial acupuncture. . .not as intense, but most people will still see some benefits.  So come in now to reap the benefits this spring!

We’re rolling out a few money-saving ideas this month as well.  I’m offering discounted gift certificates year round now, and Katie has some great deals this month.  Look for “Show Me the Money!” for more info.

I hope your 2011 is wonderful, peaceful, prosperous and full of growth.  Thank you for including Green AcuClinic in your health plans!
Teresa Green, L. Ac.


Aromatherapy for Aches and Pains

Many people know that massage therapists often use essential oils in their practice, but you may not know that they often use specific oils for muscle pain.  Of course, all the usual caveats apply—if you’re pregnant, or have a major health issue, or are unusually sensitive to a lot of things, check with a doctor and knowledgeable aromatherapist.  Here are some of the ways I use essential oils to treat pain:
  •  In Epsom salt soaks.  I usually use a combination of eucalyptus, ginger, frankincense, and maybe some black spruce into Epsom salt.  Use at least 1 cup of salt (some people use as much as a ½ lb or more even for a foot soak, so use them generously.  Use enough oil to get a good strong scent—at least 10 or 15 drops of each, going heavier on the eucalyptus.
  • In topical essential oil blends.  Adding a little frankincense, eucalyptus, ginger, mint or other oil (in the proper dilution) can make  a massage oil work more effectively than it would on its own.  Ask your aromatherapist or massage therapist for ideas on blends you can use at home.
  •  In a clay paste.  I have used lavender, helichrysum, rose, or other oils mixed with green clay or Yunan Baiyao powder (a Chinese herb powder) to treat severe bruises or sore tendons where the pain was very localized.  There are many oils that would be useful here, feel free to come in and I can make recommendations.
  • Inhalation: Keeping the scent of soothing oils can relax you and minimize stress during painful episodes.  I use rose geranium, frankincense, lavender, or mint to soothe emotions and calm people who are overly tense from dealing with long term pain.  The oils often relax them enough to get to sleep, which is almost always an issue when a person is dealing with pain.
For last year's words belong to last year's language / And next year's words await another voice. / And to make an end is to make a beginning."   ~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"


New Products Available


I finally locked myself in the creative corner and made several new items.  There is a Chamomile Balm made from essential oils, natural beeswax, and olive oil.  I also have Eucalyptus Bath Salts to soak away tired muscles, and a Calming Tea of Decaf Green Tea, Chinese Chrysanthemum, Rose Petals, and Peppermint.  All are used for calming in Chinese medicine, and most are used to treat allergy symptoms.  Call me if you would like them—I keep different products at the Richmond and Williamsburg Offices.

 
Show Me The Money!


With the new year, everyone in both the Richmond and Williamsburg Office are offering specials.  Here they are:

January Only Specials (End January 31, 2011)

Richmond Office:

Teresa Green, L. Ac.
·         Will offer the 2nd treatment in a week for $20 for January for those needing more than 1 treatment each week.

Katie Larimer, NAET
·          will waive the New Patient Fee.  A new patient visit is usually $80.  For January only, it will be just $60.

Tamara Springle, CMT at Dr. Brown’s Office:
·         Offers a 60 minute massage for $55 for the month of January.

Williamsburg Office:

Northern Lights Spa
·         Get the Northern Wintergreen Mint Massage (60 minutes) for just $60

New Year Specials
Richmond Office:

Teresa Green, L. Ac.:
·         Buy gift certificates for 3 regular acupuncture treatments (1 hour) for $195 ($65 /treatment).
Katie Larimer, NAET:
·         The first visit of the New Year for each patient will be $10 off a regularly priced treatment.
Dr. Rob Brown, DC
·         Always offers adjustments for police and firefighters for $20 


I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's.  ~Henry Moore
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Dealing With Cold – Quick Tips
  1. Eat and drink warm things. To me, this is common sense, but I see a lot of people drinking iced drinks or even eating ice cream as they complain about the cold weather. Raw food is also a no-no, as it is usually cold, and takes a lot of energy to digest. Having warm food and drink means you give your body a head start at staying warm.  As an added bonus, warm food makes your digestion smoother, so if you already have digestive problems, warm food will probably make that significantly better, too.
  2. Keep covered. Again, this seems self-evident to me.  I suggest staying a little warmer than you think is comfortable, and especially keeping your torso warm will go a long way toward keeping the rest of you warm as well.
  3. Eat warming foods. In addition to eating warm foods, certain foods are inherently more warming than others.  Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, lamb, sweet potatoes, millet and squash are just a few of the foods that naturally warm your body.
  
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