It was announced this week that Governor Baker has extended the original Stay-At-Home advisory, and the return to work for acupuncturists is now set for at least May 18th. This information will continue to be updated as it becomes available.

Your safety and welfare are my top priority and I have been readying the office and treatment rooms:
• Some additional office procedures and requirements will also be implemented
• The necessary PPE will be available to both practitioner and patients for when the green light is given to reopen

In the meantime, I will remain available for herbal and supplement recommendations to established patients.

Stay safe and healthy!

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Most New Year’s resolutions consist of changes in diet and exercise…what about a cleanse for your MIND??

Whether you realize it or not, one of the most powerful forces in your life is your self-image.  A positive, healthy self-image can carry you to heights you’ve never imagined, while a negative self-image will pin you down like a lead weight.

To a large degree your self-image is influenced by the pictures and messages you continually feed into your mind.  Positive, uplifting messages help to foster a healthy self image, while stories of doom and despair are sure to bring you down.

Your mind, just like your body, is conditioned by the pattern of your daily habits.  If you get into the routine of exercising every day and putting wholesome nutritious food into your body, it is inevitable that your level of health will improve.  By the same token, feasting on donuts and soda everyday while taking up permanent residence on the couch is like punching your ticket on the express train out of here.

By treating our minds like our bodies, that is, feeding them what makes them healthier and exercising them the right way, we can make a complete shift in our mental make-up.

Detoxing your mind takes practice and discipline, but the payoff is invaluable.  The eventual goal should be to always ooze positivity…

• Start by challenging yourself with a few days to a week of elevating your attitude and build from there.
• Journal your progress and take note of the changes that you see in yourself and in those around you.
• Replace the “junk food” that you force feed into your head with outrageously nutritious material. Focus on feeding nothing but positive, motivating things into your mind; this goes for what you watch, read, listen to, and most importantly, what you think.
• Replace the dread and corruption reported on the evening news with a motivational reading, spiritual study, or uplifting music. 
• Break away from gossip and get into the habit of passing out compliments.

If negative thoughts about yourself or someone else enter your mind (and they will) work on eliminating them or putting a positive spin on them.  For example, instead of complaining that your water bill is too high, come up with creative ways to lower it or simply be thankful that you have running water at the turn of a knob.

You draw into your life those things that you consistently focus your time and energy on…become a magnet for happiness and prosperity by continually thinking happy, prosperous thoughts!

The post Detox Your Mind appeared first on Tybee Acupuncture.

“The conception that the tick has to be attached for 48 hours to inject the bacteria is completely outdated,” she said. “There are studies that show that an attachment of 15 minutes can give you anaplasmosis,10 minutes for the Powassan virus, and for the different strains of Borrelia burgdorferi, we have no idea.”…

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According to five element theory, during the summer the organ that receives extra energy is the heart. When the seasons change so do the organs we should focus on in the body. You should focus on the heart during summer. Feed the heart heart-nourishing foods and make sure to remain active so the heart receives positive energy.

When summertime and the summer solstice arrives it is very important and integral to your body to remain active. An activity such as swimming can be very beneficial. Swimming allows you to move within the cool yin of water and this can assist in balancing the hot Qi that comes with the onset of summer. Make sure to keep your circulation moving to avoid debilitating conditions to your body.

Even though you should make sure to get plenty of exercise during the summer, you should also make sure to limit your midday sun, especially during the solstice. If you expose your body to too much sun it can turn out to be very bad for you.

When the summer solstice comes around you will be thriving if you eat heart healthy, stay heart and overall health conscious, exercise plenty and avoid too much excess sun.

Follow these tips in order to have a nourishing summer season for your body and to prepare for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

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The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by a number of viruses. To date, there are approximately 26 to 30 different known strains of the flu virus. This is one of the reasons the flu vaccine has only mild efficacy. The flu vaccine itself typically only covers five to seven strains of the flu.  Symptoms of the flu include fever, coughing, a sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, runny nose and watery eyes.

The good news is we can avoid the flu by implementing healthy habits and taking care of ourselves throughout the year. Of course, the best way to treat a disease is to try and avoid it!

Chinese medicine is a great tool to have in the toolbox for preventing the flu. Utilizing acupuncture treatments can be very beneficial in keeping the flu at bay.

Regular acupuncture treatments help boost immunity, while balancing and regulating the body’s energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”). Several studies have shown acupuncture can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and shorten the length of time that somebody is ill.

Along with acupuncture, there are other things we can do to avoid catching the flu; regular exercise, ample sleep and a proper healthy diet are three of the best things anybody can follow to stay disease-free. Exercising enough to break a sweat without overdoing it has been shown to reduce the incidence of the flu. Incorporating practices like tai chi, qi gong and yoga can actually reduce physical and emotional stress, while strengthening the immune system and preventing disease.

Eating a healthy diet is essential for preventing any disease, not just the flu. This includes eating a very balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Foods that contain beta-carotene are especially helpful at boosting the immune system.  Carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes and garlic are good examples of beta-carotene rich foods. Also drinking at least 64 ounces of water on a daily basis is highly recommended; ample fluid intake helps the body flush out invaders and toxins, while keeping the mucus membranes and upper respiratory tract moist and healthy enough to fight off the virus.   I always tell my patients, “No SUGAR, DAIRY, or WHEAT”…..these can be mucus-forming and can lower your immune system, making symptoms worse if you are already sick.

Taking advantage of what Chinese medicine has to offer, while incorporating healthy daily habits, will ensure this upcoming flu season passes by without wreaking havoc on any of us!

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As the school year kicks back into gear so should the healthy habits that you and your children have practiced prior to the school break. Notice how I said “practiced,” because we all know during the summer-vacation months we tend to indulge a little. Maybe you have had one too many backyard barbecues, or three too many trips to the favorite ice cream shop down the street. Whatever your summer vice may have been, don’t worry about it… you can regain those healthy habits from before and reintroduce them into your children’s lives!

1. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.

Get everyone in the family moving; don’t just emphasize the idea of being active to your children without participating in the activities yourself. In addition to making it fun for the whole family, exercising as a unit will allow you to interact with your child and help them stay healthy and active.

2. Eat a Variety of Foods.

Don’t just stick to the same food regimen. Make sure you try a vast array of different nutrient-rich foods to boost the health of yourself and your children. There are many different vitamins and minerals out there, and if you just stick to the same old mac n’ cheese menu with the occasional lasagna, you are missing out on an abundance of healthy nutrients for your children!

3. Limit the Screen time.

It is no stranger that we live in a world constantly absorbed by some type of technology. From work to leisure time, technology is present in our life in one shape or another almost 24/7. It is, however, best to try and limit these habits. They promote a lifestyle with less movement and activity, and it has been shown to lead to increased obesity and cardiovascular disease. So try and limit your child’s time behind the screen and get them moving.

4. The Most Important Meal of the Day: Breakfast.

Fuel up! Before you send the kids off to school and bring yourself into your favorite place aka work, make sure to create a nutritious breakfast; it’s a great way to regain all the energy lost from the previous day.

5. Choose Creative Rewards for Your Kids.

Sometimes parents tend to reward a job well done or the completion of chores with a trip to the ice cream shop, some candy or a new video game. Change the types of rewards and incentives you present to your children; maybe take them on an excursion to their favorite park, or another outdoor adventure. Whatever you decide, make sure it is creative and helps to influence healthy habits in your children.

6. Eat Fruits and Vegetables with Every Meal!

We have already emphasized the importance of eating healthy, but there should also be a frame of reference for what this means. One way to encourage healthy eating is to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables into your child’s diet. A neat way to do this is to have fruits and vegetables as a snack, and available during every meal period.

7. Be the Best Role Model.

Your children tend to emulate and copy they way they see you behave, so why not exhibit healthy habits that they can catch on to and then practice themselves. Be the best role model possible for your children and work together as the both of you craft and practice healthy habits for the new school year and beyond.

The post 7 Healthy Habits For Your Kids appeared first on Tybee Acupuncture.

No nutrients

Refined sugar has no nutritional value and it is recommended to consume as little as possible. The first step in eliminating sugar is from drinks such as soda, juice and mixed alcoholic drinks. Because of the large amounts of sweetener in these drinks, it can make them very addictive and hard to quit drinking.

Harms your liver

Sugar can be just as damaging on your liver as alcohol and lead to fatty liver disease. When you consume too much fructose, your body becomes insulin resistant resulting in various problems that can cause disease.

Raises cholesterol

One study done in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that participants who ate the highest levels of added sugars showed the biggest increase in bad cholesterol levels and triglyceride blood fats and the lowest levels in the good cholesterol levels.

Leading cause of obesity

In America, sugar is one of the leading culprits of obesity. It is estimated that 80 percent of food products in the U.S. contain added sugar. The best way to lose weight and lower your risk of obesity is to eliminate all processed foods and drinks.

Bad for your teeth

It should be a no-brainer that sugar is bad for your teeth. You may remember growing up having the dentist tell you as a kid to eat less candy to prevent cavities. As an adult, we know it’s not only candy that will cause cavities, but sugar that is found in your favorite drinks and everyday foods as well. Best way to sustain healthy teeth and gums? Cut the processed and refined sugar.

Can lead to type 2 diabetes

When your body is consuming too much sugar, your glucose levels become too high, which can be toxic to the body. When this happens, your body has a harder time producing enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. This can then lead to type 2 diabetes.

Sources:
http://bit.ly/1VXrUuT
http://bit.ly/1U6W5uR
http://bit.ly/1Onu7xU

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Quit the tobacco, and don’t start if you haven’t already

It should be common sense now that smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to multiple types of cancer. If you are trying to quit, you are not alone. Try joining a support group or making a plan for yourself to set goals for quitting. Facing addiction is hard, but not using tobacco can save years of your life.

Healthy diet

A healthy, well-rounded diet can do wonders for lowering your risk of cancer and overall wellbeing.  Cut out processed sugar and instead focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to help fight cancer. Other fish that can help reduce the risk of endometrial cancer in women include halibut, sardines and tuna.

Exercise

According to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, women who are active have about a 30 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who do not exercise as much. Even walking 25 minutes a day can make a difference in preventing cancer. Studies have also shown that walking 4 hours a week can lower the risk of pancreatic cancer by half.

Sun protection

Protection from the sun should be another no brainer. Although sun exposure is necessary to get adequate amounts of Vitamin D, too much sun can be harmful. Make sure to wear sunscreen if you know you will be in direct sunlight for a long period of time. If you have any suspicious moles or have fair skin, make sure to check in with your doctor to ensure early detection if you think you might be at risk of melanoma.

Green tea

Green tea, in some ways, can be a miracle-working drink. According to the National Cancer Institute, there have been more than 50 studies that have shown a connection between the tea and lowering the risk of cancer. Green tea contains a chemical called EGCG that is packed with antioxidants, making it a strong cancer-fighting compound.

Sources:
http://bit.ly/1Tmk1vW, http://bit.ly/1Tmk0rR

The post 5 Daily Habits to Lower Your Risk of Cancer appeared first on Tybee Acupuncture.

Exercise

For those with arthritis, exercise, no matter how little you do, is one of the best natural treatments. For those with severe arthritis, even the smallest amount of walking can make a difference. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for those with arthritis because it puts the least amount of impact on the joints. Strengthening exercises are also recommended to keep muscles and joints strong.

Acupuncture

One of the most common reasons people seek out acupuncture is for arthritis relief. Acupuncture can help relieve pain from arthritis and increase blood flow and circulation, reducing inflammation. Through the specific placement of needles on acupuncture points on the body, acupuncture realigns the body back to balance.

Capsaicin Cream

Made from the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat, Capsaicin cream has been known to relieve arthritis pain. The cream works by decreasing the body’s pain receptors and as a result, lessening the overall pain caused by arthritis. The cream can be bought without a prescription at your local drug store.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is beneficial for numerous reasons, one of them being its anti-inflammatory properties. Because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, trials have found that the oil can reduce morning stiffness and the need for pain medication for those with arthritis. Fish oil is a supplement that is safe and recommended to take every day for the most beneficial effects. Consult your health care professional for brand suggestions and dosages.

Mind-Body

Mind-body techniques like meditation, relaxation and tai chi have been seen to improve overall quality of life for those with arthritis. Tai Chi is a form of martial arts that involves slow, easy movements along with deep breathing. This exercise can improve the body’s motion and physical fitness without being too demanding on the joints and muscles. Meditation and relaxation have been found to improve mood and health in arthritis patients dealing with chronic pain.

Diet

Studies have shown that some patients benefit from changes in their diet by eliminating food that may contribute to their arthritis pain and inflammation. By removing allergens from the diet, overall inflammation can be reduced. Common diets that have been seen to be beneficial include a Mediterranean diet rich in nuts, fish, vegetables, fruit and olive oil. Foods that are not recommended include red meat and dairy, as those can cause inflammatory reactions.

Sources:

http://bit.ly/1YtHTib

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Many of us find it hard to fall asleep at night and stay asleep; as a result we often wake up feeling groggy and not rested. Sometimes improving sleep is as simple as changing your habits during the day.

Below are easy ways that can dramatically help you get a good night’s rest!

Cut Yourself Off in the Afternoon

Believe it or not, having caffeine even at 2pm can affect your sleep. If you refuse to give up the java, then try to get that last cup of coffee in by noon; watch out for certain drinks you may forget have caffeine in them, such as soda and many teas.

Try Restorative Yoga

Practicing deep breathing and stretching before bed can help relax the mind and body. Try spending even just ten minutes to stretch and practice mindfulness.

Limit your screen time

Let’s face it, we are all addicted to our phones and computers. It’s tempting to look at your phone until the moment you fall asleep. Turn off all electronics an hour before bed to help the brain get into sleep mode; the screens on your devices make it hard for the brain to relax.

Acupuncture

If you are finding yourself struggling with insomnia you may want to consider acupuncture treatment; it can help with the many problems that contribute to insomnia such as chronic pain, depression and stress. Acupuncture is known to be a great alternative treatment for these related issues, and has been proven to reduce stress, help chronic pain and increase quality of sleep.

Acupuncture works by addressing the root of the problem to return the body back to health. One clinical study found that patients with anxiety had increased sleep time, better quality of sleep and felt less stressed with acupuncture treatment.

Aromatherapy

Lavender has been proven to lead to a better, deeper sleep and help those with insomnia fall asleep more easily. Sniff or rub lavender oil on your wrists before bed to feel the effects.

Exercise

Exercising regularly has many health benefits. It can also help you get a better sleep; even just 20 minutes of some form of exercise a day can make a difference.

Try not to exercise too late into the evening, as that can disrupt your sleep.

Cut down on the alcohol

Although some drink a glass of wine before bed to unwind and fall asleep, you are actually more likely to get a poorer quality of sleep. If you do decide to drink, do so earlier in the night to ensure a deep sleep.

Sources:

http://bit.ly/1Wc7jQe

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