Monday, December 19, 2011

Let Acupuncture Help Releive Your Holiday Stress

Holidays can be such a stressful time. There are many tasks to add to our already busy days.  The days themselves are short and the temperature is cold. This can lead to feeling stress and tension throughout your mind and body.

Acupuncture can be used to help reduce the stress and tension. This ancient system of healing relies on the movement of energy in nature and the body. This vital energy (called chi) flows through the body in a network of pathways that function like a system of rivers. When healthy, all runs smoothly and the rivers run clear. When there is a blockage, illness arises and presents as physical and/or emotional symptoms. By using acupuncture needles to stimulate specific points on the necessary pathways, health and harmony are restored. 

Keeping your body healthy will help maximize the healing effects of acupuncture.  Drink plenty of water, get enough rest, and exercise.  On the day of your acupuncture treatment, eat moderately, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and unusually strenuous activity. 

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed.  Focus on the positive.  Take care of yourself and remember to smile. Karen Giles Acupuncture wishes you happy and healthy holidays!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Use the Winter Months to Replenish and Strengthen Your Phsyical Reserves

The winter solstice will be here shortly.  The solstice marks the official beginning of winter.  Some view this to mean that the days will now begin to get longer as they anticipate the end of winter.  But don't miss the value of intentionally using this season to better your health.

Winter has a powerful impact on life.  Things literally shut down around us.  We are forced to spend more time indoors, regardless of outdoor activities such as skiing, skating, or snowshoeing.

By using the extra time indoors for rest and more sleep, you can help replenish and strengthen your physical reserves.  Sleep is a critical part of staying healthy.  Adequate sleep can affect your memory, cardiovascular health, immune system, emotional well-being, and weight.  And not surprisingly, getting good sleep impacts the level of performance in whatever you do.

Sleeping more is a natural thing to do at this time.  Use the shorter days as "permission" to nap, go to bed earlier than usual, and perhaps sleep in later.  Getting an appropriate balance of rest right now can support your overall health.

Karen Giles Acupuncture

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Gift of Letting Go in Autumn

 The gift of letting go in Autumn

The transition to Autumn has been a long and somewhat unsettled one.  A sudden cold blast in early September was followed by a step back into Late Summer.  The heat and humidity wasn’t so welcome to some, yet others were elated to have one last bit of time to head to the beach.  Then the recent quick storm with some sleet and snow reminds us of the coming Winter.  The leaves have been “late” to change this year as well.  With the underlying energy of Autumn’s drop, so to speak, and shortened days, everything seems to be waiting, just holding it’s breath.  There has been a certain sense of that in the world around us as well.  A collective holding of the breath as we wait to see what is next.  With nature being unsettled, you may be noticing some of that in your body or life.  What are you doing to keep yourself balanced?  As we transition through Autumn, you can use this time of inspiration to steady yourself as the season calls us to move from being outside to being quietly within.

Elemental wisdom

In the Five Element tradition, Autumn is the season of Metal.  This element is in charge of getting rid of waste in our bodies and lives.  Physically, the organs that help with this are the lungs and large intestine.  We breathe in life-giving oxygen through our lungs, expelling the carbon dioxide.  And we get rid of the waste that does not nourish us from food through the large intestine.

Along with healthy physical processes, these systems have an emotional and spiritual aspect.  The quality of Metal is for crystal clarity in life, keeping only what really serves and letting go of what doesn’t.  For some, that can be easy and rhythmic, without struggle.  Others hold on to things too long, not wanting to let go.  While others are quick to discard things in life too soon.  Take a moment to think about something you are holding on to that doesn’t serve.  Can you let it go? And in doing so, what is left to strengthen you?  It is not a coincidence that Fall Cleaning has a profound effect at this time and can be applied not just to our homes but our minds and bodies!  By letting go and cleaning out the gutters of your mind and spirit, you allow the true value of this season to manifest.

Acupuncture in the news

Breathing in the beauty of crisp Autumn air can be challenging to those with lung illnesses such as asthma, recurrent bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Many people find relief from their symptoms with acupuncture and a study published in the Journal of Complementary Medicine reported that acupuncture contributed to a reduction in the shortness of breath in COPD patients during exercise.1

Acupuncture ~ a powerful tool to not just get healthy but stay healthy.

Learning opportunities/office notes
Seasonal Saturday:  I will be in my office on Saturday, November 19th, as a way to support your transition through Autumn.  Call now for an appointment.
I will be in Maryland from November 11-16th to attend a workshop and visit colleagues at Tai Sophia Institute. 
Sedona Release Method, Saturday/Sunday December 3-4:  Join in a weekend experience to profoundly impact your life. The Sedona Releasing process is a simple and effective way to let go of unwanted feelings and stress, instantly revealing a deeper sense of happiness and well being at its source.  For more information, contact Rick Solomon:  ricksolomon@msn.com or call (631) 751-5406.
Restorative Yoga and Acupuncture:  This recent workshop was a peaceful, nourishing evening at Seva Yoga.  The next workshop will be offered in January.

Wishing you the
bountiful harvest of Autumn

Karen~

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Observation of an Acupuncture Treatment

 I was honored to observe Karen Giles give an acupuncture treatment today.  Watching the treatment from the sideline gave me a unique feel and understanding of acupuncture.

Karen Giles' office is warm and inviting.  My eye is immediately drawn to the fireplace where there are always candles burning on the mantle.  Above, is a gorgeous photograph of a rock and water scene with vibrant colors which was taken by a patient.

Karen Giles begins each session by talking with her patients to learn what is going on with their body and mind. The talk takes place at a small table placed by windows with natural light and warmth shining through.  Karen Giles uses the information she gathers to determine where she will insert the needles.

Consent has been granted by today's patient to allow me to observe.  Karen Giles speaks with her privately before allowing me in. The patient lies on the table which looks soft and comfortable.  Karen Giles moves quietly around the table speaking softly and asking questions. She looks at the patients tongue, takes the pulse on both the left and right side, and makes her final determination about which points to insert the needles. 

The patient breathes deeply and appears to become more and more relaxed.  I notice her speech has become softer and slower in response to Karen's.  The needles are inserted, soft music turned on, and a heat lamp positioned to add warmth.  Karen checks the patient one more time and stimulates the needles as she feels necessary. The patient is left for approximately 20 minutes to relax and allow the needles to work.

Karen returns to the patient and removes the needles one at a time. Again, she takes the pulse on the left and right side. She encourages the patient to relax and take her time before getting up.  The patients face is flushed and her eyes are brightly shining. 

The passion that Karen Giles has for acupuncture is evident in the way she treats her patients and talks about acupuncture.  The passion extends to truly wanting to help her patients feel better and to do right by them.  Karen Giles treats the whole body and the whole person.  She ensures that the benefits of acupuncture are maximized for each of her patients.

I have personally experienced acupuncture given by Karen Giles.  The care she emanates makes it so much more than just about the needles.  I highly recommend anyone looking for acupuncture and/or pain relief to consult with Karen Giles.