"Beautiful defense" (cropped) by Rikard Elofsson, used with permission under CC BY 2.0. Source.
Why Acupuncture Is a Form of Self Defense
When people think of self defense, visions of flying crouching tigers and hidden dragons, dancing from bamboo stem to bamboo stem, wielding deadly weapons to whoosh enemies out of existence, often comes to mind. However, self defense encompasses many aspects, not just in the physicality a la Karate Kid, or what’s mirrored in movies. As […]
"Chia seeds" by Stacy Spensley, used with permission under CC BY 2.0. Source.
Get Omega-3’s Aztec Warrior-Style With Hibiscus Berry Chia Tea
The cooler air is flowing in, and everyone can feel it: the end of summer approaching. But, wait! How can you hold on to the refreshing deliciousness of summer? Here is where Hibiscus Berry Chia Tea comes into play. This is a tea that is juicy, red, and overflowing with demulcent chia herby goodness. Ah, the […]
Yours Truly in Union Square. Picture by Cristina Pastor.
“From Warrior to Healer” Interview in The Fil-Am
Archetypes proliferate through our culture. I speak about it a little bit in a previous blog post. One definition, as listed in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, explains it as, “In Jungian psychology, an inherited pattern of thought or symbolic imagery derived from the past collective experience and present in the individual unconscious.” […]
"stories by miranda july" by anna gutermuth, used with permission under CC BY 2.0. Source.
Where Do You Belong?
We all want to belong. To be part of something, involve ourselves in community in some capacity. It’s in our nature. Even some of us John Wayne tough, loner types need to roll out the guns and interact with a “patna” once and a while. On a related note, I have thoroughly enjoyed Noomi Rapace’s […]
My view of Central Park's Bethesda Fountain from a stone bench, snapped with my handy Blackberry.
Joy Is Central Park
Today was 70 degrees in New York City. For those of us who enjoy the warmer weather, this was a day to finally look forward to! I took the time today to stroll around. Being a gal who is very much the metal element in Chinese Medicine, most often epitomized by a very organized disposition, […]
Margarita's Kale and Maitake Frondosa Mushroom, cooking in a cast iron skillet.
Kale and Maitake Mushrooms: A Recipe for Detoxing and Immune Building
I’ve always loved kale. So green, hearty, and earthy, and my body always feels great afterwards. Turns out that there are so many properties in kale that has made it a sort of rock star amongst health food enthusiasts. Like, what, you may ask? It has so many incredible antioxidant properties (namely that of carotenoids […]
Welcome to the Alcantara Acupuncture & Healing Arts! Here you will find the most recent updates on my adventures as an urban Licensed Acupuncturist Reiki Master/Teacher, and Medicine Woman in New York City, as well as wellness tips to soothe the soul, live more vibrantly, and cultivate wholeness and balance. Enjoy the blog, and please say hello!
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