My Heart Is Aglow With Needles, Reiki, And Acorn Squash

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since I posted my first blog post, ever, for Alcantara Acupuncture!  But, it has.  And I’ve been enjoying every bit of writing it!  I’ve learned a lot about blogging, my acupuncture/reiki practice, wellness, human behavior, writing, and myself.  I hope you’ve found it entertaining, informative, and, sometimes, humorous.  Thanks for reading it and taking a peek into my corner of the world in New York City.  Or, as J.Lo likes to say while filming her Bronx-set Fiat commercial in L.A., “They may be just streets to you.  But, to me, they’re a playground.”  Acupuncture, reiki, and holistic healthcare… with a little edge!  That’s me.

Are you enjoying the holidays, yet?  Although many folks come to see me for various conditions, including chronic or acute body pain, emotional, gynecological, and digestive issues, and side effects from medication, among some, one thing that people enter my office seeking relief from during this time of year is stress.  Whether or not you celebrate it, this stretch of holiday time is often full of preparations, trips, parties, and get togethers.  These can be fun and uplifting; but, they can also be a source of stress and triggers. So, make sure to check in with yourself, create a healthy environment around you, and treat yourself right, when you can.

One thing I did this week to nourish my mind and body was roast me some acorn squash. I bought a lovely green/gold medium-sized acorn squash at the health food store near the wellness center I work at, on certain days out of the week, in Hoboken, NJ, halved it, spooned out the seeds, topped it with some ghee (clarified butter) and nutmeg, and put it in the oven for an hour with a little water in my Pyrex dish.  Out popped this beautiful, browned set of halves that contained soft, glowing squash goodness.  It’s great as a side dish or snack, and it is so easy to digest.  Especially helpful for the Spleen and Stomach.  A good dish to try if you gluten sensitive, or have digestive issues.

What’s so great about acorn squash, you say?

1. Acorn squash has a warming thermal nature, and sweet flavor.
2. It looks like a giant acorn, and is pointed on one end, with deep ribs in its medium hard skin.
3. I’ve been told that the golden variety are a bit sweeter, and the green ones are more moist.
4. It’s loaded with minerals, and contains higher than average amounts of Vitamins A, C, and B.
5. It’s low in carbohydrates.
6. According to Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford, it improves Qi circulation.  Always a plus during these Qi stagnation inducing times!
7. Interestingly enough, its juice reduces inflammation and burns.
8. And for those in the know, squash and their seeds destroy worms (the seeds are more effective.)

Needless to say, I relished that acorn squash like it was part of a last meal!

What dish do you relish, that is truly nourishing, on a mind and body level?

I’m hoping you enjoying some true mirth and joy!  And, by the way, I am offering gift certificates now, so you can give some acupuncture/reiki/wellness love to whomever you wish.

 

Searching for accessible healthcare?  Come to the 3rd Space Healing Wellness Day!

It’s the last Audre Lorde Project Wellness Day of 2011!  The next one is in Manhattan on Wednesday, December 14th from 6:30-8:30pm.  Since it’s on one of my busiest days at my private practice, I may not be able to make it (I usually provide acupuncture and reiki at their Wellness Day events.)  But, I strongly suggest you visit this new program the Audre Lorde Project’s has recently started, and get a wellness treatment at an affordable cost!

You can schedule an appointment or just walk in! Walk in’s are not garunteed to be seen, so if you can, schedule an appointment by emailing 3rdspacehealing@alp.org or call 212-463-0342 ext. 16.

See you there!

What is a Wellness Day? 

 *Wellness Days are a place where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans, and Gender Non Conforming People of Color will be able to access a provider for a one-on-one holistic healthcare session or a community session.

*At the December 14th Wellness Day you can recieve:

– Reiki, Acupuncture, Psychic Tarot Readings, and Heath Counseling with an RN!

– Meet the Providers!  http://alp.org/3rd-space-support/healing

*The Wellness Days will be operating on a sliding scale basis and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. $5 -$20 suggested for community sessions, $15 -$35 suggested for 30 minute sessions, $25 – $75 suggested for 45-60 minute sessions.  Only cash and checks accepted.

 

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All information on this website is my own opinion, and not to be taken as medical advice. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Please refer to your medical practitioner before making any medical decisions