In Solidarity: A New York Ceremony and Vigil for Japan
The Ceremony For Japan: On Friday, March 18, 2011, I attended a prayer service and candlelight vigil for Japan, which began with a ceremony at The Church Center for the United Nations. The main organizers were Rev. T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, an ordained Jodoshinhsu Buddhist Priest, and Emiko Nagano, volunteer community organizer of the humanist movement. […]
Springing Forward, Bamboo Style
I’m sure I’m not the only one looking forward to Spring, which is coming in one and a half weeks! The dipping chills and various storms has me welcoming temperatures that don’t require thermals, with additional layers that make you feel more like encased sausage than a person. As some of you may know, in […]
Common Cold Revisited and Fallacy Found in “1,000 Ways to Die”
So, the “Acupuncture for Breast Cancer” talk at Columbia Medical for the Women At Risk (WAR) support group, slated for this past Friday, February 25, 2011, ended up being rescheduled for Friday, April 8, 2011. It was suggested that, due to inclement weather (yet another storm in NYC expected), it might be best to do […]
Women At Risk With Breast Cancer: Can Acupuncture Help?
Actually, acupuncture can, and does, provide relief to those suffering with the after affects of chemotherapy and radiation from breast cancer. Did you know that acupuncture, according to the National Cancer Society: Alleviates symptoms such as hot flashes (often a side effect of cancer treatment)? Increases the body’s immune system to assist in quicker healing […]
Of Hapa-Ness & The Unlikelihood of Pinhead
First of all, thanks to everyone who checked out my Chinese New Year Post last week. It sure helps that it was Freshly Pressed! Hopefully, everyone’s been able to take part in the festivities in town. Here, in New York City, there have been a few events going on, especially in Chinatown. Now, for those […]
Gung Hei Fat Choy! Are You A Rabbit?
It’s Chinese New Year! (Or to be more accurate, it was still the start of the New Year 1.5 hours ago! But then again, this celebration lasts for 15 days, so it looks like I’m just in time!) This is the year of the Metal Rabbit. No, that doesn’t mean they like to listen to […]
Examining Tongues At My Presentation
Amidst the frigid cold that gripped New York City this past Sunday, I made it to beautiful ZoraSpace, a fertile art space located in the heart of Park Slope, and site of my “Creating Heart-Centered Wellness” presentation/talk. The Founder & Director, Zohreh Shayesteh, who was wonderfully warm and accommodating, is herself an artist. My friend, Zohra […]
You Know You’re A New Yorker When…
I could just finish that sentence by saying, “…when a stranger starts screaming in your subway car for no apparent reason, and makes you wonder if you should’ve carried a large bat in your backpack instead of that very thin gadget you have in there called a wallet.” But that would oversimplify things, no? Once […]
“Creating Heart-Centered Wellness”: Talk in Brooklyn 1/23/11
In Chinese Medicine, the Heart stores the Spirit, and connects us to ourselves and those around us. When the Heart is healthy, that connection is strong, we interrelate with the world in positive, healthy, and appropriate ways, and we’re able to express warmth, communicate effectively, blood flow is regulated, and sleep is rejuvenating. When it […]
Tools For Overcoming the Common Cold
If you’re anywhere in the New York City area, you’ve probably been noticing that many folks have succumbed to the most recent wave of the common cold. And as much as the hardened New Yorker mystique may intrigue, we are actually a very sociable and friendly people (wink)! Hence, how quickly colds spread. I, […]
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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