Why Taking On The Pain Of Others Is A No-Win Situation

There has been a lot of movement of death and rebirth, whether symbolic or literal, in many of our lives at this time. Because of this, many of us are witnessing distress in the lives of our loved ones. This could show up as learning about the fatal illness of a dear one, or learning that […]

Original image "Shadow Woman" by Amy, used with permission under CC BY 2.0. Source.

Why Doing Shadow Work Liberates Your Story And Heals Your Spirit

Not many of you may know that before I became an Acupuncturist/Reiki Healer, I had a strong interest in psychology. So much so, that I almost majored in it in undergrad. Although I ended up never pursuing psychology, the psyche, particularly mental health in relationship to Spirit, has always interested me. So, it’s no surprise, whatsoever, […]

Rhodonite wand from author's personal collection. Copyright © 2015 by Alcantara Acupuncture & Healing Arts. All rights reserved.

The Top 3 Crystals You Should Be Using To Bring In Love

Ah, Valentine’s Day is this Saturday. What does that mean to you? For many, it is a time when we are saturated with media hype, Godiva confections, and presented with cultural expectations of what it means to perform optimally in relationships, existing, or otherwise. For me, it is just another opportunity to tap into the love that tops all […]

Skin Conditions And The Process of Ascension

Since January 1st, we have all been moving forward full steam. 2014 was preparation, and 2015 is “game time”. What does that exactly mean? It means that all the things we painstakingly set up last year, from the major release work we’ve done around triggering issues in our lives, to addressing lingering shadows that have […]

Hibernating During The Snowpocalypse

So, Snowpocalypse 2015 came and went. Rather uneventfully, I might add! New York City’s Mayor de Blasio claimed it would be one of the largest snowstorms in the history of this city. People were cleaning out store shelves, and advised to stock up on batteries, water, and food goods that wouldn’t spoil. All NYC Metro […]

How To Make A Healing Herbal Infusion

Last week, I shared with you my top 5 fave herbs for healing. Thanks to the dialogue that followed, I learned of additional herbs I want to incorporate into my diet more often! As I’d mentioned in the article, the best way to take your herbs is as food. And my most-loved method of enjoying herbs […]

A sampling from the author's herbal apothecary.
Copyright © 2015 by Alcantara Acupuncture & Healing Arts. All rights reserved.

My Top 5 Fave Herbs For Healthy Living

Long before I became a Licensed Acupuncturist and Reiki Master/Teacher, I was a punk rocker/zinester who was delving into all things healing (do the two coincide? Sure, why not!) I was also exploring my roots, which is a melting pot of sorts – Filipino, Spanish, Irish, and Chinese. I was driven to learn more about all […]

"Step 2: contemplation" by Casey Muir-Taylor, used with permission under CC BY-ND 2.0. Source.

Why Not Trusting Life Can Be Hazardous To Your Health (The Crown Chakra)

Happy New Year! I hope 2015 brings you peace, healing, wellness, solace, abundance, joy, and love. Welcome to those who are joining my newsletter and blog for the first time, as a result of my recently published MindBodyGreen article, “Your Chakras Are Probably Out Of Balance. Here’s How Reiki Can Help”! It explored the different chakras, what they […]

MindBodyGreen Features Margarita’s Article On Chakra Imbalances

Happy New Year, my loves! My latest article, entitled, “Your Chakras Are Probably Out Of Balance. Here’s How Reiki Can Help”, went live today on MindBodyGreen, the first day of 2015. How fitting to start the New Year off with a check-in on your chakra system health. Please have a read, and let me know […]

The Art Of Surrender: Letting Go In The New Year

It has been all kinds of New Years recently: the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah was in September, Hindus celebrated the Diwali “Festival Of Lights”, and Muslims observed Muharram, in October. The Celtic and Pagan New Year, Samhain, was also in October, on Halloween. Chinese New Year is coming up this February. On January 1st, in […]