"screaming" (cropped) by Janneke Cobb, used with permission under CC BY 2.0. Source.

5 Sure-Fire Ways To Channel Your Rage In Healthy Ways

Those who are sensitives and empaths can easily feel the brunt of intense energies that are swirling about. But, recent energy has been so palpable, and we’ve all been finally given the “Go” signal by the Uni-verse, that even those who may not consider themselves sensitives, or empaths, are feeling quite overwhelmed by what’s been brewing. What’s […]

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 […]

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 […]

5 Tips To Surviving Holiday Parties As An Empath

Many of us are celebrating the holidays at this time of year. As with many socially observed holidays, it often comes with its own brand of stressors and triggers. But, let’s say you’ve been working on your triggers all year (as many of us have been forced to deal with our shadow selves for the […]

December 23, 2014 Healthy Living | 4 Comments

"Lil' Heart Just For You" by Kasia, used with permission under CC BY 2.0. Source.

Why Disconnection From Self And Others Can Be Hazardous To Your Health (The Heart Chakra)

We return to our chakra series! Before you think that I’ve forgotten to write about something relevant for the holidays, I’m exploring a very appropriate topic for this triggering time of social unrest and holiday zest, the Heart Chakra. This chakra is so central to a lot of the work that I do in my […]