Haiti. First and foremost i love our landlord here in Haiti; he's been a father, friend, transporter, and all around protector. God definitely outdid himself giving us his best guardian angel. As the days close in for our departure, its saddens me to think our days with Erick will soon end.

We visited the orphanage/school in the country side which was a breath of fresh are. Being in the hub of Port-Au-Prince all these days; traffic, dusty roads, hustle-n-bustle of people getting everywhere - made seeing the countryside a nice detox from the big city. it was a bumpy ride (literally) to the country; dirt muddy roads, dusty roads as well, ditches. However, having the atlantic coast to the right of me was refreshing.

All the children and adults we treated, all with smiles, soaked in the treatment like it was food for the soul. Because of the language barrier, they couldn't ask much questions and just TRUSTED us. They all seemed to respond well to treatment; relaxed, slept in there chairs, released any trauma they held on tight to.

This amazing trip has totally put my life in a whole different perspective. All i stress over in America means absolutely nothing since I've been here. Thought i was here to help, yet being here has actually helped me.

Acupuncture on certain parts of the body or ears can have a calming effect, as well as help build a stronger will-power and faster metabolism; something to think about.

LAUGH MORE, sure way to boost your Qi and immune system!

Gold, Silver, Bronze, Needle

As I’m watching the Olympics of these determined athletes, I can’t help but think, they all need some serious acupuncture. Too much of me? Am I turning into the mad-scientist-acupuncturist? All these wipe outs, back-bends, and muscling tears, not to mention the tears-of-defeat of most of the competitors. I can just imagine the micro-tears throughout their musculoskeletal system; their Achilles tendons are screaming, help me! help me! help me!

I’m sure they have acupuncturists at hand, yet how many of these athletes actually utilize acupuncture consistently to heal their muscle injuries, replenish their depleted energy, and mentally focus for tomorrow’s competition? Do they really know how well they can heal and improve muscle tone with acupuncture? I just want to pack-up my needles and passport, head off to Vancouver, and camp out at the lodge of Team USA. I want to treat every athlete to nourish their muscles, increase their agility, and revitalize their energy...and maybe get a lovely pix with each athlete; Evan Lysacek, LOVE YOU!

So to my fellow Americans in Vancouver reaching for the gold, go out there and be a monster-to-be-reckoned-with, keep in mind to rest and replenish at the end of the day and treat your aches-n-pains with some yummy acupuncture!

The Force Be With-IN You

Often times when patients come to my office and receive an acupuncture treatment for the first time, they can be a bit nervous and apprehensive which is absolutely understandable. I also have repeat patients who love the benefits acupuncture provides them, yet are still nervous in the beginning of each treatment.

With almost every patient of mine who receives treatment, no matter what there in for, there is one acupuncture point I love to add which helps relax, focus, and calm any anxiety or stress they have or came with. This point is located right in-between the eyebrows called Yintang. Often time’s anxiety results from watching me needle them or anticipate the needle being inserted. Yintang is a fabulous point to needle because the patient can’t see it being inserted, and hardly ever feel it since the forehead area has less nerve ending than other parts of the body.

My real reason for mentioning this is that you, at home, at work, in traffic, at the stoplight….can also reap the benefits of this acupuncture point yourself with some acupressure. There are a couple ways you can do this; one way is to gently pinch the skin between your eyebrows with your thumb and index finger, and gently press against the head, and massaging it between you fingers. This allows the tension we often hold around our eyes to decompress and relax. This also calms a busy mind and allows it to just be still. Another method is to take the pad of your thumb or middle finger and just apply gentle pressure to the area between your brows and gently rub.

I completely enjoy bringing relaxation and energy balance to my patients and myself. Did I mention I’m wearing a needle, as I write this, right now, between the brows! It’s absolutely yummy! I too want you to love the benefits this point provides and with a little acupressure to yourself, your day has become a lot more delish!