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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Acupressure for Runners

Acupressure for Runners

Stomach36 (zu san li) is also known as 3 mile because soldiers would burn an herb over this point to give them endurance to march 3 more miles. It is one of the most tonifying acupressure points in the body, is the command point for the abdomen and a local point for shin pain.





Gall Bladder 34 is the command point of tendons. Stimulating this point helps to relax the tendons in the body and can also help to clear pain that is worse in hot or damp weather. This point can also be used to relieve sciatic pain.  

Sarah Zender LAc

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St Crystal Lake 815.893.9825 www.clnap.com

Friday, June 24, 2011

Update on Joplin, Minneapolis, and Springfield

I just wanted to share the latest info I have received from Acupuncturists without Borders and the great work they are doing to provide hope, peace and rest for the people recovering from recent tornados across the country.


Acupuncturists Without Borders
 AWB NEWS UPDATES 
Recent Volunteer-Run Disaster Relief Efforts
June 23,2011  

Joplin, Missouri
Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Springfield, Massachusetts     

Japan Earthquake #2
Recent Tornado Damage in Joplin, Missouri 
 Photo Credit: Melanie Rubin 

Click HERE to go to the story about disaster relief in Joplin, MO.

Click HERE to go to the story about disaster relief in Minneapolis, MN.
   
Click HERE to go to the story about disaster relief in Springfield, MA.   

Click  HERE to donate to AWB's Disaster Ready Fund so AWB can support and assist volunteer-run efforts like these immediately when they arise.

COMING SOON: Update on AWB's Return Trip to Haiti to Train Health Care Workers in Trauma Recovery Methods.   

Joplin
Disaster Relief in Joplin, Missouri

Jopling_Tee-shirt 
Joplin Tornado Survivor after Ear Acupuncture Treatment
Photo Credit: Ron Vickery 
   
On May 22, 2011 a tornado with winds of more than 200 miles per hour hit the town of Joplin, Missouri destroying everything in its path. More than 8,000 homes and apartments were destroyed, as well as 500 commercial properties. As of early June, 143 people had been reported killed by the tornado.

At the writing of this eblast, more than 7,000 Joplin-area residents had registered for assistance.

Immediately after the tornado, Springfield, Missouri-based acupuncturist Abba Anderson contacted Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) to ask whether an acupuncture relief effort was underway for Joplin. AWB responded by saying the organization would he happy to support her if she wanted to spearhead a relief effort. Since Abba had never received the AWB training in disaster relief, AWB agreed to do an abbreviated training in Missouri for Abba and other Missouri volunteers. AWB Managing Director Melanie Rubin traveled to Missouri and conducted a training for 13 Missouri acupuncturists and Acupuncture Detoxification Specialists, and then worked with Abba and her team to launch the relief effort.   

Joplin TreatmentJoplin Tornado Survivors Receiving Treatment
Photo Credit: Ron Vickery

 Since that time Abba and the Missouri volunteers have treated close to 900 people in Joplin, mostly at the Salvation Army tent at 26th and Main, and at several other venues. They anticipate treating in Joplin until July 17, and expect  to complete 1500 or more treatments.  

Abba and AWB would like to thank and celebrate the volunteers as of this writing who hd so far taken time from their practices and their lives to be in Joplin: Renea Barrett LAc, Marianne Chalmers LAc, Rebecca Chrestman LAc, Thomas Duckworth LAc, Candace Faith Fruge, Jana Farrell ADS, Michael Finnell LAc, Stacy Flathers LAc, Maureen Fox LAc, Francesca Garcia Giri LAc, Jason Hackler LAc, Vinnie McKinney LAc, Daphne Moor LAc, Sage Norbury LAc, Peggy Older LAc, Beth Spangler LAc, Mary Wallis LAc, Nate Wax ADS, Ron Vickery ADS
We look forward to others joining them in the coming weeks.

AWB would particularly like to thank Abba Anderson who has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to this effort.

Abba said:
"This has been a crash course for me in many aspects of disaster relief work, but above all, in the beauty of our medicine. Imagine: We can feed a soul in a few minutes with five little needles in two ears. Wow. The most profound part of the experience for volunteers is simply being present to hear the stories, while also offering a treatment that can alleviate some of the suffering. Volunteer Sage Norbury LAc from Lees Summit, Missouri described treating a volunteer  who she had seen eating lunch with a flat, shen-less look to his eyes. He was helping clear rubble, he told her. The first day he had found a foot; the second day, he found a body. After the needles, he said he felt better. The next say Sage saw him in the tent again- he was smiling and laughing with a friend, and told her that he'd really slept the night before for the first time since the tornado.
Another woman who had been to six family funerals in one week said that when she was sitting in the tent with needles in her ears, she could forget that she was in the middle of a disaster area."  

Click HERE for a TV News Story on the
Joplin Disaster Relief Efforts. 
 

Click HERE to Donate to AWB's Disaster Ready Fund. 


Minneapolis2Disaster Relief in Minneapolis, Minnesota

 Minneapolis
Minneapolis Tornado Survivor Receiving Ear Acupuncture
Photo Credit: Croix Clayton   

On Sunday, May 22, 2011 a tornado with winds of more than 135 miles per hour devastated a metropolitan neighborhood in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, killing one person, injuring dozens, and leaving more then 200 homes damaged or destroyed, and as many as 500 people without shelter.

Candyce Clayton D.O.T contacted Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) to ask for help organizing an acupuncture relief effort. Candyce had just received training from AWB in Chicago on May 14-15. AWB has supported Candyce's efforts by providing immediate guidance, important documentation, and information for potential volunteers.

Approximately 50 acupuncturists responded to the call for clinic staffing within 24 hours. However, the biggest challenge was finding a place to set up the mobile clinic. After ten days of intensive searching, Candyce was gifted a clinic space from the Center for Families (under the auspices of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches). Her team then walked around the neighborhood handing out flyers, posted information on a post-tornado recovery website, arranged for a PSA on a local jazz station, and arranged to be interviewed by a local tv station for two evening broadcasts.
 
In 9 days, Candyce's team treated a total of  70 patients, including neighborhood residents, community workers, and site staff. Each day their numbers grew, as clients returned, often with friends, family members, and co-workers in tow. They expect to provide services for several dozen more over the next few weeks, treating up to 20% of the community members who were displaced by the tornado.     

Despite the difficulty in finding a location, the clinic became a powerful force in the lives of those in the community who came to be treated. They shared with the clinic staff the relief they felt after their treatments, and spread the news by word-of-mouth each day. Some had lost their homes - others were living in badly damaged structures but were unable to move out or were afraid to leave because their homes could not be locked up. Many suffered acute traumatic symptoms or reported symptoms of trauma in their children.

Minneapolis
Minneapolis Disaster Relief Team- Candyce Clayton (left), Shelley Sloan (center),  
Sara Erdman (right)  
Photo Credit: Croix Clayton

Candyce and AWB would especially like to acknowledge the tireless work of a few individuals who were the solid foundation of this effort: Shelley Sloan, Sara Erdman, Noah Frohlich, Lisa Simensen, and Sarah Sanford. Candyce would also like to thank the Center for Families in North Minneapolis, the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and the College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University for donating supplies and space.

 AWB would like to acknowledge Candyce Clayton for her leadership and dedication in getting the Minneapolis relief effort off the ground.   
    
Candyce said:
"The wounds caused by this disaster are deep, and life is hard, especially in the inner city. Our generous clinic volunteers helped bring a little sunlight into the lives of people in this community by giving them relief and hope. The dedication of these Minnesota volunteers to continuing this work is inspiring, and motivates us all to keep moving forward with the next stage of clinic work in North Minneapolis. In closing, I would like to cite statements made by two of our clinic tornado victims: one said that after her treatment, she has finally been able to sleep for the first time since the tornado hit; another wrote that after the treatment, she felt as if a veil had been lifted and that she was free."

Click HERE for a link to a TV News Story about the Minneapolis Disaster Relief Clinic. 

Click HERE to donate to AWB's Disaster Ready Fund.   
       

SpringfieldDisaster Relief in Springfield, Massachusetts

Springfield, MA 
Tornado Damage in Springfield, MA
Photo Source: Reuters
 
On June 1, 2011 a large tornado struck western Massachusetts causing major destruction in several communities, including the cities of Springfield and West Springfield. Four people lost their lives, 200 were reported injured, and over 250 people were in need of shelter.  

Karen Adams an LAc, who previously volunteered with AWB in New Orleans, organized practitioners to provide acupuncture, as well as find sites for trauma treatment in the wake of the destruction. Many of the practitioners Karen has been working with have previously received training from AWB. 

Nancy Petersen, a volunteer from Springfield who is not an acupuncturist, has been working very hard to get Karen's team into various sites. At the writing of this eblast the group has two sites up and running, and another soon to be launched.  One current treatment location is a Salvation Army shelter in West Springfield, which is still housing about 80 people, many of them immigrants from Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and Somalia. The Salvation Army has welcomed Karen's team, and encouraged them to provide treatments there.  The other current treatment location is a parking lot located at the Disaster Assistance Center, which is hosted by the state employment assistance office, and is also being staffed by FEMA, MA-EMA and possibly the Red Cross.

Karen is also working with a local community center in the hardest hit area of Springfield - which happens to be one of the poorest areas to set up a regular, long-term, assistance site. The local Red Cross has asked Karen's team if they can treat Red Cross volunteers - a nice way to develop the relationship with that relief agency.  
   
AWB would like to recognize Karen for all her previous volunteer experience and current work in organizing a relief effort in the Springfield area.   

Karen said:
"I have a glimmer of an idea of what it was like to be Diana after Katrina, trying to create an organization while providing services (this time on a much smaller scale). AWB has helped me get the word out to those folks, and the New England School of Acupuncture is also spreading the word. It was hugely helpful to have served with AWB in New Orleans twice, not the least because that experience helps me believe that I can handle whatever comes up - and pass that belief (however illusory it may sometimes be) on to volunteers."
  


 AWB would particularly like to thank Mayway, Blue Poppy, and all other corporate and individual donors who supported these relief efforts. Without them all of this work would not be possible.
    
Mayway LogoBlue Poppy Logo

We are very grateful to those that give resources upfront, allowing us to spend critical moments after a disaster supporting our members' emerging disaster relief efforts, instead of looking for resources to do the work.

 Donate3Click  HERE to Donate to AWB's Disaster Ready Fund so we can be ready to meet needs like those of Joplin, MO, Minneapolis, MN, and Springfield, MA when and where they occur.

Donate Now Graphic    

To become a member or for more information please email admin@acuwithoutborders.org  

Thank you for your interest, and your caring.



SAVE THE DATE:
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) Day
October 24th

AOM Day Header
Fundraising Event Information for AOM Day is Coming Soon!

Please contact Giselle Perez at programs@acuwithoutborders.org if you are interested in holding a fundraising event to benefit AWB on AOM day.        
In the Spirit of Service,
AWB Staff

Diana Fried, Executive Director and Founder
Melanie Rubin, Managing Director
Jessica Truelove, Administrator
Giselle Pérez, Program Coordinator

Acupuncturists Without Borders


please contact me if you'd like to help in fundraising so this work can continue.

Sarah Zender LAc

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St
Crystal Lake IL 60014
815.893.9825
www.clnap.com 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

NAP time for New Moms

NAP time for New Mom

Starting July 5th every Tuesday from 1:30-3:30 there will be a special clinic for new mothers. Many people know the benefit of acupuncture for conception and to manage the ailments of pregnancy from morning sickness to heartburn and even inducing labor.

Acupuncture has been shown to:

* boost lactation
* calm anxiety
* assist postpartum depression
* relieve fatigue
* balance hormones
* improve quality of sleep

After giving birth is just as important a time to receive acupuncture to help reset your body's natural rhythms. In Europe this is known as mother warming and the intention is to nourish and replenish a new mother's body after pregnancy and labor.
Many new mom's don't want to spend a minute away from their little one, feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and sometimes isolated. "NAP Time For New Moms" is a way for you to receive treatment without having to worry about committing to a set appointment time or leaving your baby. Your baby can snuggle in your arms or in a carrier. Treatments last as long as you need them to and the same sliding scale applies, $40-15. Babies have a way of setting their own schedule, like needing a diaper change right when you are ready to walk out the door. This is why walk-ins are encouraged during NAP time for New Moms. Patients will be treated on a first come first serve basis starting at 1:30 with last appointment at 3:30. 
** last appointment time will last a max of 45 minutes

Of course if you are a new mom in need of affordable acupuncture and Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 don't work for your schedule you are welcome to schedule an appointment during regular business hours as well. The intention of  NAP time for New Moms is to create a healthy community of new mothers as support for each other even if all that means is sharing a space of healing. 
Feel free to enjoy a cup of tea before or after your treatment.
Sarah Zender LAc
Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)                                                                                 230 Florence St                                                                                                                     Crystal Lake IL 60014                                                                                                          815.893.9825                                                                                                                   www.clnap.com 





Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Useful Food Chart and Local Resources

    Apples
Protects your heart
Prevents constipation
Blocks diarrhea
Improves lung capacity
Cushions joints
Apricots
Combats cancer
Controls blood pressure
Saves your eyesight
Shields against Alzheimer's
Slows aging process
Artichokes
Aids digestion
Lowers cholesterol
Protects your heart
Stabilizes blood sugar
Guards against liver disease
Avocados
Battles diabetes
Lowers cholesterol
Helps stops strokes
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin
Bananas
Protects your heart
Quiets a cough
Strengthens bones
Controls blood pressure
Blocks diarrhea
Beans
Prevents constipation
Helps hemorrhoids
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Stabilizes blood sugar
Beets
Controls blood pressure
Combats cancer
Strengthens bones
Protects your heart
Aids weight loss
Blueberries
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Stabilizes blood sugar
Boosts memory
Prevents constipation
Broccoli
Strengthens bones
Saves eyesight
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Controls blood pressure
Cabbage
Combats cancer
Prevents constipation
Promotes weight loss
Protects your heart
Helps hemorrhoids
Cantaloupe
Saves eyesight
Controls blood pressure
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Supports immune system
Carrots
Saves eyesight
Protects your heart
Prevents constipation
Combats cancer
Promotes weight loss
Cauliflower
Protects against Prostate Cancer
Combats Breast Cancer
Strengthens bones
Banishes bruises
Guards against heart disease
Cherries
Protects your heart
Combats Cancer
Ends insomnia
Slows aging process
Shields against Alzheimer's
Chestnuts
Promotes weight loss
Protects your heart
Lowers cholesterol
Combats Cancer
Controls blood pressure
Chili peppers
Aids digestion
Soothes sore throat
Clears sinuses
Combats Cancer
Boosts immune system
Figs
Promotes weight loss
Helps stops strokes
Lowers cholesterol
Combats Cancer
Controls blood pressure
Fish
Protects your heart
Boosts memory
Protects your heart
Combats Cancer
Supports immune system
Flax
Aids digestion
Battles diabetes
Protects your heart
Improves mental health
Boosts immune system
Garlic
Lowers cholesterol
Controls blood pressure
Combats cancer
Kills bacteria
Fights fungus
Grapefruit
Protects against heart attacks
Promotes Weight loss
Helps stops strokes
Combats Prostate Cancer
Lowers cholesterol
Grapes
Saves eyesight
Conquers kidney stones
Combats cancer
Enhances blood flow
Protects your heart
Green tea
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Helps stops strokes
Promotes Weight loss
Kills bacteria
Honey
Heals wounds
Aids digestion
Guards against ulcers
Increases energy
Fights allergies
Lemons
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin
Stops scurvy
Limes
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin
Stops scurvy
Mangoes
Combats cancer
Boosts memory
Regulates thyroid
Aids digestion
Shields against Alzheimer's
Mushrooms
Controls blood pressure
Lowers cholesterol
Kills bacteria
Combats cancer
Strengthens bones
Oats
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Battles diabetes
Prevents constipation
Smoothes skin
Olive oil
Protects your heart
Promotes Weight loss
Combats cancer
Battles diabetes
Smoothes skin
Onions
Reduce risk of heart attack
Combats cancer
Kills bacteria
Lowers cholesterol
Fights fungus
Oranges
Supports immune systems
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Straightens respiration
Peaches
Prevents constipation
Combats cancer
Helps stops strokes
Aids digestion
Helps hemorrhoids
Peanuts
Protects against heart disease
Promotes Weight loss
Combats Prostate Cancer
Lowers cholesterol
Aggravates  
Diverticulitis
Pineapple
Strengthens bones
Relieves colds
Aids digestion
Dissolves warts
Blocks diarrhea
Prunes
Slows aging process
Prevents constipation
Boosts memory
Lowers cholesterol
Protects against heart disease
Rice
Battles diabetes
Conquers kidney stones
Combats cancer
Helps stops strokes
Strawberries
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Boosts memory
Calms stress
Sweet potatoes
Saves your eyesight
Lifts mood
Combats cancer
Strengthens bones
Tomatoes
Protects prostate
Combats cancer
Lowers cholesterol
Protects your heart
Walnuts
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Boosts memory
Lifts mood
Protects against heart disease
Water
Promotes Weight loss
Combats cancer
Conquers kidney stones
Smoothes skin
Watermelon
Protects prostate
Promotes Weight loss
Lowers cholesterol
Helps stops strokes
Controls blood pressure
Wheat germ
Combats Colon Cancer
Prevents constipation
Lowers cholesterol
Helps stops strokes
Improves digestion
Wheat bran
Combats Colon Cancer
Prevents constipation
Lowers cholesterol
Helps stops strokes
Improves digestion
Yogurt
Guards against ulcers
Strengthens bones
Lowers cholesterol
Supports immune systems
Aids digestion


Special thanks to Lisa Luedtke of Juice Plus for sending me this food chart to share with you. Many people are confused about diets and proper nutrition. The easiest thing you can do for yourself is eat real foods. You will notice that none of the above foods have a very long shelf life because they are grown in the ground, not in a factory. If you aren't sure what to eat a good rule of thumb is to grocery shop the perimeter of the store because this is where the freshest foods will be, anything in the middle is most likely processed and contains additives your body really doesn't need. Chinese Medical theory encourages us to eat foods that are locally grown and are in season because these plants have adapted to the same environment we have.


Of course Crystal Lake Health Food Store has great produce boxes that come in weekly year round and the farmer's markets are up and running. Crystal Lake Farmer's Market is Saturday mornings and Woodstock Farmer's Market is Tuesday and Saturday mornings. If you are in need of quality, hand crafted, plant based soaps, herbal lotion bars, or sugar scrubs visit Leslie of Turtle Bay Naturals at the Woodstock market also.


Sarah Zender LAc


Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St
Crystal Lake IL 60014
815.893.9825
www.clnap.com