Acupuncture in Wilmington
(910) 202-4248
(910) 202-4248

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Think a Stroke Can’t Happen to You? Think Again!

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Did you know stroke can happen to anyone at any age? You don’t have to be old and overweight with high blood pressure to have a stroke. You can be young or old or in-between. You can be black, white, brown, male or female, short or tall, strokes do not care what you look like on the outside, only what damage they can do to your insides.

Strokes can be life altering in many ways.  Preventing immediate and long term damage is of the utmost importance. You need to know the information below, not only for yourself, but for anyone who has a stroke while in front of you.

  • Know BE FAST- the signs of a stroke and when it’s time to Call 911

B – Balance

The person may suddenly have trouble with balance or coordination.

E – Eyes

They could experience sudden blurred, double or total loss of vision. This can happen in one or both eyes.

F- Facial drooping

Specifically one side.  Ask the person to smile to notice if the smile is uneven.

A-  Arm weakness

Have the person raise both arms at the same time…does one arm drift downwards instead of raising up?

S- Speech difficulties 

             Slurred or abnormal speech, words don’t make sense

T- Time to call 911

Time is of the essence. You have very little time to get help to mitigate the damage that the stroke can cause

**Other signs may include one sided numbness, confusion, difficulty walking and or a severe headache with no known cause.

  1. Accept immediate medical attention provided.  Time and western medical care is essential in these early moments of a stroke both to save a life as well as to decrease long term damage. Care within the first 60 minutes to 24 hours can be life changing.
  1. Seek therapeutic modalities –  Once out of the danger zone and into the recovery zone there is much work  to be done to help lingering speech difficulties and paralysis.
  • Find a good physical therapist and be sure to do your at-home exercises.
  • Find a speech therapist if aphasia is present.
  • Find an acupuncturist!  Acupuncture in the early stages is very helpful for rewiring and getting all those nerve connections back on track!  It is also the perfect addition to other modalities because it will make everything more effective. In America, it is not known well enough to be recommended by neurologists ( which we consider a crime against humanity). Including acupuncture in early stroke recovery can be the difference between walking and not walking, having paralysis in one arm or not, having the ability to speak well or not. (Keep in mind that we’ve been able to help post stroke patients recover more fully even if their stroke was over 2 years prior, but think where they could have been if they’d come in earlier!)
  1. Make appropriate lifestyle changes–  Incorporating new habits into a stroke recovery lifestyle can be vital.  Eating healthy and getting great nutrition is key in having the right nourishment to get back on track.  Taking high quality supplements can be an essential addition to this time period as well.  This can be a great time to incorporate meditation, and/or simple modified qigong exercises.
  1. Seek out a counselor with experience with stroke patients–  This is often highly overlooked.  But the mental, emotional and spiritual toll a stroke can have on a person is not to be downplayed.  Finding someone to talk to when able and ready can be very helpful in processing the trauma, coping with new ways of life and maintaining the motivation to keep working towards recovery.

If you or someone you know has suffered a stroke and has any lingering side effects, please reach out to us to see how we can help with acupuncture and additional therapies. JJ will get you scheduled for a consultation with Rashell to determine how we can help. 910.262.1122

Please watch our video with Richard below to see how we were able to help him walk again two years after he had his stroke.

We also recommend watching the Ted Talk,  My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor.  As a leading neuroscientist, she gives incredible insight into what was happening to her brain as she was experiencing a stroke.

Health, Relaxation, Stress, Therapy

The Joys of Summer!

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Summer in Chinese Medicine is associated with the element of Fire and the Organ of the Heart.  Summer is a great time to relish in what brings you joy; go to the beach, enjoy a picnic with friends, explore someplace new. Joy nourishes the Heart and keeps the Heart energy open and flowing.  It helps us recharge and find that passion that keeps us fully engaged with life.  Summer, according to Chinese medicine, represents a period of growth.  All the flowers are fully opening, fresh fruits and vegetables are peaking and it is the time when ripening occurs to bring everything to its full potential and purpose.  We can harness this energy in our own lives and allow ourselves to align with the energy of summer while aligning with our life’s purpose.

It’s important in the summer to stay well hydrated and cool down when needed so that the element of fire does not blaze out of control.  Foods like watermelon, cucumbers, water chestnuts, mung beans and lettuce help to cool the heat while still nourishing our bodies.  Chrysanthemum tea is also cooling and moistening and helps to replenish your body in the summer heat.

During the summer it is also important to moderate our air conditioning exposure.  Sure we all want to cool down, but going from extreme hot to extreme cold leaves us vulnerable to those summertime colds.  Try moderating indoor temperatures by having the air conditioning a little warmer or by being sure to not have the air blowing on top of you (especially the back of your neck) while you work and sleep. 

Getting acupuncture in the summer helps our mind, body and spirit align with our full potential!

Acupuncture will help keep your body feeling good and ready to engage with summertime activities. It will keep your mind calm and able to work through stress more readily, and will keep your heart healthy and ready for each day!

If you’re not sure how healthy your heart is, or you feel like your heart can use a tune-up, emotionally and physically, give us a call for a tune-up treatment. And, remember, it’s always good to get a seasonal transition treatment when the seasons change. Schedule yours before June 21st for best results! Call JJ at 910.262.1122 or book online. 

Acupuncture, Anxiety, Health, Organic, Relaxation, Spa, Stress, Therapy

Tame the Insomnia Monster: 10 Steps to Better Sleep

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  1. Stop drinking lots of fluids after 5p.m. (If you’re thirsty, sip water. Don’t guzzle 32 ounces of water before bed, you’ll be up several times at night getting rid of that fluid!)
  2. Avoid alcoholic beverages before bed, although they make you sleepy, they interrupt your true ability to sleep.
  3. Avoid heavy exercise late in the day. It can get your heart rate up too much and make it more difficult to fall asleep. (Don’t exercise 2-3 hours before bed. Gentle walking is okay but a hard-core workout is best done in the morning.)
  4. Avoid caffeine and nicotine. Caffeine can last 8 hours so late afternoon boosts of caffeine can make it more challenging to sleep deeply. Nicotine too is a stimulant, so heavy nicotine users often wake too early due to nicotine withdrawal.
  5. Avoid heavy meals late that can cause indigestion.
  6. Don’t nap after 3pm.
  1. DO: Relax before bed, give yourself time to unwind.
  2. DO: Take a hot bath before bed. The temperature change when you get out can help you feel sleepy and the bath can relax you.
  3. DO: Have a DARK, COOL, GADGET FREE bedroom. No lights in the bedroom. Cover that alarm clock or get rid of it altogether. No T.V. in the bedroom. No electronics right before bed. It’s best to turn them off an hour or two ahead if possible, if not, make sure you use a blue light filter on them or blue light filtered glasses.
  4. DO: Get outside at least 30 minutes a day. Natural light helps regulate your brain and your sleep cycle. Try really hard to get morning sunlight exposure.

We have additional tips, treatment protocols, natural supplements and herbs that can help you beat the Insomnia Monster if these tips are not enough. Please call us at 910.262.1122 Ext 2 to schedule an initial consultation and treatment soon!

Sweet Dreams!

Acupuncture, Anxiety, Health, Natural, Organic, Relaxation, Sleep, Stress

Spring: The Light and Dark of this Season

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Spring in Chinese medicine is associated with the Element of Wood and the Organ of the Liver. Spring is a great time to blossom out of our winter stagnation and get our bodies moving more. Spring is a perfect time to start that exercise routine we put off and start walking more in order to support our bodies ability to detox. Food therapy, herbs and acupuncture along with exercise and movement in general will aid your graceful transition into Spring and soothe the liver during this time of year.

The Liver in Chinese medicine is responsible for the smooth flow of energy in the body. The liver is the organ that stores the blood. The liver supports the functioning of our organs, limbs and all the tissues due to its influence over the blood. During the day the liver helps to supply blood to the muscles. During the night, the blood returns to the liver to be cleansed. Supporting the liver cleansing process helps the functioning of our whole body.

Foods to support the liver are sour in nature. Adding lemon to a glass of water in the morning starts your day off on the right foot. Drinking ginger tea can help increase blood circulation and therefore help to cleanse toxins. Some other helpful foods include, artichokes, black beans, bamboo, broccoli, and cooked dark leafy greens.

You may find yourself more easily irritated and angry in the Spring. The Liver is responsible for the emotion of anger, so, if your Liver energies are blocked or depleted, you may be more quick to anger and harder to please. An acupuncture treatment can help balance this out but you can also get creative to help funnel that frustration into something fun and productive.

Another thing to watch out for in the Spring is excessive Wind. Wind can be wonderful, but can also cause illness according to Chinese medicine. Keep your neck covered and protect yourself from excessive Wind, especially when walking on the beach while reaching your goal of moving your body more!

Not sure if you have Liver Qi Stagnation? Call our office and talk to JJ about getting in for a consultation and treatment. 910-262-1122

Acupuncture, Anxiety, Health, Massages, Natural, Organic, Relaxation, Sleep, Spa, Stress, Therapy

8 Dimensions Of Wellness: # 6 Vocational Health

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The 6th dimension of Vocational Health invites us to explore our relationship to our work in the world and dives into the subjective realms of satisfaction and fulfillment.  There is an art to discerning what passions to follow, what skills to sharpen and what qualities and talents to nurture.  No job holds the keys to eternal happiness, yet the importance and major influence of our work on our lives can’t be overlooked!  For many, vocational health is an opportunity to deconstruct what we were told to do, or told to be, and to remember the heartbeat and essence of who we truly are.

What are your innate superpowers and skills?  What have you been told your whole life in regards to your talents and expertise? Have you been told positive or negative things? Are there any “nudges” or “itches” that you have ignored that you wish to explore and consider?  Vocational health allows you to explore the relationship between your work in the world and your experience of satisfaction and fulfillment in your life.

Explore the following statements as a way to get curious about your relationship with vocational health.  Do you agree, disagree or somewhere in between?

  • I am happy with my career or job choice.
  • I look forward to going to work.
  • My job responsibilities and duties are in alignment with my values.
  • My job gives me personal satisfaction. 
  • I am happy with the professional and personal growth opportunities in my career/ job.
  • I feel my job allows me to make a difference in the world.

Notice that these questions emphasize your unique relationship with your work in the world rather than society’s perception of job titles.  Vocational health is an opportunity to remember your essence, what lights you up, what means the most to you in the world, and an invitation to integrate that feeling into the work that you do, whatever your job/career might be.

Our team at Relax invites you to explore your own unique relationship to vocational health.  How can you actively expand satisfaction and fulfillment when it comes to your work in the world?  In what ways can you spark joy within the realms of your work as a way to expand meaning in your life?

Acupuncture, Anxiety, Health, Natural, Organic, Stress, Therapy

8 Dimensions of Wellness: # 5 Spiritual Health

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The 5th dimension of spiritual health holds center stage in some people’s lives while holding little emphasis in others.  Which one are you? As mentioned in our earlier introduction, the goal is not to seek an equal balance between each dimension, but rather an invitation to find the most authentic expression of who you are within and across the dimensions!

Regardless of your own personal beliefs, perspectives and upbringing, your spiritual health encompasses your relationship with meaning and purpose in your life.  Spiritual health offers us an invitation to get curious around what lights us up and what specifically connects us to a sense of “something bigger”.  We encourage you to explore what words, lineages and perspectives are the most authentic fit for you in regards to purpose and meaning in your life.

We invite you to explore what it feels like to consciously expand awe in your life as a way to nurture your spiritual health.  What ways can you draw yourself back when you feel disconnected, numb or spiritually lost?  What are your resources for inspiration and “spiritual reboots” when you need them?  Many people find their “spiritual spark” through community.  If you feel the tug to explore this dimension more and don’t know where to start, consider researching local groups that are in alignment with your beliefs.

The dimension of spiritual health is not tangible yet holds an important place in the balance of our lives. It honors the innate need within all of us to feel connected to something bigger, and to consciously cultivate and even expand purpose and meaning in our lives.  If you feel inspired, begin to notice what sparks awe and wonder in your life, and then feed, nurture and watch the sparks grow!  

From the University of New Hampshire, ways to check in on your spiritual health. Ask yourself, “How am I doing?” If the answer is not what you’d like it to be, some clues lie in the lists below on how to improve your sense of well-being.

Signs of Spiritual Wellness

  • Developing a purpose in life
  • Having the ability to spend reflective time alone
  • Taking time to reflect on the meaning of events in life
  • Having a clear sense of right and wrong, and acting accordingly
  • Having the ability to explain why you believe what you believe
  • Caring and acting for the welfare of others and the environment
  • Being able to practice forgiveness and compassion in life

Check in with your spiritual wellness

  • Do you allow yourself time alone?
  • Do you pray? Or reach out to a higher power?
  • Do you think about the meaning of life?
  • Do you take walks in nature? Appreciate the transformation of each season?
  • Do you pause to remind yourself that life isn’t all about you?
  • Do you put down your phone to just be?
  • Do you practice activities that allow you to slow down?
Acupuncture, Anxiety, Health, Natural, Relaxation, Stress

8 Dimensions of Wellness: # 4 Financial Health

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The fourth dimension of wellness is financial health which invites us to explore:

  1. Our relationship with money
  2. Our ability to manage resources
  3. Our capacity to plan ahead and put those plans into action in our lives

For some, making investments, using financial spreadsheets and 5 year financial plans are second nature, while for others, there is a learning curve.  Regardless where you stand, today we invite you to identify your unique relationship with finances and get clear on ways you want to improve it!

 Do you have a budget?  Are you aware of the financial situation of your home?  This is a very simple place to start, if you have not already.  Carve out an hour or two to devote to your financial health where you can step away from all distractions to fully focus.  Here are a few steps to help you:

  1. Calculate your total monthly income while also making note of any debts or savings.
  2. From here you are ready to make a list of estimated average monthly expenses like gas, utilities, self care and money for coffee dates.  Refer to receipts if you have them or your bank statement for accountability.
  3. Notice how much you are making monthly, what your monthly expenses are as well as considering your debt, your savings and any goals that you have for your future.
  4. Look for where you are unconsciously overspending. This is a goldmine to discover in regards to future savings, if you choose to rework your habits and approach.
  5. Another way to see this is to write down every penny you spend. In the old days we did this on index cards, but there is probably an app for this now. Often our money disappears in ways we can’t see until we track it to the penny. Then you can mine that Gold Mine of Savings by not wasting pennies on things that you don’t need. Those pennies add up to take you away from your dreams.

It is quite common for people to initially find budget creation quite stressful and overwhelming as people often quickly discover that they are spending beyond their means.  Meanwhile, taking an honest look at your financial situation offers the opportunity to plan and move forward in a conscious way rather than flinging your way through life.  Over time, implementing a budget relieves stress, creates consistency and allows the room to implement plans to pay off debt, create savings and plan for future trips, dreams and more.  

Everyone’s financial situation is different and unique according to their family of origin, their upbringing, their life choices and beyond.  It is important to acknowledge that resources are not equally distributed across communities and that some people are born into privilege that others have to fight for.  If you feel that you need further support with your finances, research resources available in your local community for help with planning, taxes, budgeting and more.  Many banks also offer free services to account holders, as well.

 What is one way that you would like to implement a deeper sense of financial wellness in your life?  The options are endless… open a savings account, hire an accountant, create a budget or simply stash away $5 a day.  Remember, the other option is to spend less: make coffee at home instead of getting it from a coffee shop, cook at home one more night a week rather than going out, eat less meat and more vegetarian style dinners, etc. Take those savings and stash them away!  Take the next month to zoom in on your goal and begin to notice any changes that happen as you invite more awareness around financial wellness into your life!

Acupuncture, Health, Massages, Natural, Organic, Relaxation, Stress, Therapy
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