Acupuncture Blog

WOW! I was scheduled to be on the Hank Stolz show on WCRN 830 today at 2:50pm! Not knowing what to expect, I called early, waited on the line, and suddenly, Hank was talking to me! VERY COOL! To start, Hank was very professional and asked very complimentary questions about acupuncture and how I got into it. He even asked about the concept of “preventative” medicine and how our culture is accepting it slowly. We talked about the painless needles, the sterile needles, and when to contact an acupuncturist! Needless to say, the Hank Stolz Experience was exactly that…a fabulous experience on the radio! Thank you Hank and thank you WCRN!

Treating/preventing sunburns, bug bites and rashes naturally
For those of us who are concerned about the ingredients of kids’ sunscreens and bug repellants, you are not alone and you are in luck!
Sunscreen: We already know we want PABA-free to decrease chance of skin rashes, and at least 15 SPF broad-spectrum sunscreens to cut out the UV-A and UV-B dangerous sunrays. But did you know that you want “chemical-free” suncreens that include zinc-oxide and titanium dioxide as their main ingredients? Zinc Oxide and titanium dioxide stay on top of the skin and don’t wash off easily in water/with sweat. Sunscreens with these ingredients start working immediately after application, blocking the sun’s rays. Chemical-based sunscreens often take up to 30 minutes after application to soak into the skin before they start to work (www.BabyCenter.com)
Bug Repellants: Beware of DEET products. DEET is a dangerous chemical that is responsible for many unhealthy side effects. Have no fear…there are natural alternatives to DEET, made primarily from plant essential oils, which can protect you in less threatening circumstances. Look for products containing any of the following: lavender, eucalyptus citriodera, litsea cubeba, geranium,
rosemary, peppermint, cedar, and/or tea tree oil. For more information on properties of essential oils, go to www.crescentmooncreations.biz and click on “Learn About-Plant Oils” button.
If your child gets a bug bite, cold compresses can help relieve the itching and cut down on the swelling. A dab of Baking-soda toothpaste also has a cooling effect (Parenting, June 2008)
Rashes and Sunburns: ice packs, cold compresses, and an aluminum acetate solution (Burow’s solution) can soothe the itchy red rash of poison ivy/oak or sumac. (Parenting, June 2008)
For sunburns, a couple tried-and-true natural solutions for you to try:
1. Apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to sunburn by cottonball.
2. Apply mayonnaise as a skin cream to sunburn.
3. Apply peanut oil to sunburned area(s).
4. Apply thin slices of cold cucumbers, apples, or potato directly to the skin.
5 Apply cold, plain yogurt then rinse with cool water.

(c/o Cooking light, August 2006)
Easy to throw together as a side or add protein sources (andouille sausage, tofu or chicken) to create a dinner!
2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears, not cooked)
1 cup diced red bell pepper (about one large)
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 – 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Dash of salt
1. Combine corn, bell pepper, onions, cilantro, and beans in a medium bowl.
2. Combine vinegar and remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle vinegar mixture over corn mixture; toss well. Cover and chill 30 minutes.
Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)
Calories: 74 (28% from fat)
Fat: 2.3g Protein: 3.4g Carb: 14.4g
Fiber: 3.4g Chol: 0mg Iron: 0.8mg
Sodium: 209mg Calc: 19mg

The Five Tibetan Rites or The Fountain of Youth
These simple exercises are designed to reverse the process of aging. In order for these exercises to work you must believe that it IS possible to reverse the aging process. Do you know someone who looks years younger than their actual age? What about years older? If we can accelerate aging, can we also slow it down or reverse it?

For thousands of years, eastern mystics have maintained that the body has seven principal energy centers that correspond to the seven endocrine glands. These are called chakras, and are like spinning wheels of energy. The five ancient tibetan rites are able to normalize the spinning of the chakras, thus normalizing hormonal imbalances in the body, creating lasting youth, health and vitality. Recent medical research has uncovered evidence that the aging process is hormone regulated.

Perform the rites daily 21x each. As a beginner, start with 3-5 repetitions and slowly build up to 21x. These exercises are a perfect way to start your day and here’s one to start with:
Stand with arms out from shoulders, right palm down, left palm up. Spin to the right, keeping focus on right hand. When done, return to prayer position and rest.

Marlborough Food Pantry and the Marlborough Community Services, Inc
255 Main Street, Suite 113, Marlborough, MA 01752
508-481-4080
The Marlborough Wellness Center’s primary philanthropic efforts go towards the well-being of the Marlborough Food Pantry throughout the year! Did you know that when the Food Pantry staff goes to purchase food from the Boston Food Bank that $100 can fill up a large van full of food for the Food Pantry’s recipients?
Located in the Walker Building on Main Street, Marlborough, the Food Pantry welcomes any donations!

The Marlborough Wellness Center is pleased to welcome Joyce Clancy, Licensed Massage Therapist to our practice!

Joyce Clancy is a 2007 graduate from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in Worcester, MA. Her professional affiliation is with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and she is licensed by the state of Massachusetts.
Joyce uses various modalities in her massage practice including Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Spa Hot Stone.

“My mission as a professional Massage Therapist is to offer clients a treatment that encourages comfort, relaxation, overall well-being, acute and chronic pain management in a non-invasive, therapeutic manner. I use various massage methods in order to tailor sessions to meet each client’s comfort level and needs.”

Please come by and meet one of our newest staff members!

Diana Fernandes Lic. Ac., M.A.O.M. recieved her Master’s in East Asian Medicine, studying acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, from the New England School of Acupuncture in Newton, MA. She recieved her bachelor’s in psychology at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. Diana is licensed by the board of medicine in the state of Massachusetts.

Diana has practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Shattuck Hospital in Boston where she interacted with and treated many patients with conditions from musculoskeletal pain to fatigue and insomnia. With over 650 hours of clinical practice and supervision, Diana has developed the skills and understanding necessary to bring Traditional Chinese Medicine to local communities.

Her love for people, health and vitality initiated a deep interest in the study of medicine in general and specifically Traditional Chinese Medicine. Diana provides an opportunity to explore the growing field of Traditional Chinese Medicine and experience the benefits of this ancient medicine for yourself.

This series was established for educational purposes only so that the community can learn about different complimentary medicines and treatments, and make educated decisions about their health treatment options. There are a few details that remain the same for every presentation event:
1. The events are always the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:00pm, unless otherwise specified;
2. The events are always FREE to attend;
3. The events will always have FREE food;
4. The events will always be held at “60Nobscot” woodworking studio and showroom, located at 60 Nobscot Road in Sudbury, unless otherwise specified.
5. Always RSVP to the presenter(s) directly;
6. Any other information you may need can be found on our website, www.metrowestfamily.com!
Here are the upcoming scheduled evenst so mark your calendars now:
July 17th: Botanical Skin Care for the Summer presented by Karen Nickley-Gerrity.
Taking a summer break during the months of July and August!
September 16th: Loving Communication for Couples presented by Marie-Patrice Masse and John Howe
October 14th: Introduction to Feng Shui presented by Christine Conway
November 11th: Life Support for Parents/Caregivers of People with Mental Illness presented by Debra B. Taylor
And much more in the new year…!

The Marlborough Wellness Center is located at 331 Boston Post Road East, Ste. 7, and provides a place for medical wellness and education. We believe that there are two worlds: one with experts who fix people, and the other world of wellness that educates and empowers them to fix themselves. It is here where you will find professional practitioners who can meet all your health and medical needs. Jodi Eldridge and Jennifer Smith, our licensed massage therapists, are going strong and we are excited to welcome Joyce Clancy, newly licensed massage therapist to the Center! Julie Dalbec, a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, continues to focus her practice in the areas of Japanese style, non-insertive pediatric acupuncture techniques and women’s health issues and is excited to welcome Diana Fernandes, MAOM, Lic.Ac. to the practice! Our monthly community education series titled “Alternatively Speaking” continues to delight the masses with free food and free education on the topics of alternative medicines/treatments for the common health conditions. The next engagement is Tuesday, June 17th from 7-8pm, located at 60 Nobscot in Sudbury (www.60nobscot.com), where Karen Nickley-Gerrity will be discussing natural botanical skin care options for the summer! Please take a moment to look into the Center and all we offer on our new and improved website and active blog at www.MarlboroughWellnessCenter.com!

Come join us as the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Nancy Stevens help us cut the proverbial red ribbon at the Marlborough Wellness Center! We will be celebrating the event at 331 Boston Post Road East, Ste. 7 in Marlborough at 4:00pm. Food and healthy herbal-themed drinks will be provided! Come one, come all and meet the staff of the Center!