Acupuncture Blog

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!

Have you found yourself talking with another parent, sharing medical histories of your children’s ear infections or inability to control quick onsets of fevers? It seems like the antibiotics aren’t solving the problem, and maybe the pediatrician isn’t too sure what to do either. Now you’re getting worried. This is a great time to try pediatric acupuncture! Most parents would back away slowly from whoever suggested this but for thousands of years, Traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine successfully treated pediatric conditions. Small copper, silver, and gold non-insertive instruments are used, touched lightly on the skin of the child. All the instruments could fit in the palm of an adult’s hand and are shaped like brooms and rakes and springs! Children enjoy playing with them first, to acclimate to the idea of these tools touching their bodies. Then, once we’ve touched them and given our favorite toy/animal their own acupuncture treatment, we treat the child. From the head, to the back, to the topside of arms, then to the topside of the legs is the usual map for a treatment. Depending on what the condition is, and its’ severity, one of the tools may be used at specific places on the body called acupuncture points. Finally, a home program is given to the parent and the child: to wear “stickers” for a few days on the child’s body. These stickers are placed on acupuncture points and consist of little balls or magnets to solidify the treatment’s medical message. The entire treatment averages about 15-30 minutes in length and the parent(s) is/are encouraged to participate. The most important point to remember is the treatment goes with the speed and desirability of the child. Conditions that respond the best are ear infections (acute and chronic), digestive issues, bowel/urinary disturbances, bedwetting, decreased attention, sleep challenges, immune system support, and overall wellness! Most parents are surprised by the success rendered after a few acupuncture treatments and continue to utilize this style of medicine throughout their child’s life!

(c/o CookingLight Magazine, January/February 2008)
Prep all the vegetables a day ahead, and this soup will come together quickly just before guests arrive. Goes well with whole-wheat breadsticks or rolls.
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 cups cubed peeled acorn or butternut squash (about 1 medium)-can substitute with same amount of red potatoes, cubed
3/4 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup diced fennel
1 cup water
1 (14 ounce) can fat-free, less sodium chicken broth
5 tablespoons no-salt added tomato paste
1/4 cup uncooked ditalini (very short tube-shaped pasta)

2 1/2 cups chopped Swiss chard
1/2 cup rinsed and drained canned Great Northern Beans
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Asiago cheese

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onion, basil, oregano, and garlic to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add squash/potatoes and next 3 ingredients (through fennel); sauté 5 minutes. Stir in one cup water, broth, and tomato paste; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in pasta; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chard; cook 3 minutes, Add beans; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in pepper. Serve with cheese sprinkled on top.
Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 1 cup minestrone and 1 teaspoon cheese)
Calories: 102 (22% from fat) Carb: 16.7 Calcium: 71mg
Fat: 2.5 (sat 0.7g, mono 1.4g, poly 0.2g) Fiber: 3.6g
Protein: 4.5g Chol: 2mg Iron: 1.6mg Sodium: 263mg

Assabet Valley Area Family Network
196 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
Director Rosemary Schantz , 508-485-0085
Provides FREE family education and support to all families with children age pre-birth through 3 years who live in Hudson, Marlboro, Northboro, Southboro, and Westboro and is sponsored by the Assabet Valley Collaborative. Playgroups, parent education opportunities, and much more!
Check out their website at www.avafn.org and receive free newsletters!

Once the news was out that the FDA urged parents to avoid children’s over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, many parents found themselves with a few questions. Why were they banned and how can parents now safely ease their child’s discomfort?
In September 2007, the FDA released a report that revealed that from 1969 to 2006, 54 children died after taking decongestants, and 69 children died after taking antihistamines. It starts with the child’s biology. Very simply, babies under 6 months do not have the capability to breakdown the chemical dextromethorphan found in cough suppressant remedies. Pseudoephedrine, a nasal decongestant chemical, has a similar issue. Thus, they can build up in the baby’s body and are viewed as toxins by the child’s liver.

Try a few of the following safer herbal options (which can be found at your local natural health food store):

Nasal relief: Hyland’s Sniffles ‘n Sneezes 4 Kids which contains zinc gluconate which can shorten the duration of colds.
Chest herbal rub: Nature’s Baby Organics Ah-Choo chest rub, made of olive oil, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil.
Sore throats and coughs: Slippery Elm bark and cherry bark lozenges for kids one year and older.