It's 2012!

 
Happy New Year folks! Thank you for reading and supporting my blog. Got any big plans for the New Year? I do, so stay tuned to Acupuncture Blog Chicago in 2012!

New Acupuncture Research -> Rats Experience Stress Reduction

With more research on acupuncture, the evidence of it's ability to reduce stress grows. Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have concluded that "acupuncture reduces the levels of a protein-like substance in rats linked to chronic stress."

The implications are wonderful; it could mean advances in treating stress with acupuncture. As I learn more about this protein-like substance,

Primer on Happiness

This photo came to me in a Facebook feed and I thought it would help set the appropriate tone as we reflect back on 2011 and create our mindset for 2012. Happy New Year!

Acupuncture Blog Chicago: Top 5 Posts of 2011

1. Celine Dion Used Acupuncture To Improve Her Chances Of Getting Pregnant. I was happy to see that CNN reported she used acupuncture to improve her chances of getting pregnant. Not only a wonderful singer but also a smart lady!

2. Yin and Yang. The basic premise of yin and yang is the notion that the only constant factor in the universe is change. Nothing remains the same; no disease, no

Acupuncture Can Improve Your Mental Health

*This article is from acufinder.com

At some point in life everyone deals with major upheavals or emotional distress. These events can trigger a host of unexpected feelings and behaviors from depression and panic attacks to major disruptions in sleep and eating. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can alleviate symptoms associated with mental health issues in treating the root cause of the problem

Merry Christmas

Quick Coherence for Holiday Peace

We have been using a lot of Biofeedback for soldiers with PTSD to decrease anxiety and increase mindfulness. I am currently in the process of reviewing the emWave by HeartMath to determine if it is a good fit to use and recommend at Jing, and one of the initial practices suggested is a short heart meditation that does not require the aid of a device. Detailed information is available on their website along with a number of free tools and research. Try out this quick, proactive practice for your own centered presence before taking on holiday traffic or that pesky family drama!


Step 1: Focus
Bring awareness to the area around your heart in the center of your chest.  Place your hand over your sternum to help maintain this focus.

Step 2: Breath
Begin by taking your normal breaths gradually deepening each inhale and elongating each exhale. Imagine each inhale and exhale originates and flows freely from your heart center. Continue this practice until the breath feels natural and relaxed.

Step 3: Feeling
As you maintain your heart focus and breath, recall a positive memory or pleasurable feeling. Try to re-experience that moment, taking in all of the enjoyable sensory and interpersonal aspects that bring joy and peace. Linger here, allowing yourself to rebalance and recharge before moving forward.