Amazing Healing; Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Body-Mind Health & More!

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2010-03-05T19:23:00.001-05:00

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Great Yoga Classes & Workshops in NYC & Brooklyn

2010-02-23T16:26:00.003-05:00

Amber Campion has been added to my short list of my most favorite yoga instructors ever. She teaches regular classes and workshops in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

My husband and I attended her couples yoga/Thai massage workshop about two weeks ago. We loved it so much that I wrote a review for her website. It goes a little somethin' like this, "Amber's couples class was amazing. We would recommend it to lovers or to good friends. I am a yogi, and my husband is a mixed martial artist. We both left feeling much more open in our hips which became even more evident in each of our physical practices as well as in our day to day activities. Amber's calm presence and detailed instruction helped us feel welcome in the class of many couples. There was so much honesty and respect in the room. There were long moments when I felt that we were the only couple in the room, because the energy between my husband and I became so interconnected and we were so present with each other, something else that we have taken into our daily lives".

In March she will be teaching another Partner Yoga & Thai Massage Workshop at Bend & Bloom in Park Slope, Brooklyn (March 27: 5:15-7:15p.m.).

Yoga means union. Explore your connection with your partner or friend with an evening of Partner Yoga and Thai Massage. Enjoy a playful journey of supported yoga as we explore how to deepen our asanas through your partner's body weight, support, and breath. Then unwind and enjoy a basic sequence of stress-releasing Thai massage and stretches.

All duos (partners, spouses, friends, blind dates) are welcome! Only one person per couple needs to register.

$45 per couples if you register by March 21,
$50 per couple after March 21
Location: Bend & Bloom (708 Sackett Street between 4th and 5th avenue in Park Slope Brooklyn)

Here is the direct link to sign up:
http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=4186&stype=-8&sTrn=100000042

She will also be teaching a community (pay what you can) class (vinyasa flow) at Bend and Bloom on Tuesday, March 2nd (10-11:30a.m.).

At Om Factory, for all of March she will be teaching the community (pay what you can) class (vinyasa flow) on Wednesday mornings (10-11a.m.).

And she regularly teaches a Vinyasa Flow class at OM Factory on Thursday nights (7:45-9p.m.). All details and schedule are below. Amber invites you. "Please come out and stretch, breath, flow, laugh, & learn with me".

OM Factory: http://www.omfactorynyc.com/

Bend & Bloom: http://bendandbloom.com/

March Teaching Schedule (for adults/general population) schedule:

Tuesday, March 2nd: 10a.m.-11:30a.m. (@ Bend & Bloom) Community (pay what you can) Vinyasa Flow class

Wednesday, March 3rd: 10a.m.-11a.m. (@ OM Factory) Community (pay what you can) Vinyasa Flow class

Thursday, March 5th: 7:45p.m.-9p.m. (@ OM Factory) Vinyasa Flow class

Wednesday, March 10th: 10a.m.-11a.m. (@ OM Factory) Community (pay what you can) Vinyasa Flow class

Thursday, March 11th: 7:45p.m.-9p.m. (@ OM Factory) Vinyasa Flow class

Wednesday, March 17th: 10a.m.-11a.m. (@ OM Factory) Community (pay what you can) Vinyasa Flow class

Thursday, March 18th: 7:45p.m.-9p.m. (@ OM Factory) Vinyasa Flow class

Wednesday, March 24th: 10a.m.-11a.m. (@ OM Factory) Community (pay what you can) Vinyasa Flow class

Thursday, March 25th: 7:45p.m.-9p.m. (@ OM Factory) Vinyasa Flow class

Saturday, March 27th: 5:15p.m.-7:15p.m. (@ Bend & Bloom) Workshop: Partner Yoga & Thai Massage

Wednesday, March 31st: 10a.m.-11a.m. (@ OM Factory) Community (pay what you can) Vinyasa Flow class

Amber Campion received her 200 hour teacher training through the NY Open Center in 2006 with Jeff Migdow and Robyn Ross (Kripalu Yoga Teachers) in Prana Yoga, a chakra based practice with Kripalu technique. In 2007, she studied with Jill Satterfield (background in Iyengar Yoga) in Vajra Yoga through the social action teacher training. This training focused heavily on alignment, working from the inside, out (thinking about organs, bones, muscles, etc.) and also on practices of Tibetan Buddhism. She has studied with and gets inspiration from teachers such as Seane Corn, Cyndi Lee, Ana Forrest, Alana Kaivalya, Desiree Rumbaugh, and Roger Cole.

Her approach to the practice is one of inquiry and exploration. She seeks to empower others to see that it is not outside of themselves, but within, that the search begins. Her classes are playful and vigorous with themes artfully intertwined, leaving you feeling the deeper purpose of the practice that will go with you off the mat and into the world. She works with at-risk and incarcerated youth through the Lineage Project and teaches playful workshops ranging from partner yoga to Yogaeira, a practice she developed that combines Yoga and Capoeira (a Brazilian Martial Art she has been training since 2005). Her website is www.amberjcampion.com

The Three Trainings for Transformation: A Deeper View

2010-02-18T12:38:00.002-05:00

>The Three Trainings for Transformation: A Deeper View
with >Sharon Salzberg>

>Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - Wednesday, March 10, 2010

This program will focus on the 3 essential foundations of transformation in the Buddhist path: ethics, concentration and wisdom, from both a theoretical and practical perspective. This course is intended for those who already have a meditation practice and would like to further their understanding. There will not be beginning meditation instruction offered, so Sharon requests that people consider this before registering. The course is designed to be taken in full with no drop-ins.

Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. She is one of America’s leading meditation teachers and authors, and has been a student of Buddhism since 1971, guiding meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. Sharon’s latest book is The Kindness Handbook, published by Sounds True. She is also the author of The Force of Kindness, published by Sounds True; Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, published by Riverhead Books; and Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness, published by Shambhala Publications.

>Click here to register and for more information
>
>New York Insight Meditation Center
28 W 27^th St., 10^thFl
New York, NY 10001
(212) 213-4802

Listen to Juliette Aiyana's Podcast: Interviewed by Bob Flaws Dipl. Ac. & C.H., FNAAOM

2010-02-18T09:31:00.002-05:00

In this interview Bob Flaws and Juliette Aiyana talk about Juliette's most recent activities in the realm of weight loss and Chinese medicine. Juliette talks about the Dr. Sear's L.E.A.N. (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude & Nutrition) program for kids, personal options in weight loss, blogging, Facebook, Martha Stewart, and more. As always, Juliette is upbeat, enthusiastic, and very down to earth.

Click HERE to listen.

Weight Loss Teleseminar, April 15th, Register Now!

2010-02-12T12:03:00.002-05:00

TELESEMINAR

Hosted by Health & Wellness In No Time with Guest Juliette Aiyana.

Join in on the call from the comfort of your own home! Space is limited. Register HERE:

http://www.4healthinc.com/HealthWellnessinNoTimeTeleseminarSeries.aspx

Have you been struggling to lose weight? Are you looking for a new approach? Join Juliette on April 15 at 8 p.m. EST (7 PM CST / 6 PM MST / 5 PM PST) as she discusses Chinese Medicine and how it can contribute to weight loss. She will speak with us about her views on raw foods and juicing and even share some secrets about how new mom’s can lose their “baby” weight.

Juliette Aiyana is a well-respected acupuncturist, herbalist, and educator. She is also the author of Chinese Medicine & Healthy Weight Management. Juliette has a thriving Chinese Medicine practice in the heart of New York City and offers numerous resources on her website: www.amazinghealing.com and www.optionsforweightloss.com REGISTER: http://www.4healthinc.com/HealthWellnessinNoTimeTeleseminarSeries.aspx

Partner Massage Class in NYC this Valentine's Sunday 2010

2010-02-11T12:43:00.000-05:00

Massage and Assisted Stretching for Partners

with Brad Teasdale

Sunday, February 14th, 6-8PM

this dynamic, hands on workshop introduces basic massage therapy techniques and assisted stretches that help release tension from the body and open the energy centers for enhanced sensitivity and engagement with life. specific focus is given to the hips (1st and second chakras) and the upper back / chest (heart chakra) - areas that are often over-stressed from our contemporary lifestyles. couples and partners will learn practical skills that enrich their relationship and deepen their bonds of love. this class welcomes individuals as well.

Cost: $30 OR 2 classes off your 10/20 class card OR $50/couple

Please pre-register by emailing staff@virayoga.com

Hope to see you there!

RECALL: Applegate Farms Organic Sausage

2010-02-11T10:08:00.002-05:00

If I posted FDA food recalls everyday, I would not have time to do any other work and I'd mostly have the ground beef industry to thank for that. But since most of you who read my blog eat organic foods, I feel compelled to post today's recall by the FDA.

12-ounce packages of "Applegate Farms CERTIFIED ORGANIC FIRE ROASTED RED PEPPER FULLY COOKED CHICKEN & TURKEY SAUSAGE." Each package also indicates "KEEP REFRIGERATED" and "SKINLESS" on the label.

Each package has a USE BY/FREEZE BY date of February 28, 2010 and "Heating Instructions" on the back of the label. Also, the products bear the establishment number "P-5411" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on January 7, 2010 and were distributed to retailers in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, and Texas.

This product is being recalled because consumer's complained that they found plastic particles in the sausage. You can read the full recall details and sign up for recall e-mail alerts HERE. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_011_2010_Release/index.asp

Contact the White House Tell Obama to Stop Factory Farms from Degrading Organic Dairy Standards

2010-01-26T19:57:00.002-05:00

Contact the White House
Tell Obama to Stop Factory Farms from Degrading Organic Dairy Standards

(I got this alert through the Organic Consumer's Association newsletter)

With so many people calling the White House on this issue and others right now, it's very hard to get through. Please call and leave a message, but if waiting on the phone is too frustrating, you can SEND AN E-MAIL instead. Thanks! CLICK HERE TO FIND THE PHONE NUMBER TO CALL.

Organic dairies that graze their cows on pasture produce food that is healthier, safer, and more nutritious than chemical or GMO food, while protecting the environment and removing dangerous greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

The USDA is finally coming out with new rules to better enforce the longstanding requirement that organic cows must graze on pasture, rather than be confined in feedlots. Only one last hurdle remains: the President's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review.

Straus Dairy (based in California) and Aurora Dairy (based in Colorado) are making a last-ditch effort to prevent the USDA from cracking down on their feedlot operations. They're making a determined effort to sway the Obama administration, utilizing "insider influence" gained through campaign contributions to Obama and politicians like Tom Vilsack, who now heads the USDA.

In order to prevent factory dairy farms from driving ethical organic farmers out of business, and stop special interest manipulation of organic standards, thousands of us need to pick up the phone today. Call the Obama administration and tell them you're furious that the USDA has never adequately enforced the pasture requirement for organic dairy farms. Tell them that you'll never forgive the President if he lets ties to political contributors destroy the strict standards that safeguard organic integrity.

Tell the President that you won't settle for less! If a farm's dairy cows are kept in confinement or aren't on pasture, then its milk and dairy products are not organic!

For a better understanding of the issue you can read the detailed backgrounder, prepared by the Cornucopia Institute, that was submitted during Cornucopia's meeting with the OMB Friday, January 22, 2010:

http://www.cornucopia.org/USDA/PastureLivestockRuleBackground.pdf

Urgent Call For Human Milk Donations for Haitian Infants

2010-01-26T19:51:00.001-05:00

Urgent Call for Human Milk Donations for Haiti Infants

Washington, DC--The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), International Lactation Consultant Association/United States Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA/USLCA), and La Leche League International (LLLI) are jointly issuing an urgent call for human milk donations for premature infants in Haiti, as well as sick and premature infants in the United States.

This week the first shipment of human milk from mothers in the United States will be shipped to the U.S. Navy ship Comfort stationed outside Haiti. Comfort is currently set up with a neonatal intensive care unit and medical personnel to provide urgent care to victims of the earthquake. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant stationed at the U.S. Navy base in Bethesda, MD is assisting with providing breast pump equipment and supplies to Comfort. Dr. Erika Beard-Irvine, pediatric neonatologist, is on board to coordinate distribution of the milk to infants in need. HMBANA, USBC, ILCA/USLCA, and LLLI are responding to requests to provide milk for both premature infants and at-risk mothers who have recently delivered babies on board the USNS Comfort, but an urgent need exists for additional donations.

At the current time, the infrastructure to deliver human milk to Haiti infants on land has not yet been established. As soon as that infrastructure is in place, additional donations will be provided to older infants.

Mothers who are willing to donate human milk should contact their regional Mothers' Milk Bank of HMBANA. A list of regional milk banks is available on the HMBANA Web site at (www.hmbana.org/index/locations).

Currently milk banks are already low on donor milk. New milk donations will be used for Haiti victims as well as to replenish donor supplies to continue to serve sick and premature infants in the United States. Donor milk provides unique protection for fragile preterm infants. Financial donations are also strongly encouraged to allow HMBANA, a nonprofit organization, to continue serving infants in need.

UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the Emergency Nutrition Network, and medical professionals all recommend that breastfeeding and human milk be used for infants in disasters or emergencies. Human milk is life-saving due to its disease prevention properties. It is safe, clean, and does not depend on water which is often unavailable or contaminated in an emergency. Relief workers, health care providers, and other volunteers are urged to provide support for breastfeeding mothers to enable them to continue breastfeeding, and to assist pregnant and postpartum women in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding.

For more information, contact HMBANA at 408-998-4550 (www.hmbana.org). Additional information can be provided from the United States Breastfeeding Committee at 202-367-1132 (www.usbreastfeeding.org), ILCA/USLCA at 800-452-2478 (www.ilca.org or www.uslca.org), or La Leche League at 847-519-7730 (www.llli.org).

United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC)
The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) is an independent nonprofit coalition of 41 nationally influential professional, educational, and governmental organizations. Representing over half a million concerned professionals and the families they serve, USBC and its member organizations share a common mission to improve the Nation's health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. For more information about USBC, visitwww.usbreastfeeding.org.

The USBC is an organization of organizations. Opinions expressed by USBC are not necessarily the position of all member organizations and opinions expressed by USBC member organization representatives are not necessarily the position of USBC.

Now Open Monday

2010-01-25T09:01:00.003-05:00

Once again, due to demand, I have expanded my office hours.

As of Monday, February 1st, I am scheduling patients from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. which opens 7 more appointment slots each week. See you there!

Thank you all for choosing me as your health care practitioner and for referring your friends, family and co-workers.

FREE LGBT Health CE Course!!

2010-01-12T16:00:00.002-05:00

Now Available: Free Online Continuing Medical Education Course!

Studies over the last decade have consistently shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities are disproportionately impacted by tobacco use. These high smoking rates have been attributed to the stress of coming out, active targeting by the tobacco industry, and the vicious cycle of seeing peers smoke.

This free online course reviews the scientific literature on tobacco use and tobacco-related health disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations.

Feature-rich content and interactive exercises in this free online course help participants understand course materials, allowing them to apply principles learned in their clinical practices.

At the completion of this course, you should be able to:

· Describe key components of providing

healthcare to LGBT persons in a culturally
competent way

· Describe basic concepts related to LGBT health

· Apply evidence-based brief interventions for smoking cessation in clinical practice

To participate in this free online education program, go to www.glma.org/lgbttobacco.

GLMA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. GLMA designates this activity for a maximum of 2 credit hours in Category I of the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

This program was developed by the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and made possible by a generous grant from the American Legacy Foundation. The contents of this program do not necessarily represent the views of GLMA or the Foundation or that of their staffs or Boards of Directors.

GLMA Home | My GLMA | About GLMA | Membership | GLMA Annual Conference | GLMA on Facebook
GLMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on your support. If you would like to support our important work, please donate online. If you are a member, please accept our thanks.

Stress Reduction Classes NYC

2010-01-12T15:11:00.004-05:00

I recommended MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) classes on a regular basis to many of my patients. If you have a hard time dealing with the stress of work, family or other pressures this class will teach you the tools to deal with them as they come up.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
with Elaine Retholtz

Orientation Sessions (required):
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 or Thursday, January 21, 2010

This course is modeled after the renowned program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts 30 years ago. It includes instruction in mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, group dialogue and inquiry, and provides daily practice support materials. Research has shown that MBSR can bring lasting changes in physical and psychological symptoms, greater energy, improved self-esteem and increased ability to cope with pain and stress. Attendance is required at one of the orientation sessions.

Wednesdays, Nine Evening Sessions (Orientation + Eight Classes):
January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17
7-9:30pm

Thursdays, Nine Morning Sessions (Orientation + Eight Classes):
January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18
10am-12:30pm

Daylong Session: Sunday, March 7, 10am-5 pm

Fee: NYI/JCC members $325, nonmembers $375

Co-Sponsored With the Jewish Community Center
SPECIAL LOCATION: Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 76th Street), NYC

Elaine Retholtz was introduced to mindfulness practice in 1988. Elaine has been active in New York Insight from its inception, serving on the Steering Committee for many years as a practice leader, and now as an associate teacher. She completed the practicum in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as well as the Teacher Development Intensive at the Center for Mindfulness in Worcester, MA. She teaches MBSR in a variety of venues including at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, the Tri State College of Acupuncture, and at Rivington House Adult Health Care Facility, where she is the Coordinator of Complementary Care Services. She is a graduate of the third Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders Program.
Click here to register

Great NYC Yoga Classes, Yoga Retreats Jamaica, Italy and Upstate

2010-01-12T14:53:00.004-05:00

One of my most favorite yoga instructors, Michelle Barge, has an updated and expanded yoga teaching schedule this winter, to include lovely retreats in Italy, Jamaica and Upstate New York.

Michelle's training is Iyegar-based so her classes are focused on strength and alignment of body and mind. Her teaching style is out-going, encouraging and challenging. You should try it!

Learn more about Michelle here:

http://beyoumag.com/author/michelle-barge/
http://www.thefierceclub.com/MICHELLE.html
http://www.goldenbridgeyoganyc.com/
http://reflectionsyoga.com/index.php

CLASS SCHEDULE:
Mondays: Reflections -- 4pm and 5:25pm
Tuesdays: Golden Bridge -- 6:30pm (and we've been moved to the BIG room)
Wednesdays: Reflections -- 4pm
Thursdays: Golden Bridge -- 6:30pm NEW (BIG room, too!)
Saturdays: Golden Bridge -- 12:30pm; Fierce Club -- 5pm
Sundays: Exhale -- 9:30am Lvl 2/3 980 Madison NEW (back at Exhale by popular demand!)

RETREATS:

Ananda Ashram, Monroe NY Feb 20 - 21
It is my extreme pleasure to be co-teaching with Elias Lopez at Ananda Ashram. Many of you have asked about the Ashram and have wanted to experience it. So here's your chance. It is a beautiful, lovely, spiritual place. This is sure to be a lovely recharging weekend spiritually and physically plus FUN! Elias Lopez is a teacher's teacher and has the great skill of being able to get students newer to their practice to levels thought unimaginable. He's also a naturalist and environmentalist and knows his way around the Ashram's many beautiful acres. AND you can see the organic farm we've been working on and perhaps become a volunteer.
http://blog.anandaharvest.org/
Vegan and vegetarian diet. Super low price for an all inclusive weekend. Dormitory $ 190
Semiprivate $ 240
All you need to know on link below:
http://www.eliasyoga.com/winterretreatatananda.htm
There are limited spots, so if you are interested, PLEASE email me and we'll put you down.

Bromley Estate, Ocho Rios, JAMAICA
I want everyone to experience the beauty, charm and peace of Bromley in Jamaica, but know that schedules become a factor. We have 2 date options for Bromley:
first week in March OR push to April.
If you're interested in Jamaica and have a date option, please let me know. I can only book it with interest.

Cascina Buenosera, Asti, Italy May/June 2010
And just to entice you -- Italy in the spring awaits us. Let's just say it will be a yogic, wine and food filled celebration of life amongst the vineyards and the rose gardens...
This will also be brought to you by Pravassa Healthy Travel.
Let me know if you're even dreaming about it... Again, need interested parties to book the VILLA. YES, VILLA!
http://pravassa.com/

Postpartum Weight Loss For Nursing Mothers

2010-01-05T10:33:00.003-05:00

This article of mine was published by Chinese Medicine Times in the Summer of '09. Great for professional practitioners, and the lay reader.

"Over the past few years, there have been many published studies, articles and one book written on the effectiveness of acupuncture and Chinese herbs for weight loss and weight management. However, none have focused on post-partum weight loss. Now that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become extremely popular for fertility, gestational diseases, and labor induction; practitioners have the opportunity to follow-up with these same patients for post-partum healthcare.

Many pregnant and post-partum mothers are concerned about losing the “baby weight” as soon as possible. During pregnancy it is contraindicated to lose weight, but we can assist with weight management techniques to control weight gain during pregnancy if needed. In addition, we can educate mothers about how to safely and effectively lose weight after the baby is born. Many new mothers focus on losing weight as quickly as possible after her baby is born. However, as practitioner’s we ought to teach these mothers to lose weight healthfully and slowly for the sake of their personal health and the health of their nursling(s).

Weight Loss in the first six weeks Post-Partum

It is not advisable to begin any special weight loss dieting during the first eight weeks postpartum so that the mother can recover her energy and heal from the birth. Eating a healthy, balanced and varied diet is advisable. In fact, nursing mothers need to eat an extra 500 calories per day to support milk production. A nursing mother’s diet should be 1,800 calories per day and definitely not less then 1,500 calories per day. Most women can begin exercising at about six weeks post-partum.

Most women lose about ten pounds (4.5kg) during the birth: the baby, the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Nursing the baby helps the uterus to shrink which will also result in weight loss. Typically in the first few weeks after birth, the mother will spontaneously lose about 5 to 8 pounds of leftover fluid weight, without the need for special weight loss techniques. That water is commonly lost through urine and sweating. Post-partum sweating occurs frequently in the form of night sweats, day sweating, and sweating while nursing the infant. All of these types of sweating result in water weight loss and are such sweating is usually considered normal and is not classified in TCM as pathological fluid (Yin) loss.

Weight Loss after eight weeks

Weight loss after eight weeks postpartum should not exceed 2-4 pounds (1-2kg) per month. Loss of more then that may cause a drop in milk supply and therefore an inability to adequately provide nutrition to the nursling. It can also prove unhealthy for the mother because patients who lose weight quickly tend to regain the lost weight and then some, whereas patients who lose weight in a slow and steady manner tend to maintain their weight loss".

Be Healthy Active & Pain Free

2010-01-04T19:03:00.002-05:00

My regular readers know that I am a HUGE FAN of the MELT method and teacher Zoe Bostwick-Levine, because it/she helped me so much in my healing and recovery from a long three day labor and subsequent c-section. My body was a mess and I didn't discover this method until after a year of pain. I had chronic pelvic pain, low back pain, a severe diastasis. This was one of the methods I incorporated into my healing regimen and it was so releiving! So, if you are in NYC and have back pain, leg pain, foot pain, etc., check this out!!

Be Well- Juliette

Take Better Care Of Your Body in 2010

Introduction to "Hands Off" Bodywork: The MELT Method

For those of you that are still unsure about what exactly one does in a MELT class, just imagine that someone gives you a foam roller and a few little balls, and shows you how to use those simple tools to make your whole body feel healthy, vibrant, and pain free. You will do some rolling, lengthening, decompressing and mobilizing of the spine and joints. I'll even show you how to relax on the foam roller! If you are still unsure, you should just join us for one of these upcoming workshops. MELTing is not like anything you have ever done before!

So if your New Year's resolutions and desires are at all connected to your body feeling great, working well, or even looking great (MELT decreases cellulite!), then this workshop is a great place to start.

In this Introductory workshop I will show you 6 simple "do-it- yourself" secrets to feeling better now.

1. Rediscover your ideal alignment
2. Decompress the low back and neck
3. Decompress overworked joints
4. Rehydrate your connective tissue freeing up your joints and muscles
5. Reconnect to your core in a more effective way
6. Learn a hand and foot treatment you can take anywhere to treat the whole body

You'll come to class feeling, tight, maybe disconnected or even unaware of your body. Your body may feel stiff from sitting all day, or sore from yesterdays killer workout or dance class. Your shoulders might be shrugged up toward your ears (and perhaps they are even as you read this). No matter what draws you in, by the time you leave a MELT class you'll feel more grounded, long, and lean. You'll stand with a new kind of ease, without all that unnecessary tension in your neck, shoulders, and back. You'll feel like you have a little more space in all your joints. Most importantly you'll start to have a better understanding of how your body tends to get out of balance and how you can fix it yourself.

And this is how your new obsession with MELTing begins.

Tues Jan 5th 6:30-8pm
@ Conscious Body Studio 575 5th St. 2nd fl. (between 8th Ave and the Park - Brooklyn)
Thurs Jan 7th 3:45-5:15pm
@ Conscious Body Studio
Sunday Jan 10th 9-10:30am
@ Soulshine Family Wellness Center 917 8th ave (10th st)

Space is very limited. Please register in advance. Take $5 off if registering by 12/19!

$25 for class or,
$85 total with props (to keep for yourself)

1 Hand and Foot Treatment Kit ($50 value!)
1 MELT Roller ($40 value!)
This is a savings of $30 on the retail price of the props! It's like getting them at over 30% discount if you purchase them with this workshop.

You do not need to purchase props- this is just a special offer!

--
Zoe Bowick Levine
Everyday Balance NYC
917-309-5969
www.everydaybalancenyc.com
www.meltmethod.com
www.kinesisproject.com
www.fitnesscollective.com

2009-12-31T15:42:00.000-05:00

New Year’s Diet Resolution: No Deprivation Weight Loss Diets!

Throughout the holidays many people have consumed more rich, fatty, sugary foods than they should have in a matter of two weeks. To bring in the New Year, many people have resolved to go on yet another diet. Are you one of those people? Those extra holiday pounds added to the rest of the weight you want to lose could make dieting seem like an overwhelming task. Which diet will you chose: Vegetarian, Atkins, The Cookie Diet, Fit for Life, The Zone, Weight Watchers, Raw Foods, Juicing, or Cabbage Soup? READ MORE HERE...

Q&A w/ Juliette Aiyana: Chinese Herbalism Straight answers about the modern practice of Chinese herbal medicine

2009-12-29T18:00:00.003-05:00

Q&A with Juliette Aiyana:

Chinese Herbalism: Straight answers about the modern practice

of Chinese herbal medicine

Here is a link to an interview I did for InnerRewards.com E-Zine.

After you read my interview, surf the InnerRewards site for other interesting interviews and articles on

a variety of health and wellness topics.

In the interview, I answer such questions as:

-What are the common uses of Chinese herbs?

-Why use Chinese herbs instead of Western herbs?

-What makes herbs effective? Why do they work for some and not others?

And much more!! Read it HERE.

Old ideas are new again in cancer research

2009-12-29T12:29:00.002-05:00

The New York Times published a very interesting article called Forty Year's War- Old Ideas Spur New Approaches in Cancer Fight

This article shows that the majority of medical researcher's need to listen to the few, and, listen much sooner. It also delves deeper into the idea that cancer grows based on it's environment within the body. But what makes it grow within the body? The environment around us- that is chemicals in our food, drink, chemicals in the air that we use to clean our homes, work places and in the schools. This news is nothing new under the sun but, thankfully, the attention is.

Keep yourself healthy- use natural cleaners, eat pesticide free foods, eat whole, fresh, locally grown foods, (or at least frozen organic veggies if fresh is hard for you to find in your town) and avoid prepackaged/chemical rich foods like a, well, like a cancer.

Holiday Massage Special!

2009-12-17T14:44:00.002-05:00

The talented massage therapist, Patrick Harewood, is now renting space here at Aiyana Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs. This is exciting news because many of you ask me for referrals to local massage therapists.

To celebrate the holidays, he is offering a special rate of 15% off your first and second massage, if you book your appointment before December 31^st, 2009. (You must book before this date, but you can schedule the appointment for a later date in case you can’t make in during the busy holiday season. The rate cannot be applied to packages).

I have received a massage from Patrick about one month ago and felt deeply relaxed, not to mention pain-free. I loved all the assisted stretching that he incorporated into the treatment. His massage is wonderful gift to give to a loved-one, or for you to combat holiday stress.

Regular Rates:

60min: $100

90min: $140

Packages:

Series of 5 or more sessions: 10% off

Series of 10 or more: 15% off

Biography:

Patrick Harewood has been a licensed massage therapist since 2006 and has worked at numerous spas in the New York City area including the Great Jones Spa and Jumeriah Essex House's Spa. Patrick is an alumnus of the prestigious Swedish Institute in New York City. He left a successful twelve-year career as a news producer for CNN and CBS News in 2006 to become a full-time massage therapist.

He is a skilled and dynamic body worker with a passion for what he does. Patrick is trained in all major massage modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu and Sports Massage. Although he customizes each session to meet individual client needs, he incorporates stretching in almost all massages.

Stretching increases flexibility, helping you comfortably and fluidly perform life’s daily activities and help reduce the risk of muscle and, joint and tendon injuries. Stretching can help eliminate low back pain, and also increases circulation by stimulating blood flow to the muscles, bringing nourishment and getting rid of waste byproducts in muscle tissue. It can also shorten recovery time if you’ve had any muscle injuries. Stretching is a great stress reliever and simply feels good. “Most of us simply don’t stretch enough. So, I do it for you. Everyone seems to really like that part of the massage”.

“Massage allows me to help people feel good in their bodies. The reward is immediate. I get to make a difference in people’s lives in a very unique and personal way. The result is a wonderfully relaxing and therapeutic experience for whomever I am fortunate enough to have on my table. I love what I do. Being a massage therapist gives me a freedom and creative opportunity I could not find within the confines of traditional corporate environments.”

To schedule an appointment with Patrick contact him via email at Patharewood@gmail.com or call him at 646-326-3958.

Change is Freedom

2009-12-17T12:38:00.000-05:00

"When desire is replaced by equanimity, and awareness of all phenomena thus unfolds without reference to self, we gain the freedom to move along with change rather than setting ourselves against it.". -Andrew Olendski

FREE Prenatal Yoga in NYC

2009-12-10T16:22:00.002-05:00

YES! Free! New York's Prenatal Yoga Center is offering free classes taught by student's in the yoga teaching program. Here is the deal:

Free Prenatal Yoga Classes!

Our Fall 2009 teacher trainees will be teaching the following
class as part of their final examination:

Saturday, December 12 | 1:30-3pm
Monday, December 14 |12:15-1:45pm
Tuesday, December 15 | 4-5:30pm
Wednesday, December 16 | 3:15-4:45pm
Tuesday, January 5 | 4-5:30pm
Wednesday, January 6 | 3:15-4:45pm
SAturday, Janury 16 | 1:30-3pm

Each class is also supervised by Prenatal Yoga Center staff.
Admission is FREE, however we do ask that you sign up in advance, as classes are limited to 10 students each. Additionally, if you do reserve a spot, please make every effort to attend - or let us know well in advance so that we can fill that spot.

Please call 212-362-2985 for availability or to register!

Lotion and Cream Making Class- Online! Great holiday gifts!

2009-12-10T16:21:00.001-05:00

Learn to make lotions and creams in the comfort of your own home at a time that is convenient for you. Joan Morais is a Cosmetic Formulator, Certified Aromatherapist and Seasoned Instructor. She will show you how easy it is to make lotions and creams. Joan demonstrates how to make a tried, tested and favorite Moisturizing Body Lotion.

You will be able to watch the video as many times as you like so you can create successful lotions and creams. This is the next best thing to taking a class in person with Joan.

You will learn
~ An excellent formulation using emulsifying wax and palm stearic wax-never published before.
~ How to preserve lotions and creams.
~ Good Manufacturing Practices.
~ All about the best ingredients for natural lotions and creams.
~ How to use essential oils for scent and therapeutic value.
~ Packaging and labeling lotions and creams.
~ Resources for supplies; a great source for airless pump containers at a reasonable price.

~Plus lots more.

You will receive an INSTANT DOWNLOAD link for the e-video and the e-class handout. You can save the e-video and the e-handout to your computer.

Save money by not making the costly trial and error mistakes.

Cost: Special New Release Price for a Limited Time Only, Save $25

$150 includes e-video and e-handout

More Information

info@joanmorais.com

Call 707 426-9480

To Purchase click here>>

The Ultimate Swine Flu Survival Guide

2009-12-10T15:44:00.003-05:00

The Ultimate Swine Flu Survival Guide

A book review by Juliette Aiyana, L.Ac., Herbalist, Author

New York City doctor, Vincent M. Pedre III, wrote his 92-page primer published by Wellness Media in an effort to debunk Swine Flu (H1N1) myths, to provide straight facts about the vaccines and to offer integrative and natural solutions for the prevention and treatment of the flu. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about how to take charge of their health. It is available as a soft-cover book or as an E-book.

Dr. Pedre’s book is well written, straight forward and easy to understand. I read in it two hours during my short commute to and from work. The book gives easy to integrate strategies to treat and prevent the flu. And although it focuses on H1N1 flu, his advice could be used for any strain of flu during any flu season.

In my clinical experience, the tips he gives for natural prevention are sound such as; getting enough sleep, washing hands with soap and water, Vitamin D3 supplementation, eating well and more. I am, however, surprised that he does not mention supplementation with the commonly known Chinese herb, Astragalus root, because there have been many research studies supporting its’ use for the prevention of H1N1 and other viral strains. Chinese medicine uses this herb to boost immunity, to prevent and treat a variety of viral diseases. And speaking of Chinese medicine, as a CM practitioner, I disagree with Dr. Pedre's recommendation to juice raw vegetables and drink them daily. Chinese physicians view raw foods as cold and dampening which can create a more vulnerable environment in the body that can easily lead it contracting a cold or flu. Certainly vegetables provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which help boost the immune system. My personal choice would be to eat lots of whole, cooked or lightly steamed vegetables.

“The Ultimate Swine Flu Survival Guide” is chock full of helpful information. To order the Dr. Pedre’s book, log onto the website: http://www.theultimateswinefluguide.com/. This website also has an informative and regularly updated blog, and news updates, that you can check out.

And, if you are wondering which brand of vaccines contain do and do not mercury a.k.a. Thirmerosal (and other adjuvants) you can visit this FDA site which lists all the brands and ingredients.

Here are The Top 7 Prevention Tips from Dr. Pedre’s book:

Tip #1: Wash your hands regularly throughout the day.

Tip #2: Get plenty of rest, especially when feeling run-down.

Tip #3: Boost immunity with Dr. Pedre’s The Swine Flu Survival Diet.

Tip #4: Optimize your Vitamin D levels.

Tip #5: Take Black Elderberry daily.

Tip #6: Take a daily dose of Vitamin C.

Tip # 7: Take a daily dose of Zinc at the first sign of swine flu symptoms.

Don't forget that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years for the prevention and treatment of a variety of flu viruses.

Now Open Saturdays!

2009-11-23T19:51:00.000-05:00

Announcing New Winter Hours on Saturdays!

Due to popular demand I will be scheduling patient appointments on two Saturdays per month from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See you there!

Call 212-894-0767 to schedule your appointments.

Tell the FDA, We Don't Want No BPA

2009-11-23T11:46:00.002-05:00

Here is information from CREDO Action's website about the dangers of BPA's to our health.

You can sign a petition HERE urging the FDA to BAN BPA's in all food and drink packaging. The petition will be delivered this week because on Nov. 30th FDA will reveal their decision regarding the use of BPA's in food packaging.

Below info is from CredoAction.com

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Did you know that a chemical that has been implicated in everything from miscarriages to cancer to sexual dysfunction can be found in your groceries? Bisphenol-A — BPA — is contained in a broad range of food packaging including baby bottles, water bottles, almost all soda can liners and many other types of packaging.

A potent endocrine disruptor, BPA is present in detectable levels in over 90% of Americans and is a key ingredient not just in food packaging but in plastics of all kinds from PVC plumbing to register receipts. Make no mistake, BPA gets into our food: Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group have both studied the issue and found BPA in many of the canned products they tested, including infant formula, vegetables, soda and soup.

Hundreds of studies have confirmed the dangers of even low-level doses of BPA. The risks are severe enough that the prestigious Endocrine Society, the world's "premier professional organization for basic and clinical endocrine research and the treatment of endocrine disorders," released a special statement last summer explicitly warning that low-level exposure to BPA can adversely affect male and female reproduction, thyroid function, metabolism, and could even increase obesity.

The FDA, which has a long history of allowing industry-funded studies to guide policy, has responded to this controversy by embarking on a broad review of BPA research. But disturbingly, the FDA is also allowing a new multi-year government-funded study of BPA to use rats that many scientists believe are insensitive to the chemical -- not a good sign.

We need you to tell FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg that enough is enough. There is already overwhelming evidence that BPA is dangerous to our health. It has no place in our food, even at the lowest levels. It's time for the FDA to invoke the precautionary principle and put people's safety above corporate profits. When the FDA releases its BPA review on Nov. 30, the agency should call for an immediate ban on the use of BPA in any and all food packaging, including can linings, and should further require companies to fully test and disclose the nature of all chemical ingredients used in food packaging and linings.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE.