The recent article by NPR, Flattening The 'Mummy Tummy' With 1 Exercise, 10 Minutes A Day, starts off with a sensational, grabbing title. A click bait title that we wouldn't expect from a trusted news source like NPR. But it certainly got your attention, especially if you recently had a baby and now are feeling a little weak around the core. And since this is NPR this should be safer than something random you pull off the internet, right? Well, yes and no.
With addiction, deep fractures are drawn between our mind and our body, our needs and our habits, our emotions and our actions, and in the relationships that we have to ourselves and to others. Yoga, on the other hand, is connection.
It's a great time to pay attention to how stress is affecting you. Common stressors include work, family, money, children, illness and more. Stress can impact both your body and your mind causing symptoms such as muscular pain, irritability, fatigue, and headaches. Here's how we can help...
According to CDC data, 32% of women delivering a baby did so via C-section in 2015. Some of these are elective (planned) & others unplanned or emergent. If you are one of the 32%, what can you expect following a C-section?
Do you feel like your insurance coverage gets more confusing each year? That’s probably because it does! It seems like each year there is another rule or exception to your plan but the cost keeps going up. Here at Jade, we are often asked, “how much will this cost?” The answer isn’t as easy at it seems.
Nationwide Clinical Survey of Acupuncture Patients
91.5 % reported a disappearance or improvement of symptoms.
79% said they use fewer drugs.
70% avoided surgery.
63% said "I can work better most of the time."
58% said "I have more energy most of the time."
63% said "I have less pain most of the time."
Often people ask, "Is Acupuncture helpful?" The World Health Organization, National institute of Health, and individuals, such as former Surgeon General E. Koop, recognize Acupuncture as an effective treatment for a variety of ailments. Pain and chronic pain are often relieved, as well as emotional difficulties and addictions.
PORTLAND, Maine, October 8th, 2010 - Jade Integrated Health on Munjoy Hill in Portland believes in providing its clients with services to promote comprehensive health and wellbeing. To this end, they are currently offering a two new classes.; Yin Yoga and Qigong.
The transition from summer to fall can sometimes be stressful. Getting kids back to school and focusing on work can add additional pressure. Good news, with fall comes good food. Comfort foods that can reduce stress and boost our immune systems.
Explore with us the benefits of maintaining balanced nutrition, finding fresh local food, and cooking with enjoyment.
John, Nancy, Maura, and Laragh
| Eat Fresh - Buy Local |
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Find Local Farms and Markets  Finding local farms, events and farmer's markets is easier then you think. The Maine Department of Agriculture has an excellent website with easy to use location finder.
Want to participate in discussions on local food? Check out the Eat Local Foods website. Interested in purchasing shares of food for the season, check out MOFGA CSA directory link. |
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| Sweet Food Cravings ? |
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| Traditional Chinese Medicine Interpretations Chinese medicine has different explanations for cravings that consider personalities and taste likes/dislikes. Many emotions are directly related to the kind of food cravings a person may develop. For worry, stress and a sense of overwork coupled with the feeling that one is not "grounded" can often lead to craving sweets.
The Five Element Perspective In Chinese treatment there is an ancient method of the five element perspective. The relationship of the five elements is the association with the season, emotion, taste and organ. The five basic elements/phases and corresponding tastes are: 1. Metal -Pungent Sweet foods often can be divided into two groups 1) Sweet foods that are neutral and nourishing or warm and nourishing, these include meat, legumes, nuts, dairy products and starchy vegetables. 2) Sweet foods that are cooling, these include fruits, sugar, honey and other sweeteners. Potatoes, rice and apples are all considered to belong to the sweet flavor. The earth type person tends to over-think a lot and has food cravings for sweets. But this works both ways. Adequate amount of sweet is good but over dose can injure the person. When the earth element is weakened the appetite decreases, digestion is affected and sweet cravings increase and the person starts getting symptoms of mental sluggishness and emotional stress and physical fatigue that. Unfortunately, the individual feels compelled to consume sweet food for it does provide a quick boost of energy then the cycle becomes deleterious. These cravings can be fulfilled with using cinnamon and other herbs though these herbs are not as sweet as sugar but they surely but they are naturally moderately sweet. Autumn is the time of the Metal Element and light pungency in foods can be helpful to warm us against the upcoming chill. Again, be sure not over spice for it may open the exterior defenses and cause a sweat. Traditionally, this makes a person more susceptible to colds and flu. Wet skin against the cold wind is not a good combination. In future newsletters I will explore other elements and their relationships with season, emotion and taste.
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| My Grandma's Pumpkin Pie Recipe |
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| Fall's Perfect Comfort Food Ingredients  Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Original Recipe Yield 2 pies
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Strengthen Your Immune System Eat foods rich in antioxidants (like vitamins A, C, E and lycopene), omega-3 fatty acids, and folate. Antioxidants fight and neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that damage cells and cause heart disease, cancer and premature aging. Omega-3 fatty acids (a polyunsaturated fat) have anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-enhancing and immune-regulating properties. It is helpful in preventing and controlling high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, depression, inflammatory and auto-immune disorders. Folate prevents age-related cognitive decline, damage to blood vessels and brain cells by lowering homocysteine levels. It also ensures DNA integrity (important as we age and when pregnant) and promotes healthy red blood cells. Excellent food sources for these nutrients are as follows.
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| In The News |
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The Impact of Yoga Teachers on Society
By Paul Lerard - September 22nd, 2010 . In the West, there was a time when practicing Yoga was kept secret. When I was a child, it was considered, a bit strange. During the 50's and 60's, Yoga practice was associated with being part of counter culture movements, such as living the life of beatniks or hippies. Interestingly, I was told by a school teacher that I would some day grow up to be a beatnik. Well, time has passed and Yoga has come out of the closet in a giant wave. Yes, Yoga has gone Global. The world society, as a whole, has been affected positively by Yoga classes and Yoga teachers. Meditation, a component of a typical Yoga class, is a proven and valuable tool for mental health. Let's look at some of the ways Yoga teachers, Yoga classes, and the many styles of Yoga have gently changed the world today. There is much more to Yoga than meets the eye, at first glance. In fact, there is a Yoga style for every need, purpose, and personality. Full article is here. Maura's Commentary
The yoga practice can feel as if you're coming home to your body, coming home to a place that isn't about what you could or couldn't do yesterday or what you aspire to do or be tomorrow. The practice is about being present to what is happening in this present moment, and approaching this awareness without judgment. - Maura |
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I got tired of looking at all those leaves in my yard, so I got up off the couch and went into action. I closed the curtains.
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5. Kayaking Kettle cove /Crescent beach area.
4. Sponsoring and attending Shakespeare's Twelfth Night in Deering Oaks Park.
3. Finally having dinner at Fore Street after living in the area for almost ten years.
2. Enjoying every Thursday with my Two boys.
1. Accompanying my six year old for his first hike up Mt. Washington with my two brothers and their kids.
- John Charlesbois L. Ac.
Save $70
At our recent open house we unveiled a new package of services. By combining 3 treatment methods, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy and Yoga you can optimize the overall benefits that each one has to offer.
This is an ideal way to explore treatments options you might not have otherwise tried in the past. It not only makes economic sense for yourself, but makes a unique gift for that person you never know what to get.
The World Health Organization, National institute of Health, and individuals, such as former Surgeon General E. Koop, recognize Acupuncture as an effective treatment. It can be used for the management of back pain, headaches, migraines, and sports injuries. However, acupuncture provides more than pain relief. It is helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, abdominal, menstrual cramps, weight control, infertility and much, much more.
The initial benefits of massage therapy might appear obvious, but there are a few facts you might not have known. In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
Stress reduction. With its quiet, precise movements, yoga draws your focus away from your busy, chaotic day and toward calm as you move your body through poses that require balance and concentration.Make your appointment today and start living the balanced life you deserve. 773-5778
Yes... Acupuncture Can Help
Well... it might not help your swing, but it can keep you healthy, active and on the course enjoying the game you love. Here is a story from a few years ago, I still find insightful.
In 2004, Couples was trailing in the Buick Classic and playing with unbearable pain. Couples's back was throbbing to the point where he considered withdrawing from the tournament. After gritting his teeth through an opening-round 67, a friend advised visiting an acupuncturist. Couples received treatment on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, and when he arrived for the second round Friday at Westchester Country Club, he still had an acupuncture pin in each ear. But the throbbing in his back was gone.
''To me, it's unbelievable what they can do,'' Couples said.
Couple's play was also impressive. Shooting a six-under-par 65 during a bogey-free round that included six birdies, Couples grabbed a one-stroke lead heading into the third round. He finished 10 under par and tied for 4th place. As you know, he still plays strong today. Couples most recently finished 6th at the Masters and won 3 out of the seven tournaments in this year's Champions Tour.
- John Charlebois L. Ac
Yes... Acupuncture Can Help
I wish to take this opportunity to express gratitude toward the blessings that Mothers provide us all no matter who we are. Life and Love are their gifts and there is no equal. Mothers are busy caring, teaching and loving their families. Their stress can become harder to handle when their body becomes prepared to nurture their fertility. The Mayo Clinic states that 75% of menstruating women experience PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and 10% of those women experience severe manifestations of this condition called PMDD. Changes in mood or emotions are common and even portrayed as "normal". Traditional Chinese Acupuncture has effectively treated challenges with women's fertility cycle for many centuries. Pain, changes in cravings and appetite and feeling "wired & tired" have gentile treatments that are safe with minimal side effects. Additionally, the effect of treatments are cumulative over time therefore require less intervention as the patient is restored to balance.
What the Mayo clinic does not mention is the link between our stress response and a woman's sense of wellbeing during menstruation. Like the symbol for Yin & Yang The Sympathetic & Parasympathetic nervous systems depend on, and control one another and require a balanced state. Stress changes how your body interprets balance. Stress also changes the chemical balance the hormone system utilizes. The adrenals and other glands do not function to nurture the fertility/reproductive system when the stress response is heightened or continuously elevated. In contrast your body feels that it needs to work on its own survival and interoperates fertility as an undesired state, a threat, which requires energy and resources to resist.
The wide range of signs and symptoms manifest where the individual woman is most deficient or blocked. Traditional medicine suggests we nurture the woman's digestion and free the dynamic of flow inside and outside the body to include practicing self-care and expanding their creativity. There is much more to share then this space allows. Please sign up for my free lecture, Ancient Insights on the Fertility Cycle, June 22nd from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. I can provide specific answers to you, your family members, and your friends. Space is limited.
Have a Blessed, Stress free Mothers Day,
- John Charlebois L. Ac
Nationwide Clinical Survey of Acupuncture Patients
91.5 % reported a disappearance or improvement of symptoms.
79% said they use fewer drugs.
70% avoided surgery.
63% said "I can work better most of the time."
58% said "I have more energy most of the time."
63% said "I have less pain most of the time."
IT MAY ... if you work for the following:
* City of Portland
* State of Maine
* Maine Education Association (MEA)
* Maine Medical Center
* MaineHealth
Call today to make an appointment 773-5778.
If you are not an employee of one of the above organizations, you still may be covered. Please call your insurance provider to check benefit eligibility.
Anthem: 1-800-482-0966
Aetna: Member Services
Cigna: 1-800-244-6224
Great West: 1800-663-8081
Medicare: 1-800-633-4227
John's Inquiring Question
John questioned whether or not the state of Maine was investigating or planning any pilot programs that help reduce medical costs? He referenced the study above, explaining that through cost and benefit analysis, traditional acupuncture has been shown to lower healthcare costs. Currently State of Maine employees are eligible for these services. However, if Maine is looking for widespread cost savings, why not make it more widely accessible to all?
Congresswoman Pingree gave a very positive response and agreed with the benefits of acupuncture. She has personally seen results and the effectiveness of acupuncture with others. For a detailed answer however, she redirected the question to her daughter Hannah Pingree, Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives. We are in the process of following up with Hannah and will keep you updated.
Some Numbers to Crunch During Lunch
A study by the Oriental Medical Association of New Mexico reveals huge savings in multiple areas.
The research shows an overall amount of $42 million in cost savings over a 5 year period. This is equivalent to a brand new laptop for every high school student in the state of Maine. Now that is food for thought.
Click Here to view or download this report.
International research supports this even further. Other countries, including those in Western Europe, have managed to integrate acupuncture into the existing conventional system of medicine.
In fact, some nations are providing reimbursements through state health programs. This trend toward greater and more widespread reimbursement is likely to continue as more and better economic evaluations in acupuncture are performed.
Click Here to view or download this international report: Economic Evaluation in Acupunture: Past and Future.
Decoding Ancient Therapy
High-Tech Tools Show How Acupuncture Works in Treating Arthritis, Back Pain, Other Ills
- Melinda Beck
Speaking to Youth
- John Charlebois L. Ac.
Let's break down the walls
MYTH: Acupuncture is voodoo, magic, snake oil or is based on superstitious beliefs.
FALSE: True only when we wear our grass skirts and body paint on casual Friday. Seriously, acupuncture is based on careful observations by the ancient Chinese through clinical experiences. It is the longest existing medical system still in use today. Acupuncture education in the United States is regulated by a single national organization. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit Master's-level programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Additionally, this post graduate degree requires 1905 hours to be eligible for testing set forth by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).
MYTH: You have to belong to an Eastern religion for acupuncture to work.
FALSE: Acupuncture originates from China. However, acupuncture works based on repeated careful observations through clinical experience, and does not require one to belong to one religious belief or another. The Chinese Medicine Theory from which acupuncture operates crosses all cultural boundaries in the assumption that each human body, regardless of race or heritage, are essentially operating by the same principles. We are all humans beings.
MYTH: Acupuncture relies on the placebo effect for it to work.
FALSE: Until Western scientists and doctors can fully explain the acupuncture effect, let's consider that acupuncture works on animals, and one would be hard pressed to argue that animals experience a placebo effect.
MYTH: Acupuncture only treats pain.
FALSE: The treatment of pain is what acupuncture is best known for here in the West, and even is the primary condition for which the Merck Manual states for its use. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical model, treating symptoms (in addition to pain) related to the cold, the flu, menstrual disturbances, digestive disturbances, anxiety, insomnia, and many more. Click Here to see a list of what The World Health Organization states acupuncture to be an effective treatment for.
MYTH: Acupuncture can cure everything.
FALSE: All too often in America do we reach for the "one-size-fits-all" philosophy for all things in our lives, from weight loss and dieting tips, to ways to build interpersonal relationships. Acupuncture treatments are individually tailored to best for your presenting condition. However, it would be unethical and morally inept for us to ignore Western medicine. Acupuncture is excellent as adjunctive therapy to a doctor's treatments, particularly in the cases of cancer by which acupuncture may mediate the side-effect of chemotherapy and radiation. We hope this information has been useful. But don't just take our word for it, please see what other people have to say about acupuncture and our services by visiting our testimonial page.
- John Charlebois, L. Ac.
The flu, you and Chinese medicine
Clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of the illness. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by rebalancing the body's system, regulating the body's healing energies and enhancing the immune system.
- John Charlebois, L. Ac.
