SUMMER 2020 NEWSLETTER
Quote of the Month:

We live in a vibrational universe.
Our thoughts and feelings are vibrations that are constantly shaping our world.
Choose to vibrate LOVE…

Heartmath Institute
From the Acupuncture & Wellness Team
Well, we’re fully in the swing of summer and we remain committed to supporting our community during these unprecedented times.  We continue to remain open and are honored to be able to be a part in helping you to maintain your health and wellbeing. With all the challenges many are going through, we are here to help rebalance and renew you. 

It is no coincidence that in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that the summer represents the energy of the Heart and all the love and joy associated with this beautiful organ. It is typically a time to remember to enjoy the good things in life. As we continue to try to make sense of all that is going on in the world it is a good time to remind each other of all of our blessings and opportunities, while supporting one another through some of the tougher aspects of the times. At AWC we are committed to being a sacred space of healing and welcome. We are here for you!! We share this newsletter to help bring balance and peace as we move through this season of the Heart. Enjoy! 

We remain committed to keeping you safe during your treatments, so when you’re ready to set up an appointment, go to www.acupuncturewellnessbaltimore.com and click on our COVID link to review our current office procedures. We will also be offering Telehealth video appointments for those who are at high risk or would prefer to receive treatment from the safety of their own home. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us for more information at 443-219-1220 . We look forward to seeing you soon.  
The Heart Channel for the Fire of Summer
Summer is the season of abundance, of the fire element and the heart channel. It is a time of opening, growth, intensity and movement. The heart is the center of our being, our essence, our spirit. It is also the strongest area of energy flow and vibration. When you change your heart, you can make immediate and powerful changes to your body, mind and spirit. Summer, then, is a great time to rebuild energy balance.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body in terms of energy and balance. Energy (qi) runs in channels throughout the body and they are often named after physical organs. When the energy of the Heart is stagnated through physical or emotional trauma, it can show up in the body as insomnia, palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety, depression and heart disease. Through acupuncture and herbal treatment, the energy of the heart can be rebalanced to help alleviate these symptoms. 
The use of Acupressure: 
The Chinese translation for Heart 7 is Shen Men, which means Spirit Gate. It is the point that is great for calming the mind and helping to resolve emotional related symptoms of anxiety, worry, panic attacks and heart palpitations. The point is located at the wrist crease, palm upward, on the pinky side of the hand. Stimulating this point can calm the spirit, clear fire element, clear the heart. 
The use of Food (From Heart Harmony
Qi for Self-Nurturing with Grand Master Nan Lu): 
Energy-Rich Foods for Summer
Other ways to bring balance:
1. Exhale completely, close your mouth and inhale through your nose to a count of 5. Imagine that the air coming in is cleansing and pure and moving through your lungs into your entire body. Hold your breath for a count of 20, imagining the air cleansing your cells. Exhale to 10 count, visualizing the wastes being breathed out of your body.

2. Engage your senses by going outside and walking barefoot. Listen to the garden sounds of birds, crickets. Smell the flowers. Consciously eat the fresh produce, tasting their essence.

3. Drink lots of fresh water.

4. Do some sort of movement every day. Even if it is just a walk down the block. Get your sweat up a little, your breath going a little faster. Start where you are, gently. Quality, not quantity.
(from “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” Veith, I, trans. Berkely and Los Angeles, CA:
University of California Press, 2002)

5. Smile: look in the mirror and smile at yourself. Feel gratitude for yourself. This stimulates the heart and brings peace.

6. Place your hands, one on top of the other, over your chest area. Connect with your heart. Feel it beating, Make small circular motions. Open to feelings of love.

7. Before going to bed, allow your mind to wander. Replace the busy thoughts of the day with a peaceful image, place hands over heart and let yourself smile at that image as you fall asleep.
The Gift of Health Resources
A beautiful new song by Kelly Clarkson = “I Dare You to Love”
A Hopi Indian Shaman’s message on how everyday life and self-care can help us cope.
In general, sticking to a routine that emphasizes your mind and body health can be daunting. During unsure times it can seem even more overwhelming. 

We understand and we want to give you somewhere to start! The AWC staff and practitioners have collected some videos to help you begin moving your body and spirit. 

Some new Qi Gong Exercises and Yoga videos:

1.      Evening Qi Gong 20 min Exercise
20 min
2.      Qi Gong for Deep Sleep Bonus Segment
3.   Yoga for Flexibility | 16 Minute Practice | Yoga with Adriene   
16 min
AWC Products
You Can Still Order Products by phone
Herbs, essential oils, CBD products and teas are available. Contact us at 443-219-1220. Please note that we are not operating under normal business hours. If you are unable to reach us, please leave a detailed message and we will get back to you in a timely manner.

Health Concerns: Herbal Formulas
Seasonal allergies, Hay fever, and Asthma are often concerns during the spring and summer. Several herbal formulas can assist. You will need to speak with your acupuncture practitioner to determine what is best for you.

Clear Air, Cordyceps , Isatis Gold and others.
Recipe of the Month
Shrimp, Brocolli and Rice Foil Packs
from Delish.com

All the flavor of stir fry—no pan required!