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Spring Newsletter
April 2023
yellow_spring_daffodil.jpg
Ah...Kindness....
What a simple way to tell another
struggling soul that there is love to be
found in this world!

- Unknown
From the Acupuncture & Wellness Team
Spring is in the air!!! Doesn’t it feel wonderful to have more sunshine and nicer days to enjoy
nature? Donna, Edwin, and the entire staff hope you all get to enjoy this season of renewal
and rebirth and wish you peace and a sense of calm this Spring Season.

We would like to express our gratitude to all of our patients and our appreciation for your
support. Our hope is that all of us experience health and happiness. As always, we are here to
help you in any way we can.

Acupuncture & Wellness Center is committed to being a sacred space of healing where all are
welcome. We share this newsletter to support you in your journey of fostering balance and
peace of mind.
For current patients, click here to book an appointment online. If you are a new patient
seeking services please call the office at (443) 219-1220.


Gift Certificates Available!
AWC Gift Certificates can be used for Massage, Nutrition, Acupuncture sessions, or herbal products and supplements.
Welcome to Our New Staff Members!
We have been very blessed to add more fabulous staff members to our growing family. We would like to introduce and welcome both Angela Fellow, L.Ac. and Louanne Chan to our team of dedicated staff members. Here’s a little bio of both fabulous women:

Angela Fellow is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Nationally Board Certified Diplomate of
Acupuncture, Certified Reiki Practitioner and Herbalist. She received her MS in Acupuncture
and East Asian Medicine from Texas Health and Science University in Austin, Texas.

Angela received her BA in Asian Studies from Union College in Schenectady, New York. During her undergraduate years, Angela spent time abroad in China polishing her Mandarin speaking skills where she was first introduced to East Asian medicine. Finding solutions to her own health concerns through acupuncture has helped Angela overcome chronic pain and PTSD. As a practitioner, seeing others regain parts of themselves to live fuller, more enriching lives is why Angela loves what she does. Sharing the impact this medicine brings is a continuous gift.

Angela has practiced Vinyasa yoga for ten years and has developed a deep appreciation for
and understanding of breathwork and the mind-body connection. Angela practices mindfulness
and employs various mindfulness techniques within her treatments to handle life stressors
including social anxiety, loss and grief, and resistance to change.
Angela is a general practitioner and enjoys treating pain management, gastro intestinal issues,
PTSD, mental and emotional health, autoimmune disorders, labor prep and pregnancy support. Angela's background includes behavior therapy work with children and teens with
developmental disabilities, including autism. She loves her pediatric patients!


Louanne Chan joined the team of Acupuncture and Wellness Center in February 2023. She
retired in 2022 after working for several decades as a counselor in the mental health field and
as an academic advisor at the community college level. Within both areas of endeavor, her
focus was on helping each individual in a way that would promote wholistic balance and
strengthen them at the core level, helping them to better understand their higher purpose. She
also functioned as a trainer and conference presenter throughout both careers.

Louanne is dedicated to uplifting humanity by caring for those around her - people, animals, and the environment. Now, as an elder, she is committed to assisting others in every way possible, including the sharing of wisdom with people of all ages. As a life-long student, Louanne gratefully acknowledges and accepts the wisdom of her youngers, for she believes that “soul wisdom” often outweighs “earthly education.”

Louanne believes in YOU and is delighted to assist you by working in the office of Acupuncture
and Wellness Center! “Enlighten the World! You can do it!”
spring_forest_sunrise.jpg
Spring Season
Organs Systems involved:
Liver and Gallbladder

Element:
Wood (like bamboo, strong yet flexible)

Tissue or area of the Body:
tendons and ligaments (be sure to warm up
those muscles and stretch prior to and
after exercise)

Emotion:
Anger and Emotional
Upheaval overall/ Renewal, Moving forward

Taste or Flavor:
Sour or Pickled foods

Color:
Green (wearing green clothes, eating green leafy vegetables, placing a green plant on your workstation, taking a walk in nature as the trees and plants begin to grow.
Moving Into Spring
The Power of the Liver in TCM  
by Jean Wible & Donna Degnan
The heaviness, cold and dark of winter is part of the flow of life, but it can effect many of us physically, emotionally and mentally. Add to that, the chaos, stress and struggles we have been seeing and experiencing over the last several years and it’s no wonder that some of us are feeling exhausted, depleted and often feeling stuck in negative emotions. Take a deep breath and release it slowly….Spring is finally here!
 
Letting go of the of this sense of feeling “stuck” in stress and negative emotions is what Nature can teach us in the Spring. Much like the frozen waters of Winter finally flowing and giving way to the warmth that Spring brings, TCM principles can teach us how to “let go” so we don’t miss all the promise that is out there. The love and kindness and courage of everyday people. The incredible beauty of the world we live in. It’ s there – love, joy, gratitude, hope. The movement into spring shows us the way.
 
Movement is the key. Stress and emotional upheaval can cause Liver Qi stagnation, leading to a host of issues that show up in our bodies. Spring helps us to clean up, clear out, move forward. The flow of new energy is everywhere. We just need to raise our awareness of what is around us. Connect with nature, see it all around you everyday. Be aware of the birds, the light, the growth, the color. Get up and get out in small ways. Walk, sing, practice breathwork. Clean out one drawer in your home.
The other way to raise our vibration and join the power and rejuvenation of spring is to connect with others, those we love, consciously reaching out. Looking for the many helpers in this world. The ones that make this world work everyday. Smile at people, say thank you, acknowledge services given, be kind with people.

These simple movements, connections and actions can lead you into the joy of Spring, the eternal hope of growth and renewal. This connection to real people and to nature can help us live in the real world of faith, love, hope and kindness. This is how we change the world, one person, ourselves, one act at a time.

From the TCM Perspective
When working with our patients we often discuss the function of the organ systems according
to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Liver and it’s partner pair Gallbladder are
responsible for the smooth flow of Blood and Qi throughout the body. Healthy Liver and
Gallbladder function will manifest with healthy eyes, skin and nails, normal menstrual cycles
and healthy joints. Liver and Gallbadder also support a healthy digestive system and balanced
emotions. As my mentor Grand Master Nan Lu says, “the body never lies!” Listen deeply to
your body to hear and feel where there may be imbalances. Especially during the Spring, which
is the season associated with the Liver and Gallbladder, notice if you are experiencing any of
the following:

  • Migraine headaches
  • Painful periods
  • Abdominal gas or bloating
  • Emotional outbursts – especially anger
  • Changes in vision
  • High blood pressure and/or cholesterol
  • Panic disorders
  • Inability to manage stress even typically “normal” life stressors
  • Joint and tendon issues
  • Emotional and/or physical inflexibility

What can you do to support healthy Liver and Gallbladder function?

As mentioned above, (re)connecting with people and nourishing healthy relationships as well (re)connecting with Nature is very important. There are other simple things you can do as well to support your over all health:

  • Go to bed before 11 pm

  • Drink dandelion tea with honey and lemon

  • Add lemon to your water

  • Eat lots of green vegetables – cooked if you are feeling tired, depleted or if you have digestive
  • issues

  • Sing songs loudly

  • Do gentle stretches and go for walks in nature

  • Meditation and breathwork

  • Reduce alcohol and heavy, fatty foods

  • Try to reduce computer and cell phone use – turn off phone at night or at least shut off wi-fi

Practice QiGong – stay tuned, classes coming soon!!
Recipe of the Month: Chinese Noodle Soup
Ingredients:

2 cups noodles, cooked and drained
4 cups of favorite broth: chicken, vegetable, bone broth (try to use organic)
1 chopped carrot
2 green onion/scallion (green and white parts)
½ cup sprouts
1-2 cups spring greens, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Other spices to taste (optional): ginger, turmeric

Instructions:
Bring broth to a boil
Add ingredients except greens
Cook on low for ~ 10 minutes – check to see of carrots and scallions are tender
Add greens until bright and slightly tender

Enjoy!!!
Spring Medicine Cabinet
Seasonal allergies, Hay fever, and Asthma

Cold Away
Treats cold and flu, addresses fever, sinus and chest congestion, coughing, headache, sore throat,
tonsillitis, otitis media, pharyngitis. In TCM, it clears wind heat and addresses phlegm and cough.

Xanthium Relieve Surface
Treats allergic reactions, allergic rhinitis, sinus congestion, sinus headaches,
chronic, aching muscles. Also treats various itching skin rashes and stuffy or runny nose. In TCM clears surface wind heat and cools heat and dispels wind-dampness.

cbdMD Pain Relieving Formula
CBD topical cream infused with hemp extracts, moisturizing agents and
more to relieve minor aches and pains

Po Sum On
Minor pains and aches of muscles or joints associated with simple bruise and sprain. Mild
headache and dizziness due to motion sickness. Chest discomfort associated with bronchial cough. Mild abdominal pain and discomfort induced by chill. Itching associated with insect bites.

Collagenex 2
Reduces joint pain and stiffness in 7-10 days (supported by clinical trials). Treats osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, tendonitis/tendon weakness, back pain, and other connective tissue disorders. Clinically proven to improve joint health and flexibility faster than any other joint healing ingredients with one tablet per day dosing.
Essential Oils
Ginger: For movement and flow (if taking cholesterol meds, check with you doctor first)

Ginger root has a warm and spicy aroma that is cheering and grounding. When inhaled, Ginger can help relieve jet lag, motion sickness, and nausea. It is a very beneficial essential oil for most digestive issues. Ginger helps support healthy immune, respiratory, and circulatory systems and has a warming and soothing effect on muscles, making it a great oil to add to massage blends for sore muscles. It is
emotionally energizing and uplifting and can help with nervous exhaustion.

Lavender: For calming the nerves and relaxing the body

Undeniably the most popular essential oil for all age groups, Lavender is therapeutically superior for a wide variety of conditions and the number one choice for first aid. This essential oil can be used on minor wounds like cuts and scrapes, bug bites, sunburns, and minor burns. Lavender is great for skin care and helps soothe irritated and sensitive skin. Of course, it is widely known as the best essential oil for relaxation as it helps calm stress and anxiety, eases headaches, and promotes restful sleep. Supportive of healthy reproductive, respiratory, lymphatic, circulatory, muscular, and immune systems.
At Acupuncture & Wellness Center we love taking care of our patients and wanted to make it easier for everyone to access high-quality products to stay healthy between treatments.  We recognize that it is not always easy to know how and where to source reliable companies and products which is why we decided to partner with Fullscript
  
Keep an eye out for changes to our online dispensary. Fullscript has amazing products and soon, through Fullscript you will be able to access different labs for at-home testing. To access our updated dispensary, you may click the link below. 
 
 
Please feel free to call us if you have any questions.
We continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines set by the MD Health Department and CDC to keep our patients and staff safe. Our full office COVID-19 protocol can be viewed here.  

Maryland COVID-19 info can be found here: https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/