Editor's Note: This moving documentary tells the story of Devin Dearth, a 40 year old man who suffered a major stroke and his families' search to find health care. His journey ends up taking him to China to explore TCM and acupuncture as an alternative to traditional care in the US. See his brother's description of why he produced this documentary (Doug Dearth) on YouTube.

Acupuncture/TCM

by Sara Calabro

Acupuncturists do more than just poke people with needles. They use non-needling techniques, such as moxibustion and cupping, and some prescribe herbs...

Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: Sara posed a great question to acupuncturists around the country: 'What is the one thing you wish your patients did to be healthier?' Read on for the 12 great tips revealed!

Acupuncture/TCM

by Rebecca Countess

Come with me.  I want to take you to the top of a mountain where the evergreen trees are tall and narrow and there is still a crunchy layer of thin, but loosely packed snow.  The sun is shining overhead and you breathe deeply.  The air is crisp and cool and you smell damp wood and pine needles. You can see little buds beginning to grow with their tight, snug layers and mysterious contents.

Editor's Note from Karen Stabley: Guided imagery is a gentle but effective technique that directs and focuses the imagination. It can help access the subconscious through symbolic and challenging stories. As an art therapist, I often use guided imagery with my clients and for my own self growth.

Arts & Art Therapy

by Beth Rhines

When I was a child, there was a young spruce tree in my yard. Its branches were thick with needles. I would get on my hands and knees and crawl through the branches towards the trunk of the tree. The poking needles were a small inconvenience, because just inside the perimeter the needles disappeared and what emerged was a protected space that became my special hideout...

Editor's Note: Now that we are in the midst of summer vacation, here is a timely reminder of why it is so important to enjoy the great outdoors with our children. Happy trails!

Family & Parenting

by Phil Veneziano MS, LAc

"Psst… What’s the deal with acupuncture? Can it really help you get to sleep at night? Without using prescription drugs? And you even fall asleep on the treatment table with the needles in?"...

Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: This is a great article! The author explains in an very tangible way how acupuncture needles work and how the body responds to Chinese Medicine. He offers insight into looking at the healing process in a new way, which provides a better environment for the entire body.

Acupuncture/TCM

by Sara Calabro

A common assumption about acupuncture is that it hurts. You are, after all, getting stuck with needles. Fear of pain from acupuncture needles is one of the most common reasons people forgo acupuncture...

Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: This is an informative article for anyone new or old to acupuncture. 'De qi' is described, as well as the 5 sensations that are typically felt during an acupuncture treatment. No matter what sensation is felt, the outcome of improved health and wellbeing is the goal.

Acupuncture/TCM

Editor´s Note from Julia Sanfilippo: I use electric acupuncture a lot in my private practice. It works great for muscle pain, tendonitis, and arthritis among many conditions. Many patients ask to see what it looks like when the leads are attached to the needles. Here is a quick demonstration of a typical treatment.

Acupuncture/TCM

by Ziki Dekel, LAc

Acupuncture is one of the oldest systems of medicine still practiced today. It has its roots in ancient East Asia and its practice can be dated as far back as the Stone Age in China. The basic precept of acupuncture is that illness and pain are the result of blockages and imbalances that can be corrected through the insertion of hair-thin needles into specific points on the body. When inserted, the needles access the body's reserve of vital energy, called Qi. To fully understand acupuncture we have to consider some of the philosophical traditions behind Chinese medicine...

Acupuncture/TCM