|
We are thrilled to welcome Asha Surti to the Hudson Healing Arts family. Through the healing art of Reiki, Asha is passionate about empowering clients in mind, body, and spirit.
According to Asha, the beautiful thing about Reiki is that everyone has the ability to connect with this healing energy. Through a gentle “laying-on” of hands on a series of body points, Reiki helps activate your body’s natural healing process and restore emotional wellbeing. “I enjoy connecting with people, hearing their unique stories, helping them regain inner strength and promoting independence through a holistic, client-centered approach,” she says. Read on to learn more about what a Reiki session with Asha is like! Asha’s background Asha always felt called to go into a healing path. Her beloved aunt Urmila Surti, a well-respected Reiki healer in India, served as her lifelong inspiration. Asha’s desire to facilitate healing first led her to become an occupational therapist, where she worked with patients from a variety of backgrounds and realized her passion for taking a holistic approach (that is, assessing the individual as a whole). A desire to go even deeper into holistic healing led her to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where she trained with top Reiki Master Nicholas Harris in 2016. She’s now certified as a 9th generation Reiki Master. Asha enjoys working with clients of all ages, including kids. Having personally experienced the debilitating effects of depression, she has a special passion for working with individuals dealing with anxiety and depression. “Energy work is so powerful for increasing your quality of life,” she says. “With Reiki healing, most clients see a significant reduction in anxiety after just a few sessions. Other benefits include a greater sense of balance, mental clarity and less ‘chatter,’ and subtle changes in patience and relationships.” What a session with Asha is like Asha is excited to welcome Reiki clients at Hudson Healing Arts on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. If you’re interested in scheduling a session, the first step is a brief phone consultation. Reiki sessions with Asha are typically two hours long. During that time, her priority is providing a safe and compassionate space for you to release your stress and emotions. Elements of Shamanism are utilized in her Reiki sessions for deeper clearings, and to obtain deeper guidance and insights. This may include accessing spirit guides, ancestors, and animal spirits. Asha also embraces elements from the Earth such as fire, water, stones/crystals, feathers for clearing purposes, shells and more to calm your energy field. Based on what comes up, Asha will also share spiritual guidance and suggestions on how to maintain your health. “We all have an energetic body, which means every single one of us has access to Reiki. It’s the safest, most loving energy someone can get,” she says. “Often, people leave feeling a lot lighter. Even though we go deep, there’s a sense of relief. I love showing my clients that they don’t have to go outside of themselves to heal - it truly comes from within.” In her free time, Asha loves to write, hike, enjoy nature, and immerse herself in her community. She is also passionate about leading cacao ceremonies and running healing retreats in Sedona, Hawaii, and Bali throughout the year. To learn more about Asha, visit her website (reikitraveler.com) or find her on Instagram (@reikitraveler). To contact Asha, email her at [email protected].
0 Comments
We are delighted to welcome new practitioner Greer Gartenberg to Hudson Healing Arts!
As a National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) board certified acupuncturist, Greer’s passion is helping people find long- term healing from within. Taking a holistic approach, she works one-on-one with patients to uncover and treat the root cause of imbalances. In addition to acupuncture, Greer also offers microneedling, acupressure, GuaSha, cupping, LED light, and auricular (ear) therapy. Greer’s approach to acupuncture While Greer always felt called to the healing arts, she was blown away by the results of her first acupuncture session. Inspired to learn everything she could, she enrolled in the Eastern School of Acupuncture & Traditional Medicine in 2015 and went on to earn her Master of Science in Acupuncture. As an acupuncturist, what sets Greer apart is her passion for facial rejuvenation acupuncture. She has been mentored by the world-renowned constitutional facial acupuncturist Mary-Elizabeth Wakefield, and is also certified in Advanced Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture. “Facial rejuvenation is an effective treatment to heal your skin from the inside out and reduce the signs of aging - without surgery or putting anything external into your system,” she explains. “Based on the principles of Chinese Medicine, it involves the insertion of very thin disposable needles into the acupuncture points on the face to stimulate collagen production.” She loves that this technique goes deeper than just a dewy and plumped complexion - it also addresses what is going on internally to address the imbalances showing up in the skin and the face. “While targeting the patient’s ‘problem area,’ I’m looking at what's happening inside the person so that I can improve their overall well-being,” she says. “For instance, sometimes you may be depleted in a certain area, not sleeping well, or dealing with hormone imbalances. All of these things can affect your skin, and acupuncture can be of great help by stimulating specific points.” Greer also offers microneedling for those who want localized and efficient treatments to reverse aging and treat scarring. This is a method of rapidly needling various parts of the face and body to create a microtrauma, which then forces the skin to heal itself and regenerate collagen. “Your natural ability to heal is remarkable; you already have it in you,” she says. “It’s really a gift to be able to facilitate that healing process.” FAQs Does Greer offer “regular” acupuncture, too? Yes! She helps treat a wide range of issues, such as anxiety, pain, sleep issues, depression, fertility, and more. How long are acupuncture sessions with Greer, and what is the ideal frequency? Facial rejuvenation sessions are at least 45 minutes (though the first session is longer so that Greer can learn about your medical history and conduct a Chinese Medicine pulse and tongue diagnosis for a holistic view of your body's state). Weekly treatments for 10 weeks are standard. However, you may see results before the 10 weeks, but you want to continue the healing and regenerating process to get maximum benefits. After the 10 weekly treatments, monthly treatments should be done for maintenance. Who can benefit from facial acupuncture? Pretty much everyone! Many people come in for preventive facial acupuncture for a natural solution to help slow the aging process. Other common target areas include 11 lines (the lines between the eyebrows), forehead wrinkles, and the jawline. How does facial rejuvenation acupuncture enable the skin to heal? This superficial insertion boosts circulation to the face and stimulates collagen production, which will fill out the lines and give firmness to the skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. The needles create a microtrauma that forces the skin to heal itself; similar to when one gets a cut and eventually it heals. Also, the patients get their own unique diagnosis; therefore being treated for what is going on internally. What’s going on inside is reflected in one’s skin and complexion! What does one notice immediately after the treatment? The face and eyes will appear less puffy yet filled out in the right places due to improved blood flow and hydration. The skin will be more radiant and dewy with an amazing glow. Any excess redness before will be evened out. Eyes will be brighter and more open. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is a more gradual process, but along with the aesthetic results, your overall wellness will be improving drastically. You will sleep better, feel more relaxed, yet have more energy. What are the benefits of facial cupping and facial Gua Sha? Facial cupping involves using a non-comedogenic yet nourishing oil and sliding tiny glass cups to increase circulation and move excess fluid down. This helps reduce puffiness in the face, especially swelling around the eyes. Cupping on the face is not like body cupping; the cups are moving and not intended to create marks. Facial Gua Sha uses a beautiful jade stone tool to increase blood flow to the face while moving any excess puffiness under the skin. The goal for both cupping and Gua Sha is to move the excess fluid down to the neck where the lymph nodes can filter and detoxify. Gua Sha also releases tension pulling on muscles contributing to wrinkles and expression lines. This is best to be done before any direct needling of the face. This helps one maximize the results of the facial needling, so fluid retention does not get in the way of seeing the full effects! What is the difference between facial rejuvenation acupuncture and microneedling? Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is constitutional; assessing what is going on holistically and internally. Getting facial acupuncture will improve one’s sleep, metabolism, and overall wellness. Distal points away from the face will also be needled to address any underlying imbalances. Microneedling just works on the area being treated; the needling is more efficient and covers a broader area in less time. Microneedling can be used for stretch marks and to improve skin tightness on the entire body. Can I do both facial rejuvenation acupuncture and microneedling? Yes! In fact, they work beautifully in harmony with each other. A regimen integrating both is ideal for overall wellness and optimal skin health. Why choose facial rejuvenation acupuncture over injections or surgery? Botox paralyzes the muscles in the face with neurotoxins to keep wrinkles from forming. We also don’t know all the long term effects; however muscles likely becoming weak and flaccid from atrophy. Also, fatal and serious Botox reactions are possible. Nevertheless, it does NOT help with collagen regeneration or provide any internal wellness benefits. How can I schedule a session with Greer? To learn more or schedule a session, Greer can be reached at (201) 777-1818. That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet." -Jhumpa Lahiri
Here at Hudson Healing Arts, each of our practitioners share a love for learning. Throughout our unique journeys, we’ve all encountered books that have influenced us in a major way. Because we believe in the power of books to change lives, we thought it was high time to share a list of our ‘must-reads’ with this community. Some book recommendations are centered around healing and wellness, and some are just plain fun. Every single one contains precious wisdom about being human. We hope this round-up gives you some inspiration for your own reading list! “Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before” by Julie Smith Recommended by Andrea Inaeun “In this book, Dr. Julie Smith shares secrets from her toolkit on how to maintain and strengthen your mental health. It’s practical, insightful, and increases both the sense of agency and humanness. This book organizes complex dynamics and thought processes in a way that is digestible and actionable for self-awareness and growth.” “Rising Strong” by Brené Brown Recommended by Andrea Inaeun “This is an insightful book that taps into our vulnerabilities as humans. The book invites us to challenge the stories we are telling ourselves that breed reactivity and defense. I also love the guidance towards growth and both the connectivity and self-concept that can happen when we have a compassionate lens for self and others.” “The Brain's Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity” by Norman Doidge, M.D. Recommended by Noreen Haren “I find everything about the brain interesting. It’s written for laypeople and provides fascinating and encouraging information about how we can all change our brains for the better. Doidge also discussed the Feldenkrais Method at some length, so it was of particular interest to me. One example I recall that everyone could relate to (not related to Feldenkrais specifically) is how walking for exercise regularly improves cognitive function and mood. This information has been reported widely elsewhere too, but it’s full of little gems like this!” “Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman Recommended by Andrew Bose “This is a fascinating read about how the mind works. It has helped me appreciate the challenges of the human condition and made me a more accepting and compassionate person. It’s a long read, but if you take the time to digest it, it’s amazing how the concepts in this book play out every day in your own life. It’s all about how we think and make decisions, and is especially helpful in understanding why we say and do things that don’t make sense.” “Healing Back Pain” by Dr. John Sarno Recommended by Andrew Bose “This was the first book I ever read about the mind-body connection from a Western medicine doctor. It aligned perfectly with my own experiences relating to chronic pain, so it really reassured me that the experiences I was having made sense. It also gave me tangible tools to help cure my chronic pain with my mind and attitude, which changed my life.” “3x Your Memory In One Hour” by Dave Farrow Recommended by Andrew Bose “This book is all about improving your memory. What’s exciting to me is that there are real-world superpowers that can be developed on purpose, through practice. It’s such a testament to what we can do with our minds that seems impossible, and implicitly speaks to the power of visualization. By no means do I have a profound memory, but the concepts in this book have been super helpful in my life!” “Anatomy of the Spirit” by Caroline Myss Recommended by Beth O’Boyle “When I first read this book, I couldn’t believe how much I resonated with it . If you want a foundational course in energy 101 and the chakra system, this is definitely the book to read. It opened my eyes to the possibilities and extent to which we can control our own healing. Thanks to this book, I was able to recognize the connection between energy and emotions, and how the physical body resonates with it. Caroline Myss set the groundwork for my understanding of energy work.” “Energy Medicine” by Donna Eden Recommended by Beth O’Boyle “More than 20 years ago, this book literally jumped out at me from the shelf. Donna Eden’s story is incredible. From a young age, she was able to see the energy field in a way and at a depth of perception that is quite unique. She faced multiple food and chemical sensitivities, as well as a diagnosis of MS at a young age. Since her doctors had offered no hope of recovery, Donna decided to take the responsibility for healing into her own hands – literally! She could see a disconnection in her energy field and intuitively began to reconnect the energy flow with her hands. One discovery led to another until she no longer had such a heightened response to food and chemicals, nor did she have any trace of MS. This book showed me the potential to heal ourselves with our own hands. It’s filled with practical exercises to help you feel better and happier.” “A Well-Lived Life: A 102-year-old Doctor’s 6 Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age” by Gladys McGarey Recommended by Beth O’Boyle “I’m currently wrapped up in this book! The author is now 103 years old. Her perspective is so interesting because she started practicing medicine in the 1940s. It’s all about how to take in what you need and let go of what you don’t. Overall, it’s a really great read about what you need to live a happy, healthy life.” “The Little Village of Book Lovers” by Nina George Recommended by Beth O’Boyle “This is such a charming fiction read that I recently fell in love with. It takes place in a little town in France and is about a woman who is able to see a light around people when they are feeling loved or are in love. She also has an incredible ability to know what book is going to heal someone and play a pivotal role in their life. The plot twist, of course, is the experiences she has knowing when love is coming her way!” Peanuts cartoons by Charles Schulz Recommended by Beth O’Boyle “If I want to get back on track or am just feeling out of sorts, I take great comfort in turning to the Peanuts cartoons. I grew up reading them and they're precious to me in so many ways. There is so much wisdom in Charles Schulz's writing. His cartoons have a way of reminding me that it’s the simple things in life that matter. Linus is my favorite 5 -year old philosopher and Charlie Brown reminds me to never give up hope.” Want more inspiration from Hudson Healing Arts? Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit hudsonhealingarts.com to learn more about the services we offer and check out our blog. It’s always a joy to expand the Hudson Healing Arts family, as well as the breadth of holistic modalities we can provide to the community. Warmest of welcomes to our new practitioner Andrew Bose, who will be offering functional massage, yoga, and meditation/breathwork sessions.
Andrew’s focus is helping clients build the capacity to relax, which paves the way for greater awareness and healing in body and mind. By guiding clients to observe rather than react, his goal is to safely support and nurture the innate healing process. Andrew’s background Andrew was inspired to help others on their healing journey due to his own firsthand experience with chronic pain. In 2016, he finally found relief from the flare-ups that used to rule his life when he dove deep into yoga and meditation. “The beauty of meditation is that it offers an abundance of pain management techniques,” shares Andrew. “Under certain circumstances, chronic pain is actually caused by imbalances in the body and meditation can help you rebalance. When I noticed drastic improvements in how I felt, I wanted to share that with others.” To deepen his healing knowledge, Andrew got his certification in myofascial release (MFR), which he refers to as functional massage. The basis of MFR is that areas that feel stiff - known as trigger points - can limit muscle and joint movement, which can contribute to muscle pain. By working on these trigger points, this type of massage can help release tightness and pain. Andrew now integrates the principles of MFR into the way he approaches yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions. He works with clients of all ages and levels of fitness, specializing in populations who are dealing with chronic pain, postural asymmetries, chronic tightness, or recent emotional stress. Another population he often works with are those with imperfectly healed injuries from long ago. “Functional massage is a wonderful way to give your body a second chance at healing,” he says. “It helps the tissue move around and redistribute itself in a way that can be incredibly beneficial.” What a session with Andrew is like With new clients, Andrew will start with a brief introductory call. This helps him tailor your time together and fit your unique needs. He also notes that each of the techniques tend to weave together - for instance, yoga also involves meditation - and clients are able to pick and choose exactly what they’re looking for. Here’s more on what to expect with each modality: Yoga (group or couples) Andrew offers a combination of hatha and restorative, which is slower and gentler than the typical vinyasa yoga class. No previous yoga experience is required. His priority is to help clients feel stable and trusting in their body, and calm and focused in mind. He also offers couples yoga to help couples create a practice to increase their bond and intimacy. This is a meditative practice where you’ll do poses at the same time to develop presence and connect more deeply with your partner. Functional massage Andrew’s approach to massage is intuitive, meaning he allows each client’s body to guide the massage. According to Andrew, allowing the tissue to redistribute the tension in your body helps your muscles work more effectively and can increase flexibility. He also notes that people tend to feel lighter after a session due to the emotional release. Meditation/Breathwork These sessions are all about encouraging relaxation. There are techniques for grounding, greater energy, and all sorts of emotional/mental outcomes - it all depends on what your desired outcome is. The beauty of meditation and breathwork is that it can help reduce anxiety in a relatively short amount of time, and Andrew is passionate about sharing techniques with clients to empower them in their daily life. Regardless of the modality, Andrew is incredibly intentional about helping people build the capacity to relax and focus their awareness. “In everything we do, it matters where we put our awareness,” he says. “Often, if we can remove our control over the body and mind by observing instead of reacting, it innately knows what to do to release and heal. It’s so rewarding to see the benefits that people can reap from relaxation.” When he’s not at HHA, Andrew enjoys going to the gym, playing the drums, and doing full contact larping. He lives in Jersey City and can be found on Instagram at @bodyminded_nyc. To schedule a consultation or session, Andrew can be reached via email: [email protected] Can you believe the holidays are right around the corner? Because we know this time of year can induce its fair share of stress, chaos, and grief, this month’s blog is focused on helping you tune out the pressure and perfectionism that masks the magic of the season.
No matter how old you are, we promise there is joy and wonder to be found during the holidays. Sometimes, we just need a reminder to tap into the meaning of the season! Be proactive about cultivating gratitude. Gratitude is a wonderful antidote to stress because it grounds you in the present. Being intentional about cultivating gratitude is one of the best things you can do for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Writing a daily list is a simple way to start or end the day on a peaceful and contented note. Reflecting on your blessings at a winter altar is also a powerful way to increase those feelings of holiday joy. In fact, by taking the time to remind yourself of all the miracles in your own life (both big and small), you may find that life feels even more magical than it did when you were a child. Be mindful of where your energy goes. While a grateful heart is what the holidays are all about, social media sets us for comparison. Protect your peace by setting limits on your social media usage during this season, or perhaps taking a break entirely. Instead, nourish your mind with the things that bring you real joy during this time of year - perhaps your favorite holiday album, a classic movie, or taking a trip down memory lane with scrapbooks from holidays past. It’s also never too late to “reframe” those tasks or traditions that drain you. For instance, if you dread baking during this time of year, give yourself permission to simply get cookies from the store without feeling guilty. If you’re feeling overscheduled, reflect on those events that are most important to you - saying “no thank you” to some frees you up to be more present and refreshed when it matters most. Make a “wish list.” Not that kind of wish list! While our culture tends to focus on excess during this time of year, making a wish list of experiences or moments is a beautiful way to slow down and enjoy the wonder of the season before it passes you by. This is a great exercise to do either on your own or as a family. When you shift your focus from presents to presence, you’ll be amazed at how it relieves your stress and reminds you of what’s most important. Nothing is too small or insignificant to note - whether it’s sipping a cup of hot cocoa, curling up with your pet in front of your tree, taking a scenic route to admire the lights, or wearing your favorite fuzzy socks. Researchers call those tiny moments that bring you joy glimmers, and they are known to be wonderful for your wellbeing. Be sure to hang up your wish list somewhere visible in your home as a reminder to carve out time for the simple pleasures that feed your soul. Let go of perfection. The holidays come with a giant heap of pressure, from sending out polished Christmas cards to making our holiday decorations look Instagram-perfect. Perfectionism can be incredibly persistent during this time of year, and it isn’t fun for anyone. Taking a break from social media and cultivating gratitude can both help release the stress of “the perfect holiday season.” When you start to lose sight of what this time of year is really about, take a step back and reflect on your most cherished holiday memories. Chances are, you’ll recall moments of love, quality time, peace, and connection - not the shiniest gift you ever received, or the most elaborate holiday table. Let those memories guide you to focus on what matters most and let go of the rest for a perfectly imperfect holiday. Honor your grief. If you’ve ever lost someone you love, then you know that grief is far from linear: It comes in waves, and the holidays tend to be a tsunami. The attribute of grace is more important than ever during this time. If you are the one grieving, treat yourself with compassion. If you’re dealing with someone grieving, be extra supportive and cut them slack. A grounding mantra during the holidays is, “My grief is real because my love is real.” You can learn more about tips for finding grace in the midst of grief on our blog. Give back to the community. Helping others has a magical way of putting life into perspective and getting us into the holiday spirit. Plus, you’ll also enrich another life in ways you may not even imagine. Research shows that giving back benefits the giver in so many ways, which shows the power of “acting yourself into feeling.” You can apply this wisdom in a number of ways - for instance, putting on a festive sweater when you’re feeling less-than-cheerful, or singing a feel-good holiday tune when your spirits are low. It’s amazing how positive feelings can follow the smallest of actions. For a list of ways to lift up our Hoboken neighbors in need, check out our blog. Take really exquisite care of yourself. Yes, we said exquisite! Because the holidays really are a time of increased feeling (for both better and for worse), it’s more important than ever to practice self-care so that you don’t pour from an empty cup. At HHA, we offer holistic healing in many forms, and encourage you to find what brings a sense of comfort, whether that’s Reiki, counseling, acupuncture, or something else. Bach Flower remedies provide a gentle form of support for the complex mix of emotions that tend to arise during the holiday season. Here’s to a magical holiday season full of the things that matter most: love, peace, and joy! It may be spooky season, but it’s also “spleen season” - in Traditional Chinese Medicine, that is!
From the TCM perspective, humans are a microcosm of the universe. This means that what’s happening in nature is reflected in our bodies, including seasonal changes. Each season is associated with an organ, and nourishing that organ helps us embrace the season feeling strong, supported, and balanced. While the spleen tends to fly under the radar, it deserves a moment in the spotlight - this organ does several important jobs to keep your body thriving. Thankfully, Joe DelGiodice, our resident acupuncturist and nutritionist, is full of wisdom on how to nurture the spleen for a healthy and harmonious autumn. Fall: A powerful time to strengthen the spleen Because the spleen acts as a filter for your blood, protecting your body from old, damaged cells and any invading germs, it’s an important part of your immune system. It also plays a role in digestion, helping to break down and distribute nutrients from the foods and fluids you ingest. While it’s always a good time to strengthen any of your organ systems, now is the most powerful time to focus on the spleen. When the spleen is in balance, it brings about smooth digestion, mental clarity, and physical energy. In this state, you’re able to move through life with efficiency and ease. You might notice that your tasks for the day seem to flow in a synchronized and aligned way. The spleen is like Mother Earth, providing harvest and stability for all of the other organs. Of course, this means it can become worn out quite easily. An overtaxed spleen can show up as brain fog, digestive issues, exhaustion, excessive work habits, and ‘monkey mind.’ With weak spleen qi, your thoughts might feel muddled or pensive. That’s where the role of food as medicine comes in! Eating to nourish the spleen At Hudson Healing Arts, we always recommend eating seasonal foods to naturally support your immune system. Now is the time to move away from raw, cold foods, and nourish the yin element with warmer foods. This includes drinks, too - Joe encourages people to drink licorice root tea, rooibos tea, and green tea to help strengthen the spleen. Joe shares that an unbalanced spleen craves sweetness, but what it really needs is whole foods that are mildly sweet. Think sweet potatoes, yams, and carrots rather than any processed sugars. Here’s what else he recommends: ● Butternut or acorn squash ● Apples and pears ● Parsnips ● Onions ● Beetroot ● Kale ● Broccoli ● Orange peppers ● Radishes ● Fingerling potatoes One of Joe’s favorite snack recipes for early fall is to slice Japanese sweet potatoes into the shape of steak fries, spread organic horseradish on them, and then bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes. He shares that orange, yellow, and gold foods are all wonderful for the spleen, especially root vegetables. This is because they’re grounding and nourishing, which is exactly what we need after a long summer of being on the go and in the sun. “Over the summer, the season provided warmth. Now, we have to prepare to provide it for ourselves. What comes up must go down, so after an active summer, it’s time to get grounded,” he says. “This time of year is all about getting strong for late autumn and winter, which is lung season in TCM. Nourishing your body now will help strengthen your immunity for the cold days ahead.” Because we’re getting less solar energy from the sun, it’s also a great time to get your bare feet in the sand, soil, or grass to absorb the energy of the earth. Even sitting against a tree for a quiet moment can provide a sense of grounding. Joe recommends going to bed earlier in the evening to begin preparing your body for a healthy winter. Self-care for the spleen According to Joe, little acts of self-care all add up and can make a big difference for the spleen. This means being gently mindful about things like eating well, setting boundaries, getting fresh air, and giving yourself more transition time in the day so you don’t have to rush. Acupuncture is also beneficial, especially when it comes to stimulating points that have a direct connection to the spleen (although acupuncture is always personalized to the individual). “Remember, it’s not just ‘spleen care’ - everything is connected,” he says. “The spleen does so much for the other organs, so when we nurture it, there’s a positive ripple effect. It’s also very closely involved with the lungs, which comes after the spleen in the seasonal flow of energy.” At Hudson Healing Arts, we’re always here to support your wellness journey. Click here to check out the full list of holistic healing services. Here’s to a healthy, happy autumn! Here at Hudson Healing Arts, we’re big fans of keeping things simple, especially when it comes to taking care of yourself. In a world of oversaturation, there’s so much power — and peace — in getting back to the basics.
That’s why we adore Dr. Dickson Thom’s philosophy of following the “natural laws”: natural habits that are foundational to good health. As a naturopath and a dentist with 45+ years of experience, Dr. Thom observed that there are universally beneficial guidelines to wellbeing (regardless of the health issues you may be dealing with). Here’s a quick introduction to his philosophy: “We are nature. Just as rocks contain calcium, so do our bones. Just as rivers contain water, so does our body. Just as lightning conducts electric current, so does our brain. And yet, over many generations of increased industrialization and technology, we have distanced ourselves from everyday cycles of nature, becoming removed from that which we are. This separation has led us to become a society with more illness than wellness.” In other words, living in accordance with these natural laws doesn’t require lots of money or specialized knowledge. It’s simply about aligning with nature to stay well and be in a more balanced state. The beauty of following these natural laws is that when you relieve stress from the body and mind, your energy can focus on what truly needs to be supported. Without further ado, here’s a quick overview of Dr. Thom’s natural laws! Be outside 30+ mins a day There’s a ton of research to confirm that spending time outside has profound benefits to our wellbeing. Fresh air and sunshine are both forms of medicine in their own right. It’s recommended to be outdoors for a minimum of 30 minutes a day to lower your stress and anxiety levels, strengthen your immune system, and even help you sleep and breathe better. Play on a daily basis It’s so easy to get caught up in what needs to be done — but what if you reframed play as something that’s foundational to your health? According to Dr. Thom, one of the most important questions you can ask yourself is “Did you have fun today?” Play is vital to helping us unwind our nervous system and move through the world from a place of greater balance. For a great example of this in action, watch animals. They instinctively know how to maintain the balance between sleep, food, and play. Deep breathing We may take thousands of breaths each day, but not all breaths are created equal. Harnessing the power of your breath is one of the best and simplest things you can do to put yourself in a parasympathetic state. Deep, intentional breathing sends a signal to your brain that you’re safe to relax. Another benefit is that moving your diaphragm stimulates the liver; which means that deep breathing is like getting a massage for your body’s main filter. Dr. Thom recommends a minimum of 100 deep breaths a day. Start off by inhaling for 1 count, holding for 4 counts, and exhaling for 2. You can also double each number as your breathing naturally deepens (inhale for 2, hold for 8, and exhale for 4). Remember, you don’t have to do extended periods of breathwork to feel a shift! To make it a habit, try putting post-it note reminders on your mirror, or simply take some deep breaths when you’re standing in line at the store. Drink water Staying hydrated is vital to your overall health, energy levels, and mood. Babies start out as 70% water, and that number drops as we age. Most people with chronic illnesses are also cellularly dehydrated. We all need different amounts of water to feel our best, but the general rule of thumb is that you need half of your body weight in ounces. If water tends to run right through you, it may mean you need more electrolytes. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is one great way to up your electrolytes. If you need help with this balance, consult your healthcare provider. Movement It’s easy to overthink exercise, but there’s a way to keep it simple: Move your body! We were never designed to stand still or sit at a desk, so just find a way to be active each day for at least 30 minutes. Your body, mind, and mood will benefit tremendously (and yes, walking counts!). If you can’t manage 30 minutes at a time, try 10 minutes 3x a day or even 5 minute periods of exercise 6 x daily. Lymph movement Did you know the lymphatic system is the only system in the body without an active pump? It needs motion of some kind to create flow and push the toxins out of the body. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to stimulate it. It’s best to do so at night, because most of your cleansing happens during sleep.
Prioritize sleep Getting enough sleep is essential for your overall health. Seven and a half to eight hours is necessary to keep your body physiologically in balance, and a big part of that is being proactive about creating the right conditions. Good sleep hygiene is all about getting back to the basics. Just the act of keeping your phone out of reach and sleeping in a totally dark room (which stimulates the pineal gland) will improve the quality of your sleep. If blackout curtains aren’t an option where you live, try a blackout sleep mask. It works! Daily meditation Meditation doesn’t have to mean sitting in silence for hours on end. If you regularly put yourself in a relaxed position, it will go a long way in settling your parasympathetic system and helping every organ system get in a better state. Healthy diet Eating a nutritious diet doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, you can keep it as simple as possible with this recommendation: The more colors you eat each day, the greater the benefit. Aim for 10 different colors of fruits and veggies a day. Dr. Thom is also a big believer in organic apple cider vinegar. Hem recommends adding a ½ teaspoon to a glass of water and drinking it 15 minutes before a meal, to help your digestive system be ready to digest the food you’re eating. Remember, keep it simple! The simplicity of these natural laws may seem misleading — but the reality is that they tend to be “common wisdom, not common practice.” Adopting these habits is a wonderful way to help access your natural state of wellbeing and maintain your health. Remember, you don’t have to jump into all of this at once. Start adopting these guidelines as slowly as you need to, and honor that adjustment time in taking even better care of yourself. To learn more about Dr. Thom’s philosophies, visit drdicksonthom.com. You can also watch his YouTube presentation on the natural laws here. As always, we hope you enjoyed reading this blog! Feel free to follow us on Facebook (@HudsonHealingArts) for more holistic healing inspiration and resources. Simple pleasures are what summer is all about — and delicious summer recipes are at the top of the list!
Here at HHA, we’re lucky that our resident nutritionist, Joe DelGiodice, is committed to keeping us healthy, inspired, and eating well through every season. Summer’s arrival is the perfect time to share some of Joe’s favorite seasonal dishes, and take advantage of the abundance of fresh fruits and veggies! It’s also worth a reminder that the food you eat has a direct impact on your mood, mental state, and energy levels. That’s why each recipe below contains superfoods and nourishing compounds to help you feel your best and enjoy summer to the fullest. Superfood Summer Smoothie Between hotter temperatures and the fact that we’re more active in the summer, sweating causes us to lose important minerals. Replenishing those electrolytes is the key to staying healthy and hydrated, and this smoothie from our resident nutritionist Joe DelGiodice does just that! In fact, Joe calls this smoothie “liquid goodness.” More than just delicious, it contains a full spectrum of amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Organic Ingredients Cactus water (helps support the function of the kidneys and adrenals) Miracle Reds Macro Greens powder (full of alkalizing superfoods and veggies) E3 Live organic blue-green algae (contains over 65 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids) Banana (great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C) Blueberries (packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids) Irish sea moss powder (rich in silica and helps support the process of cleansing via the intestines and liver) Cinnamon (antioxidant properties) Flora Udo's 3-6-9 DHA oil (helps support the brain and liver) Sprouted watermelon seeds (full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and magnesium) Directions Simply add all ingredients to the blender and enjoy! You can learn more about the health benefits of this smoothie in this video from Joe’s YouTube channel. Joe’s Famous Tabbouleh Summer Salad This cooling and flavorful tabbouleh salad is packed with antioxidants. Because free radical activity ramps up in the heat, antioxidants are especially vital to our wellbeing in the summer, helping to maintain the health of our cells and boost our immune system. Organic Ingredients Parsley Mint leaf Sliced cucumber Grape tomatoes Lime juice Lemon juice 2 Tablespoons hemp seeds Extra-virgin organic olive oil Directions Start with a mix of ⅔ parsley and ⅓ mint leaf. Add the rest of the ingredients and any other toppings you’d like (such as a sprinkle of sea salt). Watch Joe’s YouTube video here. Organic Summer Fruit Salad This simple organic salad celebrates the fresh and colorful fruits of summer while keeping you hydrated. Organic Ingredients Watermelon Honeydew Pineapple Mint leaves (a potent source of antioxidants and vitamin A) Directions Cube each piece of fruit and mix in a bowl; top with mint leaves. Watch Joe’s YouTube video here. Mid-August Salad It may not be August yet, but this ultra-light salad is perfect for keeping you refreshed in humid weather! Organic Ingredients Sliced cucumbers Golden tomatoes Mint leaves Freshly squeezed orange Sprouted sunflower seeds Pink volcanic sea salt Directions Mix ingredients in a bowl and enjoy. Watch Joe’s YouTube video here. Turkey Pumpkin Chili Who said chili is just for sweater weather? HHA founder Beth O’Boyle is sharing this recipe from the God’s Love We Deliver newsletter, and her timing is perfect. Summer is all about the element of fire, and hot and spicy foods are an incredible way to energetically nourish the fire element and increase blood flow. Ingredients 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 pound ground turkey, white or dark meat 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with their liquid (Beth uses fire roasted) 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree 1 cup water 1 tbsp. chili powder 1 tsp. ground cumin ½ tsp. sea salt Ground black pepper, to taste 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained *Beth also adds 1 red or yellow bell pepper (cored, seeded, and chopped) and 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained. Directions Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion, bell peppers, jalapeno, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add turkey and cook until browned. Add tomatoes, pumpkin, water, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and add beans. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes more. Ladle chili into bowls and serve (serves 6). Recipe courtesy of Whole Foods Market and the God’s Love We Deliver newsletter. For more information about God’s Love We Deliver, a wonderful organization distributing nutritious, healthy meals at no charge to those living with serious illness, visit www.glwd.org. Unlock the benefits of a nutrient-rich diet No matter the season, eating a nutrient-rich diet is one of the best things you can do for your health, mental state, mood, and energy levels. Even better, you don’t have to do it alone — Joe has decades of experience creating personalized nutrition plans for clients from all walks of life, drawing on his in-depth knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine and naturopathy. If you’re interested in booking a consultation or want to learn more, he can be reached at 201-653-7700 ext. 3. To stay inspired, you can also subscribe to his wonderful YouTube channel (@supernaturalhealth). “Spring is proof that there’s beauty in new beginnings.” ~Matshona Dhliwayo
If you feel a desire to “spring clean” in more ways than one, you’re not alone. With warmer weather and new life reawakening all around us, it’s natural to crave a fresh start and sense of greater lightness during this time of year. Here at Hudson Healing Arts, we’re big believers in creating space - emotional, physical and mental - to make room for new possibilities. Here are some of our favorite tips for embracing the season of renewal! Spring cleaning for the soul All seasons have their purpose. We can thank the quiet rest and reflection of winter for helping us welcome spring with energy and vitality - and gratitude for its vibrancy! Now is the perfect time to shake off the winter doldrums and ask yourself:
“Letting go” in this sense can feel like cleansing as decluttering your home. If you think about it, your mind is a home too - so making it a nice and nourishing place for your thoughts to live is a worthy goal! And when you free up emotional and mental space, it allows you to relax more deeply and focus on what you do want to cultivate. Embrace the magic of spring cleaning Spring is all about joy, and that applies to chores too. If spring cleaning feels daunting this year, try to reframe it as a sacred act. Viewed through a lens of love and care for your home, cleaning can almost feel like a moving meditation - or at the very least, something that directly benefits your headspace and mood. There are ways you can make it fun, too! Blast your favorite feel-good music and dance while you clean the kitchen. Donate those clothes that don’t quite fit right without looking back. Tuck lavender-scented sachets into your storage bins - your future self will thank you. Admire the gifts of spring Life moves quickly, and it’s all too easy to miss the miracle of the earth reawakening right under your nose. Make the time to put yourself in the way of beauty. Even if you’re having a bad day - in fact, especially if you’re having a bad day - spring has a way of reminding you just how wonderful it is to simply be alive. Seeing the blooming flowers and trees coming to life is also a powerful reminder that there’s rebirth at every turn, even after a long winter. What other lessons can spring teach you in your own life? Open up to new possibilities In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the element of wood, since it’s a time of growth. Wood asks us to look ahead across the horizon and refocus our vision. Since spring is all about activating new life, it’s an amazing time to harness your renewed sense of energy and drive. Is there a creative project that’s been stirring your soul, or perhaps a home renovation that you’d like to do? Maybe it’s finally planning that dream trip for the summer, or even something more mundane, like finding a new method for organizing your stuff. Whatever it is, spring is the time to create and make it happen! Recognize the power you have to shift your energy Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, I’m just not there yet. I’m still in my winter hibernation! In the winter, it’s easy to convince ourselves to take that nap, to cancel plans, and withdraw. If you’ve been down or drained lately, taking small steps forward can be so transformative - even if going for a walk with a friend feels like the last thing you want to do. As contradictory as it seems, sometimes you have to expend energy to create energy. Whether it’s embracing aromatherapy or volunteering, prioritize those acts that lift your spirits and trust in the vital energy of spring to carry you forward. We promise, you’ll feel better for doing so! Take care of yourself Spring is the perfect time to usher in a beautiful new beginning and greater wellbeing, and the Hudson Healing Arts team is here to help! AshWork and Reiki are especially beneficial forms of energy work for feeling lighter and more relaxed. We also offer a wide variety of other holistic modalities to help you find greater peace and balance. You can view our full list of services here. Happy spring, and thanks as always for reading! Did you know that acupuncture is incredible for supporting health and wellbeing through all seasons of a woman’s life? In honor of Women’s Month, our March blog is dedicated to spotlighting the physical, mental and emotional benefits that this ancient practice offers women in modern times.
Here at Hudson Healing Arts, we’re fortunate to have two highly skilled acupuncturists - Joe Del Giodice and Kyla Hanley - with decades of collective experience. Thank you Joe and Kyla for sharing your insights with us! A personalized approach Regardless of what issues you’re dealing with, almost all women can benefit from acupuncture’s ability to activate the body’s natural ability to heal. “Whether you’re looking to treat a specific condition or for general stress relief, acupuncture stimulates your nervous system and alters your body’s chemistry,” explains Kyla. “When you needle a point, it sends a message to your brain to bring about a healing response.” This holistic technique embraces your body’s self-healing mechanisms , such as calling on your body’s natural painkillers, triggering an anti-inflammatory response, and increasing your serotonin and dopamine levels (all without any unwanted side effects). Another reason that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be a gamechanger for women’s health is that it’s not generalized or numbers-oriented. Instead, every individual is treated as unique. “Everything in TCM is a constitutional form of care, which means it’s very specific and tailor-made for a person’s constitution,” says Joe. “While there are things that are common among a demographic, we always fine tune it for each particular person.” This is true even for an individual at different points in time. Every time you come in for acupuncture, your session starts with an evaluation. This may be a bit different from what you’re used to - methods like a tongue exam, listening to your pulse, and a questionnaire about your health history help our practitioners evaluate your needs from a TCM perspective. The focus is always on finding the root of the problem, rather than putting a bandaid on any symptoms. Improving your general health and wellbeing One of the defining principles of acupuncture is the saying: “If there is free flow, there’s no pain. Where there’s pain, there’s no free flow.” “The meridians are seen as pathways. When there’s a traffic jam, everything stops and you get stuck,” explains Kyla. “We all know that when you put health issues or stress on the backburner, it becomes a bigger problem. The point of acupuncture is to keep Qi moving and flowing.” For women, who often take care of everyone else’s needs before their own, acupuncture is both maintenance and prevention. By boosting your immunity, promoting good sleep, and reducing stress, it sets you up for greater overall wellbeing while also helping with other things that pop up (from injuries to unexpected life stressors). Kyla also adds that in today’s hectic world, taking the time to “schedule relaxation” can have profound effects on the quality of your life. Even if it’s one session per season, acupuncture is a resource that helps you slow down and find clarity about what’s important. “Being proactive about your wellbeing is such an act of self-love. You can have huge shifts,” says Kyla. “When I first started acupuncture, I experienced more perspective and gratitude. I began to walk a little slower, notice the color of the sky, and simply see the good in each day and feel better. We often rush around…but are we here to finish a ‘to-do’ list, or experience joy and love each day?” Promoting hormonal balance Beyond improving your general wellbeing, acupuncture is a great complementary treatment for a wide range of health issues specific to women. One of the big reasons is that acupuncture promotes hormonal balance - from your first monthly cycle through menopause. “When young women first begin their cycle, the body is seeking to find its footing with this new element that has developed in its constitution,” says Joe. “Acupuncture can help have a balancing effect on these hormonal fluctuations. In fact, pain-free periods can be a reality, but a lot of women don’t realize that’s the way it’s supposed to be.” Research shows that acupuncture can help regulate everything from irregular periods to cramps, headaches, mood swings, and back pain. It’s also a natural way to help support fertility and relieve prenatal symptoms like nausea. Last but certainly not least, acupuncture can help make the transition into perimenopause and menopause more harmonious. “Acupuncture balances out the levels of estrogen and progesterone, so that there’s a smoother landing instead of a sharp decline,” says Joe. “This has a positive effect on sleep, hot flashes, and fluctuations in mood and mental acuity. I’ve heard clients share that their mood is steadier, they feel sharper at work, and that they didn’t realize how well they could sleep.” We’d love to see you at HHA Interested in booking a session with Joe or Kyla at Hudson Healing Arts? According to Joe, spring is a wonderful time for women to reap the benefits of acupuncture. “In TCM, spring is ruled by the liver and the liver surrounds the pelvic organs. So on an energetic level, there's a strong link between the liver and women's health,” he explains. “At this time of year, acupuncture is particularly great for nourishing the liver - it’s both strengthening and relaxing.” To schedule a session, Joe can be reached at (201) 653-7700 ext. 3 and Kyla can be reached at 201-362-9522 or [email protected]. Thanks as always for reading our blog and being a part of the HHA community! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy spring. |
AuthorHannah Chenoweth is a Hoboken-based conference producer and freelance writer who enjoys covering all aspects of health and wellness. Archives
October 2024
Categories
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy AshWork Energy Clearing Bach Flower Remedies Guided Imagery Hypnosis Counseling Nutrition Practitioners Psychotherapy Reiki Shamanism Sound Healing Wellness Spring Summer Autumn Winter |
RSS Feed