Balancing Harmony Within

Tackling the Winter Blues and Holiday Stress

Author

Brittany Moore
December 03, 2023

  December 2023 Newsletter

Welcome to my monthly acupuncture newsletter! As we approach the whirlwind of the holiday season, it’s crucial to take a moment for yourself amid the festive hustle and bustle. This time of year, we often find ourselves focused on giving to others, but it's equally important to give back to yourself. As the days grow darker and colder, we often find ourselves feeling a little down. In this edition, we'll explore how acupuncture can be a vital tool in managing holiday stress, the winter blues, and rejuvenating your well-being. Maintain your inner balance before the holiday rush takes hold. Take proactive steps towards a calmer, more centered you– plan your visit today and prioritize your well-deserved self-care! 

With gratitude, Brittany Smith

Benefits of Acupuncture During These Cold, Stressful Months

Regulates Neurotransmitters: By stimulating the central nervous system, acupuncture increases serotonin, dopamine, adenosine, GABA, and endorphins while decreasing cortisol!

Reduces Anxiety: Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system which has a calming effect and alleviates anxiety and nervousness.

Balances Brain Chemistry: Acupuncture can regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which governs the body’s response to stress, helping restore balance in brain chemistry.

Enhances Mood: Acupuncture has a similar effect, chemically, in the body as exercise does! Have you ever felt the so-called “runner’s high” where you feel energized and euphoric after running or exercising? Acupuncture acts in the same way as exercising by release the endorphins to promote a sense of contentment, happiness, and calmness.

Improves Sleep Quality: With everything on your mind during the holiday season, it’s important to maintain high quality sleep. After all, the body regenerates cell tissues and heals during sleep! Acupuncture is AMAZING for improving sleep quality. I can personally attest to this!

Please reach out with any personalized questions. I offer a FREE 15 minute phone consult to all new patients. Acupuncture can be a wonderful support for you during the stressful days of the holiday season.

Appointments in December are filling up fast, be sure to schedule a treatment time to relax your brain and body amidst all the holiday craziness. Let me help you stay relaxed and keep those winter blues away so you can fully enjoy the holidays!

My Holiday Schedule

I apologize for any inconvenience, but I will be taking the days following Christmas off to spend with family and friends. I hope to see you in the office before Christmas!

Nourishing Recipe for the Cold, Dark Winter Months

Nourishing the body during the winter months is crucial to support overall health and well-being in the face of colder temperatures and potential seasonal challenges. The colder weather often prompts cravings for heartier, comforting foods, and it's essential to capitalize on this by choosing nutrient-dense options. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can fortify the immune system, boost energy levels, and help maintain a stable mood. Moreover, staying adequately hydrated, indulging in warming teas or soups, and including seasonal herbs and spices not only adds flavor but also provides additional health benefits. Prioritizing a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can enhance resilience against winter ailments, aid in staying active, and ensure the body receives the essential nutrients required for optimal functioning. Thus, nourishing the body during the winter months serves as a cornerstone for fortifying health, supporting immunity, and promoting vitality despite the seasonal changes.

Customizable Nourishing Congee

Here's a basic recipe for a nourishing winter congee:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice (jasmine or long-grain white rice)

  • 6-8 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth (adjust for desired consistency)

  • Protein options: chicken, pork, or fish (around ½ cup diced or shredded)

  • Vegetables: ginger (sliced), scallions (chopped), carrots, mushrooms, spinach, or any desired vegetables

  • Seasonings: salt, pepper, soy sauce, or other preferred spices/herbs

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.

  2. In a large pot, combine the rice and water or broth. Bring it to a boil over high heat.

  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  4. As the rice cooks and begins to break down, add in the protein and vegetables. If using meat, ensure it's cooked through.

  5. Continue simmering until the congee reaches the desired consistency, usually about 1-2 hours. Add more water or broth if it becomes too thick.

  6. Season the congee with salt, pepper, soy sauce, or any preferred spices/herbs according to taste.

Congee is easily digestible and can be modified by adding different ingredients based on individual preferences or specific health needs. It's considered warming and nourishing according to TCM principles, helping to support the body during the cold winter months. During the winter months it’s important for us to eat warm and nourishing foods. Foods that have been cooked slow and low for a while are the trick to having easily digestible foods while still be nutritious.

Extra Tip: Saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and chili peppers are great additions that can help with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Saffron has been known to elevate mood by influencing the neurotransmitter serotonin. Turmeric is known for promoting brain health. Cinnamon can stabilize blood sugar levels which can help manage depressive symptoms. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can potentially contribute to mood improvement through influencing serotonin levels. Chili Peppers contain capsaicin which can trigger the release of endorphins which help the body feel happier!

Gift Guide For The Holidays

“TeaCare Trio Sets - Sip, Strain & Soothe”: made locally by From the Ground Up Healing. Check out their instagram, From_the_ground_up_healing, for more stocking stuffers, tinctures, salves, and teas. These TeaCare Trio sets are in the office and will make perfect stocking stuffers, as well as gifts for teachers, hostesses, friends, family or even yourself! Everyone can benefit from a little self-care. Each tea set is only $20 which comes with three tea blends: deep sleep, immunity, and calming tea, as well as a cute tea strainer. Each of the blends provides about 6 teas! It’s a bargain! All herbs are listed on the individual tea blends.

Dr Guo’s 37 Healing Salve: My personal favorite! If you’ve ever been to my office I’m sure you’ve seen this laying around or I’ve even used it on you. I use it every single day on my patients. This salve works wonders on any type of pain! A little goes a long way. I love this because it’s made up of 37 (hence the name) different types of herbs that all help to invigorate the qi and blood to reduce inflammation, stagnation, and pain. There are no harsh chemicals in this that are typically found in other pain relieving gels, ointments, and salves. This salve is $35+ tax, but it’s worth every penny!

Acupuncture of New England Gift Certificates are also available in any denomination. These make a thoughtful & caring gift for your loved ones, whether they are existing clients or someone else you know who could benefit from our services. Available for purchase over the phone or via email as well as in the office!

Thank You

Ways to save on your next treatment:

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all my clients who have referred me to their friends and family. Your recommendations mean the world to me, and I truly appreciate your trust and confidence in my services.

As a token of my appreciation, I’m delighted to offer you $10 off your next appointment for each referral you make and/or $10 off for any review made online. 

Thank you once again for your continued support and for helping me grow my business.

or call 978- 777-2707

Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm

More information can be found at Acupne.com

Telemedicine appointments are available for Herbal Consultations