Improve Your Golf Game?

Yes... Acupuncture Can Help

Well... it might not help your swing, but it can keep you healthy, active and on the course enjoying the game you love.  Here is a story from a few years ago, I still find insightful. 

In 2004, Couples was trailing in the Buick Classic and playing with unbearable pain.  Couples's back was throbbing to the point where he considered withdrawing from the tournament.  After gritting his teeth through an opening-round 67, a friend advised visiting an acupuncturist.  Couples received treatment on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, and when he arrived for the second round Friday at Westchester Country Club, he still had an acupuncture pin in each ear.  But the throbbing in his back was gone.

''To me, it's unbelievable what they can do,'' Couples said.

Couple's play was also impressive. Shooting a six-under-par 65 during a bogey-free round that included six birdies, Couples grabbed a one-stroke lead heading into the third round.   He finished 10 under par and tied for 4th place.  As you know, he still plays strong today.  Couples most recently finished 6th at the Masters and won 3 out of the seven tournaments in this year's Champions Tour.

- John Charlebois L. Ac

Attention All Weekend Warriors !!

Tips to Prevent Injury

Many of us have lifestyles that do not easily support physical exercise. Yet we also find ourselves loving exercise, sports and fitness activities on the weekends.  Especially during this time of year when outdoor exercise

opportunities are limitless! As a result, it is easy to end up with an injury and side-lined from the activities that help us stay fit and reduce stress.

Here are some thoughts on injury prevention:

1. Stretch. NOT BEFORE your event, but AFTER a warm up to promote soft tissue extensibility and reduce muscle and tendon injuries.

2. Training.  Start training and exercise at 50-75% of what you think you can do.  Slowly build up to that 100% to stay injury-free throughout the season.

3. Ice.  At the first signs of pain, wear and tear, ice the affected

area.

4. Training. Yes, again!  Try cross training to avoid repetitive strain injuries.  Variety will promote better overall fitness while also helping you to avoid burn-out.

Finally, don't let injuries linger.  If it is not consistently getting

better over the course of a week, get treatment.  You will recover more quickly to get back to exercise.

Have a great summer !!

- Nancy Charlesbois PT, MT

Joke of the Month

Three yogi hermits are doing a meditative vigil in a cave. One day there's a sound outside the cave. Six months later, one of the yogis says, "That was a goat." The cave is silent once again. About a year later, another yogi says, "That wasn't a goat, that was a mule." Again, the cave falls silent. About two years later the third yogi says, "If you two don't stop arguing, I'm leaving."

An Instructors Perspective

Mommy and Baby Yoga One of the aspects of the Mommy & Baby Yoga class that inspires me is when mothers find a new way to connect with their baby, whether it's a specific rocking movement in a posture that is beneficial to easing tension or building core strength in the mother and their baby enjoys it also.  Many times in class, the mothers will notice how a posture practiced in a certain way while holding their baby has a soothing effect to their baby.  The women will often comment how they are given new ideas of ways to play with their baby, while maintaining an awareness of their posture, or awareness in protecting the lower back from over strain. There tends to be an imbalance in the mother's daily lives in holding the babies on one hip, leg, and arm.  Mother's are able to find balance in their bodies while practicing the yoga postures on both sides of the body.   In a typical class, moms will practice yoga incorporating their babies into the various postures, with movement within a posture to stimulate the baby while adding a level of dynamic strength building. Sometimes the babies sleep during class, and the mother is able to practice yoga on her own; either way receiving the benefits of stress reduction, conditioning and rebuilding strength, and balancing both sides of the body.   With the classes intimate in size, the women often bond not only with their babies, but with each other also. - Maura Hintlian RYT

PMDD?

Yes... Acupuncture Can Help

I wish to take this opportunity to express gratitude toward the blessings that Mothers provide us all no matter who we are.  Life and Love are their gifts and there is no equal.  Mothers are busy caring, teaching and loving their families. Their stress can become harder to handle when their body becomes prepared to nurture their fertility.   The Mayo Clinic states that 75% of menstruating women experience PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and 10% of those women experience severe manifestations of this condition called PMDD.  Changes in mood or emotions are common and even portrayed as "normal".  Traditional Chinese Acupuncture has effectively treated challenges with women's fertility cycle for many centuries.  Pain, changes in cravings and appetite and feeling "wired & tired" have gentile treatments that are safe with minimal side effects. Additionally, the effect of treatments are cumulative over time therefore require less intervention as the patient is restored to balance.

What the Mayo clinic does not mention is the link between our stress response and a woman's sense of wellbeing during menstruation.   Like the symbol for Yin & Yang The Sympathetic & Parasympathetic nervous systems depend on, and control one another and require a balanced state.  Stress changes how your body interprets balance.  Stress also changes the chemical balance the hormone system utilizes.  The adrenals and other glands do not function to nurture the fertility/reproductive system when the stress response is heightened or continuously elevated.  In contrast your body feels that it needs to work on its own survival and interoperates fertility as an undesired state, a threat, which requires energy and resources to resist.

The wide range of signs and symptoms manifest where the individual woman is most deficient or blocked.  Traditional medicine suggests we nurture the woman's digestion and free the dynamic of flow inside and outside the body to include practicing self-care and expanding their creativity. There is much more to share then this space allows.  Please sign up for my free lecture, Ancient Insights on the Fertility Cycle, June 22nd from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.  I can provide specific answers to you, your family members, and your friends.  Space is limited.

Have a Blessed, Stress free Mothers Day,

- John Charlebois L. Ac

Sharing The Story of Motherhood

Taking Care of the Teacher in Us All

I am lucky to have close friends that are in similar stages of motherhood and some who are a little farther along the path of mothering.  We are able to share resources and companionship.   One of my friends introduced me to the book Momma Zen, Walking The Crooked Path of Motherhood by Karen Maezen Miller.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and had difficulty choosing a passage-so I am passing along two!

On teaching:

"Your child is a tireless teacher, constantly probing your self-imposed limits and boundaries, your self-centeredness, your sheer stubbornness.  It is a thankless job, and who would want it?  But each day your child comes to work again, taking up the monumental task.  You must be a teacher too.  Of agile exits and negotiations, of quick turns and pirouettes.  Of all the inventive ways to go through life instead of banging it head on.  There is a deft elegance to the mother who has mastered this dance, the dance with no choreography.  She is fluid and round.  She smiles and laughs easily.  She breezes along as if anything were possible.  Like a child."

Self care:

"Finding calm in the midst of fury, finding inspiration in the midst of despair, finding strawberry jam sandwiched between the sofa cushions, finding the splinter betwixt two tender toes.  Moms can find anything in a pinch, except a moment for themselves.  Meditation is the best way to find that moment.  It is the best way to find any moment, and telling you how to meditate is the only lasting good that I can give you.  A regular (or irregular!) meditation practice will give you more of the focus and discipline you need to do everything else: listen, talk, teach, comfort, work, play, relax, go to sleep, wake up, and do it all over again.  It's a little bit of attention paid to yourself so you can give all the rest of your attention away."

So, on this mother's day, I do not intend to go to a spa or "get away".  This Sunday, I relish the opportunity to mother, soak up the challenges with a laugh and then take the time to sit quietly and meditate.

Be well,

- Nancy Charlesbois PT, MT

Greater Health and Better Morale

Nationwide Clinical Survey of Acupuncture Patients

• 91.5 % reported a disappearance or improvement of symptoms.

• 79% said they use fewer drugs.

• 70% avoided surgery.

• 63% said "I can work better most of the time."

• 58% said "I have more energy most of the time."

• 63% said "I have less pain most of the time."

• 68% said "I get along better with others most of the time"
  

source: Claire Cassidy, "Health Visions 2000"

Joke of the Month

What did the yogi say to the sandwich vendor at the ball game?

Make me one with everything!

After the man received his sandwich, he gave the vendor a $20 bill. The vendor just smiled. The (man, infuriated, demanded, "Where is my change?"

The vendor replied, "O, one with everything, change comes from within."

Does Your Insurance Cover Acupuncture or Massage Therapy?

IT MAY ... if you work for the following:

* City of Portland
* State of Maine
* Maine Education Association (MEA)
* Maine Medical Center
* MaineHealth

Call today to make an appointment 773-5778.

If you are not an employee of one of the above organizations, you still may be covered. Please call your insurance provider to check benefit eligibility.

Anthem: 1-800-482-0966
Aetna: Member Services
Cigna: 1-800-244-6224
Great West: 1800-663-8081
Medicare: 1-800-633-4227

Pingree Agrees with Benefits of Acupuncture

John's Inquiring Question

At a recent event sponsored by the Portland Regional Chamber. John Charlebois was given the opportunity ask an engaging question to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

John questioned whether or not the state of Maine was investigating or planning any pilot programs that help reduce medical costs?  He referenced the study above, explaining that through cost and benefit analysis, traditional acupuncture has been shown to lower healthcare costs.  Currently State of Maine employees are eligible for these services.  However, if Maine is looking for widespread cost savings, why not make it more widely accessible to all?

Congresswoman Pingree gave a very positive response and agreed with the benefits of acupuncture. She has personally seen results and the effectiveness of acupuncture with others. For a detailed answer however, she redirected the question to her daughter Hannah Pingree, Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives.  We are in the process of following up with Hannah and will keep you updated.

Reducing Health Costs with Acupuncture

Some Numbers to Crunch During Lunch

A study by the Oriental Medical Association of New Mexico reveals huge savings in multiple areas.

• $16 million saved in treating angina by combining pharmacological intervention with acupuncture.
  
• $4.5 million in reduced costs utilizing acupuncture for severe osteoarthritis compared to surgical intervention.
  
• $1.4 million in cost savings by treating migraines with acupuncture versus conventional treatment.

The research shows an overall amount of $42 million in cost savings over a 5 year period.  This is equivalent to a brand new laptop for every high school student in the state of Maine.  Now that is food for thought.

Click Here to view or download this report.

International research supports this even further.  Other countries, including those in Western Europe, have managed to integrate acupuncture into the existing conventional system of medicine.

In fact, some nations are providing reimbursements through state health programs. This trend toward greater and more widespread reimbursement is likely to continue as more and better economic evaluations in acupuncture are performed.

Click Here to view or download this international report: Economic Evaluation in Acupunture: Past and Future.

*** BREAKING NEWS from the Wall Street Journal ***

Decoding Ancient Therapy
High-Tech Tools Show How Acupuncture Works in Treating Arthritis, Back Pain, Other Ills
- Melinda Beck

We invite you to read this detailed article published Monday, March 22nd in the Wall Street Journal. There is a discussion section that we encourage people to visit and share their personal acupuncture experiences.  This may be your chance for giving back by helping inform and enlighten the community at large.

Educational Outreach

Speaking to Youth

I become energized when speaking about acupuncture to groups, especially local youths.  On March 8th, I participated in a lecture at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish.  The students were very responsive and eagerly asked engaging questions (not what one would expect from your average teenagers).  I left the event feeling re-charged with a sense of extended community and what it means to give back.  I look forward to more events like this.  I am fortunate to be participating in a Stress Busting Workshop for Parents at Cape Elizabeth High School on April 13th.  Additionally, I will be at North Yarmouth Academy May 5th, taking part in Teacher Appreciation Week.  If you are attending any of these events I look forward to seeing you there.

- John Charlebois L. Ac.

YMCA

Prenatal Water Aerobics

Since beginning my professional career, I have been drawn to the YMCA.  My alma mater, Springfield College, began as a school to train YMCA directors.  The essence of Springfield College embraces the Spirit, Mind and Body into the humanics philosophy.

Teaching prenatal water aerobics at the YMCA has given me the opportunity to promote wellness with the humanics philosphy in mind.  Each class is geared towards physical health, but a lot can happen in class!  Through conversation, we talk about  prenatal health, answer each others questions, and provide emotional support though pregnancy.  It is such a wonderful chance to educate, laugh, discuss, question and learn a few things myself!

- Nancy Charlebois PT, MT

Hour Exchange Portland

Building Relationships

I just recently joined the Hour Exchange of Portland, and am very excited about the opportunity it provides and the benefits it gives back to those involved.  Unlike a barter system, where there is a direct trade between two people;  Time Dollar members give an hour of their time and in return they can receive an hour of time within the member community.  I particularly love how the organization recognizes and appreciates everyone's unique talents, gifts, and abilities.

Exchanging services is about local individuals, organizations and businesses helping each other.  Members help rebuild and sustain neighborhood networks and strengthen community as a result of their activities.  I discovered Time Dollars via John and Nancy's participation in the organization.  They have been members since 2001.  If you are interested in this type of process, I highly recommend it and urge you to check out their site for more details.  www.hourexchangeportland.org

- Maura Hintlian RYT

Questions About Prenatal Massage?

We have some answers

I became interested in treating pregnant women for many reasons.  Mainly because it is such an amazing opportunity for women to learn how to take better care of themselves.  Often times, women are highly motivated to improve their health and well being as they realize the positive impact it can have on their unborn baby.  Prenatal massage is just one way to pursue better physical and emotional health in pregnancy.  Women also have very good questions about prenatal massage so I would like to share my experience and expertise in this area!

Seek out a massage therapist that is CERTIFIED in prenatal massage.  Massage therapists are required to be licensed, but do not necessarily receive training in prenatal massage.  Massage therapists may pursue continuing education to advance their skills to provide safer and more effective massage to pregnant women.  The advanced coursework includes optimal positioning for comfort, massage techniques to address specific areas of complaint and contraindications to massage.

Massage can be very rewarding from the first trimester through the post-partum year. Prenatal massage is safe from the onset of pregnancy.  Typically, monthly massage through the first 34 weeks and weekly massage during the last 6 weeks is most beneficial. When you are in early labor, if you can get in to see your massage therapist, it is a wonderful time to have relaxed focus in preparation for active labor.

Massaging the feet and ankles is safe and feels great!  Massaging firmly, even in the areas around the acupuncture points, will not initiate early labor.  Positioning on a massage table is best in side-lying and reclining. Lying face down on prenatal pillows or with a hole cut out of the table has the potential to increase fetal blood pressure, strain the abdominal musculature and strain uterine ligaments. Lying on your back is also safe well into pregnancy as long as you do not experience shortness of breath, dizziness or nausea.

Deep massage is safe, but should never be painful.  The only areas that should NEVER be massaged deeply are the inner calf and inner thigh.  Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing blood clots. The inner calf and inner thigh are typical areas where a blood clot may develop. Deep massage has the potential to dislodge a clot or cause microtrauma to form a clot.

What are the benefits of Prenatal Yoga?

Increases strength and flexibility

Helps diminish swelling and joint inflammation

Prevents and decreases pain in the lower back and sciatica pain

Stress Relief

Creates and maintains a sense of well being

Relaxation, imagery and breathing are useful in labor

Aids in digestion

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

- Nancy Charlebois, PT,MT

Myths Surrounding Acupuncture

Let's break down the walls

MYTH: Acupuncture is voodoo, magic, snake oil or is based on superstitious beliefs.

FALSE: True only when we wear our grass skirts and body paint on casual Friday. Seriously, acupuncture is based on careful observations by the ancient Chinese through clinical experiences. It is the longest existing medical system still in use today. Acupuncture education in the United States is regulated by a single national organization. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit Master's-level programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Additionally, this post graduate degree requires 1905 hours to be eligible for testing set forth by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).

MYTH: You have to belong to an Eastern religion for acupuncture to work.

FALSE: Acupuncture originates from China. However, acupuncture works based on repeated careful observations through clinical experience, and does not require one to belong to one religious belief or another. The Chinese Medicine Theory from which acupuncture operates crosses all cultural boundaries in the assumption that each human body, regardless of race or heritage, are essentially operating by the same principles. We are all humans beings.

MYTH: Acupuncture relies on the placebo effect for it to work.

FALSE: Until Western scientists and doctors can fully explain the acupuncture effect, let's consider that acupuncture works on animals, and one would be hard pressed to argue that animals experience a placebo effect.

MYTH: Acupuncture only treats pain.

FALSE: The treatment of pain is what acupuncture is best known for here in the West, and even is the primary condition for which the Merck Manual states for its use. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical model, treating symptoms (in addition to pain) related to the cold, the flu, menstrual disturbances, digestive disturbances, anxiety, insomnia, and many more. Click Here to see a list of what The World Health Organization states acupuncture to be an effective treatment for.

MYTH: Acupuncture can cure everything.

FALSE: All too often in America do we reach for the "one-size-fits-all" philosophy for all things in our lives, from weight loss and dieting tips, to ways to build interpersonal relationships. Acupuncture treatments are individually tailored to best for your presenting condition. However, it would be unethical and morally inept for us to ignore Western medicine. Acupuncture is excellent as adjunctive therapy to a doctor's treatments, particularly in the cases of cancer by which acupuncture may mediate the side-effect of chemotherapy and radiation. We hope this information has been useful. But don't just take our word for it, please see what other people have to say about acupuncture and our services by visiting our testimonial page.

- John Charlebois, L. Ac.

The Myth of Improper Alignment and Relief

Cranial Sacral Therapy Explained

Optimal health includes and resounds from proper alignment of all body tissues; adjustments in alignment is one of the many options to accomplish this goal.  For those who work in the physical medicine field, D.O.'s chiropractors and physical therapists, to name a few, adjustments are one of the many treatment options to use where appropriate. 

There are many ways to accomplish the relief  that comes with neutral alignment.  One very gentle way is through the  hands on technique of Cranial Sacral Therapy.  Through this very light touch approach, a therapist can use the body's own fluid and innate healing ability to release tissue strain  and tension.

When strain is released from the tissues, the pull ( out of alignment) is resolved and thus, the bone return to their natural and neutral resting place.  All of this, in turn, leads to comfort and relief and allows the body to regain balance, alignment and health.

- Sarah Wolf DPT

The Importance of Good Posture

It can help you feel better

Posture is important in everything you do.  Here are some easy tips to be aware of as you move through your day:

• Tuck in your chest.  Imagine lifting through the crown of your head towards the sky.
• Gently lift your sternum or breastbone.
• Pull in lower abdominals.  Imagine pulling your belly button in towards your spine as your pelvis tilts underneath you.

- Nancy Charlebois, PT, MT

Fight Colds and Flu with Acupuncture

The flu, you and Chinese medicine

Clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of the illness.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by rebalancing the body's system, regulating the body's healing energies and enhancing the immune system.

- John Charlebois, L. Ac.