Self Confidence!

The darkest quarter of the year is here and with it often comes depression and self-doubt. Acupuncture can be great for both those issues, but can be even more powerful with homework, like reading Feeling Good or a daily meditation practice
Check out this daily meditation for self-confidence and let us know if it's helped you as much as it's helped us!

I know that I have the ability to achieve my purpose in life; therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action toward its attainment, and I here and now promise to render such action.

I realize the dominating thoughts in my mind will eventually reproduce themselves in outward physical action and gradually transform themselves into physical reality; therefore, I will concentrate my thoughts for 20 minutes daily thinking of the person I intend to become, thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture.

I know through the principle of autosuggestion any desire that I persistently hold in my mind will eventually seek expression through some practical means of attaining the object back of it; therefore, I will devote 10 minutes daily to demanding of myself the development of self-confidence.

I have clearly written down a description of my chief aim in life, and I will never stop trying, until I have developed sufficient self-confidence for its attainment.

I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure unless built upon truth and justice; therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects.  I will succeed by attracting the forces I wish to use, and the cooperation of other people.  I will induce others to serve me, because of my willingness to serve others.  I will eliminate hatred, jealousy, envy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing a love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success.  I will cause others to believe in me, because I believe in them, and in myself.  I will sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory and repeat in aloud once a day, with full failth that it will gradually influence my thoughts and actions so that I will become a self-reliant, happy, and successful person.

Meet Alex!

Alex graduated with a Masters degree from Oregon College of Oriental of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR. He is board certified by the NCCAOM and is a NADA certified detox specialist. Alex also spent some time in Seoul, S. Korea studying Oriental Medicine . When he is not poking people with needles Alex is out there living and loving life! 

Women's Reproductive Issues

Are you having trouble with PMS, cramps, or infertility? Acupuncture can be a great resource for all issues related to the female reproductive system (and male, but that's another post!). One resource we've found helpful here is Taking Charge of your Fertility, whether you're trying to get pregnant or not. The foundation of TCOYF is to track your cycle using your body temperature. Just pop a thermometer in your mouth before you get out of bed every morning and chart it on a form like this:

Knowing when you're ovulating can help you predict mood swings, migraines, and any other cyclical issues you may have so you can get in for preventative acupuncture before your issues start!
If you're interested in learning more, check out these books at the Seattle Library:
Taking Charge of your Fertility
Cycle Savvy (for teens, a bit more readable with an emphasis on contraception rather than conception)

Summer and Fire

Summer is the time of year that resonates with the fire element in Chinese medicine. A healthy fire energy is expressed in a joyful, friendly manner and a clear and peaceful mind. Engaging in social activities, putting your energy into your community and enjoying social events are expressions of healthy fire energy. If we have not taken good care of ourselves in the winter and spring, it may be difficult to really flourish, like the plant life that is so luxurious and beautiful in summertime. For more tips on eating well to support your fire element, see Paul Pitchford's Healing with Whole Foods, from which the accompanying dietary tips for summer were taken.

The summer season, the most yang time of the year, is filled with abundant energy and lots of sunshine. It’s about the fire element, expansion, growth, activity, and creativity. Several thousand years ago, an ancient Chinese medical text, The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Cannon, contained the idea that to live a balanced life we should cultivate yang energy in the spring and summer, and protect yin in the autumn and winter. Here are some tips to help you promote the yang energy. 

    *Be active: * The heart is associated with the fire element, and it’s main function is to pump oxygen rich blood to your whole body. Getting your heart pumping will help keep it strong. Summer is an excellent opportunity to be active outside while having fun!
    Ancient Chinese physicians advised to awaken early in the morning and go to bed later in the evening. Follow the pattern of the sun. A midday rest is a great way to recharge.
    *Be happy: * In Chinese medicine, mental processes, memory, and emotional well being are all attributed to the heart and fire element. This is the time to live life to the fullest and embrace our potential. Gratitude is great way to nurture joy in our lives. Try starting off each day naming three things you’re grateful for.
    If our fire element is in balance, we will sleep calmly and our hearts are strong and healthy. If it becomes imbalanced we may have insomnia, rhythmic disturbances in our hearts, depression or mania.
    *Modify your diet: * Eat lighter and cooling foods. Summer is the time to eat more vegetables, salads, fish and seafood. Eat with the seasons! Avoid eating a lot of meat and fried foods this time of year since those are warming in nature. Add pungent flavors to your diet such as spices, chili peppers, garlic and onions. Pungent flavors “wake up” the senses. They tend to open the flow of energy in your body and can improve metabolism. As always, eat in moderation.
    Live joyfully in the moment, get lots of sunshine, and enjoy summer!

Community Acupuncture Worldwide

Have you ever wanted to refer an out-of-town friend or family member to a clinic like The Pin Cushion? Visit www.pocacoop.com/clinics for the most up-to-date information on community acupuncture clinics worldwide!
POCA also has information on cooperatives, how to become an acupuncturist, even free treatments for you and your friends! Join POCA today and help support the organization that started it all!
www.pocacoop.com

Summer Special!

Visit The Pin Cushion Wednesdays 11am-3pm and see Erin for $5 off through July!

Welcome, Erin!

Erin is a nationally board certified and Washington state licensed Acupuncturist and East Asian Medicine Practitioner. She received her Masters of Science in  Acupuncture from Bastyr University and holds a B.A. in Psychology. Erin has received training in diverse clinical settings and has completed postgraduate studies in 5 Element Acupuncture, which focuses on treating the spirit and mind. She has experience working with homeless and at risk youth and enjoys treating patients of all ages. Erin enjoys helping people cultivate and support their body’s natural healing potential through acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. 
Erin is currently working Mondays 2-7pm and Wednesdays 11-3pm. Check online at www.thepincushionclinic.com for the most up-to-date schedule!