Summer News: Getting Re-balanced and Finding Joy

Posted by Lisa on Aug 12, 2020 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Summer is here!

The office is open again and I am so happy and grateful to see you again and meet new clients.  Everything is going really smoothly and safely.  Thank you to everyone for adjusting to the new screenings and safety procedures.  It may seem like a lot, but safety is a top priority.   

The Pulse Since Reopening
The themes that I am seeing this summer are energy depletion/low energy, stuck or stagnant energy, and imbalances in the heart and spirit.  In Chinese Medicine this shows up as physical pain, irritability or moodiness, low energy, sleep issues, disturbing dreams, anxiety and a variety of other symptoms such as headaches, pain, digestive issues and more.  Usually summer is the season of the fire element and the heart, where we experience joy and fullness.  This year, many joys have been replaced by disappointments.  We also have been experiencing a collective trauma during the pandemic with fears of the future.  Even though many people are functioning well and adjusting, there are deeper effects on the body and spirit.  Acupuncture or energy work/coaching is so helpful for reconnecting the body-mind-spirit, for supporting the integration towards living in a new reality with many unknowns.  Herbs can help with the nervous system, sleep, mood and many other issues.  Please be in touch if you need support;  I’d love to help you clear that stuck energy, reconnect with yourself and get back to balance.  

Finding Joy
It is so important during the summer to tap into that energy of expansion and fun, even if it may look and feel differently this year. Try some of these ideas:

• Celebrate little wins and completing small tasks.  Turn completing your to-do list into a “ta-da” list.  Do a happy dance or a shout out when something is done and you’ve freed up energy for something else.  Feeling joy in your body activates and moves more positive energy.
• Enjoy the simple pleasures of summer:  sitting outside in the evening, enjoying your garden or appreciating a neighbor’s or public garden, eating fresh fruits, veggies and other summer treats, swimming or wading in the water, reading “summer” books.  Summer is here. Now.  Enjoy the moment.
• Practice gratitude for the things you do have in your life and that are going well.  “I’m so happy that…”  “I’m so grateful for…”
• Take out a piece of paper and try to fill the whole page with things you are grateful for.
• Speak the gratitude out loud:  tell another person you appreciate them, write a positive review, ask someone else what they are most grateful for and have a conversation about it.  You might be inspired.
• Make a list of things that make you happy.  Think about things you did as a child or in different stages of your life: interests, hobbies, habits, simple pleasures, self-care.  Try to incorporate one or two doable things into your regular routine, or schedule a treat for yourself to look forward to.  (The idea is to find things you can do now, not lament over things that you cannot, so focus on what is doable now.)
• Make a list of things you have always wanted to do, and see if any of them can happen during the pandemic.  Learn something, grow something, take care of something, decorate something, build something, create something, join something, write something, donate something, offer something.  Find seeds of joy or inspiration now that can be nourished during the coming fall and winter.  Things that can’t logistically happen now can be put on your dream and vision list for the future.  
• Enjoy the now while planting seeds of hope for the future

For inspiration, here is a photo of one of my garden beds.  Working in and enjoying my garden brings me lots of joy.

I hope that you are able to enjoy the remaining weeks of summer and that you and your loved ones continue to stay safe and healthy.  I look forward to seeing you soon in the treatment room or in the virtual world.

In health,
Lisa

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Office Reopens June 15th

Posted by Lisa on Jun 11, 2020 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Dear clients,

I am very happy to announce that the office is reopening for in-person acupuncture appointments on Monday June 15th.   Governor Baker has opened Phase 2 health care which includes acupuncture.

It has been without a doubt a very difficult time for all of us, and we continue to face uncertainty.  I hope that you and your loved ones have managed well during this time. As we slowly resume activities it is clear that we’ll be navigating the world differently.  Accessing health care and acupuncture treatment is no exception.  However, a lot of planning and guidance has gone into creating new processes and environments for safe delivery of in-person health care.  Acupuncturists are already highly trained in clean needle technique and safe practices.  At the clinic, we are committed to the safety of everyone and are following local, state, federal and professional guidelines for safe practices for Covid-19.  Below you’ll find all the details and info you need to resume your acupuncture care. 

First, a personal note: After a 3 month closure, now that Governor Baker has allowed Phase 2 health care to resume, I am ready and looking forward to seeing you again!  My time away from the office, though challenging, stressful and full of uncertainty, also gave me an opportunity to grow and learn.  I offered telehealth consultations and virtual healing and coaching sessions, which I loved and will continue to do.  I spent time keeping up to date on changes in health care safety, learning new technology, taking classes in functional nutrition and digestive health, and pursuing training in health and life coaching.  Daily walks in the woods with my dog, gardening, and cooking healthy food helped keep me grounded and nourished.  I am now committed to learning more ways to support anti-racism and health care equity in our community.  Just recently I’ve been able to see my own acupuncturist and chiropractor to help get back into balance after quarantine and have the experience of being a patient during Covid-19.  It felt amazing to have treatments again; self care continues to be essential during these trying times.

After a lot of prep and planning, I now feel ready to step back into the office and give the best treatments I can  – to help YOU get back into balance and receive the health care you need.  Despite the changes in office procedures and public health concerns, I am committed to providing you effective and compassionate care in a safe and healing environment.  Thank you for your continued trust and commitment to my business, and to your own health.

NEW Online Scheduling
Please use the new online scheduler to make your appointment.  This is the best way to communicate important screening and safety information for your appointment and to send reminders.  (Please keep in mind due to new safety requirements there will be fewer appointments available, and online bookings are available for a month out.  In future, more appointment times will be added as I figure out the best flow with the new procedures.   You can email Lisa@DavisSquareAcupuncture.com to get on a waiting list if you cannot find an available time.)

Schedule Appointment

New Office Safety Policies and Procedures: 
Please review carefully before scheduling your appointment.  (These policies may change and if so you will be notified before your appointment.)
Updated Covid-19 Office Procedures are also posted on the website: https://davissquareacupuncture.com/covid-19-office-procedures/

Screening:

• All clients will be screened for current symptoms and exposure and will be rescheduled as needed.  Do not come to an appointment: with any symptoms or until symptoms have resolved for 72 hours; if you have had contact or suspected exposure to someone with Covid-19 in the past 14 days; if you are waiting for Covid-19 test results; if you have traveled out of state/country in the past 14 days.
• 24 hours prior to appointment, you will receive a screening form with your appointment reminder.  Please complete the screening promptly.  
• Clinic providers and staff will also screen themselves daily for symptoms and will reschedule appointments as needed
• A copy of the screening form can be found here; please review it: https://forms.gle/cctQkxB7BE4ywxiG9
• Contactless temperature will be taken before your appointment
• Per DPH guidelines, scheduling priority will be determined by the clinician

Appointment Check-in:

• Face masks covering nose and mouth are required in the building and treatment rooms and need to be kept on for the duration.  If this is an issue please contact your provider before scheduling an appointment. Disposable masks are available but due to PPE shortages clients are asked to bring their own masks
• The waiting room will be closed until further notice to comply with social distancing requirements.  
• Please wait in your car or outside the building and text 617-548-8167 when you arrive. Provider will call you to ask re-screening questions and let you know to come to your treatment room.
• Please note the Town of Arlington requires masks when outdoors in public
• To minimize contact time, in-person conversations will be kept to a shorter time.  If you need more than 5-10 minutes before your treatment then a phone or video chat will be scheduled prior to your appointment.   Please let your provider know ahead of time if you need a longer check in.
• Guests or visitors of clients must wait in the car or outside the building. 
• Note that building restrooms will be regularly cleaned and maintained by building management but will not be cleaned between use. Consider using the restroom before you arrive at the building.

In treatment rooms:

• Clients must wash or sanitize hands before entering the treatment room.  Hand sanitizer will be provided.
• Masks are worn by client and provider for the duration of the treatment
• Provider will open and close treatment room doors. Please do not touch door handles and keep minimal contact with other surfaces.
• A plastic bin will be provided for personal belongings that will be disinfected between use. Please bring only what is necessary into the treatment room.
• Note that no linens, sheets or towels will be available for draping, only paper.  Please wear appropriate clothing for treatment (layers, loose pants, shorts, tanks tops, skirts etc)
• All treatment room tables and high touch surfaces will be disinfected between treatments using an EPA approved product
• Treatments rooms will be empty for 30 minutes between clients for cleaning and ventilation
• All treatment rooms have HEPA filters
• Providers will wear clean scrubs for each shift and use PPE as needed
• Providers will hand sanitize upon entering and leaving treatment rooms
• Providers will follow all clean needle technique and safety procedures.   

Payment and scheduling:

• Payment is due at time of service. 
• Contactless prepayment is available.  Secure payment via Stripe or Paypal can be made when booking online.  HSA/FSA cards are accepted online; an invoice can be provided.  
• Paypal payment link:  https://paypal.me/LisaDesrosiersLAc  
• In-person payment options include self-swipe credit card processing;  checks (must be pre-filled for the correct amount) and cash (in exact change only) will be put directly into a payment envelope
• Please note that regular rates are listed on the online scheduling page.  If you have been on a discounted rate and still need assistance, or if your employment has been affected, please be in touch to discuss.  
• All appointments are scheduled online
• Automatic reminder emails will be sent which include important screening questions and safety reminders.  
• Cancellation fees are waived for Covid related issues, but otherwise are in effect (48 hour cancellation policy)
• Appointments will be staggered to maintain social distancing with other clients and allow for proper cleaning and disinfecting of treatment rooms. This means fewer appointment times are available.  

Schedule Appointment

Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we navigate re-entry!   Feel free to email with any questions. 

A Word about Covid-19:
It is not within the scope of practice of acupuncturists to treat active Covid-19, nor is it advisable for public health reasons.  However, there are many lingering symptoms and effects after illness that acupuncture can treat: fatigue, malaise, muscle soreness, respiratory issues and more.  If you have had a positive Covid-19 test, then a negative test will be required before receiving acupuncture. 

Acupuncture can also help boost and support your immune system to keep you healthy as you return to work or other activities. 

Use Your Health Care Benefits!

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA now covers acupuncture, and I am in-network.  You can contact BCBS to check your benefits or send a copy of your insurance card to the office for a benefits check.
• I am also in-network with Harvard Pilgrim and Cigna. 
• HSA/FSA Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts can be used to pay for acupuncture.

ONLINE/VIRTUAL support is still available if you’re not ready to come to the office:

• Telehealth consultations to discuss diet, lifestyle, supplements, stress relief and more:  https://davissquareacupuncture.com/telehealth/
• Virtual Healing and Coaching Sessions to dive deeper into personal healing https://davissquareacupuncture.com/services/energy-work/
• Online Supplements & Herbs for easy shopping and home delivery: https://wellevate.me/lisa-desrosiers

A message about current events:
The American Society of Acupuncturists released a statement that I am proud to share and support: 
“As a holistic medical community, we recognize that compassion and love for one another takes work, and that overcoming centuries of systemic racism and discrimination demands constant vigilance, action, and collaboration.  We stand committed to anti-racist practices that root out bias, discrimination and oppression in the medical field. We strive to create a world that is just and safe for all, with equitable laws, social opportunity and access to health care that meet the needs of every human being in our global community.”

May our healing continue inside and outside of the treatment room.

Again, I look forward to seeing you in the office again soon.  Feel free to email me with any questions. Stay well.
Best,
Lisa

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Supporting the Lungs During a Pandemic

Posted by Lisa on Apr 7, 2020 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

By now you have probably reads lots of articles and blogs on how to support your immune system during this pandemic. Here I want to focus more on a Chinese Medicine approach to supporting the lung system. As I witness this global attack on the lung system – we literally have an illness that can progress to the point of not being able to breath on one’s own – I reflect on what Chinese Medicine has to say about the lung system and breath, and how you can take better care of yourself during this incredibly stressful time.

“Everything that appears in the physical realm is always connected with energy flow at the invisible level” -Nan Lu

[Disclaimer: These tips are for general education, wellness and prevention, not treatment for specific respiratory illnesses. If you are having any symptoms of respiratory illness CALL your PCP/MD for assessment and referral to testing or further treatment if needed. Check the CDC website for more info.]

The Energy of the Lung System

In Chinese Medicine the Lungs are on organ system that connects with both the inner and outer worlds. Because of this, it is one of the most susceptible to illness and disease. We know that respiratory viruses (external pathogens) typically enter the body through the nose, mouth, and throat and then go deeper into the lungs if the immune system does not respond quickly or fully enough. On the most literal level we can use face masks or coverings, wash hands frequently and stop touching our face to prevent the pathogens from entering. These are the tools that we are being told to use to combat this pandemic.

However, there are so many other tools and approaches to strengthen the immune and lung system and to balance energies in the body. Many are free and only require time and a desire to connect and listen to your body/mind/spirit.

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) the lungs are responsible for our overall immunity, with support from other systems including the digestive system and the skin. The lungs circulate the “wei qi” which is our immune defensive layer. Sometimes you notice that you get sick after travel, poor eating, stress, change in seasons/weather. This is because the wei qi is disrupted. Some people notice that respiratory illness start with a tightness in the back of the neck or upper back, a headache, a little fatigue, a sneeze, a tiny tickle or scratch in the throat – before more noticeable sinus or respiratory symptoms. This is your wei qi beginning to work on the outermost level to handle an incoming pathogen. Noticing changes in your system on more subtle levels before you get sick is an important part of self-care and illness prevention. Even better is to strengthen and balance your system to prevent illness altogether. (Note: even the most healthy people get sick sometimes! We live in a fast-paced, high stress, high stimulation world – so imbalance happens even when we do our best. They key is knowing your own tendencies toward imbalance and working on improving those.)

On a physical and energetic level the lungs are working all the time, without any input or guidance from us. Breathing is the most basic natural life-affirming process. We celebrate a baby’s first breath and mourn our loved one’s last breath. Breath is life. Breath is also a gateway between the outer worlds and inner worlds; breathing practices can be used to strengthen our immune system, promote circulation, create relaxation, deepen our connection to self and prepare for deeper meditation practice.

In TCM the lungs are paired with the large intestine organ system. Together these two systems are constantly cycling through a process of taking in and letting go. The lungs take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The large intestine releases waste after nutrients and energy have been extracted from the food. Inhaling and exhaling/taking in and letting go of our life experiences is critical to our lung health.

The emotion related to the lungs is grief. Grief and sadness are particularly difficult emotions for many people to process, but are so important to honor and release.  We are currently experiencing and witnessing grief on a global scale while our lives are being completely upended.  Many people are having a really hard time. Know that you are not alone, this is collective grief that we are experiencing.

Ways to support and strengthen the lung system 

Expressing and feeling emotions, particularly those of grief, sadness, and loss This may include attending to unprocessed grief from the past that is still being stored in the lung system or another part of your body.  It may include daily grief work as we experience personal loss and witness collective suffering during the pandemic. Grief, like all emotions, should be experienced fully then allowed to move through. Crying, silently and aloud, is part of the body’s natural mechanism for releasing grief and sadness. Contained in grief is the knowledge that within every ending is the promise of a new beginning. Be careful not to get stuck in grief, do some of the practices listed below.

Movement and exercise: Exercise and movement increases the breath, oxygenates tissues, moves the lymph, circulates and strengthens the wei/protective qi and boosts the immune system. The best forms of exercise leave you feeling energized and invigorated without feeling tired or depleted, and even bring you some enjoyment and fun.  While in quarantine, be creative about your exercise and movement.  Explore youtube, streaming, online classes, the NYT 10 minute workout and more.  Look in your closet and basement for forgotten exercise equipment.

Yin movement activities such as tai chi, chi gong and yoga practices that are more quiet and slow will build and strengthen qi without depleting the system.

Being outdoors in nature, breathing fresh air, connecting with the elements is grounding, nourishing and healing. Go for a walk in nature, work in your garden, sit in the yard or on your patio.  If you can’t get outside, open a window or door and sit nearby. (Please follow current guidelines on social distancing and face coverings as needed.)

Breathing practices strengthen the lungs, increase energy, still the mind and lift the spirits. Bring some focus to the exhale as inhalation will happen spontaneously and naturally. Breath is a gateway between the inner and outer worlds, so breathing practices are a great step towards more inner meditative practices. Many yoga and meditation traditions, as well as stress reduction programs teach breathing techniques.  Start a daily breathing practice or add some breathing practices to your current self-care routine.

Singing is great for improving lung capacity and breath, but also brings healing and joy. Group singing is used across all traditions and cultures to bring people together to grieve and celebrate life. Sing along with your favorite streaming music or recordings (quarantine karaoke style) and dance in the kitchen. Being in tune is not required to get the benefits! Chanting or playing wind instruments is also great for the lungs.

Staying hydrated: The lungs in TCM are a yin organ, and require a proper balance of fluids. We know that lung dryness (yin deficiency) is a risk factor for this virus. Drink more water and clear fluids such as teas and broths, limiting ones that can dehydrate the body (coffee, alcohol). Warm liquids are preferable to cold. You can also add moisture to the lung system through steam inhalation, hot showers and hot baths, being sure to rehydrate after if you have sweated.  If your lips are cracked or dry, you are dehydrated.

Avoid smoking: Smoking any substance dries the lungs and creates lung yin deficiency which is a risk factor for this virus.

Cover up the areas of the body related to the lung system including the neck, throat, upper back, chest and even the head. This is especially important during a virus or flu outbreak but also during seasonal changes, in windy or wet weather, while traveling, in chilled rooms, etc.   Zip up hoodies are the perfect fashion statement for a pandemic.

Take care of the skin. The skin is part of the lung and immune systems in TCM. The skin also helps release toxins via sweat. Take a break from putting products on the skin such as makeup, heavy moisturizers or other skin products with chemicals. (Your hands may need moisturizer from all the excess hand washing.) Dry brushing, exfoliation and self-massage will bring healthy circulation to the skin. Inducing a healthy sweat through exercise, sauna, bath, is helpful too.  Experiment with hydrating and caring for the skin from the inside out.

Foods: TCM recommends lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to nourish the yin, also fish and shellfish. Other lung supportive foods include compact fruits, pears, almonds, yogurt, seeds. Of course avoiding or limiting foods that stress the immune system, especially sugar, carbs, processed foods etc is always recommended. Stress eating is happening, but try to balance with nourishing meals.  Nutritious food and solid digestion are foundations for the immune system.

Use your nose: The nose is the opening to the lung system, and smell is a sense that is often underused and under appreciated. Notice the smells of spices while you cook, the aroma of the tea you drink, the smell of the earth waking up for spring. If you have a dog in your life, be inspired by how much they rely on their nose to make sense of the world.

Herbs and supplements can be used to strengthen the immune system and prevent illness, also to treat mild respiratory illness. In TCM there are no cookie cutter prescriptions – recommendations are based on your overall health and needs. For example, maybe the system most out of balance is your sleep or digestion, and that needs to be addressed to properly support your immune system. In that case, taking an immune tonic herb might help but isn’t going to get to the root cause, and might even aggravate your underlying issue if it is too stimulating or hard on your digestion. Please consult with a practitioner for personalized guidance.

Practice receiving: Just as the lungs take in oxygen naturally, our whole self can learn to receive naturally and gracefully. Notice how you receive or block support. Do you take compliments or feedback easily, do you accept help, do you notice and appreciate when someone is offering support, do you ask for help? Are there ways that you can receive more kindness, nourishment and support, even from yourself? Can you receive your own inner wisdom and guidance?  Practice saying yes and receiving what nourishes you.

Practice letting go: of emotions, patterns, conditioning, beliefs, expectations, “shoulds”, physical items or anything that no longer serves you.   The lungs and large intestine take the most vital energies needed and release the rest, some of which even becomes food for plants and the earth. Find the nourishment in life and release what is not needed. Notice if you take or hold more than you need out of fear or other emotions. Releasing your excess may even benefit someone else.  The world and we are undergoing huge transformation; letting go helps to make space for the new.

Do you need more help?

During times of high stress, like NOW, we need to do self-care practices every day, even multiple times a day to keep our systems from being in constant overload. These are just some suggestions. Choose the practices that you have been taught, that you know and enjoy, that you find easy to do and that work for you. Self-care should not be a chore or another to-do item, but a reaffirmation of your love, care and compassion for yourself and your life. If you want or need more tools, I’m happy to help teach and share ones that could be helpful for you.

I know that when my acupuncture opens up again I’ll be seeing so many people with stress-related anxiety, headaches, pain, insomnia, digestive issues, PTSD and more. Please please please take good care of yourself NOW so that the stress doesn’t keep building up. Don’t wait until “this is over” to return to regular self-care routines. Ask yourself what you need now and take some steps in that direction.

If you need support now, I’m happy to share my TELEHEALTH and VIRTUAL HEALING services.  

Please email Lisa@DavisSquareAcupuncture.com for questions or to schedule an appointment.

For more resources, information and support, join the EMAIL LIST.

Yours in health,
Lisa

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Office closed temporarily starting 3/16/20 due to Covid-19 pandemic

Posted by Lisa on Mar 30, 2020 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Dear Clients, 

In response to the evolving Covid-19 outbreak I have decided to close the office temporarily effective Monday 3/16/20. I will reassess weekly, and will follow local, state and federal guidelines to decide how to move forward.  Information and guidelines are changing rapidly, but as of this morning there are no restrictions on my type of business.  

Collectively this is the time to step back, regroup and decide how we move forward.  As a healthcare provider it is beyond heartbreaking to close my doors to clients during a public health crisis, when other healthcare providers are working tirelessly on the front lines.  However, all information supports the need to slow the spread of Covid-19 while mobile testing sites are set up and while the healthcare system prepares to manage treatment of the most severe cases.  

While you are practicing social distancing, please also practice supreme self-care and follow all recommended guidelines for health and safety during the pandemic.  Amidst the fear, remember exposure does not equal infection, and a majority of cases will be mild to moderate. Make choices every day to keep your immune system strong, your nervous system calm, and to help and protect the more vulnerable around you.  

I have supported so many people through challenging health situations, but nothing quite like this before.  I do take strength and wisdom from all of these years working with you. 

My clients have shown remarkable resilience, courage, trust, patience, self-reflection, and adaptability in the face of difficult (even life threatening) health issues and diagnoses – all the while continuing to grow, heal and thrive.   These innate qualities will help us all now through this challenging time. Advice that I have consistently given over the years is to take your health one step at a time. Make the best decision for the next step and continually assess and re-evaluate what is working and what is not.  Be patient. Be open and willing to change.  

For me, the next best step for everyone’s health is to close my practice short-term to in-person acupuncture treatments.  I realize now more than ever how much I love the 1:1 connection of treatment, but I will be reflecting on how I can be of service in new ways moving forward.  When I do re-open (hopefully soon!) it will be with new guidelines and precautions in place.

In the meantime I am available for virtual consults and have an on-line dispensary for herbs and supplements.  Feel free to email at any time if you need support or have questions. 

Stay well, take care of yourselves and each other.  We will get through this, together! I will reconnect when I have more information to share. And of course will look forward to meeting in person again soon.

All my best,

Lisa

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New Location (Starting Feb 1st)

Posted by Lisa on Jan 22, 2014 in blog | 0 comments

Dear clients:

I am moving my practice on Feb 1^st, 2014.   I can no longer stay in my current building, and was fortunate to find a great space with other health care professionals in a modern well-cared for building in East Arlington.  It is a short drive down Mass Ave from the Davis Square location and accessible by MBTA bus.   I’m looking forward to seeing you all in my new space (but please be patient during the transition while I get everything organized!)  

The new clinic location is:

180 Massachusetts Ave, Suite 301

East Arlington, MA 02474

My contact info will remain the same for now:

617-548-8167

Lisa@DavisSquareAcupuncture.com

180 Mass Ave is a modern red brick office building located one block south of Lake Street and the Capitol Theater, between Egerton and Chandler Streets.  It has a Cambridge Savings Bank on the first level and is across from the Fox Library.

When you arrive, take the elevator or stairs to the 3^rd floor.  Suite 301, Arlington Professional Practices, will be directly across from the elevator.  Please come into the shared waiting room, and I will come meet you there for your appt. 

Parking

There is 2 hour parking available up and down Mass Ave. There is free all day parking on the cross streets Egerton and Chandler.  There are some 2 hour visitor parking spots in the lot behind the building (visitor spots are facing the back of the building and facing Chandler Street; park only in the spaces clearly marked as visitor spots or you risk being towed from an employee spot.)  One handicapped parking space is located in front of Cambridge Savings Bank, and two are located in the lot behind the building.

 Use the map below to find the new location:

View Larger Map

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