Tag: stress

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Acupuncture promotes Inner Peace

Woman at peace in harmony with nature

In these uncertain times, most people are finding themselves feeling more anxious, frustrated or worried. Acupuncture has a proven record of helping reduce stress, and promote peace of mind. Every patient who comes into my clinic leaves feeling lighter and more positive, regardless of the issue we are treating.

Here’s how it works: As standard practice, acupuncturists make a wholistic evaluation of your emotional and physiological state before each treatment. We have ways of evaluating which organ systems are energetically out of balance, and whether the physiology as a whole is functioning harmoniously. Then we treat based on what we’ve observed, as it relates to your main complaint.

We believe the energy grid is foundational: it affects our biochemestry, circulation, hormonal, immune and neurological systems. Acupuncture has a powerful effect on these systems, because it very effectively regulates the flow of energy; it also can reduce inflammation and soothe the nervous system.

Particular emotions are said to affect and be affected by specific organs: ie: worry affects the stomach and in turn inflammation in the stomach can make a person more worried or emotionally reactive. Heavy drinking can make the liver toxic thereby increasing our propensity to react in anger. Fear affects the kidneys and adrenals, sadness affects the lungs, etc… We are able to dramatically affect how you feel emotionally by focused treatment of these organ meridians.

In my practice, I have helped patients suffering from panic attacks, PTSD, chronic worry (and accompanying digestive problems), prolonged or intense grief, depression, self esteem issues, addictive disorders including eating disorders, and insomnia with excellent results.

Essential oils can be an effective adjunct to acupuncture, and I often make individually tailored formulations for patients to apply to specific acu-points between treatments. This can accelerate healing. Chinese herbs are another adjunct therapy I’ve used very effectively when needed.

I often teach patients meditation, Qi Gong (a form of moving meditation) and mindfulness skills to support lasting change. Meditation and Qi Gong, can recalibrate the nervous system, helping us cultivate Inner Peace and a hopeful, joyful state.

Blessings to you on your healing journey,

PEACE, Marie

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Virtual Health Consultations offered in response to the current pandemic

Every acupuncture session begins with a health consultation, where we discuss progress and new issues that come up for the client. Even mild symptoms can be very significant diagnostically, as they inform us of the underlying pattern of disharmony to be addressed. This is followed by a clinical observation of your symptoms, some of which can be detected visually via zoom, and diagnosis of the problem. At this very special time, if in person treatment is not possible, I am offering Lifestyle Counseling and Self Care recommendations to lower stress, regulate your physiology and enhance your immune system. This can include:

  • ACUPRESSURE: alone or combined with essential oils application on points
  • ESSENTIAL OIL recommendations for diffusing
  • EXERCISE: including specific Qi Gong and breathing practices to regulate the energy system
  • GUIDED MEDITATIONS AND EXPLORATIONS
  • DIETARY AND HERBAL RECOMMENDATIONS
  • LIFESTYLE COUNSELING
  • DISTANCE REIKI

The quickest way to reach me is by calling 516-455-2206. You can also reach me via email at [email protected]

I wish you and your loved ones Peace and Health in the weeks and months to come!

Blessings, Marie

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Covid-19: Protecting ourselves and our communities

Safety in community

The current state of panic is being fueled by an irresponsible and sensationalist media. Panic directly and quickly weakens immune response. In the words of Epidemiologist Dr. Abdu Sharkawy, MD (facebook post dated 3/5/20) , let’s return to talking reasonable precautions, lowering our stress levels and being there for each other and our communities. This will go a long way in maximizing our health and immunity. The following are important preventative measures we can take to increase our likelihood of staying healthy:

  1. CREATING STRONG VITAL ENERGY / QI: In Chinese medicine, the ability to fight and expel pathogens is based on strong Qi (Vital energy) . This is dependent on a few things:
  • Having sufficient quantity and quality of Blood (including red and white blood cells, adequate nutrients including minerals) 
  • A strong digestive system is the basis of a strong immune system; it insures we can actually be nourished by the foods we eat (assimilation). 
  • Having strong lungs to directly support Qi.
  • Adequate quality and quantity of sleep
  • Regular exercise
  • Low toxicity levels in the body. Toxicity includes an overabundance of parasitic microbes such as yeasts, harmful bacteria and protozoans.

2.  WHAT TO AVOID: 

  • Poor diet weakens digestion: irregular eating schedule, eating too much raw or canned foods, cold or raw foods, too much or too little protein, late night eating, eating in front of the TV or while reading, etc…
  • Regular or excessive intake of alcohol and other drugs, smoking. Alcohol is used in Chinese herbology to warm and speed the flow of blood circulation. It also will bring harmful bacteria and viruses deeper into the body, thereby making colds and flu symptoms worse. The “heat” from the alcohol adds to the “heat” of bacterial infections. Normally, the body will try to clear infections outwards via urination and sweating. But in this case the alcohol directs the harmful pathogens to deeper organs: ie: Liver and Spleen. Also the SUGAR from alcohol would make any infection spread more quickly
  • Chronic stress will dramatically weaken immunity. When we are in the fight or flight response (angry or scared), the immune system automatically shuts down. Prolonged stress can have long term consequences, lowering immune response and making us vulnerable to opportunistic infections and even chronic degenerative diseases such as cancer.
  • Fatigue from chronic lack of sleep or poor quality sleep.

4.  WHAT TO DO:

  • Reduce stress: 
    • Have a daily meditation program. There are several excellent meditation Apps out there including the popular “Headspace” with many choices of guided meditations. I have regular meditation groups Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings which are now meeting on Zoom.
    • Exercise daily: walking outdoors especially in this beautiful spring weather will help lower stress. Also, Yoga, T’ai chi or Qi gong practices can quickly change your state of mind
    • Don’t engage with people who always see the glass as half-empty. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you.
  • Eat fresh foods, and avoid raw and cold foods as much as possible
  • Get to bed early and allow yourself to have at least 8 hours of quality sleep
  • If needed, get a few acupuncture treatments to maximize your immune system, lower your stress and help with sleep
  • Trust your body; it was designed to protect you!.

Although my clinic is open, I am also offering Zoom health consultations; this can provide you with a Chinese medical evaluation of your state of health and immunity based on your symptoms, history, tongue diagnosis, life style factors, etc., and a detailed plan to support health and well-being. This can include dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal and essential oil recommendations, meditation and mindfulness practices to lower stress.

Take the best care, and stay safe!

Peace, Marie

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A Holistic Approach to Anxiety and Insomnia, with Rev. Marie Regis, M.S., L.Ac.

Spring is a time for New Beginnings. Quality sleep is a pre-requisite to feeling our best. I hope you’ll join me as we explore approaches to reducing anxiety and tension during the day so you can rest peacefully. Understand what’s causing you to wake up at night and how you can change that pattern. Learn EASY meditation, acupressure and mindfulness tools so you can finally LET GO and fully enjoy life!

WHEN: Wednesday March 18th at 7:00 pm

WHERE: Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Ave, Great Neck NY 11024

I hope to see you there!

Peace, Marie

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Studies show Acupuncture helps Acid Reflux better than medication

acupuncture

By Marie Regis, M.S., L.Ac.

Classic Esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD, also called Acid Reflux, has become alarmingly high in recent years. Conventional treatment with acid-blocking medication (Proton Pump Inhibitors) is often ineffective and can lead to serious side-effects over the long term. Studies have found that Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal therapy are  more effective than medication for the treatment of this common ailment.A

Increased incidence of GERD

In the past, GERD used to be mainly seen in overweight middle aged people. Not any more. A 2010 study found that of a randomly picked sample of 686 US citizens, “40% had reflux disease, 22% having GERD, and another 18% had LPR (airway reflux). The most striking and unanticipated finding was that 37% of the 21 to 30 year old age group had reflux.”   Conventional treatment with acid blocking medication was intended for short term use only due to unhealthful side effects. Many are ignoring the directions for these drugs and taking them for months or years. “Blocking stomach acid fosters the growth of bacteria that cause gastritis and are associated with GI cancer, pneumonia and with antibiotic resistant bacteria”.T

Types of Reflux

  • Acid Reflux, or GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) happens when digestive juices from the stomach rise up causing irritation and inflammation in the esophagus
  • LPR (Laryngo Pharyngo Reflux) Airway Reflux is where the stomach juices enter the Larynx (voice box), which is part of the Trachea.
  • With GERD, there will be discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest
  • With LPR, also called Silent reflux, there are no such symptoms. Instead, people may experience sinus congestion or irritation, sore throat, a feeling of a lump in the throat, coughing or asthma, hoarseness especially upon waking, difficulty swallowing.

Western pathophysiology

  • GERD is caused by the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, a valve at the top of the stomach that is supposed to keep digestive juices in. These juices, consisting primarily of the digestive enzyme Pepsin and stomach acid, cause inflammation and erosion along the esophagus.
  • LPR (Laryngopharyngo Reflux) is caused by dysfunction of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter, allowing fluids to rise into the Trachea, or airway, and from there into the Larynx or voice box. The lining of the airway is thinner and much more vulnerable to attack. It is the Pepsin, a digestive enzyme that digests protein, that attacks the lining of the Trachea in the presence of acid.  Pepsin can settle into the cells of the lining and be activated by acidic foods even if the person temporarily is not experiencing Reflux. The Pepsin then attacks protein in the lining.  Long term reflux can lead to Oesophageal cancer.

Eastern pathophysiology and treatment

Chinese medicine considers that reflux is often due to dysfunction of the stomach, liver, and spleen/pancreas. Stress affecting the liver and stomach is a major factor in this disease, contributing to increased acidity, inflammation and causing stomach juices to go up instead of down. Emotions such as chronic worry, anger, frustration or rebellious attitudes are common culprits. Stress also impairs the spleen’s ability to transport and transform digestive fluids. Food in the stomach fail to be digested and assimilated. As a result, the stomach contents backflow into the esophagus. Reflux esophagitis in TCM focuses on transforming turbid fluids, supporting stomach function and restoring the downward movement of stomach Qi (energy) to prevent counterflow. This focus restores normal functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), enhances gastric motility, and improves gastric emptying.

Food and drinks to avoid

  • Additives in prepared foods (canned or bottled food and drink) designed to acidify the food to help preserve it.  This has been required by the FDA since 1973 to prevent spoilage. Ie: Citric Acid.
  • Acidic foods such as tomatoes, peppers, citrus fruit.
  • Coffee and chocolate
  • Saturated fat
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup and other sugars in foods
  • Organic pollutants such as DDT, PCB’s and Dioxins
  • Gluten and flour products
  • Carbonated beverages including soda and seltzer

Other factors

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Lying down immediatly after eating
  • Over-eating or late night eating (within 3 hours of bed time)
  • Dry mouth, especially after head and neck irradiation for cancer

Treatment of Reflux and LPR

  • AVOID  harmful foods and bad eating habits listed above
  • Lower your stress with meditation, Tai chi, Qi gong or Yoga
  • Consult with an Acupuncturist, and schedule a series of treatments to gradually restore normal digestive function. Often at least 4-6 bi-weekly treatments are necessary to provide lasting change.
  • Always consult with your medical doctor to rule out other medical conditions

Studies

  • According to a study by Hebei Privincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, Acupuncture plus Chinese Herbal Medicine outperformed omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid) for the treatment of acid reflux. Important features of Chinese Medicine protocols is that they produce a high total effective rate, low relapse rate, and no significant adverse effects.
  • A 2007 study by the University of Arizona studying patients who did not show improvement with a standard PPI dose, showed that Acupuncture plus standard PPI dose was more effective than the accepted protocol of doubling the standard PPI dose
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Creating True Peace Meditation Series

“If we cultivate the seeds of compassion, we nourish peace within us and around us… Peace is there for us in every moment. It is our choice.”   Thich Nhat Hanh

Join us as we learn practices to calm our busy minds and ease our emotions; we explore simple breathing techniques and affirmations taken from Taoist and Buddhist traditions; bringing harmony to our mind-body helps us BE the Peace we want to create in our family and community. The Buddhist practices are drawn for Thich Nhat Hanh’s book “Creating True Peace: Ending Violence in Yourself, Your Family, Your Community, and the World”. I look forward to creating sacred space and PEACE with you!  Blessings,     MarieB

WHERE:  14 Vanderventer Ave, Suite L3C, Port Washington NY 11050

WHEN:   7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesdays June 19th, July 3rd, July 10th 2019 (we skip June26th)

 FEE:    $60 total for all 3 classes, payable on the first day of class or $25 per individual class

PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE AS SEATING IS LIMITED. THANK YOU!  

You may email or call Marie at 516-455-2206 to register

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Acupuncture for Peace of Mind

The Mind and Body are ONE. Many people report feeling more peaceful after Acupuncture, even if they have come for strictly physical issues. Chinese medicine believes when we improve the body’s function, the mind will follow. Marie has found that people in psychotherapy make faster progress WITH acupuncture treatments. She has had success with people suffering from:

  • PTSD, anxiety and panic attacks
  • Difficulty concentrating, ADHD
  • Low self-esteem or confidence 
  • Irritability and depression
  • Obsessive-compulsive  and addictive disorders
  • Eating disorders: binging, anorexia, bulimia.
  • Difficulty with loss and grieving
  • Bonding and intimacy issues

Consistent treatment over time can help re-program the brain and nervous system to function more harmoniously, helping to cultivate virtues that support life: 

  • Faith in ourselves and in our social environment
  • The ability to let go
  • Feeling grounded and centered
  • Calmness, presence and resilience
  • Improved memory and cognition

PEACE , Marie

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Recovering from Parkinson’s

By Marie Regis, L.Ac.

As with any chronic degenerative disease, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is a life-changing event. Shock, disbelief, fear or anger can set in- understandably!. The medical prognosis is not good, and treatments available with conventional medicine are palliative and do not provide a cure.

As a practitioner of Classical Chinese medicine, I believe there is no incurable disease, only incurable people. There are people who have recovered from stage four cancer, for reasons that are not yet explained by modern science and lived for years without recurrence. (Read “Radical Remission, the Nine Key Factors That Can Make a Real Difference, by Kelly A. Turner, PhD. ) Yet culturally we have come to expect these healings are impossible.

People who have recovered from Parkinson’s have committed to a comprehensive lifestyle change, which may include: dietary changes, meditation, Qi gong, Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and a commitment to changing detrimental and stressful beliefs and attitudes. Chinese medicine tells us that all chronic disease starts with a chronic emotional/spiritual imbalance. This leads to inflammation, weakness in certain organ systems, leading to loss of function in the neurological and hormonal systems.

Howard Shifke’s book “Fighting Parkinson’s and Winning” is based on his own recovery from Parkinson’s. It is a must read from anyone who has had this diagnosis or anyone with a family history of this disease.

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Community Healing event for people who still carry trauma from 9/11

I am planning a Community Healing event for people who still carry trauma from 9/11 and others who suffer from high levels of stress. I am offering it as a Free Public Service to encourage people to explore ways to reduce stress so they and their families can live a better quality of life.

Date :  Sunday September 11th, 12 Noon to 3 PM.

Where:  At the Great Neck Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck NY 11021    (Parking  available behind the building)

For Directions: www.greatneckarts.org or call 516-829-2570

About this event:  This event offers free acupuncture to reduce stress. The treatment follows the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, which is highly effective in resetting a person’s nervous system and giving them a new starting place from which they can heal. This event will raise funds to support Acupuncturists Without Borders’ (AWB) national and international effort to help people who have suffered from Post Traumatic Stress  (PTSD) following natural or man-made disasters. AWB’s vision is to foster the creation of stable, peaceful global communities through its community-based acupuncture services and training, which interrupt the cycles of unresolved trauma (visit www.acuwithoutborders.org for more info).

 About the Acupuncture Treatment:

  •  A 30 to 45 minute treatment in a community-style group setting with no disrobing
  • Five tiny pre-packaged and sterile needles on each ear, nearly painless when the needles go in.
  • A relaxing experience that reduces stress and anxiety, aids with sleep and provides an overall sense of well-being.

In addition:

  • Chair massage and Reiki treatments will also be offered FREE of charge.
  • Free refreshments will be provided.
  • No appointment is necessary – Suggested donation: $15.

Please note: Marie will be opening a low cost Stress Clinic in her office using Community Style Acupuncture on Friday evenings from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, starting September 17th 2011.

For more information on the power of ear acupuncture as a treatment for PTSD, please follow the link below, illustrating how it was used by Acupuncturists without Borders  after the earthquake in Haiti:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bonttXGcJw&feature=email