We’re Moving and Other Big Changes!
We’re moving! As of November 1, all in-person treatments will take place at 31 Harvard St. in Worcester. Please read this newsletter for a full update, including pricing changes.
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Office News
Hypnosis Survey Questions
Thanks to everyone who took my survey about group hypnosis classes. I received a lot of helpful feedback, and I am very excited by the enthusiastic response!
There were some great questions that came up, and I thought I would share the answers here for anyone else who had similar questions. Hopefully this will clear up any questions, and if not, please let me know!
Will the sessions be in-person or online?
For the foreseeable future, all of my group hypnosis sessions will be done online. To participate, you will need reliable internet access, a camera on your device (so that I can check in on how everyone is doing), and a comfortable, quiet place to rest.
This also means that you won’t have to worry about parking or rush-hour traffic! 🙂
If you are interested in one-on-one hypnosis sessions, those will be offered both in-person and online.
Can we work on eating disorders or childhood trauma?
Hypnosis can absolutely work on both things. Private sessions would probably be more appropriate than group settings for these issues. Also, it is important to note that I am not a licensed mental health professional. I highly encourage anyone dealing with these issues to work with a therapist as well. And if there is anything that could potentially be triggered during a hypnosis session, I would likely want to touch base with your therapist before starting sessions.
Can we work on sugar cravings?
Yes! This is something I am really looking forward to helping people with. Sugar cravings will be addressed in the weight-loss sessions, but they can also be a topic of their own, regardless of if you want to lose weight.
A note about weight-loss hypnosis.
Weight-loss hypnosis was by far the topic that received the most interest in my survey.
I truly believe in health at any size, and I reject the notion that there is one specific ideal body type that we should all strive for. At the same time, I respect my patients’ individual goals, and I know that there are many positive aspects that can come along with a weight-loss journey, such as healthier food choices and adding in more movement.
Please know that my weight-loss groups will be completely non-judgmental and positively focused. I plan to keep these groups small, so that individual goals can be addressed, and so that we can all support one another.
Smoking cessation.
It was surprising to me that not a single person mentioned quitting smoking as a goal in the survey. This is an issue that can respond very well to hypnosis, as long as the person is really ready to quit. If you have a smoker in your life who is ready to quit smoking, please let them know about this resource. I also plan to offer some free smoking cessation groups in November, as part of the Great American Smokeout.
If you didn’t get a chance to take the survey, which is now closed, please feel free to contact me directly with questions and comments.
I will be done with my hypnosis course at the end of May, and hopefully certified soon after that. Please stay tuned for announcements of upcoming sessions!
Why Take Somatics Classes?
Many of you know that I have been an Essential Somatics Movement Teacher in Training (ESMTT) since September. I admit that even the name is a mouthful, and I know that most people don’t have prior familiarity with Somatic movement.
So, why should you be interested in Somatic movement?
You should try Somatics classes if you want:
– A reduction in pain and chronic muscle tension
– Improved range of motion and more ease in your daily activities
– Better balance and coordination
– A relaxing, meditative experience rooted in mindful movement
– A system that allows YOU to be the expert on your own body and be in control of your health
– The ability to improve function as you age
Somatic movements are very gentle and can be modified for *anyone.*
Sign up here: https://downtoearthacupuncture.as.me/
Is Your Pain Caused by Aging?
It’s something I hear many times a day at work. When people talk about their pain or limited range of motion, they often attribute it to the aging process. We are conditioned in our society to think that growing older inevitably brings more pain and discomfort.
While there is a certain amount of wear and tear on our bodies as we get older, this does not automatically mean that we should expect to be in pain for the rest of our lives. Even when we have structural issues like arthritis or herniated discs, it is often the surrounding musculature that is causing the pain, not the bones themselves.
It can be helpful to think of moving our bodies as a skill that can be learned. Just like playing an instrument, learning a new language, or picking up a craft, we can improve the skill of movement with practice. In fact, most of us knew how to move freely as children, but due to repeated bad habits, accidents, and injuries, our body may have forgotten this freedom (in Somatics we call this “sensory-motor amnesia”).
Somatic movement lessons can help you re-learn how to balance the muscles of the body, allowing for a freer range of movement and less pain. No matter what shape your body is in, there is always room for improvement.
If you have ever attributed your pain to “getting old,” I challenge you to see how good you can feel after trying Somatic movement lessons.
And to make it easier for you, I am offering a free 45-minute “Somatics for the Aging Body” class on Monday, March 21 at 5:30pm. You can take this class from the comfort of your home via Zoom. All you need is space to lie down on the floor and a webcam to show your movements.
Sign up for the class here: https://downtoearthacupuncture.as.me/?appointmentType=31238010
There is no age limit as to who can sign up for the class. Some of us feel old at 30, others feel young at 80! However, there are a limited number of spaces available, so sign up soon!
If you are not comfortable lying down on the floor, check out our seated classes at DTE.
Somatic January Classes Open for Enrollment
Thanks to everyone who took our survey! Group somatics classes for January are open for enrollment!
To get a sneak peek at some of the movements that we will do in class, watch this video here (you do not need a Facebook account to watch this video): https://fb.watch/9UOGUAA1Os/
Zoom classes will be Wednesdays 8:30-9:30am (starting 1/5/22)
In-person classes will be Tuesdays 1-2pm (starting 1/11/22) and every other Saturday from 8:30-9:30am (starting 1/15/21)
Zoom classes require the space and ability to lie down flat and a webcam to show your movements.
In-person classes take place at DTE and are seated classes. Seated classes are especially geared toward people who can’t lie flat on the floor; however, they have benefits for everyone.
Space is limited, especially for in-person classes, so sign up in advance for your classes here:
Zoom classes: https://downtoearthacupuncture.as.me/?appointmentType=28247127
In-person seated classes: https://downtoearthacupuncture.as.me/?appointmentType=28247156
All group classes are being offered for an introductory price of $5 per class. You can try your first group class for free by using this code: SOMATICS5. The code is good once per person and expires March 31, 2022. The code can be used for $5 off of a 1-to-1 somatics session (currently priced at $25) instead.
1-to-1 sessions are still being finalized. If you have not already let me know that you are interested in working 1-to-1, please reply to this email with your contact information. 1-to-1 sessions will mostly be done remotely via Zoom.
Please note: if you need to cancel a group or 1-to-1 session, I will do credits or refunds up to 48-hours prior. No refunds/credits with less than 48-hours’ notice. If you need a refund you must contact me directly; cancelling a session online will not automatically refund you. If I have to cancel an in-person class due to weather or illness I will try my best to offer it as a Zoom class instead. If you are not comfortable taking a Zoom class I will credit your account.
This schedule is still a work in progress. If you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know. I appreciate your patience as I start my first month of student teaching!
Somatics Classes Start Next Month
Many of you know that this year I dove into a new modality that I think can be of great benefit to my patients: Hanna Somatics. Hanna Somatics uses very gentle movements to help re-pattern the brain to address muscular imbalances in the body. This can help improve pain and stiffness, limited range of motion, balance, and coordination!
I am soon approaching the point in my training where I can begin student teaching of Hanna Somatics classes. I will be offering both group and 1-to-1 lessons, including both in-person and Zoom classes.
Classes will be offered at an introductory rate of $5 for group classes and $25 for private lessons while I begin my student training.
Since I will also be continuing my current acupuncture shifts, I would like to coordinate my teaching schedule in a way that is convenient for the most amount of people. If you are interested in taking Hanna Somatics lessons, please fill out this survey to let me know what days and times are best for you: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3J8RVKS
Great American Smokeout: Free Quit-Smoking Treatments
The Great American Smokeout takes place on November 18th this year.
In memory of my mom, Michaelann Bewsee, who we lost in 2019 to metastatic lung cancer, I am offering free quit-smoking ear acupressure treatments leading up to the Smokeout.
These treatments consist of tiny pressballs (“ear seeds”) that stay on stickers on the ear’s surface and stimulate acupuncture/acupressure points on the ear. The seeds can be left on for 3-5 days and gently pressed on when stress or cravings arise.
Anyone who is trying to quit smoking can come in for a free ear treatment on any or all of the days/times below. You do not need to be a current patient to come in for treatment, however everyone will need to sign a consent form.
Treatments are done on a drop-in basis (no need to sign up in advance), during office hours. You may need to wait briefly if I am with another patient. Drop-in hours are:
Saturday 11/13 9:30am-1:00pm
Tuesday 11/16 2:30pm -6:00pm
Thursday 11/18 2:30pm -6:00pm
You can also purchase smoking cessation ear seed kits through this affiliate link: https://www.earseeds.com/product/stop-smoking-ear-seed-kit/ref/471/
Thank you for letting me support you in this process.
Ear Seed Pricing Update
Thanks to everyone who came out for our 7-second acupuncture and ear seeds event!
The ear seeds were such a hit that I am updating my pricing.
To have ear seeds placed as an add-on to acupuncture: $10 for up to 5 seeds
Replace any regular ear seed with a Swarovski crystal seed: +$2 per crystal
Ear seeds without acupuncture for returning patients: sliding scale $25-45 (make a regular appointment and specify you only want ear seeds)
If you buy an ear seed kit in the office or through our affiliate link, I’ll place the first ear for no additional cost.
We have kits in the office for stress, back pain, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Price is $25 plus tax.
Many more types of kits are available online: https://www.earseeds.com/product-category/vaccaria-seeds/ref/471/
7-Second Acupuncture
Did you know that acupuncture needles begin to make changes in the body the moment they are inserted? And continue to influence the body even after they are taken out?
Although classically acupuncture needles have been retained for 30 to 60 minutes, this is by no means the only way to practice acupuncture. In fact, one of my most influential teachers, Dr. Richard Tan, taught that pain relief from acupuncture can start in as little as 7 seconds!
While I don’t claim to be as talented as the late great Dr. Tan, I do find the potential of shorter acupuncture treatments intriguing. So, next month I will have an event to experiment with just this. I will be offering brief acupuncture treatments along with take-home ear acupressure for an introductory price of just $15.
Here’s how it will work:
-The date is Monday 10/25 from 3:30-5:30pm.
-Treatments must be scheduled online and paid for in advance. These treatments are for returning patients only.
-Treatments will be scheduled during 30-minute blocks. You can arrive any time during your scheduled 30 minutes, first come, first served.
-Pick one issue to work on. 7-second acupuncture works best on musculo-skeletal issues (back pain, knee pain, etc.), but you can also choose to work on stress, digestion, or something else.
-Needles are inserted and retained for just a few minutes.
-While the needles are in, I will place pressballs (“ear seeds”) on your ear for the same issue. These non-invasive acupressure balls will go home with you and can stay on for up to 5 days. You may also choose to only get pressballs (no acupuncture), but the price is the same.
-Needles are removed, and you go on your way!
7-second acupuncture is for you if:
– You prefer shorter treatments or don’t have a lot of time.
– You would like immediate feedback on how the treatment is working (for musculoskeletal issues).
– You want to try out ear seeds and have the benefit of your treatment continuing at home
– You have one main issue that is bothering you (or two very closely related issues such as back pain and sciatica or stress and insomnia).
– You want to try all this at an introductory discount of $15 (price subject to change in the future).
7-second acupuncture is not for you if:
– You like to fall asleep during acupuncture.
– You have something new or complicated to discuss.
– You have several unrelated issues that you want to treat at the same time (but keep in mind even longer sessions may not be able to address every issue).
Schedule your spot for 7-second acupuncture here: https://downtoearthacupuncture.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=26562352
I will also have a limited number of ear seed pressball kits for sale so that you can continue to treat yourself at home. I have kits for stress, back pain, and weight loss. To see the full array of pressball kits offered, follow this affiliate link: https://www.earseeds.com/shop-by-condition-2/ref/471/
Masks Still Required at DTE
With the governor’s announcement that vaccinated individuals will be exempt from mask requirements starting May 29, many of our patients have been understandably curious as to how this change will affect policy here at DTE.
Masks will still be required at DTE for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.
Acupuncture offices in Massachusetts fall under the “health care” designation. Our licenses are issued by the Board of Registration in Medicine, and we have been in close communication with the Board and the governor’s office throughout the pandemic. The new state guidelines allowing for the relaxation of mask rules do not apply to health care offices.
While I know this may be disappointing to some, and I understand that no one loves wearing masks, the mask mandate will be enforced in our office as long as the Commonwealth requires it.
Abiding by the necessary regulations allows us to continue offering affordable acupuncture to our community. Please do not ask me to make exceptions or try to engage me in debate on this issue. Please be kind and recognize that we are all doing the best we can and the best interest of my patients and community will always be foremost in my mind.
If you are not able or willing to continue wearing a mask, you cannot be seen in the office. Remote consultations continue to be available to you.
I am so thankful for all of the support I have received from my patients and larger community during this time. Let’s continue to work together as we approach the home stretch.