December 2006

Beat the Stress

Food, shopping, laughter and family. The winter holidays can be so much fun but the busy schedules, parties, financial concerns and diet & exercise changes can also be extremely stressful. The holidays can be full of expectations and lavish, rich foods. We worry about eating too much, completely abandoning our healthy eating habits and tipping the scale. Our schedules can become harried as we fill in for vacationing colleagues, attend school musicals, make repeated trips to the airport and try to fit in shopping to boot. Often the first things to fall by the wayside in all this rushed activity are our exercise regime and healthy eating. For many people, this can be a frustrating, anxiety-provoking season. Many just close their eyes, hold their breath and wait for it all to end.

It is important to take care of your body, to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Remind yourself that avoiding your feelings or soothing yourself with food or alcohol will not be helpful. Instead of using food to deal with stress and tension, consider exercise, fresh air, taking time for you, talking with friends, yoga, meditation or acupuncture.

Acupuncture has a number of physiological benefits for stress. It has been shown to produce a calming or tranquilizing action that is of particular interest to people in states of stress. Acupuncture produces a substantial relaxation response by decreasing heart rate, lowering BP, increasing energy, regenerating tissues, soothing the nervous system and balancing the hormones.

As a full time working mother of two (including one adolescent), Kimball Cicciu, licensed acupuncturist knows a thing or two about how a busy lifestyle can be stressful. As someone who receives acupuncture regularly for prevention, she can personally attest to the powerful de-stressing ability of Chinese Medicine. Many of Kimball's patients also consistently comment on the calming benefits of the acupuncture treatments they receive from her and the ability of the acupuncture to provide a better overall quality of life, improved temperament and a general sense of well-being.

Don't let the holiday season get the best of you. Make your appointment for stress reduction now before it all catches up with you. Or give the gift of stress reduction with an acupuncture gift certificate. Acupuncture may even be covered by your insurance! We'll be happy to find out for you. Call us now. 303-969-0884

New Yoga Schedule

These classes are all intermediate level Vinyasa flow classes. Hope to see you there.

Intro to Chinese Medicine

Yushin will begin teaching an Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine class in January at Red Rocks Community College. You'll learn the essential principles of TCM including an in-depth understanding of Yin and Yang, Qi, the 5 elements, Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis and so much more. Come learn what the ancient Chinese came to realize thousands of years ago. Your body is a part of nature and as such behaves according to natural laws.

• Earn 3 credit hours
• Class begins January 2007
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00-9:00 am

For more information, call Yushin 720-231-9054 or check online at www.rrcc.edu

We wish you health and happiness this holiday.

Peace,

Kimball & Yushin
Inner Peace Wellness
www.ColoradoAcupuncture.com