On Friday May 8, the wonderful folks at Erb Photography are coming to take pictures of my office for my website. I need volunteers to have your pictures taken, getting treatments or interacting with me, to appear on the web. All are welcome!

Volunteers will receive free lunch (delicious pizza from the Corner Grille), and a certificate for one free acupuncture treatment (for you, or to pass on to a friend) to be redeemed at your convenience.
I need models from 11:00am-1:00pm and from 12noon-2:00pm.

To sign up, please call us at (508) 890-8899 or contact us.

The Community Acupuncture Network currently lists 86 community acupuncture practices across the United States. An amazing 10 of them are in Massachusetts! From the Pioneer Valley to Cape Cod, chances are good that you can find an affordable clinic near you.

I am very proud that in Central Massachusetts there are already three community acupuncture offices. In addition to River Valley Acupuncture in Worcester, there is One World Acupuncture in Fitchburg and Leominster Acupuncture Studio. I know Tess and Erika, the owners/practitioners at the other two offices, and I highly recommend them. If you are looking for acupuncture in northern Worcester county, please consider one of these talented community acupuncturists!

One of the many wonderful things about practicing community acupuncture is that I am able to offer more flexibility to my patients. Since I can now see 5 people per hour, more people are able to find a treatment time that works for them.

However, sometimes I have patients with unpredictable schedules. Although they want and need regular acupuncture, they can’t reserve space a week in advance. The solution? I am happy to have people call for same-day appointments. If you are one of these people, once you know how your schedule is shaping up on any given day, feel free to call and check if I have any appointments available. I can’t guarantee that a specific time-slot will be open, but I will try my best to get you in.

And what if you have a last-minute opening in your schedule and you happen to be in the area? Stop in! If you don’t mind the possibility of waiting a little while, I will put you in the next available treatment chair. I will take walk-ins during regular office hours, up to an hour before closing (see our FAQs for current office hours).

I hope to see you soon!

As promised, here are some self-help acupressure points and herbs that can be used for digestive issues, including weight loss. For more tips, see my blog post, Water, No Ice.

The standard disclaimer applies here– these tips are not meant to replace standard medical care with your primary care provider.

Acupressure points:
Stomach (ST) 36: Located one hands-width below the eyes of the knee, on the outside (lateral) of the shin bone. Good for any digestive issue, low energy, weak immune system.
ST 37: Located one hands-width below ST 36. Good for large intestine issues, diarrhea, constipation.
ST 39: Located one hands-width below ST 37. Good for small intestine issues, trouble absorbing food.
Pericardium (PC )6: Located on the inside of the arm, two fingers-width below the wrist, between the central tendons. Good for nausea, reflux, stress relief.
Ear massage: The whole ear, including cartilage and ear lobe. Can be very calming, help with cravings.
Abdominal massage: Around the navel. Gentle rubbing in a clockwise direction can help improve digestion.

Chinese Herbs (drink as a tea, or add to recipes):
Ginger: Used for nausea.
Peppermint: Used for stomach pain or upset (not to be used for reflux disorders).
Fennel (bulb and seed): Used for gas and bloating, seeds freshen breath.
Licorice: Used for stomach pain and irritation.
Orange Zest: Used for bloating and slow digestion.