Seattle Acupuncture Timely Topics

Clinic Update News And Herbal Medicine Recommendations

Effective Holistic Approaches To Preventing the Coronavirus

Greetings clients and friends, we hope you are safe and well during this global crisis ! There is so much to consider during this extraordinary time.

Sourcepoint Acupuncture Clinic Update Info:
Although Acupuncture, Massage, PT and Chiropractic are exempt from the mandatory stay at home measures, I have chosen to keep my clinic closed for the past two weeks. However At this time I will open my clinic next week to select clients on a case by case basis. I am also available for herbal medicine consults by phone.

  • We recognize that many still need treatment, especially acute injury rehabilitation and moderate to severe chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia and other severe or urgent conditions. If you have an acute or moderate to severe condition that requires treatment, and want to schedule a treatment session or herbal consult, please reply to this email or call me at 206 954 0609
  • We recommend putting off routine wellness treatment at this time, we also recommend everyone over 65 yo, or with Diabetes and Heart Disease to stay at home for now. We also ask that anyone with possible Covid-19 symptoms including fever, cough, body aches and unexplained fatigue, or anyone who has been exposed, please stay at home and self isolate and contact their conventional providers.
  • I am taking all possible measures to disinfect the office in between client visits and will be keeping clients down to 1-2 per day maximum. This is not "business as usual". For everyone's protection I will be wearing a face mask or covering at the office during treatment sessions, and you are encouraged to wear one if you have one.
  • Also Please note I am available for herbal medicine consults by phone, especially for seasonal allergies, anxiety, sleep issues, energy, injuries and many other common conditions.

Here are a few immune remedies I am taking myself and recommending and TRYING to stock in the office. I can send these out by mail to anyone in the city or anywhere in the United States, email me at robert@thesourcepoint.net or call 206 954 0609 to place orders.

Here's what we currently have available

Orders will include a $7.50 Shipping fee

Prevention:

Western Herbs: Herb Pharm Daily Immune Builder $30
Chinese Herbs: Golden Flower Jade Wind Screen $20

Anxiety/Fear:

Pandemic Custom Flower Essence Blend:
Contains Aspen and Mimulus for Fear and anxiety, White Chestnut for worry and Gentian for discouragement. (We can also tailor a custom blend to your personal needs if needed) 2oz $30

Herb Pharm Anxiety Soother 1oz $15

Herb Pharm Relaxing Sleep Formula 2 0z $30

Coronavirus symptom treatment to attempt to prevent Pneumonia, esp recommended to keep on hand for high risk groups.

Pekana: Apo-Infect and Apo-Tuss combo, for acute infections and dry cough
$60

Golden Flower Chinese Herbs Coptis Formula, broad anti viral properties, especially for sore throat and fever.
$20

*We don't claim to have a "cure", only remedies that have worked previously with other viral infection such as the flu. These might help reduce severity of symptoms and speed recovery and could help avoid hospitalization. They are what I will take if I have symptoms of Coronavirus infection.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns

PS We will be announcing info on a weekly Qigong and wellness livestream video on ZOOM next week.

Best wishes and may all be safe and healthy!
Robert Weinstein L.Ac. EAMP
www.thesourcepoint.net
206-954-0609


Effective Holistic Approaches To Preventing the Coronavirus

Effective Holistic Approaches To Preventing the Coronavirus

Friends and Clients, what an unusual time the past two weeks have been!

There is already a lot of info out there about the Coronavirus crisis, but as a holistic health practitioner with over 17 years in acupuncture and herbal medicine, I have a few ideas that I would like to share with you. #1, I want to say that obviously we need to take this very seriously, anyone downplaying this crisis or saying the media is hyping the situation does not undertand the seriousness of this situation. On the other hand prolonged fear and panic will not help us maintain our immune systems during the crisis either. I recommend a middle way between the extremes.

There are a few simple recommendations I have that could make a difference in preventing Coronavirus infection and also treating mild cases. In addition to all the CDC guidelines on hand washing and wiping down of surfaces and so forth, here's a few basic recommendations for strengthening your immune system and preventing the Virus:

  1. Include fresh raw Garlic and Shitake mushrooms in your diet, they both have clinically proven anti viral properties. If you can tolerate it sprinkle a small to medium amount of raw Garlic on salads, veggies and soups. Shitake mushrooms have clinically proven a=immune enhancing effect and a anti viral properties, lightly quickly streamed or sauteed, they can added to almost any dish.
  2. An Immune Tonic formula such as Herb Pharm's Daily Immune Builder is a reasonable choice to increase resistance to colds flus and the CoronaVirus. Zinc losenges may also help as well as remedies like Elderberry extracts, both also have anti viral and immune enhancing properties.
  3. A patent Chinese Herbal formula called Jade Windscreen has been shown to be protective against colds and flus. Also the formula "Coptis Relieve Toxicity Formula" has been very effective for treating colds and flus over the years. It has broad anti bacterial and anti viral properties and could be a good choice for vulnerable populations to keep on hand to treat mild Coronavirus symptoms before they become severe. It can also be used as a preventative if you may have been exposed. This is available at my clinic as supplies last.
  4. Fear is rampant as the situation is unfolding fast, we recommend the flower essence called Five Flower Remedy (The Real Rescue Remedy) made by Flower Essence Services, for acute emotional trauma, stress and anxiety. Also the Flower Essence Mimulus is specifically good at treating fear states. These remedies will help with ongoing anxiety
  5. Stay positive, worst case scenarios are still less likely. Get enough rest, eat lot's of fruits and veggies, go for long walks in the fresh air and sunshine (when available), practice Qigong and meditation and yoga and generally keep your immune system in good shape. This too shall pass and we will get through it together!

I am open for business and I firmly believe that acupuncture can help balance our health, improve our immune system and treat stress and anxiety, especially during this crisis. Please feel free to come for treatment!

However I am asking that anyone with cold, flu or possible Coronavirus symptoms stay home and rest and contact your conventional healthcare provider. My clinic is not set up to treat Coronavirus cases, and if possible I want to avoid becoming a vector of transmission for the virus. However I am available for phone consults. I am wiping down all door handles and have taken all needed precautions to disinfect our office space for general acupuncture treatment sessions.

We can get through this together !

Best wishes,
Robert Weinstein L.Ac. EAMP
www.thesourcepoint.net
206-954-0609


Happy Chinese New Year! Wishing You Good Health and Success in the Yang Metal Rat Year of 2020.

Timely Topics Happy Chinese and Tibetan New Year!

Greetings Clients and students past and present!

It's been a while since I have written, and as I have every year, I want to wish you a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year ! Chinese astrology and Chinese medicine share a common foundation and both help us understand energu flow and the movement of Qi.

Once again I invite you to take a moment to appreciate the energy shift as we move from a yin year to a yang year represented by the Chinese New Year. Chinese Astrology is related to Chinese medicine and Acupuncture, and each animal in the Chinese zodiac represents a different quality of Qi or energy for each year. The Pig or Boar from the last year was the last of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and thus represented a stage of completion of a cycle.

Now with the Metal Rat, which began on Saturday Jan 25th, we begin not only a new 12 year cycle, but actually a beginning of the full 60 year cycle in Chinese Astrology. This is THE ultimate new beginning year!

The Rat is a great planner and initiates within us the yang qi necessary for us to create and pursue those big changes we need to make, and develop the details and strategies needed to follow through. Get ready to say "YES" to new opportunities, to new beginnings, fresh starts, new projects, new ideas and, essentially, the possible reinvention of your life.

"Rats are considered mostly positive animals to the Chinese and are appreciated for their cleverness and the ability to always find food. People born in the Year of the Rat are considered charming, adaptable, witty and sociable. Rats favor their young, so this is a year of youth empowerment and reclaiming one’s youthful self. People will feel younger and livelier. According to the legend, the Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride, jumping off right before the finish line to come in first. The energies of this year will no doubt inspire some of the tricksters and opportunists in society, so be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true!"
Lillian Pearl Bridges

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0914/1204/files/Year_of_the_Rat_Forecast.pdf?54

Something else to consider is the effect this year will have on our ecosystem. Overall, expect a lot of wind and excess water resulting in many storms and flooding and the rising of sea levels. Since the Yang qi of this year is represented by the oceans (or any large bodies of water) we may expect to experience tsunami's from earthquakes and things of this nature as well.

This will also likely be a year of great social change as we are likely to become more and more fed up with the lack of integrity in our political and social systems.

"The Rat is wise, analytical, strategic, resourceful, and kind. These are the qualities that bring success this year. If we work diligently, relying on intelligence and heart, paying careful attention to the details of our plan and not wavering in our courage, we will find our way through the labyrinth of danger that surrounds and threatens us."
Narrye Caldwell

https://www.plumpub.com/kaimen/2020/year-of-the-metal-rat/?fbclid=IwAR1T1vMsmxnHwv3qMZW1KvGxR3UHHwBFHsYcVjU6OrOm6dNECufylh4bwoM

The Rat year is the most auspicious for the Money and the Dragon, if you were born in those animal signs, this will be an especially favorable year for you!

It's been an honor and a pleasure working with you in the 2019 Year of the Pig, and I look forward to working with you again in the Metal Rat year of 2020.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Wishing you good health and much success!

Robert Weinstein L.Ac. EAMP
www.thesourcepoint.net
206-954-0609


New 8 Week Soaring Crane Qigong Class Series Starts September 9th ! Registration price goes up after August 25th. — August 22, 2019

Timely Topics New 8 week qigong class

Free Talk and Demo Sunday September 8th

Qigong is an amazing exercise system based on the principles of Chinese medicine and Taoist longevity practices. There is healing Qi (life energy) around us all the time, by learning Qigong you can learn to tap in and access healing energy whenever you need it.

Through practice of the "The Five Routines", the main part of the Soaring Crane Qigong form, we can supplement our basic life energy, increase our stamina and sexual energy. We can have more energy for healing, work, sports or creativity ! I have personally practiced Qigong on for over 20 years, and Soaring Crane for over 10 years, I can honestly say that this practice has given me more life energy and the ability to heal myself and others ! Many of my students have taken this class 2 and even 3 times to to learn the most subtle details of the form.

The benefits of Soaring Crane Qigong Include:

  • Improved Health And Well-Being
  • Increased Energy And Stamina
  • Decreased Anxiety
  • Reduced Pain and Stiffness
  • Increased Sexual Energy

Class will be held at East West Bookshop Every Monday evening at 7pm for eight weeks, starting Monday September 9th. (Free talk and Demo Sunday September 8th from 3-4pm)

ADDRESS:
East West Bookshop
6407 12TH AVE NE, SEATTLE, WA 98115
Map

Price: $225 until August 25th, $250 after

Online Registration Link:
https://www.eastwestbookshop.com/collections/september-2019-events/products/september-09-october-28-2019-monday-7-8-30pm-soaring-crane-qigong-level-1-training-with-robert-weinstein-l-ac

For more info on Qigong visit my qigong page on my website

Hope you can join us for this excellent class series

Best Wishes

Robert Weinstein L.Ac. EAMP


Treating Allergies & Insomnia, Studying With Nakamura Sensei And A New Qigong Program! — April 1, 2019

Timely Topics Studying with Nakamura Sensei
Robert with senior Toyohari Acupuncture instructor Nakamura Sensei and translator Kiyoka Ogura at the recent spring training seminar in Seattle.

Don't let allergies ruin your spring!

Robert has been successfully treating hay fever and allergies for over 15 years. With a combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies like Pekana's Pro-Aller formula, and Ricura sinus formula, it is often possible to greatly reduce or completely resolve symptoms like sinus congestion, headaches, itchy watering eyes and sneezing. A series of 3-5 session usually does the trick and you can more easily enjoy spring time in Seattle without the misery of allergies.

Timely Topics Spring Allergies

Spring Toyohari Acupuncture Seminar with Senior instructor Nakamura Sensei

I had the pleasure of participating in and assisting as a teacher's assistant this year in the spring Toyohari acupuncture training seminar. Nakamura sensei, vice president of the Toyohari association of Japan, who came all the way from Tokyo to give instruction in advanced Japanese acupuncture techniques, gave lectures on the treatment of insomnia, frozen shoulder and needling techniques and diagnosis. He discussed the different types of insomnia patterns related to the five main organ patterns.

  • Liver deficiency pattern insomnia usually presents with restless sleep, tossing and turning and waking throughout the night. Liver excess pattern is unable to sleep at all. The Heart Fire pattern is also manic and disturbed and unable to sleep
  • Spleen pattern is less restless, but is characterized more by difficulty falling asleep and and difficulty waking in the morning.
  • The Kidney deficiency pattern is associated with not really being able to fall into a deep sleep and and just resting on the surface through the night. Also fearful dreams and early morning wakening.
  • The Lung deficiency pattern is sleepy during the day but not so much at night.

Do you recognize any of these insomnia patterns ? Deep restful sleep is so important to good health and well being, and Acupuncture can greatly help with sleep issues ! By treating the underlying pattern with acupuncture and using herbal medicine like Herb Pharm's Relaxing Sleep Formula and Source Naturals Melatonin Complex, I can often get an excellent and lasting improvement in sleep issues for most patients with insomnia.

Timely Topics Nakamura Sensei demonstrating golden Teishin needle
Nakamura Sensei demonstrating a certain type of needling technique with a golden Teishin needle.

Further Thoughts On The Chinese Year Of The Earth Pig 2019

The double Yin year of the earth Pig which started in early February was forecasted to emphasize family, home life, and good food. So it was very interesting to see that series of snow storms right at the Chinese new year forcing everyone to be homebound, eating good food with their families, as pictures of sold out grocery stores circulated on social media. With a double yin energy, this year was also forecasted to have an excess of the water element and possible flooding issues, so it's been uncanny to see that playing out not only with the heavy, unexpected snowfall in Seattle, but also the flooding across much of the Mid West as well as Africa. We send our prayers to the farmers in the mid west and the people of Mozambique that have been effected by the flooding ! We also hope the double Yin energy will help avert the disastrous wild fires of the previous two years in this region.

For further reading on the profound symbolism of the Earth Pig year 2019 we highly recommend this informative analysis from Tiger's Play Astrology:
http://www.tigersplayastrology.com/tigers-play/nourishing-within-qi-of-the-yin-earth-pig-ji-hai-year-20194717?fbclid=IwAR0xbTUhap8bAZdP78IgfiYqit_RxzLq7lV3jn44ztNJ4ssVS8GvmeVJ4fg

"This is a year to kick up your heals, enjoy what you have created over the last 12 Years, and share it with others. What do you have to offer and share? If you have struggled and feel you have nothing to show then you may feel depressed. However, no one cares, so relax. You don't have to do anything with your life. You were not born to be productive. We abide nowhere and possess nothing.

This is a year to remember, to reflect, to revalue, and to reconnect with core human values. This is a year to savor and appreciate everything that we’re normally too busy to notice. Next Year, the Metal Rat, will feel much busier and more anxious, so better to take stock now before we all start scrabbling for resources."

— Tiger's Play Astrology

Announcing New 8 Week Fall Qigong Training Series With Robert Weinstein L.Ac. At East West Books starting Monday September 9th from 7-8:30pm

With free demo and talk on Sunday Sept 8th. Registration is Live, clink the link for all the details:

Soaring Crane Qigong is an exercise system to replenish our life force energy and vitality based on Chinese medicine. The benefits of Soaring Crane Qigong Include:

  • Improved Health And Well-Being
  • Increased Energy And Stamina
  • Decreased Anxiety
  • Reduced Pain and Stiffness
  • Increased Sexual Energy

More Info On Soaring Crane Qigong
https://thesourcepoint.net/soaring-crane-qigong-seattle.html

Registration link: $250 early bird before August 25, 2019; $275 full price after.
https://www.eastwestbookshop.com/products/september-09-october-28-2019-monday-7-8-30pm-soaring-crane-qigong-level-1-training-with-robert-weinstein-l-ac

Best wishes and happy spring!

Robert Weinstein L.Ac. EAMP


Happy Chinese & Tibetan New Year ! Wishing You Good Health And Success In the Yin Earth Pig Year Of 2019

Happy Chinese & Tibetan New Year!

As we do every year, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and meditate on the shift in energy represented by the Chinese/Tibetan New Year. Chinese Astrology is related to Chinese medicine and Acupuncture, and each animal in the Chinese zodiac represents a different quality of Qi or energy for each year. The Pig or Boar is the last of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and thus represents a stage of completion of a cycle. It will be a good year to finish any unfinished business, complete long term projects and begin preparing the ground for the new beginning in the upcoming Rat year 2020.

Additionally the Yin Earth Pig Year is a double Yin energy year, which could create an excess of water, with flooding and storms. Water will be a major issues in the Earth Pig Year. Personally this could manifest as dampness and Yang deficiency problems in 2019. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help to correct and offset the overly Yin energy of the year. A monthly acupuncture session can be a great part of a health and wellness routine in 2019!

"The Pig is the final animal of the Chinese 12 animal system. This means that many long-term projects, ongoing investigations or delayed lawsuits will be finalized. There is a lot of energy around completion and concluding things that can’t make the jump into the next cycle."

Lillian Bridges
Noted Chinese Astrology & Feng Shui Expert

The Yin Earth Pig also has a love of home, family and good food and these should be emphasized this year. However we have to careful of excess indulgence in fine food during the overly Yin Year Of The Pig.

"People will be very interested in food this year and the theme is that food must taste good. They will be less concerned about the calories or the nutrients and more focused on flavor. People will be cooking more; gathering and eating together more. They will cook family recipes and from their heritage. Comfort foods will bring pleasure.... People will want to stay at home more because the Pig is considered a home loving and family-oriented creature and they value comfort. There will be a strong pull to gather together with family"

Lillian Bridges

Follow the link below to read the full 2019 Yin Earth Pig Report from Lillian Pearl Bridges:

2019 Yin Earth Pig Report from Lillian Pearl Bridges

Robert has over 18 years experience as a professional western astrologer. He will be giving a lecture on the dramatic astrological aspects of 2019-2020 at the Seattle Theosophical Society on Sunday Feb 24th at 4pm. Please join us for this timely presentation.

Lecture Event Details

You can also read Robert's comprehensive 2019 Western Astrology Report here:

2019 Comprehensive Western Astrology Report

Best Wishes And Happy Chinese New Year!
Robert Weinstein L.Ac. EAMP
206 954 0609


New Year's Reset With A Pekana New Year Detox Program! — January 1, 2019

Timely Topics Pekana detox program

After a few weeks of holiday excess, it's often helpful to reset our systems with a post holiday herbal detox program. Those few extra glasses of holiday wine, cookies, pie, stuffing and mashed potatoes can all add up cause liver congestion and post holiday malaise. Including a post holiday detox into our wellness program can make a huge difference in how we feel going into the new year. I have been using the Pekana herbal medicine line in my clinic for 4-5 years and they offer several excellent, effective, easy to use detoxification options as well as some great formulas for seasonal fatigue and SAD.

Pekana's Mundipur

Pekana's Mundipur ($35) is a mild, gentle, full system detox that comes in an easy to take herbal liqueur. It targets several systems, most importantly the Liver/ Gallbladder system, the Large Intestine and the joints. It is especially indicated for Liver/ Gallbladder detox with sluggish elimination and stiff or achey joints. This is great choice for sensitive clients and can be a great precursor to the full Detox kit.

Timely Topics Pekana detox program

The Detox Kit

Pekana's Full 3 Remedy Detox Kit ($75) includes the Apo-Hepat for the Liver, Renelix for the Kidney and Itires for the lymphatic system. This three remedy kit helps to detox, regulate and improve the function of all three vital systems, increasing energy, reducing pain and inflammation and restoring our natural vitality. The program takes about 4-6 weeks to complete and is easy to use. We generally encourage avoiding sugar, heavy greasy or fried foods, junk foods and alcohol during the detox program, other wise you may eat normally. Unfortunately we live in a world full of pollution and toxic chemicals, and it's absolutely essential to do a detoxification program from time to time to keep our systems running at their highest levels of well being and vitality!

Timely Topics Pekana detox program

Neu-Regen For Seasonal Affective Disorder And / Or Seasonal Fatigue And Low Energy.

In addition to the detox options, Pekana also makes a great remedy for mental and physical fatigue and low energy called Neu-Regen ($35). This herbal liqueur is a regenerative tonic that helps to reset and replenish the nervous system and the adrenals. It can help and raise up energy levels and treat depression, making it a great remedy for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Timely Topics Pekana detox program

If you are interested in trying a New Year Detox Program or Neu-Regen for SAD or low energy please email or call to schedule an acupuncture appointment and herbal medicine evaluation today!

Holiday Stress Solutions! — December 1, 2018

Timely Topics Holiday Stress

The holidays can be a fun time of social and family gatherings, great food and exchanging gifts ! They can also be a stressful time of travel, too many commitments, and too many dietary temptations The key seems to be not overcommitting ourselves and not overindulging in sweets, junk food and alcohol.

If we can maintain a good work / life balance and practice practice moderation, we can get through the holidays without stress and avoid that post holiday hangover.

  1. Try not to make too many commitments to family and friends. Listen to your body and get enough rest, the beginning of winter is a Yin time to replenish ourselves.
  2. If possible Keep your regular exercise routine through the holidays. Schedule massage and acupuncture for wellness care and stress management!
  3. Practice moderation. Even though the holidays can be filled with special treats and few extra glasses of wine, be conscious of your diet and try to make healthy choices.

Here is one of my favorite healthy holiday recipes, I hope you enjoy it!

Butternut Squash, Carrot and Corn Soup, this is a delicious, warming and healthy soup that makes a perfect first course for holiday meals, or it can be served as a stand alone meal as well. This soup is highly nutritious and loaded with anti-oxidant Carrotenoids. It is warming in nature and healing for the digestion. Yellow and Orange are the color of the Spleen in Chinese Medicine, and this soup is a hearty Spleen tonic that will strengthen digestive Qi. Serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients:
Start with one Butternut Squash
4-5 carrots
A bag of frozen corn(or fresh corn when available)
A small white onion or shallot and several green onions
1-2 Zucchini
Optional; Fresh Goat Cheese

Butternut Squash, carrot and corn soup Ingredients

Instructions:
Chop up the butternut squash and carrots into small- medium cubes/pieces Cover in water and bring to a boil, when water is boiling, cut to a simmer and let simmer for 20min, mashing up the squash and veggies as they get soft. While squash and carrots are simmering, add minced shallot/onion to a skillet and saute till golden brown. Slice the Zucchini. After 20-30 minutes mash up the squash and carrots into a fine broth, almost like a puree, and add the onions in. Then add the corn and the Zucchini and simmer for another 15 min. Add finely mined green onion and salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for one hour for flavors to "marry". Optional: Serve with fresh, crumbled Goat cheese on top and enjoy!

Butternut Squash, carrot and corn soup

We'd love to hear from you ! Let us know how you like the soup and please get in touch to schedule a wellness care/ stress management acupuncture treatment this holiday season.

Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season!

Fall Immune Support — October 1, 2018

In Chinese medicine traditions fall is the metal season, the season that is most often challenging to the lungs. As we had an especially smokey summer season, we may face greater risk of respiratory problems this fall like colds, flus and bronchitis. Fortunately acupuncture and herbal medicine can help strengthen the lungs and boost the immune system. Adding in daily doses of herbal formulas such as Herb Pharm's Daily Immune Builder, which has Echinacea, Astralagus, Reishi mushroom and Schisandra Berry, can help prevent colds and flus before they start. If a bad cough sets in, the Pekana remedies Apo-Tuss (dry cough) or Apo-Pulm (wet cough), can usually resolve it within days. People often ask if acupuncture can treat cold's and flus. My general rule of thumb is that in the first few days the best approach is just to rest, once the immune system has gotten the upper hand and the infection is trending better, acupuncture can be VERY effective at speeding up the healing process, quickly resolving the condition and preventing it from lingering for weeks. Using these approaches should help prevent colds and flus from taking hold, and if they do take hold, at the least resolve them quickly without having to use Anti-Biotics.

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