MARCH, 2021
NEWSLETTER
Spring is around the corner. A time for clean starts and new beginnings. There is nothing better than hearing the trickling of snow melting and seeing colorful flowers pop through the dirt. Spring also brings a warmer sun, but we all know that March in New England can still be very chilly.

Therefore, we will be keeping the heating pads on our massage tables for those chilly days!

In the spirit of the season, we have been doing some Spring cleaning ourselves. The waiting area is now open and furniture is "socially distanced." Due to COVID capacity restrictions, we ask that you limit your time in the waiting area to less than 10 minutes.

A big thank you to all of you, our loyal clients. Because of you we have completed over 3,000 treatments since reopening in June!

For the safety of our clients and staff, a proper mask must be worn at all times.

Masks must be covering both your nose and mouth. Thank you for your cooperation!
What's the Point?
by Dave Fischer

On Saturday March 20, we will have the Spring Equinox. Spring is associated with new growth, new leaves, new sprouts, the Liver and Gallbladder, the Wood organs. The substances of the wood organs are the blood, marrow, sinews, and nails. Gall Bladder 39, Xuan Zhong also known as Suspended Bell, strongly benefits the bone marrow, sinews, and bones, and can treat a large number of conditions indicated by flaccidity, contraction, and pain in the limbs. The brain is known as the "Sea of Marrow," yet using this point for headache, dizziness and cognitive issues is a relatively modern indication.  

The great physician and one of the heroes of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Hua Tou is reputed to have needled a patient at GB30 and GB39 for lameness of the legs, and the patient was able to walk immediately thereafter. This point is also an important point for hip and sciatic pain, neck pain, and headache. In the Great Cavern Authentic Classic system of meditation GB39 houses Liu Hai Chan, a Taoist saint and one of the Seven Patriarchs of the Quan Zhen school of Taoism.

A quick test for issues with the Gall Bladder meridian is to press three fingers below the lateral aspect of the knee below and outside the head of the fibula with twice times the amount of pressure you use to test an avocado. If there is pressure pain, it implies that there is some underlying dis harmony. In cases of imbalance, acupuncture can restore proper gall bladder function by strengthening the channel and addressing the root cause of the issue. 

Dave is available M,Tu,F for acupuncture
UNMASKED
Get to know Matt, under the mask!
1) What are you currently reading?
I just finished Breath by James Nestor. It's an investigation into breathing and the impact it has on our overall health. This past year I've been focused on improving my breathing dynamics and this book was a game changer for me. The way we breathe is reflected in our posture and movement. This is something I've been focusing on with my clients recently. Certain exercises combined with the breath can free up our rib cage and thoracic spine which not only helps us breath better but can also help with issues in the lower back and neck & shoulders. 

2) What interests you most about practicing craniosacral therapy?
What fascinates most about craniosacral therapy is the way it can influence our autonomic nervous system. The effect is one of moving from sympathetic activation to parasympathetic "rest and digest" mode. When our parasympathetic nervous system is engaged our bodies are able to heal and repair. This is not only helpful for physical aches and pains but also for anxiety and stress. Massage does this as well, but in my experience, craniosacral does this at a deeper level. When I receive craniosacral I often feel relaxed but energized and, for me, this is where I want to be as much as possible!

3) If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I always say give me peanut butter toast for the rest of my life and I'm good but if I'm allowed to be more fancy I'll go with steak frites. 

4) What is your favorite part about Spring?
Getting outside more. I love trail running. I take the winter off from running to give my body a break but also because I don't like running in the cold! Once Spring comes I'm getting up to the Fells or the Blue Hills and shaking off the rust. 

5) Tell us your best piece of advice for clients
 A little bit goes a long way. I often advise attending to the body in some way every day even if that's only for a few minutes. It doesn't have to be heroic. Doing 5-10min of light stretching or core work before and/or after work can make a big difference in how you feel. 

Matt is available Tu-Sat
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As always we wish you health and happiness!

~ Rochele Jones and the MTW Staff