Blue Heron Acupuncture & Apothecary

As we approach what may be an unconventional Thanksgiving holiday, we wanted to take a moment to discuss gratitude. Studies have shown that people who live with a sense of gratitude tend to live happier lives, form healthier relationships, and maintain better mental and physical health overall. Showing gratitude can promote better sleep, enhance self-esteem, decrease aches and pains, and even aid in overcoming trauma. Here are a few of our favorite ways to express gratitude: ✍️ Write it down – Keep a journal, send a “Thank you” note, or just take a moment to list a few things you feel grateful for each week. 🎨Share your talents – Art and Music can bring such joy to others. Consider creating something for a friend or family member. Creativity and Gratitude are both great tools for our health and wellbeing. Look for ways to combine these acts. 🎉 Share their Joy – Celebrate in the accomplishments and joys of your friends and family as if they are your own. 🗣Provide encouragement – Sometimes the world can be so critical. Take some time and check in with your friends and family and be a voice of encouragement. Our words can be so powerful. 🧘🏽Meditate – Check out this Supported Chest Opener for Gratitude, adapted from www.yogajournal.com: lie on your back with a thickly rolled up blanket under your a pine and directly under the shoulder blades. Place a small pillow under your head, for support. You can keep your knees bent with your feet flat on the floor or straighten your legs. Bring your arms away from the sides of your body, palms facing up, to make a “T”. Pay attention to your breath: Allow your head, neck, and collar bones to relax, as your upper back arches and your chest opens. Breathe deeply through your diaphragm, and feel your ribs expand. Exhale. As you relax into this chest-opening pose, you can quiet your mind and focus on your breath, or, think about the things, people and relationships in your life for which you feel gratitude. We get it, this year has been rough, and expressing gratitude isn’t always easy, but trust us, it’s worth it. We are so grateful for you. We hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! ❤️ (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CH--Tx9B7Bw/?igshid=1sy1z373z1x3q

Today we honor those who served and who continue to serve. Thank you so much for your courage, service, and dedication. 🙏🏼 One of our longstanding goals is to make acupuncture and holistic medicine affordable and accessible to everyone, including our Vets. In recent years, we have had the privilege to work with the VA and help bring wellness and healing into the lives of our local Veterans. It has been an honor to serve this community. We are so happy the VA has recognized acupuncture as a reliable treatment for chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, injury recovery, headaches and more. Veterans, for more information on how to get your treatments covered, inquire with your primary care doctor at your local VA office. (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHc_tO1h_RB/?igshid=12bdvzlzbufiw

Have you had a chance to see our new lobby yet? Due to Covid-19, we are still having patients wait in their cars, but we are so excited to share this new waiting space with you! Please note that our retail store IS open! We have gotten lots of new goodies in recently, and you are welcome to shop before or after your appointment. In the spirit of Fall – the season of gratitude – we want to express how grateful we are to you all for your kind words, reviews, referrals, and appreciation of the work we do. Thank you so much for your continued support during this time! (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHNvVwjhYrc/?igshid=48sm1vebt6ns

Get to know our team | Dana Bufalino Dana is a certified holistic health coach. She received her health coaching training from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and received her board certification by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches. We sat down for an interview with Dana. We hope this post will help you get to know her and inspire you to seek out foods that will help you heal from within. Get ready for some #foodspiration! 🥑🥬🥕🍓🥭🥒 What got you interested in nutrition? In high school, I suffered from acne (who didn't, amiright?) and my mom, who has always been a fan of Eastern / holistic medicine, suggested I take flax oil to treat my acne. Not only did it clear it up, but my hair grew thicker, my nails grew stronger....and it happened so quickly. I was amazed at how fast and efficiently food can impact our bodies. I was hooked! What are some of your favorite go to meals? ✨Breakfast: whatever fruit is in season + overnight oats. @babasoncannon has THE very best overnight oats. I'm constantly trying to recreate it. ✨Lunch: whatever local veggies that I received from @communitysupportedgrocery sautéed in garlic with a fried egg or two (@storey_farms are my favorite local eggs) + a drizzle of Red Clay Salsa Verde. ✨Dinner: tacos are always a favorite - easy to make healthy with lots of veggies + a big spoonful of guac. My husband just started making his own tortillas and they're so delicious. They're only two ingredients (simply masa flour and water!), so easy to make and SO tasty. Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? It actually depends on your body! Some bodies thrive eating first thing in the morning; other bodies thrive waiting a bit. However, ALL bodies thrive by drinking a big glass of room temperature water first thing in the morning. Check out the rest of this interview on our blog ---> Link in Bio @blueheronacupuncture 📸 @lindseyshorter (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CG2VFeVBLZw/?igshid=1vo7vsmhai6lj

This one’s for the guys! 🧔🏻👨🏾👴🏼🧔🏽 We have been talking a lot about women’s health recently, but men benefit from acupuncture and holistic medicine, too! It’s a huge misconception that acupuncture is only for women. We see a great deal of men in our practice and we really enjoy helping them correct imbalances in their bodies and take ownership of their health. So many men live with chronic pain and other health disorders because they feel a misplaced need to be “strong” and often avoid asking for help — it’s time to break this habit! Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer so many benefits for men’s health, including pain management, stress reduction, sleep disorders, digestive issues, high blood pressure, and headaches. Men need self care, too! Call or email us to help us set you on your path to greater wellness. 🙌🏽 (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFr-PV1BmrH/?igshid=zztsect3kln9

We love working with women who are trying to conceive because we have seen such great success with acupuncture and herbal medicine. If you have decided to pursue IVF, we cannot stress enough how important it is to prepare your body. Even just ONE acupuncture treatment before IVF can substantially increase your chances of becoming pregnant, but ideally, we want to start early. Our success rate for IVF patients is over 80 % – close to double the success rate of IVF without acupuncture. Our treatments promote the health of your reproductive system, balance your hormones, nourish your body, increase circulation to the reproductive organs, support your endocrine system, and decrease stress and anxiety. Trouble conceiving or sustaining pregnancy can take a huge emotional toll; you may experience grief, a sense of inadequacy or feeling betrayed by your own body, anger, anxiety, or depression. Fertility struggles are a world unto themselves because you often grieve for something that has yet to exist. We have seen over and over that a woman’s path to fertility is often her own healing journey. We know the struggle, we understand this grief, and you do not have to be alone in this journey. Let us be your village. (Learn more on our blog 👆 link in profile) (Photo features Becca Roberts performing fertility massage. 🌸) (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFiA5UPhRmu/?igshid=wobwvka6msx2

Happy first day of Fall! 🍁🍂 Are you feeling inspired? We hope you are getting outside and enjoying some active daylight movement in this beautiful weather. ☀️ In Chinese medicine, Fall is the season of processing grief and sadness. We encourage you to take some time to reflect, transition, and release any negative feelings you may be holding onto — there might be a lot from the year we’ve all had. 🍁 Fall is also a time of beauty, vulnerability, and feeling grateful. Slow down, be present in the small moments, hold your loved ones close, and allow inspiration to show itself. (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFcoN9_BHbX/?igshid=azltztpozlds

How to Manage Stress in Pregnancy or While Trying to Conceive Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive are constantly being told not to stress but never told how – this notion can often create more stress. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are so beneficial for reducing stress and calming the sympathetic nervous system, but why is this important? When your body’s cortisol levels are high, it is hard for your body to produce progesterone – a hormone crucial for fertility and pregnancy. Progesterone causes the uterine lining to thicken and accept a fertilized egg. It also helps prevent uterine contractions that could cause the body to reject the egg. In addition to nourishing the uterine lining, acupuncture encourages feelings of security, “I’m safe. I can let this happen. I can become pregnant now.” What seems so simple can be significant in how our bodies respond to pregnancy. We are so passionate about the work we do with women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, whether it relates to stress and anxiety, balancing hormones, nutrition guidance, or even working around a diagnosis of PCOS or Infertility. For more information on Fertility and Pregnancy, please call us at (843) 937-6890 or visit our website at blueheroncharleston.com. (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFSuWDEhYan/?igshid=1ruxi2yb97sil

Did you know September is PCOS awareness month? Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 10 women in the U.S. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, irregular periods, weight gain, unwanted hair growth, frequent ovarian cysts, and insulin resistance which may lead to diabetes. PCOS can also make it very difficult for a woman to become pregnant. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, please know that you are not alone. We have helped many women with PCOS regulate their hormones, stabilize their blood sugar, and go on to have healthy babies. We are so passionate about the work we do regarding fertility! We will be discussing fertility a lot throughout the rest of the month so keep your eyes peeled and feel free to ask us any questions! For more information, please visit us at blueheroncharleston.com. (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFPau19B1jR/?igshid=1thff5i0mwzer

Welcome Megan Bruckman & Holistic Skin Care to Blue Heron! ✨ Megan has been practicing as a skin care professional in the Charleston area for more than 10 years. She began this journey several years after moving from her hometown of Richmond, VA. She has always been very passionate about skin care and making people feel comfortable and better about themselves. After experiencing skin problems in her adolescent years, she has gained the ability to relate with her clients and their concerns and needs. Megan has been treating women, men, and teens in the low country since graduating and earning her degree in Esthetics at MMTC in 2009. Megan is experienced in professional quality facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, hydra facials, full body waxing, and lash and brow tinting. She believes the key to maintaining healthy, beautiful skin is consistency in routine appointments and being diligent with your at home regimen. "I strive to gain and build trust with my clients which has bonded into some of the best relationships. My priority in every service is to make sure you leave feeling good on the inside and out." In addition to creating a warm, welcoming, and healing space for her clients, Megan has implemented the highest safety standards. Megan enjoys going to the beach, riding bikes, puzzles, home improvements, gardening, and being outdoors. Contact Megan at 804-928-4805 or email [email protected] to schedule your facial, waxing or tinting treatment. (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFBAkwaBl9S/?igshid=1vc5mom2wotpu

We are committed to your health and safety! To help us provide care for you during this unprecedented time, please comply with the following protocols: 🚗When you arrive, please wait in your car for your practitioner to text you. 😷You must wear a face mask while in our building. Please bring your own to help us maintain our supplies. If you do not have one, we will supply one. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦We cannot accommodate family members in the lobby or treatment rooms during this time (unless you are a parent staying with your child during treatment). 🤒Unfortunately, we cannot see you in the clinic if you exhibit cold or flu symptoms. 🌱If you have a cold, flu, or coronavirus, schedule a virtual herbal consult – herbs are incredibly effective for such conditions. Thank you for helping us continue to provide a safe environment to care for you and one another. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, please call (843) 937-6890 or email [email protected]. . . . . . #coronavirus #charlestonacupuncture #herbalmedicine #holistichealth #apothecary #integrativewellness #charlestonmassage #lymphaticenhancementtherapy (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEb7LGNBl4m/?igshid=oeix4i5r0wmj

Preparing for Fall In Chinese medicine, the preceding season is when we can best prepare for upcoming health concerns. In general, and during this year more than ever, this is the ideal time to prepare your immune system for coronavirus, colds and flus we anticipate for fall. So what can you do now? Start our simple and effective regimens today! Visit our blog to learn more. (Link in profile.) . . . . . #immunesupport #chinesemedicine #charlestonacupuncture #holistichealth #herbalmedicine #apothecary #herbalist #acupunctureclinic #reishimushroom #astragalus #fallhealth #coronavirus https://www.instagram.com/p/CEKN5oMBuxO/?igshid=i1w83fv0zjs0

Pericardium 7 The Pericardium is one of the four organs and channels associated with the fire element of Summer. Its points are commonly used to calm anxiety, ease digestive upset (including nausea during pregnancy), and alleviate carpal tunnel pain. Being the season of fire and a time when many of us naturally desire connection with others and an outlet for our yang energy, our Pericardiums are activated and may be feeling more discombobulated this year than most. We’re feeling the heat and frenzied energy of the world, yet we aren’t having as many opportunities to engage with others, splash in the water at the beach or disperse all this heat in a healthy way (laughter, joy, intimacy). As we approach the transition into the more damp-laden days of late Summer, we may also begin to experience a heaviness with this heat. The worry and anxiety of the past several months compound on one another until we feel weighted down. We may feel physically or mentally swollen, foggy, waterlogged. Pericardium 7 (PC-7), the earth point on this fire channel, offers us a soothing outlet for these energetics. It calms anxiety while opening tightness that may be constricting this channel, and therefore our hearts. By connecting to the earth element, it brings grounding to our fire, our desire for connections with others and our passions. It is also a source point and a ghost point. As a source point, it accesses the essence of the Pericardium and, as Lonny Jarrett states, “can help nourish and revive a heart buried under life’s sorrows”. As a ghost point, PC-7 helps release us from compulsive attempts to fill the holes in our hearts (addictions, unhealthy relationships, our stories about ourselves, unfulfilled passions). To explore these dynamics for yourself, gently massage diluted lavender onto the middle of your wrist crease, inhale, relax, and consider what your heart wants to invite it and what it is ready to release. Give us a call to schedule and begin your healing journey with Chinese medicine. https://www.instagram.com/p/CEEyXhqBK6J/?igshid=omhoey9jjti0

Are You Affected by Other People’s Energies? << Ghost Treatments >> Sometimes there is a presence that seems to be weighing on someone. They’re picking up on an energetic and it’s changing them, whether more superficially or more pervasively. While some may consider this a spirit, we see it as baggage of any sort that one has difficulty shedding. Parasites and fungal infections can be sources. This can also occur when other people’s energies seem to impact one’s psychological wellbeing. In a time like now, with what we are experiencing with coronavirus, heightened stress and anxiety are occurring on a widespread level. Sensitive individuals may be picking up on and experiencing this even if it isn’t their personal “stuff”. In this case, they may benefit from a ghost treatment, which uses points that fall under the category of “ghost points” - ones specific for these conditions, to help release these energies and open their senses so they can experience the world clearly. If this sounds like you, give us a call or email to schedule an acupuncture appointment to calm stress and anxiety, strengthen your energetic boundaries, and get you back to feeling like yourself. https://www.instagram.com/p/CEC_2b2BMY_/?igshid=xvg3nf546vn

// TRAUMA // Many of us are experiencing increased anxiety as we move into August. Stress and tensions are running high while we attempt to plan for new chapters in our lives amidst such great unknowns. In Chinese Medicine, the season of Summer brings passion and joy and a desire to be more social. Not being able to express this element fully could be contributing to that anxiety. If you are searching for a way to calm these feelings, consider pursuing some active daylight movement. Try to get out and experience nature. Seek out activities that will open your lungs and calm your heart. If you feel that you are stuck in a place of heightened anxiety and stress that you cannot escape through deep breathing, exercise or nature, you may be suffering from trauma. Trauma can create a holding pattern in your body, forcing you to live in a state of elevated sympathetic nervous system --- fight or flight. Acupuncture related to trauma is so effective because it allows us to work from a physical place to release tensions, ease emotions, and help break this pattern. To learn more about how we treat anxiety and trauma, visit our blog. (Link in profile) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzFF7DBLAM/?igshid=6opxldl8ull9

Just dropping by to say Happy Monday! ❤️❤️❤️ You are a strong, beautiful creature who can handle anything this week throws at you! ✨ (p.s. Though if it’s feeling challenging to keep up with life right now, keep your eyes open for our upcoming posts on just that topic. We feel you and we’re here for you!) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDta27xB17o/?igshid=pculje33hj7g

Want to help your weekend feel like this? Enjoy these music suggestions from Laura Marion, L.Ac., to help you find your zen. (Pick up some incense and tea from Blue Heron for extra bliss ✨) -R Carlos Nakai (Native American flute music) -Peter Kater (gentle instrumental piano) -William Ackerman (gentle Guitar) -Ozzie Kotani (Hawaiian slack key guitar) -Dean Evenson (gentle flute music mixed with various instruments) -Deuter (soft instrumental) -Beach top sounders (nature sounds gently mixed with instruments) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDoyUaCBgo7/?igshid=1boucnujtr8n4