Harmony Yoga Studio in Maitland FL

Hey folks, Harmony Wellness Center will be expanding into the beautiful space that has been known to so many as Mindful Body of Maitland, our next door neighbor.

Those who know me, know that in addition to being an acupuncturist, I am also a yoga teacher and ‘yoga junkie’. It has been a long-term dream to integrate the ancient art of yoga with the existing natural healing practice that is my deepest passion. When the opportunity presented itself, there was no question that it was my path to integrate the two.

As the Harmony Yoga Studio program blossoms, it will provide you a safe place to practice the very thing that best compliments your acupuncture treatments and healthy lifestyle!

To try it out for FREE – click on the ‘Ticket’ below, and print out your coupon for a FREE class pass. Come to any regularly scheduled class! See you on the mat!

Click on ticket to get a FREE Yoga Class

Acupuncturist apply needles into specific areas in the body to enhance blood flow to the brain to remove or reduce migraine pain.  Neurotransmitters stimulated by the needles enable the blood vessels to dilate for pain alleviation as well as help regulate serotonin levels, which ease the pressure from the head.  Many migraine sufferers have experienced a qualitative improvement of their migraines that gets less and less frequent with regular acupuncture treatment.

Upon consultation, the acupuncturist will review the patient’s medical history.  Thereafter, pulse diagnosis is done and the acupuncturist sets out inserting filiform needles in specific areas of the body.  This procedure stimulates the muscles causing a release of neurochemicals in the brain to take away the pain and other sensations attributed to the migraine.

Many sufferers of migraines who have experienced weeks of migraine pain, after a few acupuncture treatment sessions have reduced these episodes to just a few days.  Many others have had significant long periods of migraine-free living and have completely discarded their pain medications.  The typical ailments treated with acupuncture are:

• Ear, nose and throat problems
• Migraines
• Nausea
• PMS
• Oral surgery analgesic
• Back and neck pain
• Infertility
• Arthritis

Acupuncture efficacy varies from person to person.  What can work magnificently well for one can be quite disappointing for another.  Still, the majority of people who have undergone acupuncture treatments for migraine in Orlando have reported satisfactory results.

About Acupuncture

Acupuncture was introduced in the United States in the 1970’s and it has evolved from being a novel form of analgesic, into a popular treatment for addictions and certain disorders and diseases.  With further ongoing research, there are still wider applications for acupuncture that can be expected in the future.

It is quite hard to study acupuncture by means of the Western scientific method because of the key intangibles that make up the foundation of TCM and acupuncture.  Even with migraine, researchers can see the results of acupuncture treatment but are unable to explain how and why acupuncture does what it does.

Acupuncture is a very safe alternative treatment, as it does not produce any side effects.  Painkillers used by migraine sufferers are laden with toxins that cause negative side effects and they work only in the short term, totally the opposite of acupuncture, which gives long-term relief of migraine pain for many.

The “fight or flight” hardwiring of our nervous system does not work very well in a modern stressful environment.

Stress is a part of daily modern living.  It is a reaction to an event or happening that is beyond our control.  A good and rosy outlook in look can guarantee our stress is short-lived and we are able to recover without too much damage to our general health.  When the stress seems overwhelming, or if it persists for a long time, our emotional as well as our physical health begin to suffer.

Our bodies, or should I say our brain, is fashioned to help us cope with stress.  The fight or flight reaction is usually our reaction when a perceived or real threat manifests.  The sympathetic nervous system elicits the aforementioned response. In this reaction, the heart rate increases, pupils dilate, and the digestion process temporarily ceases to function to enable blood to further replenish the extremities, so that if we either fight or turn around, the means to do so are reinforced.

The hardwiring into our nervous system of the “fight or flight” does not work very well in a modern stressful environment.  The usual place where stress is engendered is in the office and an overbearing boss or evil co-employee(s) are prime stress generators.

Unfortunately, this reality forces us to cope with stress in the long-term and over time, it takes its toll on our health.  The stress causes blood pressure to increase, and our immune function is compromised.  These symptoms become worse over time, which can result into anxiety, headaches and depression, to name a few.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), strong emotions such as anxiety and depression disrupt the normal flow of energy throughout the body.  According to TCM, energy flows through our body through networks like blood flowing in the circulatory system.  Any intense emotion blocks the free flow of energy in the body.  Many stressed out people who complain of upper back, shoulder and neck pain.  Stress is responsible for added pressure in those areas, hindering the normal flow of energy, causing pain, tightness and headaches.

Stress affects other parts of the body, primarily digestion, sleep, pain conditions, and blood pressure. Stress can easily do more damage to an already troublesome health condition.

Orlando acupuncture practitioners are responsible for repairing these blockages. Applying needles to the acupuncture points serve as traffic light switches to the energy highway, and can remedy energy flow smoothly, and lessen not only the symptoms of stress and anxiety, but the stress and anxiety itself.

In western medical perspective, acupuncture helps mitigate stress by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural analgesic.  Moreover, acupuncture promotes good circulation of blood throughout the body.  This oxygenates the tissues and filters out cortisol and other waste chemicals.  The soothing nature of acupuncture also calms the heart, normalizes blood pressure and enables muscle relaxation.

This is not painful to the patient and the process only creates a pulsating sensation. To ensure that the patient is comfortable, the practitioner uses pillows and blankets and in many instances, the patient usually falls asleep. After the acupuncture, many say that they feel relaxed and rejuvenated. In fact, some acupuncture provider jokingly refers to this state as “Aculand”.

As a form of internal Chinese medicine, Acupuncture was for many years dismissed by conventional medicine as an unsubstantiated science. But as more and more people began to see positive results from their visits to their practitioners, acupuncture eventually became a household word. Electro acupuncture may not be quite familiar but you would never guess that this form of eastern medicine has existed since the 1930s.

Chinese medicine theory is based in an energy flow which moves through the body, somewhat like a river. The channels that connect each area of the body are called Meridians and the current travels through the internal organs and limbs of the body.

Based on the mentioned theory, someone becomes ill because there is a blockage or imbalance in the “Qi”. Electro acupuncture works to restore the flow almost like removing the dam from the river.

There are a wide range of reasons why people seek electro acupuncture. The obvious one is that people are afraid of needles and they can enjoy the benefits of acupuncture by using the electrodes. Electro acupuncture applies more pressure and stronger stimulation unlike traditional acupuncture. In traditional acupuncture, the practitioner continues to twist the needles many times for up to 20 minutes. The pressure can become inconsistent as the acupuncturist begins to feel fatigued.

Electro acupuncture can helpful especially to individuals with neurological diseases, including paralysis, pain and numbness. It can also treat internal as well as external trauma thus it works well on chronic and acute conditions. Electro acupuncture generally works well when mixed with traditional acupuncture. Patients will sometimes see positive results after one session, but usually six to eight sessions are suggested.

Acupuncture healing Orlando is one of the oldest and most commonly used healing techniques in the world. A lot of researches conducted have already proven that acupuncture can be used to treat certain health conditions like headaches, back pains and menstrual cramps to maintain wellness. A four-year recorded study issued on the Annals Internal Medicine in the Dec. 21 issue was conducted by the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine researchers found that acupuncture considerably reduces pain and improves the patient’s overall function. This technique is also effective to patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who are experiencing moderate or severe pain despite following proper medication regimen.

Acupuncture originated from China over two thousand years ago and the technique involves the insertion of needles into the body to promote health. The needles can be manipulated by electrical stimulation or by the hands. There are currently arrays of acupuncture techniques used by acupuncturists from Western countries. Some techniques have originated from different countries like Japan, China, France and Korea.

According to modern scientists, their research has shown that acupuncture can stimulate the nervous system to release the chemicals in the spinal cord, brain and muscles. The released chemicals decreases pain and inflammation and it may bring back balance to the hormone system. With acupuncture, it produces energy and biochemical balance to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and promote the emotional and physical well-being of an individual.

The director of the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine and professor of family medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine said, “There is a lot of research to show that different neurotransmitters are released in the brain and those have different effects throughout the body, including pain reduction and reducing inflammation.”

Associate professor and Director of Traditional Chinese medicine Research at the Center for Integrative Medicine or CIM located at Kernan Hospital, Lixing Lao, Ph.D., L.Ac., explained how acupuncture works based on the theory of Chinese medicine. Dr. Lao said, “The Chinese view is that the healthy condition of our body is balance between Ying and Yang (inside and outside) and that the energy, called “chi” or qui, which flows in the channels (meridians) through the body, keeps the balance.”

He mentioned that the energy or chi flows freely to maintain the balance. When a patient is inflicted with a certain illness, the energy is blocked. Instead of the usual treatment after the blockage occurs, acupuncture treatment is used to prevent the blockage of energy in order to maintain physical well-being.

Dr. Lao said that acupuncture can act as a preventive medicine and it basically “swallow illnesses in the bud.” It is referred to as the transition between the illness and the health. “This period of time is referred to as a “sub-health condition”, before the illness appears. This “edge of illness” is the time that acupuncture could help to correct the imbalance and prevent illness.” said Dr. Lao.

On the corner of 17-92 and Horatio - Across from Jerimiah's

Hi Everyone,

The news leaked out early… And now it’s time to share the details about our BIG move with you!

After four wonderful years in Winter Park, we are moving less than 3 miles down the road into the Maitland Plaza.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to better serve you with 3 additional acupuncturists on staff, 7 tranquil treatment rooms; along with a full pharmacy loaded with nutraceuticles, homeopathics, and Chinese herbal formulas.

The final transition will all take place the last weekend of June. I will keep you posted along the way.

What’s NEW!…

- We will finally have (drumroll please) PLENTY OF PARKING!

- Now open on Monday’s

- Additional staff will be offering new services including:

Quantum Reflex Analysis, Bloodwork for nutritional deficiencies,

B12 shots, Herbal consultations, larger selection

of supplements, and more!

- Address, of course, will now be:

110 N. Orlando Ave, Suite 3,

Maitland, FL 32751

- Scheduling and check-out protocol

- Saturday Hours

- Complimentary hot tea, water and treats

- We are still next door to a yoga studio (my personal favorite)!

- The prices and packages.

- Our phone number….407.234.6454

- Our fax number:….407.629.2924

- Email: info@harmonywellnesscenter.com

I deeply thank all of you for your support and I am blessed to be able to serve your alternative healthcare needs.

Please leave your comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

Christina
Harmony Wellness Center, LLC

Pictured from left to right: Todd E. Gegerson, AP DOM, MSOM, Marlo Toxey, AP, Christina Prieto, AP and Terry Robinson, RN, AP.

I hope your Thanksgiving was spectacular! I’m sending out a quick post to let you know that on Monday, December 14^th we will be having a very special class. Here are a couple of reasons why I’d love to see you there….

1. Ben from Universal Spiritual Elements will show his jewelry beginning at 5pm. His pieces are created with love and he uses crystals, sterling silver, rosewood, and all kinds of other beautiful materials. These mala-style bracelets that are wonderful for meditation and mantra. Here are a few samples…

2. MASSAGE by Laurie!!! And the best part is……. it’s complimentary – SO GET READY TO FEEL GOOD for free!

3. Treats including hot chocolate and brownies…..a good reason to bring a friend. This is my favorite part of the evening – well, maybe after ‘savasana’!

4. Yoga, yoga, yoga! Need I say more?! Class will be held as usual at 6pm, donation only, and I promise to make you sweat a little extra so you don’t feel so guilty about the brownies.

Namaste…

The staff at the Healing House in Winter Park

Our Gratitude Party was born during a discussion at a staff meeting 4 years ago… “How great would it be if we could thank each and every one of our patients, friends, colleagues, and families.” and POOF!….the date was set.

We all had a great time.

We chose November in celebration of Thanksgiving day, plus the weather is just delightful that time of year.

It was a gorgeous evening.

Anita giving everybody a warm welcome.

Between all of the staff members we had an incredible collection of music, food and entertainment that made a killer party that was talked about for weeks!

Aisha wowed the crowd with her incredible talent, and we are so lucky to have her back this year. The food is different at every party, just to keep things interesting, but Hagen Daas stays no matter what. This year we are having our neighbors Raw 118 and Tropical Smoothie catering the night away. So if you can, come hungry!

Last year Richard Hite blew us away with his Gong show. Unfortunately, this incredible artist won’t be back this year. Instead, we are having a live zydeco band for entertainment.

The raffles are insane! Can we say “lots and lots FREE stuff”. Not only is it FREE, but it is really good stuff like massages, personal training, private yoga and pilates classes, and acupuncture treatments. We feel so blessed that this is our opportunity to give back.

I hope you enjoy these pictures from last year, and I would love to see you at this year’s gratitude party on Thursday, November 5th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Whether or not you are an existing patient of Harmony Wellness Center, or if you are curious about what goes on at the Healing House, you are more than welcome to enjoy this night with us.

Please feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you

The marks can serve as an icebreaker at a party or at the grocery store for as long as 1 – 7 days, and range in color from rose to eggplant depending on the severity of the pain and how old the injury might be. Personally, I feel accomplished when someone leaves the office with deep dark marks because I know we released a lot of old blood and toxins, not to mention emotional garbage that we store in our tissues. In addition, I love to cup patients who are coughing up phlegm (aka ‘lung butter’) all the colors of the rainbow. It is amazing how quickly the response is. It does not come without a day or two of worsening symptoms (sometimes), but that stuff has got to come out and there’s only one exit. It’s great for kids who have asthma too!

One patient reported: “Hours after my husband saw the marks, he sat me down and with a disturbed look on his face, began to tell me what he saw on my back. You see, I have been loosing quite a bit of weight lately, and my husband thought I had a serious disease.”