NEWSLETTER

Dear Heartwood Community,

We are entering the darkest time of the year, a time when our ancestors would gather in their caves and other dwellings to be near the fire. Archaeological and art historical evidence shows us that during this season people would get more quiet, pull inward and take time to deepen their contemplative practices. Then with the arrival of winter solstice they would celebrate the return of the light as the days began to get longer again. All of us at Heartwood wish you and your family a very blessed holiday season, both your time in the deep dark and your time with the return of the light. If you find yourself wishing to explore contemplative practices, we have much to offer here at Heartwood and you can check our website for classes and individual sessions. May we all continue to manifest peace in our own minds and hearts, our families and on our planet.

Happy Holidays
Nancy Floy, President, Heartwood Center

Acupuncture Treats Addictions

by Charlotte Christian, LAc, MSOM, ADS (acu-detox specialist), MSW

Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture has emerged as an effective and low cost means to treat addictions for alcohol, drugs and smoking. In 1972, Dr. Hsiang Lai Wen discovered through his medical practice, that acupuncture could be used to treat addiction effectively. He and his colleague Dr. S.Y.C. Cheung treated forty heroin and opium addicts with an auricular acupuncture and reported their findings in the Asian Journal of Medicine in 1973. Following their success, auricular acupuncture became popular not only in Asia but in the United States and Europe. In the US, auricular acupuncture is used at substance abuse treatment centers and in the local court systems where DUI offenders are required to get ear acupuncture.

PROCEDURE
The recipient sits in a comfortable chair or lies on a table. After cleaning ears with alcohol, disposable sterile needles are placed in specific points in both ears. Acupuncture points: shen men (spirit gate or neurogate), sympathetic (hormonal balance), kidney, liver and lungs are needled. The needles remain in ears for 45 minutes and then are removed.

HOW
The ear acupuncture treatment works towards detoxifying internal systems and restoring balance in body, mind and spirit. It affects nerves, muscles, neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. The research in this area has shown that the level of endorphin and other chemicals in the body increases to restore balance.

TREATS
Addiction to alcohol, drugs like crack, cocaine, heroin, psychedelics, marijuana, amphetamines, etc., can be treated using this procedure. In my experience, this treatment also treats depression and anxiety effectively.

BENEFITS

• Immediate intervention needed for substance abuse
• Those In denial of addiction and suffering from depression, anxiety
• Resistance to verbal-interpersonal intervention
• Deep relaxation
• Gradual reduction in cravings
• Manages withdrawal symptoms (mood swings, sleeplessness, agitation, etc.)
• Helps depression and anxiety induced by substance abuse
• Improved sleep, appetite, mood and alertness
• Prevents relapse

PREVENTION
The key is to maintain sobriety which can be achieved by cultivating mindfulness thru meditation, a regular practice of yoga, tai chi, psychotherapy and adopting nutritional changes to aid healing and growth in body, mind, spirit and on social levels.

Charlotte worked at a Gateway Recovery Services, in Kalamazoo, MI, as an inpatient addiction therapist and received her acupuncture detox training from Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, and an acupuncture clinic in Bronx, NY. This was one of the first Acu-detox program started by Dr. Michael O Smith, where they trained professionals like doctors, nurses, social workers, acupuncturists etc., and also treated people with various kinds of addictions. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, NADA, is a certifying body who provides training in acupuncture detox.

For further information, please contact Charlotte Christian at 773.551.7622.

Discovering Joy through Psychotherapy

by David Johnson, LCSW

I have had the pleasure of practicing Body-Centered Psychotherapy at Heartwood since 2004. In my therapy sessions, I enjoy working with clients who are interested in lasting change and for those who have the willingness to do the "hard work" of self discovery. I find great joy in helping people discover "who they really are".

Most individuals come in with a misconception of themselves, since there is over-identification with the ego-mind. Also, they hesitate to look within, for fear of what they may find. Interestingly, what has never failed to happen is that, when they allow themselves to go deep within, they find something quite lovely and wonderful even though the opposite is what was expected. In summary, you could say that my job is to help people realize that while it is okay to have an ego, the work of the therapy is to help each individual to not identify with it. Overall, the hard work one does in the therapy/discovery process leads to a real and lasting identification with one's 'true self". And wow, when that happens, what joy!

David Johnson has a completed a master's degree from the University of Chicago in social work in 1991. In addition, he has a master's degree in physical education/adult fitness from the University of Illinois Chicago. Currently, he is participating in Self-Acceptance Training with Cherie McCoy which is a somatic or body-centered approach to therapy. He has background and experience in American Healing Arts, meditation, relaxation skills, creative expression and Oriental Medicine principles which David brings to the therapy sessions. In addition, David has advanced training and certification in addictions, Gestalt, and hypnotherapy. His specialty is an experiential approach working with individuals, couples and groups. You may contact David for more information about starting therapy with him at 847.475.3017 or click here to email.