Letter from the Executive Director
|  Dear Pathways Supporters, Yikes! What was that? Did I put my foot in my mouth? Did my boss say something about me behind my back? Did someone look at me funny? Did I disappoint my mother, father, partner or friend? Do I look fat? Did I forget to call you or email you back? Have you ever had times when these kinds of thoughts plagued you? Almost a quarter of our new clients this past year listed stress, anxiety or other mood complaints as one of the top three symptoms for which they were seeking relief. Our "monkey minds" as meditation experts like to call our brains, have a way of generating a hundred thoughts or questions a minute, and if the bulk of our thoughts are like the ones above, they can create a sense of anxiety. And it's not just our thoughts. Shallow, rapid breathing can create anxiety as well. Unfortunately, we're genetically wired to be "on alert" for potential trouble; those of our ancestors who worried about the tigers lurking in the bushes survived better than our more relaxed (and devoured) brethren. So it isn't as easy as it might seem to stay relaxed. Click to continue. . .
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A Client's Story
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Rosa (not her real name) is the youngest of eight in her close-knit family that hails from the Dominican Republic. For two years she suffered from migraine pain, arthritis in her hands, neck and shoulders, problems sleeping, as well as vertigo and vision problems associated with the migraines. She took medicine for the pain, but the pain would return. Finally, Dr. Simpson at the South End Community Health Center recommended acupuncture at Pathways to Wellness. At first, Rosa says, she felt like she was "allergic" to the needles, but now she is more comfortable with it. "Acupuncture has changed my life! I love Hernan (her practitioner), except when he goes on vacation!" Click to continue. . .
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Saluting the Spirit is a Big Success!
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On Sunday June 5, Saluting the Spirit participants came together at Healthworks Back Bay for an amazing and inspiring day of yoga. Together we raised over $40,000 for Pathways, yogaHOPE, and Healthworks Community Fitness!
Many thanks to our wonderful yoga instructors, participants, donors, volunteers and everyone who helped make Saluting the Spirit a very special day. Click here to see some great photos from the event. |
Pathways Makes House Calls!
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Now you can experience the healing power of acupuncture in the comfort and convenience of your own home or office. Home acupuncture or shiatsu treatments, provided by Pathways highly trained and licensed clinicians, offer a private and relaxing way of caring for yourself. To schedule your home or office appointment please call 617-859-3036, x320 or for more information click here.
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Ask the Acupuncturists
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Q. With the holiday season approaching, I'm concerned about piling up my plate with ... stress! Seeing my family, shopping, my duties at work... it all seems like too much. Do you have any advice to help me manage my stress level?
A. It's great you've already identified the triggers that contribute to stress in your life. Keeping these in mind, you can figure out which strategies can be helpful for each situation.
In Asian medicine, whenever energy stops moving (we call it 'stagnation'), imbalance occurs. Stress is a prime example of stagnation because we often breathe less deeply, tighten our muscles, and restrict our circulation when we feel under pressure.
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Thank You!
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Many thanks to Pathways' Board Members Tara O'Donnell and Bryan Furze for hosting an "Acupuncture Happy Hour" event on Tuesday October 18th, to introduce friends and colleagues to the mission and community service provided by Pathways to Wellness. Guests listened to Executive Director Demie Stathoplos speak briefly about Pathways' unique public health mission and programs. Pathways provides free acupuncture to people living with HIV/AIDS to help reduce the pain of neuropathy and improve medication adherence, to military veterans for relief from pain, stress and effects of trauma, and acupuncture and massage to homebound elderly and disabled clients to improve quality of life. Two Pathways clients gave short testimonials about how treatments at Pathways have changed their lives, and Beth Sommers, LAc provided demonstration acupuncture sessions to guests who were interested.
Tara's law firm, Donoghue, Barrett and Singal, LLC generously provided a delicious catered Italian dinner to the guests after the program. The event was well received by the guests, who were not solicited for donations, but were asked to provide feedback on Pathways programs. Guests who expressed interest after the event were invited to become further involved in the organization at a level that matched their interest. If you'd like to find out more about attending or hosting a similar event in the future, please contact Demie Stathoplos, at dstathoplos@pathwaysboston.org. |
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New Student Herb Clinic Begins in January!
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Pathways is adding a new student herb clinic to its schedule on Mondays from 9am to 2pm beginning on January 9th. This new clinic will be supervised by C. J. Allen, MAc, LAc, DiplCH (NCCAOM) and is in addition to our regular Friday student herb clinic which will now be supervised by Winnie Chow, DAOM, LAc, DiplAc (NCCAOM). Our student herb clinics are staffed by advanced third-year students at the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) under the direct supervision of licensed herbalists from NESA. Herbal consults in our student clinics are only $10. Herbal prescriptions are an additional fee. Please call 617-859-3036, ext. 0 to make an appointment. For more information about Chinese herbs click here. |
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Community-Style Acupuncture
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Experience the healing energy of a group
acupuncture session!
Sliding scale rates:  $25-$45 per treatment All are welcome. Find out more!
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Acupressure Point
of the Season
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Heart 3
Lesser Yin Sea
By Edie Snow, ABT
Heart 3 is located on the end of the ulna (the forearm bone on the pinky side). Feel for a tender spot, but don't press too hard. Either arm can be used, or switch back and forth.
Acupressure to this point will clear upset and distraction from your heart and will help with insomnia, depression and anxiety.
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| Pathways is on facebook! |
 Please join us on facebook. Click here to become a fan (Like us) |
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15% Discount for Referrals!
We greatly appreciate our satisfied clients' making referrals to
friends and family and, as a nonprofit, we depend upon it.
As thanks,
we offer a 15% discount voucher for each referral you make to Pathways.
This voucher is valid with all other discounts. For more information, call us at 617-859-3036, ext 0.
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Thank You for Sharing the Care!
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With your help we're able to provide free acupuncture for people with HIV/AIDS and low-cost care to many others who otherwise could not afford it.
The cost of your treatments helps pay for someone less fortunate. We also rely on donations to ensure that no one is denied our care.
Please Share the Care and help others who need our services. |
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Insurance Discounts
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| Are You a Harvard Pilgrim Plan Member?
If so, acupuncture may be covered under your
plan. Harvard Pilgrim recently instituted full coverage for acupuncture
treatments under certain plans. There is a $20 co-pay and coverage is for 20
treatments. Check with your benefits administrator to see if your plan
qualifies.
If your plan does not qualify, Harvard Pilgrim
members can still receive 25% off our standard rates for all services.*
Pathways Also Offers the Following Insurance
Discounts:
Blue Cross/Blue Shield members:
25% off standard rates for all services*
AARP members:
25% off standard rates for all services*
Medtac:
Members of LU26 receive the following:
- 20 free acupuncture treatments per year
- 12 free shiatsu bodywork treatments per year
- 12 free Chinese herbal consultations and
prescriptions per year
*no other discounts apply
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Now, you can support Pathways when you shop online
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