THE HAPPY TRUTH ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE AND SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER 

Winter is a season in which we all tend to go more internal. The weather is colder, the days are darker, and we naturally find ourselves spending less time outdoors. As you find yourself less motivated to put yourself out there in the winter months, remember that the feeling is natural to a certain degree. Look around you - everything has slowed down. The plants have died or are dormant, animals are hibernating.

If that lack of motivation is overwhelming, however, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. This disorder is very real, and prevalent during the winter months in our region. Symptoms of S.A.D. can include depression, difficulty concentrating, headaches, excessive sleepiness, lack of motivation, increased carbohydrate cravings, irritability and lethargy. For more information on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Seasonal Affect Disorder, visit  http://acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_mar05/main1.htm.

Just as Chinese Medicine correlates with nature's cycles on many levels, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can provide an effective, natural way to treat S.A.D. and depression. Research has shown that acupuncture boosts the mood enhancers serotonin and noradrenaline levels in the body. When combined with Chinese herbs, it has been successfully used as an alternative to pharmaceutical antidepressants. Double Easer is based on the Chinese herbal formula Xiao Yao Wan, which has been used for over 2,000 years. It treats depression, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, PMS, liver disease, digestive disorders and thyroiditis. It is a wonderful alternative to antidepressants, which can have many unwanted side effects.

If you think you may have S.A.D., ask your balance practitioner for guidance - we're happy to help!

FEBRUARY CLASSES     

Are you having a hard time keeping your  

New Year's Resolution to LOSE WEIGHT?   

Join us for:  

HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS WITH  

AYURVEDA AND ACUPUNCTURE

Saturday, February 18, 11am - 12:30pm

Laura Chey-Warren, L.Ac, MTOM

Dana Emmings, Ayurvedic Consultant

Fee: $10

Registration Required. Call 381-6490

What do you get when you combine the world's oldest healing modalities to address weight loss? Quite possibly, the results you're looking for! In this session you'll learn the many benefits of choosing acupuncture and Ayurveda as part of a weight-loss plan, such as improved digestion, increased energy, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and most importantly, shedding those unwanted pounds! Visit www.balance152.com for details.   

ACUPUNCTURE WEIGHT LOSS PACKAGE

Take advantage of these discounted rates!

6 Acupuncture Treatments - $210

10 Acupuncture Treatments - $300

YOGA CLASSES 

GENTLE YOGA 

Laura Chey-Warren

Wednesday 9:30-10:30 am 

5 classes $55, 7 for $70, 10 for $95, drop-in (1 class) $12

Call balance to register 381-6490

We've had requests for this, and we're listening!

This gentle class is designed to create breath awareness, learn basic yoga poses, increase flexibility and relaxation. A great class if you are new to yoga, or are looking for a class with a more relaxed pace.

OPEN LEVEL VINYASA

Nora Doebrich

Wednesdays, 6-7 pm 

5 classes $55, 7 for $70, 10 for $95, drop-in $12

Contact Nora To Register

Call 585-269-9167 or e-mail yogawithnora@ymail.com  

In these classes, we link a series of poses together using our breath and participants are encouraged to go at their own pace, depending on fitness levels and individual needs. Modifications for beginners and special challenges for more advanced yogis can be added to each flow series, in an effort to meet the needs of all individuals in the class. 

PRENATAL YOGA

Nora Doebrich

Mondays, 6-7 pm

5 classes $55, 7 for $70, 10 for $95, drop-in $12

Contact Nora To Register

Call 585-269-9167 or e-mail  yogawithnora@ymail.com 

Prenatal yoga classes focus on offering mothers-to-be a quiet place to turn their focus inward and bond with their child, while strengthening their bodies and utilizing the breath to prepare for birth. These classes also provide a time for women to be comfortable with the changes in their bodies throughout pregnancy, and bond with other women who are pregnant. As with the Open Level Vinyasa classes, available modifications and challenges to each pose make these classes equally appropriate for women who have prior yoga experience, as well as those who have never tried yoga before.

ACUPUNCTURE RATE CHANGES FOR 2012

As of January 1, 2012, we will be changing our rates to reflect the current diagnosis codes and fees set by the major insurance carriers. Please visit www.balance152.com for details. Thank you for your continued patronage.

FEATURED RECIPE  

BALSAMIC-ROASTED PEARS WITH PEPPER AND HONEY

Every Thursday, the balance staff enjoys a potluck lunch together. Often it starts as one of us having a dish we would love to try out and the rest build around it. Other times, we pick our menu according to an ethnic theme. After the holidays we were all feeling a little done with heavy desserts. Terry prepared this recipe for us and we all thought we had died and gone to heaven!

Pears surrounded by chunks of cheese and served with a dish of honey are a very Italian ending to a meal. This recipe (from The Gourmet Cookbook) embellishes the idea by roasting the pears with vinegar to sharpen the flavor, setting them beside Manchego, a mild sheep's milk cheese, and drizzling honey across the top. A little black pepper adds sparkle!

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

2 firm but ripe bosc pears, halved lengthwise and cored

3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/4 lb. manchego or mild fresh goat cheese, cut into 4 pieces, at room temperature

1/4 cup honey or to taste

Freshly ground black pepper

 Put a rack in middle of oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Put butter in an 8-inch square baking dish and melt in oven, about 3 minutes. Arrange pears cut sides down in one layer in dish, and roast until tender, about 20 minutes. Pour vinegar over pears and roast for 5 minutes more.

Transfer pears, cut sides down, to serving plates and spoon some of juices from baking dish over them. Arrange cheese next to pears, drizzle pears and cheese with honey, and sprinkle with pepper.

10% OFF DOUBLE EASER   

Double Easer, based on the Chinese herbal formula Xiao Yao Wan, treats depression, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, PMS, liver disease, digestive disorders and thyroiditis. It is a wonderful alternative to antidepressants.