NEW MISSION ACUPUNCTURE

Childrens' Music Lessons

2011-12-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

Calling all parents of New Mission Acupuncture. Please consider supporting your child in music. Patty is a kind person and talented musician in the SF Opera. Her enthusiasm is contagious!

Just Playin’
Music for Kids

Pat Heller ‐ a warm & welcoming mom, she is ready to share her passion for music with your child. She’s a violist in the SF Opera Orchesta with over 40 years of experience teaching and performing.

*** Weekly classes in Westlake neighborhood of Daly City***
Enroll now!

Session 1: Saturdays - January 7-13

Session 2: Saturdays - February 28-March 17

4-5 year olds: Pre Piano & Violin - 9:00-9:45 am

6-8 year olds: Pre Piano - 10:00-10:45 am

6-8 year olds: Pre Violin - 11:00-11:45 am

4-10 year olds: Choir* - 12:00-12:30 pm

*no charge for students enrolled in another session

Ongoing private lessons in violin, viola, piano.
Pre-Piano/Violin: $120/4-week session

Choir only: $100/4-week session

Private lessons: $50/half-hour, $90/hour Pay with Cash or *Credit Card (*3% service fee)

Start the year out with music! Contact Patty

Just Playin’ ~~~ Music for Kids
650-758-2572 patriciaheller2@me.com

Your child will:

Build self-confidence through playing instruments and performing.
Learn music basics and social skills in fun, upbeat weekly classes.
Move & dance to music, jumpstarting all mental functions.
Enjoy small group classes, with a maximum class size of five students.

Fertility Workshop, Feel Fully Supported

2011-11-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

The wellness collective that I am a part of is holding an exciting workshop....

Fertility Workshop: Increase Your Chances to Conceive

Are you planning to get pregnant soon?

Have you already been trying?

Are you a professional who works with families trying to conceive?

Meet with an acupuncturist, naturopathic doctor, nutritionist & hypnotherapist and learn:

Mind/Body tools to reduce stress and connect to inner resources
Nutritional guidelines for restoring balance
Acupuncture & Chinese medicine tips to enhance fertility
Natural & conventional treatment options for infertility
Q&A with the panel

FREE

Sunday, December 4, 2011, 2 - 4pm

Awaken Chiropractic

3515 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA

Our Panel of Experts:

Sara Knuth, Naturopathic Family Doctor

Jessica K. Parker, Licensed Acupuncturist

Virginia Watkins, Certified Nutrition Educator

Kathy Woo, Certified Hypnotherapist & Doula

Sponsored by Bay Area Family Wellness, a collective of holistic healthcare professionals. Visit www.bayareafamilywellness.com to register for this free event

* Meet the author of The Fertile Kitchen Cookbook too!

2 More Yelp Reviews

2011-11-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

I saw that 2 more wonderful Yelp reviews have made there way onto my page. I love to hear what people get from seeing me and in receiving acupuncture. I am so grateful that they took the time. Here they are:

Nikki is a truly gifted acupuncturist. Not only does she have an amazing technique that provides an environment that makes you feel comfortable and receptive to the treatment, she also explains, in great detail, what each treatment entails. This is absolutely necessary when I need to feel comfortable about referring a patient for treatment.

Since this is foundation to her practice, I send all of my patients who need acupuncture to Nikki. I know with full confidence that they are getting the best care and support that is truly complementary to the work that I've already started.

It goes without saying, but I it needs to be emphasized - Nikki is a well rounded, knowledgeable, talented, intuitive acupuncturist who will make a difference in your health and healing.

-Christine Y. 5/7/2011

AND!

wow talk about a relaxing time !!! Nikki is fantastic she really understand how to use acupuncture to relax you completely. It is the best nap I have ever taken in my life. It feels liek I am sleeping on a cloud and the world is a fantastic eutopia. If you have a crazy day and need to just relax , you have to see Nikki as she will put you on cloud nine and get you back in balance. She also helped me get ride of my cold faster also. Ohh I can not wait for my next session.

- pC. 10/19/2011

Acorn Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

2011-10-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

3 tbsp. butter

1 small acorn squash

2 medium sweet potatoes

1 small yellow onion

¼ tsp. black pepper

a few pinches sea salt (or smoked salt)

½ tsp. dried oregano

¼ tsp. nutmeg

¼ tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. dried basil

½ tsp. mustard seed

½ cup raw cashews

½ cup goat milk yogurt (or soft goat cheese)

1. In a Dutch oven or stock pot, sauté chopped onion and butter until onion is translucent and butter is beginning to brown.

2. Add peeled and chopped sweet potatoes and acorn squash, spices, salt and pepper and stir and sauté to caramelized vegetables and coat with butter and spices.

3. Fill the dutch oven pot with water to an inch BELOW the vegetables. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer and cover. Cook until vegetables are tender and break with a fork.

4. Remove from heat. Add cashews and goat milk yogurt. Blend until smooth with a hand blender or in stages in a standard blender.

Seen served with a dollop of goat milk yogurt and pesto.

The Root Detox: Detox like a star!

2011-05-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

An all inclusive 21 day holistic detoxification for the whole person; body, mind and spirit.

Join the Practitioners for an “Intro to Detoxification” talk.
Mon May 23rd 7:30pm | $10 Magnolia Wellness Center 133 Magnolia Street 94123 (fee applied to detox at registration)
rootwellness.com/detox

Detox Date: June 6–27
Includes:
5 Workshops
3 Nutrition Webinars
3 Herbal Supplements
21 Detoxifying Recipes
2 Nutrition Consultations
5 Specialized Treatments
1 Group Wellness Day to Supercharge Your Detox! + More Energy & Freedom, Improved Digestion, a Clearer Mind, and more!
Only $755 (an $1800 value)

nutrition
tanya hart, nc | root wellness + nutrition
• private initial intake consultation
• individualized recommendations
• colon, liver & blood cleansing herbal supplements
• 1 group cooking workshop (take home dinner!)
• weekly online group seminars
• an open discussion forum access with Q&A
• recipes and email support for duration
• private graduation consult to ease out of the detox

yoga & healing breathwork
dr. stephanie bridwell, ms dc | magnolia wellness center
learn to free yourself from the 3 main ways your body shuts down (disconnection, separateness, being stuck in a repetitive pattern). use your body’s tension as fuel for growth, and use breathing and yoga postures to interpret your body’s messages.
• 2 group yoga/breathwork workshops
• 1 private SRI session during the final cleanse week

holistic massage & somatic education
joie mazor | conscious integrative body work
detoxify from daily stress and ‘chronic’ conditions.free yourself from food addictions and mood fluctuation and feel more ease and connection in your body. assist the body in moving congestion and stagnation and help your body eliminate toxins and move more fluidly.
• 1 group somatic education workshop
• 2 private specifically focused holistic massages

acupuncture
nikki fancher, lac | new mission acupuncture
when used with your detoxification efforts of proper diet, supplements, body work and stress relief, acupuncture can be a dynamic tool that continually brings your body back to balance while allowing the increased functioning of the detoxification organs.
• 1 group organ calming ear needling workshop
• 2 private treatments to support your individual detox state

green smoothies (optional at additional cost)
brigitte center | brigitte’s naturally alive
supplement your program with (3) 32oz bottles of fresh, raw, organic green smoothies per week! save yourself some time on food prep and enjoy living food in a convenient & tasty smoothie!

Coloring Contest

2011-04-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

Color Happy Buddha!

Enter to win prizes based on age group! All ages welcome!
Stop by the office to pick it up your coloring page or print off the image above on a standard (8.5x11) piece of paper. Color your heart out. Bring the bottom portion of the page back to Nikki and show her your handy work. You get to keep your page and you are then entered to win prizes.
You will be notified via e-mail if you win. Nikki is working on her page and having a great time coloring.

PRIZES
Years 0-4: Non-Toxic Kitty Coloring Eggs. These playful egg and kitty-shaped color crayons come in their own egg crate. Color with Cats!
Years: 5-16: $15 gift certificate to local Mitchell's Ice Cream
Years: 17+: $25 gift certificate to local Tataki South

Chinese Herbal Bread Pudding for Nourishing the Appetite

2011-04-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

{Based on Tartine's bread pudding recipe}

Day Old French Bread Loaf or 6 Large Croissants
8 Large Eggs
¾ cup Sugar
4 cups Whole Milk
1 ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
½ tsp Salt
½ tsp Cinnamon
½ tsp Ground Ginger
¼ cup Dried Gou Qi Berries
¼ cup Dried Long Yan Rou

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x5 glass loaf pan.

2. Combine milk, gou qi berries and lang ran rou in sauce pan. Heat on medium until milk is simmering. Remove pan from heat and set aside for fruit to plump.

3. Whisk eggs until blended. Add sugar and whisk until smooth. Whisk in cinnamon, ground ginger, salt and vanilla.

4. Cut French bread into 1 inch slices or croissants in half. Arrange to fit in loaf pan snuggly but not too tightly. Trim bread to be flush with the top of the pan.

5. Add milk mixture to egg mixture, whisking until combined to make liquid custard. Pour custard evenly over the bread, filling the loaf pan to the top. Let sit for 10 minutes for the bread to absorb the custard. Add additional custard mixture, filling to the top of the loaf pan.

6. Cover loaf pan with foil and bake for 1 hour. To test for doneness, insert a knife into the center, if the custard is still mostly liquid, bake for 10 more minutes or until the liquid is mostly absorbed.

7. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving, as the custard will continue to set up.

Details on The First Aid Kits, Sale to Benefit Japan.

2011-03-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

All proceeds from the sale of these Chinese First Aid Kits goes to Japan Relief. They will be available at the Clinic Grand Opening this Sunday, April 3rd.

3 CHINESE FIRST-AID KITS

I have created 3 distinct kits in response to a need I recognized with my clients to have immediate access to Chinese herbal care at home. These kits are designed so that you do not have to wait till your next appointment with me to start receiving care. I use all of the products in my own home. They are so effective and easy to use - even for those that have little to no experience with Chinese medicine.

Including in each herbal kit: 3-4 herbal products- pills (easy to swallow), patches, topical liniments, & salves.Detailed instructions on when and how to use the products.

THE KITS:
Cold & Flu Season- 3 basic formulas to help stop and shorten the duration of colds & flu’s. These are the first response herbs you should have on hand for when you first feel your throat getting scratchy. Your "oh no I’m getting sick!" herbs. The herbs included as scientifically proven anti-virals and anti-bacterials- with the objective to keep your cold and flu from going deeper and worsening.Digestion Care- 3 formulas. 2 for indigestion, bloating, pain and diarrhea often related to the over consumption of food (dairy, meat, starches) and alcohol, aka Holiday Cheer! And one formula to gently ease constipation.

Basic Strains and Injuries- 4 products. A box of herbal pain relief patches that immediately treat pain where you have it. You'll never ice an injury again! A topical rub for strains and sprains that contain herbs that not only break up the bruise and reduce inflammation, but nourish the injured area, making it perfect for use on chronic injuries and arthritis. An herbal formula to take internally to use after a particularly traumatic injury, designed for Solders. I use it whenever I have dental work to speed healing. And finally a burn cream developed for metal smelters in the China. It's so super effective I use it instead of any other product, including aloe vera.

I am taking orders of the Chinese First Aid Kits via e-mail and phone. They will be neatly packaged and ready for pick up at New Mission Acupuncture. (415) 515-8117, nikki@newmissionacupuncture.com.

New Mission Acupuncture Grand Opening and Clinic Warming

2011-03-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 from 3:00-7:00pm
284 29th Street at Church Street, San Francisco, CA, 94131
New Mission Acupuncture Invites You to Celebrate Our Grand Opening and Clinic Warming

3:00-5:00pm: Join us for a complimentary acupuncture treatment, Chinese herbal tea and savory and sweet gift bags. Meet the acupuncturist and ask your questions about how Chinese Medicine can help you.

5:00-7:00pm: Stay for the party and celebrate Nikki’s permanent move to her bright new clinic space.

Enjoy ComplimentaryEar acupuncture treatments and health consultations from 3-5pm
Eat like an acupuncturist! Get the most from your food with an herbal pack and delicious recipe. One savory and one sweet.

Coloring page and raffle contest for kids. Be the first to get your coloring page and enter to win prizes. Drawing on May 1st.

Warm tea and treats.

We are supporting 2 relief charities in Japan, 3 ways. Please donate if you can.

Three Ways to Donate to Japan Relief:
We’ll have a donation jar to drop your Japan Relief donations into. We chose 2 charities. You can too!

Nikki will donate 10% of all treatments given on Sunday, April 10th. Her regular clinic hours are from 10am to 3pm. Schedule your acupuncture session or Tui Na massage and contribute.
All proceeds of our Chinese Medicine First aid kits goes to Japan Relief. Stock your medicine cabinet and care of your family with all natural products.

Available kits:
Cold and Flu CareDigestive CarePains, Sprains and Burns

Two Charities We Are Supporting:

1. Catholic Relief Service's Response to Japan Tsunami : CRS works with Caritas Japan that is providing emergency relief to survivors of this disaster. Workers are opening shelters for evacuees from Sendai, which received extensive tsunami damage, and from Fukushima, the site of failing nuclear reactors. Caritas Japan is also distributing much-needed supplies, such as blankets. And some parishes in the Diocese of Sendai have indicated they are ready to host relief volunteers from other parts of the country.

Long-term recovery, though, will require that Caritas Japan play a much larger role. In a recent statement, Caritas Japan says that the damage is not only physical but also psychological: “We will accompany people who lost their beloved [ones], who lost everything and may stay at temporary shelters, and who have no one to rely on.”

2. ChildFund International's Response to Japan Tsunami : ChildFund International is supporting ChildFund Japan's response efforts in northeastern Japan. ChildFund Japan will attend to immediate physical needs brought about by the shattered infrastructure — food, clean water, shelter. In addition, ChildFund will provide psychosocial support to children who are suffering through this life-threatening situation and will continue to bear its long-term effects.

Testify!

2011-03-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

3/2/2011 I love my treatments with Nikki Fancher, LAc at New Mission Acupuncture! They are extremely relaxing and effective, and when I leave there I feel restful and calm. If you're looking for an effective way to manage stress, this is it!

Nikki has also helped me for an old injury to my shoulder and occasionally for cold symptoms. Each session is different, and always tailored specifically to what is going on for me at the time.

Nikki is patient and thorough, and always willing to answer lots and lots of questions. She is also skilled at making nutritional recommendations and offering herbal medicine as necessary. I highly recommend her for professionalism, warmth and expertise.-j.p.http://www.yelp.com/biz/new-mission-acupuncture---nikki-fancher-lac-san-francisco

New Mission's New Logo

2011-02-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

I've received many complements on New Mission Acupuncture's new logo. The biggest fan of which would have to be me. I love to look at the Happy Buddha's evolution from photo to illustration to finished product. And I thought you all might enjoy looking at it too.

The Happy Buddha was illustrated from the original photograph by Clark Tate. Please see his website for more of his amazing work.

Testimonial Kindness

2011-02-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

I saw this new review on Yelp from a client. What wonderfully kind words to read. Really made my day.

"Nikki is amazing and I recommend her to anyone and everyone. She is an extremely patient, thorough, compassionate, funny!, smart healer who takes a lot of time to listen and explain everything. Definitely very reassuring especially in a world where western doctors give you five minutes. She has extensive knowledge, though, of western medicine and has worked with me to get the treatment and information I need from my western docs. Nikki also has a wealth of good referrals to share, for everything from therapists to docs to pilates instructors. She will send you down some excellent paths.

Nikki's treatments have helped me with a huge range of physical and emotional problems and shown me that there is a point for everything in acupuncture. The needles are powerful (but tiny, don't worry) in her extremely capable hands and I am very grateful to have found such amazing healing through her. Go now! You will be happier and healthier and if you think you are those things now - well, you will just be more relaxed! Everyone could benefit from being more relaxed ;-)"-Shannon L

15% Off February Stocking Up Special

2011-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Need to stock up on the essentials in your at-home first-aid kit? Like your favorite pain relief oil or burn cream.

For the month of February get 15% off these all important holistic solutions to your everyday medical needs. This offer includes all herbs that are on my top shelf and that you are not currently being prescribed.

Chinese Herbal Chutney- Digest with Care

2011-01-28T17:35:00.000-08:00

My chutney recipe utilizes the Traditional Chinese Medicine categories of herbs for “Relieving Food Stagnation” and “Moving Qi Stasis”. The author Bensky states in "The Materia Medica of Chinese Herbal Medicine", that herbs in these categories have the biomedical function of stimulating an “increase in gastro-intestinal secretions, possess enzymatic functions and optimize peristalsis for better digestion”.

You may notice that you wouldn’t consider many of the ingredients to be “herbs” per say, but instead food. Chinese medicine regularly utilizes high doses of "food" medicinally. This is because the best way to effect change in the digestive system is to give it something to digest!

Use this chutney on dishes that are high in fat, meat content, are made up of raw fruit and vegetables or are overall hard for you to digest and I bet you will feel much less “stuffed” with post meal regret.

Ingredients
All ingredients can be purchased at a good Chinese market.

3 limes (finely chopped with skin)
4 tangerines (finely chopped with skin)
10 hawthorn berries or “Shan Zha” (candied, finely chopped)
10 leechee nuts (fresh, skinned and pitted, chopped)
6 stalks of green onion (green and white parts, chopped)
3 tlb ginger graded
1 tsp szechuan pepper
3 star anise (remove after cooking)
6 cardamom pods
2 tsp turmeric powder
½ cup sugar

Instructions
Combine ingredients in a large saucepan then bring to the boil over high heat. Reduce heat and allow mix to simmer and thicken for one hour. The chutney can be used fresh or kept in the refridgerator for 2 weeks.

(Chinese Herbal) Pumpkin Bread

2010-10-19T11:57:00.001-07:00

What we think of as “pumpkin pie” spices are all Chinese herbs. Cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg warm the stomach and aid in digestion. The perfect medicine for the cold and wet fall and winter months is pumpkin bread. Eat it for your health!
3 cups flour 2 ½ cups sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 ½ tsp. ground nutmeg ½ tsp. ground ginger ¼ tsp. ground clove1 ½ tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking soda½ cup vegetable oil½ cup apple sauce 2/3 cup water 4 large eggs 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two large loaf pans.

2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, spices, salt and baking soda.

3. Add oil, applesauce, water, eggs and pumpkin, mixing well. Stir in the walnuts.

4. Divide the batter equally between loaf pans.

5. Bake for one hour, or until a knife inserted in center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out on wire racks to cool. Enjoy!

Chinese Herbal Barley Soup for Longevity

2010-10-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

¼ cup hulled barley (or brown rice if gluten intolerant)
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 bay leaf 1 medium onion, small dice
2 leeks, white parts only, cut into ¼ moons
1 tsp. celery seeds
1 tsp. thyme ½ tsp. dill
A few pinches cayenne
5 inch strip of kelp/kombu
2 carrots, cut into ¼ moons
2 celery stalks, diced ½” pieces
1 fennel bulb, small dice or thin strips
6 cups water
Chinese herb bundle, wrapped and tied in cheesecloth (optional): Huang Qi, Dan Shen, Bai Shao.

I can send you the herb pack via the mail if these herbs are hard for you to find. 2 Tbsp. miso paste

1. In a large stock pot combine barley, onion and leeks with olive oil, bay leaf and a pinch of salt and sauté for a few minutes until the barley is brown and fragrant and the onion is transparent.

2. Add the spices, carrots, celery, fennel, and kelp. Sauté for another few minutes until the vegetables are warmed and spices well distributed. 3. Add 6 cups of water and the Chinese herb bundle. Raise heat to high and cover pot. When soup comes to a boil reduce to a simmer. 4. When the barley is soft and finished cooking, in about 30 - 40 minutes, remove the herb bundle, bay leaf and kelp (optional). Turn off the heat and stir in the miso paste. Adjust flavor with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Movie Night and PRIDEfull Fun!

2010-06-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Pride Month with a Lesbian, Kung-Fu Vampire Flic

Blood: The Last Vampire

Showing at Acupuncture Kitchen
(clinic by day, theater by night)

Saturday, June 12th, 2010 7:00pm !FREE!

Every person in attendance receives FREE prizes including:
Custom bags from Rickshaw filled with goodies from
Good Vibrations, Piccino, Vixen Creations, Laurel Fertility Care,
Nell Waters Massage and much more!
Enjoy fresh, hot popcorn, Chi Devil Sodas, candy...
And a viewing of Koi Girl Art

All concession donation proceeds go to New Leaf Services

Bring a blnket or pillow to sit on and show up for the party with your friends at:
2339 3rd Street Suite 4R-70 San Francisco CA 94109
415.553.5999 info@acupuncturekitchen.com

Carvaval Closes the Streets Again this Sunday, May 30th!

2010-05-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

San Francisco's Carnaval is this weekend. If you have an appointment on Sunday during the parade please allow extra time to get to the office. Mission street is closed down for the parade as well as many surrounding streets.
The parade starts at 24th & Harrison travels to Mission then from Mission & 24th to Mission & 17th. Unfortunately Carnaval's website does not have a detailed map listing street closures and parking suggestions for this year. Here is the map one from the past year. The clinic is located in the center of the area closed off for the parade.

The clinic will be a sanctuary from the noise and crowds. All you have to do is get here. Please feel free to call me to discuss the best travel stragies for your unigue appointment time and starting location. (415)515-8117.

Pride Month 20% Discount- Extend the Love!

2010-05-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

20% OFF YOUR FIRST SERVICE IN JUNE WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD. REFER OTHERS AND KEEP SAVING.

Includes all services: acupuncture, massage, and herbal consultations.

June 1st – 30th, 2010

TREAT YOURSELF TO HEALTH AND VITALITY TAILORED TO WHO YOU ARE.

Keep the love going all month! For each friend you refer for a service that schedules with me, extend your 20% discount to another service for you. Forward this post to anyone you think could benefit from Chinese medicine. I love working with people that are friends and family of current clients. We all get along so well.

Pride month is a time for everyone to reaffirm our connection to our inherent worth, to connect with others and have fun!

Call or e-mail to schedule your service today!
(415) 515-8117
nikki@newmissionacupuncture.com
http://www.newmissionacupuncture.com/

Tennesee Valley Plant Walk- PICTURES

2010-04-27T10:02:00.001-07:00

Please enjoy these lovely images from our medicinal and edible plant walk this weekend through Tennessee Valley- just over the Golden Gate Bridge from the city- a 20 minute drive from the Mission.

Sad you missed it? Make sure to sign up for my twitter posts (username: NewMissionAcu) or the Acupuncture Kitchen's newsletter to get information on events before they happen. info@acupuncturekitchen.com.

I have a fun medicine making class this Thursday! We will make a healing salve from comfrey, calendula and plantain. Register today! http://ht.ly/1DJnH

In addition to the amazing plant life I also saw brown rabbits, a jack rabbit, deer, wild turkeys, a weasel, and various butterflies and one fuzzy calico caterpillar.

Marin Headlands is on THE fault line!

Vultures in Flight

California Buttercups

Seaweed Pod

Poison Oak!

Blue-Eyed Grass

Wild Potato Vine

Our group walking to the ocean.

California Poppy and Yarrow

Blackberry in Bloom

Spring Workshops: Spring Forward, First Aid, Nature Walk, and Help Haiti!

2010-03-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome in Spring, build your at home medicinal arsenal, and wild forage for your dinner. All these things and more in my upcoming workshops and nature walk. Everyone is invited.

Spring Into Spring: Seasonal Living Part 1 with Nikki Fancher, L.Ac.
Thursday, April 8th, 7:00pm ‐ 9:00pm
$15 - $30 Sliding Scale

Join licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and all around fabulous woman, Nikki Fancher for practical and poetic advice for living in harmony with the seasons. In this dynamic course, Nikki will explore modern advice from an ancient Chinese poem for optimizing your health in the Spring. You will also learn recipes and lifestyle tips for feeling fabulous and energized as the year emerges. Top off your time with a relaxing ear acupuncture session (optional of course) and Spring into Spring with tools to continue gaining renewed energy throughout the year.

Course Highlights:
• Learn an herbal‐based, seasonal recipe for using food as medicine. Take‐home herbs included!
• Learn life skills from the ancients while we explore a classical Chinese Medical text’s poetic advice for Spring
• Receive a research‐based, ear acupuncture session for detox and stress reduction (optional)
• Design your own food‐based Spring Cleanse

*your enrollment includes a delicious recipe and seasonal herbs to cook up at home*

Marin Spring Plant Walk with Chinese herbalists Tamara Falvai, Nikki Fancher and Caylie See
Sunday, April 25th 11:30am‐1:30pm
$5 - $15 Sliding Scale
Come out and enjoy the flora and fauna of Spring in the serene and vibrant natural landscape of Tennessee Valley. The herbalists from Acupuncture Kitchen will lead a guided walk along the path to the ocean, and utilize this outing as an opportunity to talk seasonal health tips. You’ll also learn how to forage for a wild salad and recognize other edible medicinal plants from your own back yard!

• Tennessee Valley is about a ten‐minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge:
• Head north on US‐101 N for almost 5 miles Exit onto CA‐1 toward Stinson Beach/Mill Valley (this is the first Mill Valley exit)
• After .8 miles, take a left onto Tennessee Valley Rd (the Dipsea Restaurant will be just ahead on your right)
• Follow the road all the way to the very end, about 2 miles or so. The road ends in a parking lot. We’ll meet at a picnic table next to the parking lot.

Please plan to arrive promptly by 11:30am so that we can make the most of our time together!

The Chinese Medicine Cabinet: Learn Herbal First Aid & Help Haiti
With Nikki Fancher, L.Ac.
Thursday, April 29th, 7:00pm ‐ 9:00pm
$20 - $40 Sliding Scale

Nikki Fancher licensed acupuncturist and herbalist will teach you how to have immediate access to Chinese herbal care at home. Maybe you’re beginning to feel the start of a cold, you burned yourself while baking a pie, or you just drank too much last night. These customized remedies are designed to be effective and easy to use. Nikki will equip you with the knowledge you need to help yourself right away, and teach you how to make an herbal salve. These kit make great gifts for those you care about too.
Learn to use first aid kits for:
• Colds & Flus
• Digestive Difficulties
• Sprains, Pains and Burns
• Outdoor and Gardening‐related issues
• Pet Care

**Enroll and help others receive aid – all proceeds go to the Haiti relief effort through Acupuncturists Without Borders**

Report: Acupuncture Better for Treating Chronic Headaches than Medication

2010-02-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

A systematic review of clinical research found that acupuncture is significantly more effective at treating chronic headaches than standard medication or placebo.

With so many people looking for alternatives to drugs and their potential side-effects, why not choose something that is scientifically proven to reduce your headache pain better?

You can read the full report published in the December issue of the journal Anesthia and Analgesia.

NADA: Ear Acupuncture that Supports All of You

2010-02-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

Spring is just around the corner. If you are participating in your yearly detox you are probably wondering what acupuncture specifically can do to help you along in your body’s process of detoxification, elimination and cleansing. I would like to take a moment to explain to you a very basic cornerstone to any acupuncture supported cleanse: the NADA Protocol.

NADA stands for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. NADA is a non profit founded in 1985 with the purpose of supporting education and training related to the use of acupuncture in addiction treatment to relieve suffering during detoxification, prevent relapses and support recovery. The NADA needles are a 5-point needle prescription located in each ear. When used with your detoxification efforts of proper diet, supplements, body work and exercise, NADA can be a dynamic tool that continually brings your body back to balance while allowing the increased functioning of the detoxification organs.

In general the 5-point protocol is made up of 2 points for calming, relaxing and centering the body which helps you to “emotional detox”. We don’t often think of the building up of toxins in the body as being anything more than physical. However, stress, anger, irritability, anxiety and depression have lasting effects on your quality of life and health. The last 3 points in the NADA prescription are all yin-associated organs in body. In general, yin organs have supportive, nourishing and restorative functioning. These 3 organs are also the body’s elimination organs and needling the points will increase their detoxification function, more effectively riding your body of toxin build up.

Now that we have an overview of the protocol lets look more in depth at each of the 5 points:

Sympathetic
This points balances your sympathetic nervous system, your “flight or fight” response and your parasympathetic nervous system your “rest and digest” functioning. The Sympathetic point relieves pain in the body, dilates the blood vessels and calms the internal organs.

Shen Men
Shen Men translates from Chinese to English as “spirit gate”. Needling Shen Men calms and relaxes the body. In particular, it “destresses” the body opening up blocked pathways of qi blockage bringing the body into balance emotionally and physically.

Kidney
The Kidney organ in Chinese Medical theory stores our life essence and is therefore associated with growth, development, reproduction and aging. Needling Kidney in the NADA point protocol also calls on its western function of detoxifying the blood through the urination function.

Liver
Besides being one of the 3 major detoxification organs of the body, The Liver in Chinese medical theory is associated with stress. When the Liver is congested the body manifested stress and vice versa when we are stressed the Liver is injured. By needling Liver, our emotions are calmed and our qi smoothed.

Lung
The Lung isn’t often thought of as a “detoxification” organ. It is important to keep in mind that the moment by moment act of breathing in and out is a detoxification. We breath in clean air and out our metabolic waste products. The Chinese Lung is also associated with our immunity or “wei qi” and it’s proper functioning protects us from diseases such as colds and flu.

It is my hope that the more you know about your detoxification functioning from both a Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective the more successful you will be in your efforts. If you are interested in learning more about the history and uses of the NADA 5 point protocol, reading their clinical studies, or donating to this amazing organization please visit their website www.acudetox.com.

JULY MASSAGE SPECIAL -2 WAYS-

2009-07-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

I got a wonderful response from my last massage special in April. I told some of you that I would have a special to celebrate the clinic's remodel, which is finally done. I think it looks beautiful. So I'm offering another special for July.

There are 2 ways to benefit-

#1- Book for a 60 or 90 minute Chinese massage (Tui Na) in July and get $15 off. Just mention this blog and you get the discount. That brings the price of a 60-minute from $80 to $65 and a 90-minute from $105 to $90. My price always includes gratuity. So the price is what it is.

#2- Refer a friend who books a massage or acupuncture treatment with me and receive 15 minutes of extra Tui Na massage added to your next massage or acupuncture treatment.

If you haven't tried Tui Na massage before visit my website to read a description of its far reaching benefits.

I hope you all take advantage of this special for your health and wellbeing. I'll see you soon. BOOK HERE.

New Art Work for the Clinic by Riley

2009-06-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Riley is creating another piece for the clinic using the New Mission Theater sign image. Please stay posted to see the finished product. Here are some of Riley's other works to wet your whistle.

golden luck

MASSAGE SPECIAL $15 off for April

2009-04-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

I am offering a massage special for the month of April to highlight NMA's new blog. Book for a 60 or 90 minute Chinese massage (Tui Na) in April and get $15 off. Just mention this blog and you get the discount. Tell your friends.

That brings the price of a 60 minute from $80 to $65 and a 90 minute from $105 to $90. My price always includes gratuity. So the price is what it is.

Here is my scheduled openings for the next week so that you can plan the best time to come in for your Tui Na massage. Please call about appointment times after the week listed.

Sunday 12th: 10:30, 2:15, & 6:00
Monday 13th: 3:15 & 4:30
Wednesday 15th: - booked -
Friday 17th: 5:30 & 6:45
Sunday 19th: 10:30, 11:45, 2:15, & 6:00

If you haven't tried Tui Na massage before this is how I describe it on my website

Tui Na is the bodywork branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In contrast to most other massage modalities, it utilizes the acupuncture points and pathways to relieve pain, stress and balance the body. As such, its effects are far reaching, benefiting many diverse conditions such as stiff neck, low back pain, migraine headache, insomnia, anxiety, menstrual pain and post-partum healing. This form of massage is performed on a fully clothed client. A Tui Na massage can be scheduled separately or in conjunction with an acupuncture treatment. Tui Na is Comfortable, Therapeutic & Healing. http://www.newmissionacupuncture.com/services__rates