‘Tis the Season

This time of year can be stressful. So much to do and so many people to see. And yet the days are shorter, darker, coaxing us to slow down and stay in. As practitioners and supporters of Chinese Medicine, we encourage listening to the rhythm of the season (not the holidays). And we of course encourage scheduling time for some acupuncture, to allow for letting go and a moment of adrenal rest. In addition, we offer this year’s round of our Favorite Holiday Stress-Less Tips to help you get through the last days of 2018.

Jen Doll, Accounts Payable

  • Say No. Light some candles.
  • For me, easing stress during this season means reconnecting to myself and finding ways to honor my most deeply held values and beliefs. One of which is knowing that my wellness + joy is tied to the wellness + joy of others and that my personal struggles are interconnected to our collective struggles. In this season of abundance, I’m all for sharing the bounty. If you have offerings, there is a lot of good work being done in our city.
  • And, I like booze as much as the next person but like to have festive non-alcoholic drink options available to imbibe with friends and family. Shrubs (drinking vinegars), herbal syrups + infusions, and spritzers are lovely to have on hand and you can still mix ’em up and serve them in fancy glasses with garnishes!

Nikki Hatch, Acupuncturist

  • Daily qigong! Here is a good 20 minute morning jump start.
  • On Sunday, December 16th from 4pm – 7pm at 2640 Space, Mera Kitchen Collective is hosting Refugee and Immigrants Arts Feast with food, craft and arts vendors from around the world — and special performances!
  • Bundling up and hiking local city trails.
  • Soup’s galore season!  Here’s what’s cookin’: Butternut Squash Red Lentil Soup.
  • Fire Cider to strengthen the immune system: click here for my favorite recipe.

Kim Hennessee, Clinical Director

  • Read Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris (because laughter is good medicine) while sipping on a hot cup of tea or something stronger!
  • We LOVE SoBotanical. Beautiful essential oils made here in Baltimore! We often use their blends in the community clinic. I’d love to get my hands on this one for the holidays.
  • Bundle up and walk the trails at Lake Roland!

Mahla Joyce, Acupuncturist

  • I’m supported by spending some time with my ancestors at the altar space in my house. Helps me get re-grounded.
  • I also have a love for just about anything made with beans – almost like we were separated at birth (get it? birth, Kidneys.). Here’s a yummy black bean recipe that I fixed recently for a friend who was experiencing kidney distress.

Barbara Kandel, Acupuncturist

  • We still walk the dog even in the cold so we can continue to connect with nature.
  • Podcasts can be a gift! I like Super Soul Sunday by Oprah for inspiration and meditation by Tara Brach.
  • And of course, connect with good friends over a delicious meal and some awesome red wine.

 Jaime Kauffman, Director of Client Experience and Outreach

  • Last year, I shared my mom’s super-easy-but-will-impress-the-pants-off-of-everyone biscotti recipe. This year, I asked for another recipe and was reminded of the magic of Magic Bars – this gooey, decadent treat is perfect for this time of year. You probably have had some version of this in your life, but let this be a reminder that this simple recipe is super easy and super yummy. Stress-less, yes!
  • We have amazing art (and craft shows) in our area! Need some inspiration? Check out Bmore Art’s calendar and/or follow Show Up Baltimore on Facebook. And if you haven’t been, the John Waters exhibit at the BMA ends January 6, 2019!
  • Mount Royal Soap Co. opened up their shop in Remington, just a few blocks from Mend. Be sure to stop by and stock up!
  • When my body needs to rest and recover, I do a one-two-punch of acupuncture and a warm bath. I love Aura Cacia’s bubble bath (best bubbles, imho) and throw in lots of Dr. Teal’s epsom salts.
  • I love everyone’s hiking/walking suggestions! I’m pretty obsessed with the AllTrails app and have used it to hit up just about every trail in our area. Where I think it really shines is when you’re in unfamiliar territory (i.e. traveling) and need nature time.
  • And sharing this “Holiday To Do List” that’s making the rounds. Really love the way folks are flipping the script for this time of year:

Dexter Kendrick, Acupuncturist

One of my favorite things to do to during the holidays is to celebrate the calm of the season by lighting candles and incense in the early morning before the sun comes up.  No artificial light allowed! Nag Champa or Dragon’s Blood are my go-to fragrances. Then I make my bed, plan my day, and pick out my clothes as part of this sunrise tuning in ritual.

Alexandra McElwee, Acupuncturist

I’m all for less is more. I recommend Lorien’s restorative yoga class on Friday mornings at Movement Lab. It’s a lovely way to feel relaxed, supported, and return to yourself.

Sarah O’Leary, Owner and Acupuncturist

December feels like a month of additions. Rather than adding, I like to look at what I can subtract. This month I only add that which feels nourishing and connected (vs obligatory or draining). But primarily I look to remove. Prompts this month: “nothing new”, “less is more”, “what can I cut?”,  “what on my calendar can I push to January?”

Amanda Pecha, Acupuncturist

Give yourself permission to slow down. Mother nature is closing in for the year. Observe what is happening outside. The trees are bare and keep only that which is essential for survival. Animals are hibernating. We have less energy naturally from shorter daylight to sustain ourselves. Go outside and listen to the silence. I personally like to use candle light when it’s dark outside and decrease the amount of time I spend on the computer or cellphone. Using less artificial lighting helps me to fall asleep and rest more deeply.

Jessica Resch, Acupuncturist

  • When my schedule is full and my mind is too, I bundle up and take a long walk on a trail near where I live. The space amongst those leafless trees brings calm and clarity.
  • One of my very favorite things each holiday is celebrating the winter solstice with ceremony, circling a fire outside (weather permitting), and gathering with friends to give thanks for the past year and set intentions for the coming year.

  • And to keep things light and playful, I attend a belly dance class with a group of my favorite Goddesses. Led by chief Goddess Karen Boger in Mt. Airy.

Amanda Schulz, Client Accounts Manager

  • This year I’m on the same wavelength as, Sarah… my internal response to just about everything right now is “do I HAVE to?” I’m especially focusing on reducing screen time and making space for quiet, low light, and reflection.
  • Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun, MD (about an hour drive north) has dozens of animals (half of which are rescued) and is very well-maintained. This is a great way to get outside and also to notice how the animals adjust to this colder, darker time of year: moving slowly, if at all… eating…huddling together for rest, warmth, comfort. Some of them are friendly farm animals that you can feed and pet, and there are also wild animals that have been rescued – bears, tigers, wolves, a cougar, etc.
  • Also, Plumpton Park’s Zoo Lights event for the holidays are open from 6-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays until December 29; it’s a fundraiser with half of the proceeds going to the Perry Point VA Medical Center.

Mary Shock, Front Desk Associate

Fire Cider! Because the idea of getting sick while life is so busy really stresses me out! Click here for my favorite recipe.

And of course,

A gift card to Mend!