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The clinic will pretty much always be open if we can. If we have to have a “snow day” or close for some other emergency, we’ll try to post it here and on our Facebook page (the exception being an internet-interrupting emergency).
That said, we know a snowstorm can make it hard for patients to get here. Please give us a call to reschedule as soon as you know you can’t make it. (You can also reschedule online, if you’re already in the system – which you’ll know because you’ll have received confirmation emails.) If you can make your appointment, no need to call; we’ll just look forward to seeing you…and it’s nice and cozy in here!
There have been lots of little things going on behind the scenes here at DCA headquarters, including re-creating some files that were lost when a computer died; among other things this means we’ve changed to a new and more user-friendly online scheduling system. I’m sending out directions to all patients for whom I have a functioning email; if you don’t get it, email or call the clinic at 313-831-3222. Or, feel free to use the “Schedule” link to the left, click on the yellow button, and try it out!
We’re also changing and slightly expanding our open hours, starting Monday, February 15th. Our new hours will be Monday, Tuesday, THURSDAY and Friday from 2:00 to 7:00 (last appointment at 6:00), and SATURDAY we’ll be open from NOON till 4:00 (last appointment at 3:00). Nora will no longer be working on Wednesdays, but starting in March, Jalyn Spencer WILL be treating patients on Wednesdays. We’ll post an announcement with more details soon. The clinic will continue to be closed on Sundays (for the time being). Of course, our long-term goal is to continue to expand, and to be open more hours for your convenience.
To get you all used to the new schedule, and because it’s Valentine’s day on Sunday and we love our patients, AND because the Chinese (Lunar) New Year starts on Sunday, we’re having a 2-for-1 special for the last two weeks in February. Start the Lunar New Year off right, by sharing the love! Call the clinic to schedule, or use the new online scheduling system. As usual, this special is for both new and returning patients.
One more thing: unfortunately, because so many people from the surrounding neighborhood have been using the parking lot attached to the building, the building owners have decided to put a gate on the lot, and our patients will no longer be able to use it. Please know that we are as unhappy about it as you are, and we are busy trying to figure out alternative solutions. Your patience and loyalty in the meantime is greatly appreciated, and we’ll try to keep some quarters on hand for meter-feeding.
Happy New Year of the Tiger! – that’s *got* to be a better one for Detroit, right?
The clinic will be closed this Friday & Saturday, December 25th & 26th, and the following Friday & Saturday, January 1st and 2nd. That means we will ONLY be open Monday through Wednesday the next two weeks (as we’ll be closed Thursdays and Sundays as usual). So make sure to schedule your treatments in, and if we don’t see you till January, have safe, happy, healthy holidays!
Beloved patients and friends of the clinic, we will have been in business one year this upcoming Saturday! Please join us in celebrating this landmark in any or all of the following ways:
NOEL NIGHT PARTY
We opened last year on Noel Night – this year, it’s December 5th. From 5:00 to 8:00, we’ll have snacks and chatting in the reception area, and free 20-minute “sample” treatments in the community treatment room, open to anyone.
And yes, we do have gift certificates!
MIRIAM LEE’S BIRTHDAY
Miriam Lee, one of DCA’s heroes, was born on December 9th (she just passed away this past summer). We’re celebrating her birthday this coming Wednesday (the 9th) with free treatments for new patients! Call 832-3222 to schedule.
SATURDAYS – FIRST VISIT $1
Every Saturday in December (except the 26th), new patients can celebrate our one year anniversary by paying $1 for their first visit! Again, call 831-3222 to schedule.
NOODLES POTLUCK!
On Saturday, 12/19, from 5:00 to 7:00, we’re having a holiday potluck. Bring your favorite noodle-based dish, sweet or savory, because “noodles taste better when you eat them together.” (Bring your recipe, and I’ll post it on the website!)
And all month, any purchase of Acupuncture is Like Noodles comes with a gift certificate to give to a new patient. Perfect for that hard-to-shop-for person on your holiday gift list!
Next week is a 2-for-1 week: new and returning patients who want to work on quitting smoking, grab a friend and come on down!!! (Actually, it’s best if you schedule in advance; drop-ins are welcome as always, but space is not guaranteed.) We’ll have some smoking cessation tips to give you when you come in. You don’t have to be ready to quit completely – just come in and try it.
Also, today (Veteran’s Day) through the end of the month, treatments for new patients who are either veterans or currently in the armed services are 2-for-1 as well. (We were partly “inspired” by this tragic news story.) We don’t make you prove how broke you are at DCA. Just let us know when you schedule that you’re scheduling for the veteran’s special. Whether you’ve got physical pain or just everyday stress, acupuncture is likely to help – give us a try.
Some of these are common-sense; some of them might not be scientifically proven. I use all of them, though; try them and see what works for you!
Cover your neck when outside
Traditionally, instead of “catching cold,” Chinese Medicine theory uses the metaphor of “wind invasion.” In this metaphor, “wind” commonly “invades” the channels at the back of the neck/upper back, which is why you hardly ever see an acupuncturist without a scarf in the chilly months. Plus, who needs an excuse to rock a stylish scarf?
Don’t hang around in sweaty clothes
When you sweat, you are more “open” to wind invasion. So, after you work out, it’s best to dry the sweat off with a towel (if you can’t actually shower off), and change into dry clothes as soon as you can.
Raise your temperature & REST
This is the most important one. I rarely catch cold because I take herbs and go to bed early whenever I feel one coming on. Boring? Yes. But if you too have the kind of job where you don’t get paid if you don’t show up (especially if you love your job, like I do), staying in one night is worth not losing a week or two of work.
If you’re strong, you can sometimes fight the early onset of a cold by working up an (active) sweat – a short jog or brisk walk, for example; but if you’re already feeling run down and exhausted, it’s often better to gently raise your temperature a little bit, passively. This can be taking a warm bath, and/or taking a traditional herbal formula, chasing it with hot tea or soup, getting under some covers and resting for at least a half hour.
Eat lightly/lower on the food chain
If you can, go lightly on the cold, rich, dense foods (meat, nut butters, dairy products, sweets) and eat more soups and steamed veggies. Let your body save its energy for fighting that virus, instead of digesting heavy foods. As always, your mileage may vary; pay attention to your body’s needs.
Especially for those of you that live alone, I strongly suggest that you make up a pot of some nice congee or veggie soup and freeze some of it (we have a good congee recipe hand-out at the clinic, but you can google it too). That way, if you DO get hit with the flu, you’ll have some good nourishing food on hand. (And if you get really sick, call someone to look in on you, okay?)
Pay attention
When do you catch cold or flu? Some people always get sick after a big project is finished; or when they fly in an airplane; or when they haven’t been sleeping well; or when they’re having their menstrual cycle. Try to notice when your immune system tends to be most vulnerable, so you can take preventative measures. And, if you DO get sick, don’t beat yourself up about it, and try not to take it personally; remember those viruses have evolved to use us as hosts!
Acupuncture
Last but not least, acupuncture can help keep your immune system functioning well – partly by giving your body some “concentrated rest” and a break from the stresses that can make you more vulnerable.
Neti Pot
This isn’t Chinese Medicine, but I’ve heard many patients and friends swear by using a neti pot at the first sign of a cold. A similar piece of advice (from an MD) is: when stuck in a dry, closed place, such as an airplane or office, flush your nasal passages regularly by spraying with saline spray and blowing your nose. And, as always, avoid touching your face before washing your hands – and to avoid spreading viruses, please cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands!
Feel free to add your favorite tips (or soup recipes) below!
During the week of November 16th – 21st, all three Community Acupuncture clinics in the area (see sidebar for links to the other two) will be offering two-for-one treatments! This is for two reasons: to honor vets for Veterans’ Day, and to coincide with the Great American Smokeout.
Acupuncture has been used by lots of people to take the edge off of the cravings and stress associated with quitting smoking; we’re happy to be part of your plan to quit. So grab a quitting buddy – you can support each other, for better success – and come on down! (Walk-ins are welcome, as always, but we can only guarantee appointments if you call and schedule in advance.)
I’ll post more about this, closer to the actual event. Stay tuned!
Dear DCA patients and fans:
Nora will be out of town on Community Acupuncture business this weekend, so the clinic will be closed this Friday (Oct. 23rd) and Monday (Oct. 26th). The good news is, special guest acupuncturist Jalyn Spencer will be filling in for the regular Saturday shift in-between (October 24th – click on her name to find out more about her). Please welcome her back to Detroit by letting her give you a treatment! Call the clinic (313-831-3222) to schedule.
The following Saturday is Halloween, and the clinic will not only be open, we’re having a 2-for-1 special! We’re really overdue for getting some photos up on the website with *people* in them, so if you’re willing to let us use your smiling face (or needled feet), we’re offering 2-for-1 treatments that day in exchange (or, if you prefer, we’ll give you a gift certificate to give someone else). Please call to make an appointment, or schedule online.
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