Touchstone Acupuncture

The Wild Atlantic Way along the West Coast of Ireland 🇮🇪 is stunning in the landscapes… and the pubs are filled with good craic ☘️🎵🇮🇪☘️

Living authentically is like coming home to yourself. 🏡 It's about honoring your true essence, values, and passions, and living in alignment with your best self. When you embrace authenticity, you invite a sense of fulfillment, joy, and purpose into your life. Here's why it's so important:

Inner Peace: Living authentically means letting go of the need to please others or conform to societal expectations. By staying true to yourself, you cultivate inner peace and harmony, free from the weight of living a life that doesn't resonate with who you truly are.

Genuine Connections: When you show up as your genuine self, you attract people who appreciate and accept you for who you are. These genuine connections are deeply fulfilling and enrich your life in profound ways.

Fulfillment: When you pursue what truly matters to you, every moment feels purposeful and meaningful, and you experience a deep sense of satisfaction.

Personal Growth: By facing your fears, embracing your vulnerabilities, and stepping into your truth, you expand your self-awareness and evolve into the best version of yourself.

Inspiring Others: Your courage to be yourself serves as a powerful example for those around you, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and live with authenticity and integrity.

Remember, you are worthy of living a life that reflects your truest self. Embrace your authenticity, follow your heart, and watch as your life unfolds in beautiful and unexpected ways 💫

"Energy givers" are the lifeblood of our well-being, fueling us with vitality and zest for life. 🌟 These activities, habits, and practices breathe new life into our days, infusing us with motivation and enthusiasm.

Whether it's a morning run that invigorates your spirit, a quiet moment of meditation that centers your mind, or a heart-to-heart conversation with a loved one that fills your soul, these energy givers sustain us through life's journey.

💫 Embrace these sources of vitality, nurturing them with care and gratitude, for they are the keys to unlocking our fullest potential and living a vibrant life. ✨

Traveling West across Ireland

The land of my ancestors is nestled in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, and up until 15,000 years ago, it was completely covered with glaciers.

Ireland is filled with the mundane and the magical, and it is a delight to be strolling down the cobblestone streets of Dublin taking in all the sights and sounds of the capital of the Irish Free State.

Rain, fog and a bit of Guinness is good for the soul, or so they tell me - for everything slows down and you are forced to be here now and make the best of it.

👉 Head to my blog (link in bio) to read my latest post: Vacation 🍀

These roasted stuffed peppers are filled with sautéed vegetables like onions, corn, zucchini, tomatoes, scallions, and cilantro, enhanced with quinoa and Monterey Jack cheese for heartiness.

They offer a deliciously summery flavor, appealing to both meat-eaters and vegetarians. The recipe is versatile, allowing for different vegetables, spices, grains, and cheeses to taste!

👩‍🍳 Head to my blog (link in bio) for the recipe!

Let's talk about the journey of becoming the best versions of ourselves 🌟

👣 Every Step Counts: Remember, progress isn't always about huge leaps; it's about the small steps, the daily choices, and the commitment to your growth. Celebrate each stride, for they pave the way to the extraordinary.

🌱 Embrace Imperfection: Perfection is an illusion; growth happens in the messy, imperfect moments. Don't fear mistakes; they are the stepping stones to wisdom and resilience.

💪 Rise from Challenges: Life's challenges aren't roadblocks; they are opportunities to discover your strength. With each challenge, you have the chance to rise, stronger and wiser than before.

🔍 Self-Reflection is Key: Take time to look within. Understand your values, dreams, and fears. Self-reflection is the compass guiding you towards authenticity and purpose.

🎨 You Are a Work of Art: Just like a masterpiece takes time, so does the creation of a better you. Embrace the process, the highs, the lows, and the intricate details that make you uniquely you.

🌈 Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Your journey is a collection of moments, big and small. Celebrate your progress; it's a testament to your commitment, resilience, and the incredible potential within you.

🌻 Choose Self-Love: Amidst the hustle for improvement, remember to love yourself. You are worthy of love and kindness, especially from the person in the mirror.

To all the beautiful souls on this journey, keep going. Embrace the growth, savor the lessons, and revel in the beauty of becoming. If you need additional support, head to my link in bio to book an appointment 💖🌟

Stay motivated by setting specific, achievable goals that align with your values and aspirations. Break them down into smaller tasks to make progress more manageable. Stay organized by creating to-do lists or using a planner to track your progress. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to maintain momentum and boost your confidence. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage and inspire you to keep pushing forward. Remember, success is a journey, and staying motivated is key to reaching your destination.

We are definitely living in interesting times. For our own selves, as well as our country and the world, there seems to be no clean and clear message about beginnings or endings.

We are always in the middle of things, slipping between past, present and future, partly in harmony, many times in confusion, being reminded that opposing ideas and thoughts can be true.

There are murmurings and undercurrents of chaos, as flickers of the new are continuously emerging. Shift is happening and the emotional clarity we desire seems unattainable.

👉 Head to my blog (link in bio) to read my latest post: You Are the Magic in Manifestation🕯️

Cook up this classic sauce in one pan, then toss with spaghetti for a simple midweek meal. It's budget-friendly, too, making it a great meal for the family.

Spaghetti puttanesca is a robust Italian pasta dish known for its bold and savory flavors. Originating from Naples, it typically features a sauce made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and chili peppers, all sautéed in olive oil.

This combination creates a pungent and slightly spicy dish that is both satisfying and aromatic. The name "puttanesca" is said to reflect the quick and straightforward preparation, making it an ideal choice for a hearty, flavorful meal that can be made in a pinch.

👩‍🍳 Head to my blog (link in bio) for the recipe!

I offer compassionate, attentive care. I see you. I hear you. I celebrate your journey. As an experienced clinician, I support patients as they come home to themselves, reconnecting the mind, body and spirit.

This is my greatest passion: to serve as a facilitator, navigator and coach as you transcend old patterns and come into alignment with your best self. Are you ready to choose your Self and celebrate your gifts? Are you ready to manifest your Authentic Self that is abundant with health and vitality?

Commit to being present and living your life with intention. Schedule an appointment today and begin to step into your power of self-directed practical magic ✨

Here are five powerful ways to unlock your full potential:

Embrace a Growth Mindset 📈
Believe in your ability to grow and improve. Challenges are opportunities to learn and evolve.

Practice Mindfulness Daily 🧘‍♀️
Take a few moments each day to be present. Mindfulness reduces stress and enhances focus.

Set Clear Goals for Yourself 🥅
Define what you want to achieve and create a roadmap. Clear goals give you direction and motivation.

Cultivate Meaningful Relationships 🤝
Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Strong relationships provide encouragement and perspective.

Practice Self-Compassion 💖
Be kind to yourself. Accept your imperfections and treat yourself with the same love and understanding you offer to others.

It's important to engage in activities that fill your cup because self-care isn't selfish; it's essential!! When you prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, you replenish your energy reserves, boost your mood, and enhance your overall well-being.

Whether it's spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, pursuing a hobby, or simply resting, these activities rejuvenate you, enabling you to show up as your best self for others. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup, so prioritize self-care and watch how it transforms your life. 💫

My mini summer sabbatical is underway and it seems I am not well practiced in the “being mode” versus “doing mode”.

Despite having a daily practice of meditation and qigong, there is still evidence of ‘busy-ness’ that feels hardwired in my brain. It is a very humbling reckoning!!

The escape to the shoreline of Connecticut offered me glimpses of emotions, dreams, and memories, all waiting to be seen, heard, and acknowledged ‘when there was time’.

So I am grateful for the opportunity to choose to listen to the whispers of ‘if not now, when?’ and I encourage all of you to consider the same.

👉 Head to my blog (link in bio) to read my latest post: Hope in the Time of Overwhelm 🌻

Throw together this easy, no-cook lentil and tuna salad for a speedy and healthy lunch or supper. It takes just 15 minutes to make – ideal for busy days.

Tuna is a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, promoting heart health, brain function, and muscle repair.

Lentils are packed with fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates, supporting digestive health, blood sugar control, and sustained energy levels.

Together, these nutrient-dense foods provide a delicious and satisfying meal that nourishes the body and supports overall well-being.

👩‍🍳 Head to my blog (link in bio) for the recipe!

Neuroscience research indicates that between 5-10% of everything we do is conscious. Yes, that means how we engage in the world and with each other and how we utilize our filters for taking in information is only 5-10% conscious. Does that surprise you? This data also means that between 90-95% of everything we experience every day is UNCONSCIOUS. We go through our daily life on auto-pilot, using patterns of thought and action built into our brain from early childhood experiences up until today and we are pretty much unaware of that background chatter. Imagine this: you are operating with a system built to run in the background, and you’ve not really considered an update, an upgrade or a total overhaul. It’s like using a computer from 1997 in the current year of 2023. Imagine that!!!

By working with all parts of you – your conscious mind, your unconscious mind, along with your physical body and nervous system – we can go deeper and create lasting changes to support your life journey. It is possible to learn how to interrupt the patterns in our brains and rewire the old habitual thoughts (neural networks) to create supportive thought patterns.

Head to my link in bio to book an appointment.

The Summer Solstice ☀️ officially arrived on Thursday June 20 at 4:50 pm EDT, with a reminder to celebrate the nourishing light of the Sun that sparks within each of us. I had the privilege of walking along the Connecticut shoreline as the first glimpses of sunlight streamed into the sky.

Most of my early morning was spent in quiet reflection, listening to the birds sing as the waves gently arrived on the sandy beach. My rescue dog Amber exhibited Solstice exuberance, leaping, frolicking, and rolling in the clover-filled grass.

The yang energy of movement and heart-centered joy filled the day. How did you celebrate the “longest day of the year”?

👉 Head to my blog (link in bio) to read my latest post: Summer Solstice & The Facts of Life ☀️

This healthy riff on lasagna rolls uses strips of zucchini instead of lasagna noodles for a vegetable-packed dinner that’s fun for the whole family. This is a great recipe for kids to help make—let them get their hands dirty rolling the zucchini ribbons with the cheesy filling.

Zucchini is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestion, heart health, and weight management.

Smoked mozzarella provides protein and calcium for muscle repair and bone health, while adding a rich, savory flavor to the dish.

Spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting eye health, immune function, and overall well-being.

Marinara sauce, made with tomatoes and herbs, offers antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting heart health, immune function, and reducing inflammation.

Together, these ingredients create a satisfying and nourishing meal that is both delicious and beneficial for the body.

👩‍🍳 Head to my blog (link in bio) for the recipe!

Morning has broken … blessings abound as we make our way towards the Solstice celebration

According to TCM principles, castor oil packs can harmonize the body's energy and support overall well-being in several ways:

🌟 Balancing Qi: Castor oil packs help to unblock stagnant Qi (vital energy) and promote the smooth flow of energy throughout the body's meridian channels.

🌟 Harmonizing the Liver: In TCM, the liver plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and harmony within the body. Castor oil packs applied over the liver area can help to regulate liver function, clear heat, and soothe liver Qi stagnation.

🌟 Supporting Detoxification: TCM teaches that the body's detoxification pathways, including the liver, kidneys, and intestines, must be in optimal condition for vibrant health. Castor oil packs aid in detoxification by encouraging the elimination of toxins and waste from the body.

🌟 Nourishing Blood and Yin: Castor oil is believed to have a nourishing and moistening effect on the blood and Yin (the body's cooling, nourishing, and moistening energy). This can help to alleviate dryness, promote circulation, and support overall vitality.

Experience the transformative benefits of castor oil packs. Head to the link in bio to start your wellness journey today! 🧡

What an extraordinary cycle of sunny days and moderate temperatures this past week in the Sound Shore area! We are counting the days until the Summer solstice, which occurs on Thursday, June 20 at 4:50 pm EDT, marking the astronomical first day of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

This week’s focus is on the theme of COURAGE and the way it shows up in our lives. Courage is a word often reserved for soldiers, police officers or firefighters.

Yet nearly every day, in both our personal and professional lives, we have the opportunity to face our fears and do something courageous.

👉 Head to my blog (link in bio) to read my latest post: Courage is Heart-Centered ❤️

The dressing for this vegan black bean salad gets its creaminess from blended avocado. Any mix of salad greens will work well, but try arugula if you want to give this hearty salad a peppery kick. The ingredients in this salad offer a plethora of health benefits:

🧅 Red onion provides fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, supporting digestive health and immune function.

🥑 Avocado is rich in healthy fats, potassium, and vitamins, promoting heart health, satiety, and skin health.

🌿 Cilantro offers vitamins, minerals, and detoxifying properties, supporting digestion and liver function.

🍋‍🟩 Lime juice provides vitamin C and antioxidants, aiding in immune support and collagen production.

🫒 Extra-virgin olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory properties.

🧄 Garlic adds flavor and immune-boosting compounds, while salt helps balance electrolytes and enhances taste.

🥗 Mixed salad greens offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting overall health and digestion.

🌽 Corn provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestive health and energy production.

🍅 Grape tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting heart health and immune function.

🫘 Black beans offer plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting muscle repair, blood sugar regulation, and satiety.

Together, these ingredients create a vibrant and nutrient-dense salad that nourishes the body and delights the senses.

👩‍🍳 Head to my blog (link in bio) for the recipe!

Mindfulness isn't just a practice; it's a path to profound transformation. When we commit to being present in each moment, we open the door to a life filled with clarity, peace, and purpose. By cultivating mindfulness daily, we learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing us to respond to life's challenges with greater wisdom and compassion. This simple yet powerful practice can help us break free from the grip of stress, anxiety, and distraction, enabling us to live more fully and authentically ✨

Head to my link in bio to learn more about how I can support you in living your best life.

June has arrived with the promise of Summer not far behind. There is a flurry of activities as the school year winds down and the scent of sunscreen and peonies catches on the breeze.

We are also amidst potent astrological conjunctions in this season of Gemini, and the message is clear: be aware of the insights and intentions to make the world a better place by choosing to work together.

The New Moon in Gemini commenced on Thursday June 6 at 8:37 a.m. EDT. New moons mark the beginning of the lunar cycle, offering a fresh start and this new moon in Gemini is a marvelous time to set intentions and manifest.

Opportunities will feel limitless because there are more invitations to experiment and switch paths, to embrace a new game plan as we imagine “suppose and what if.”

Our minds will be open, allowing us to communicate our innermost sentiments, and talking about what matters out loud will offer us the chance to tend to our wounds and release our trauma.

👉 Head to my blog (link in bio) to read my latest post: Authentic Awareness is the Key 🔑

Cut some carbs and use spiralized zucchini in place of noodles in this zesty pesto pasta dish recipe. Top with Cajun-seasoned shrimp to complete this quick and easy dinner.

Zucchini, avocado, pesto, and shrimp offer a delectable fusion of flavors and a host of health benefits. Zucchini is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestion, heart health, and weight management.

Avocado provides healthy fats, potassium, and vitamins, promoting skin health, satiety, and brain function.

Pesto, made with basil, pine nuts, and olive oil, offers antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting immune function and reducing inflammation.

Shrimp is a lean source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium, supporting muscle repair, heart health, and immune function.

Together, these ingredients create a nutritious and delicious meal that nourishes the body and satisfies the palate.

👩‍🍳 Head to my blog (link in bio) for the recipe!