Tucson Community Acupuncture

Me: puts in first needle on Funny New Patient

Funny New Patient: “I knew I’d get acupuncture at some point”
🤣🤣🤣

I tried to get a good shot with my phone but this is all I could do. It’s about peak in Tucson. Looks more like the Eye of Sauron from this shot. Hide, Mr. Frodo!

Happy Eclipse everyone!

What’s the one question we hear more often than any other here at TCA?

“So, are you guys able to needle yourselves?”

Never!

That’s way unsafe.

While not speaking for the others, I personally find it much safer to have my sweet girl Cheenie Poonie take care of me.

It’s totally legal for dogs to needle people in Arizona. Google it.

Every dog acupuncturist has their own style and Cheenie is no different. She tends to use A LOT of needles(108 this time), though she assures me her treatment principles are solid:

-Tonify urge to walk at 5:3Oam(large intestine time on the Chinese Organ Clock)

-Support my compulsive need to feed her extra treats

-forget to bathe her

-subliminally encourage us to adopt another dog, as she wants an new bark buddy since her older brother transitioned 14 months ago(we love you, Chewie! Keep on visiting our dreams!☺️🙏)

And she’s helping my knee continue to recover from surgery. She’s great at trigger point dry needling, one of the first dogs I’m AZ to be credentialed in the specialized technique.

Way before the Physical Therapists were fumbling through IC9 codes, Cheenie was working in the trenches, alleviating headache from local point releases at the upper trapezius muscle, also known as GB 21; crushing knee pain with vastus medialis, also known as SP 10; and dropping canes left and right with a few well placed needles at Quadratus Lumborum/ BL 23, and knocking out pseudo-sciatica with chicken claw technique at Glutes Minimus/GB 29

Cheenie excels at finding local areas of muscular bracing, protection and contraction, helping folks relax into the experience, painlessly generating the local twitch response, making wave after wave of tense tight tissues release and lengthen in a variety of muscles that are involved in occasionally causing my patella to mistrack, making my gait more challenging:

-re**us femoris,
-vastus lateralis,
-vastus medialis,
-tensor fascia lata,
-the iliotibial band,
-and a host of points I’m convinced she’s doing just because she’s entertained by it!

You sadist, Cheenie! Who taught you to needle that way?!

I learned it by watching, you Dad!!!

In any case, I think it’s helping, and I’m coming along, and getting better one step at a time. ☺️

Here are some pics of tonight‘s session with some glamour shots of our lady Cheenie.

She’s a beauty.

Peace, Tucson. It’s windy and I’m happy.

“The wind is the cause of a thousand appointments”.

-Qi Bo, The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic

CLINIC UPDATE:

Larry is still working hard on his post surgery recovery. We were a little eager to get him back on the schedule for 2/22/24. To make sure Larry is ready and confident with his knee stability, we are moving his first day back to clinic for 2/26/24. He will be seeing fewer patients and hour, so please give us a call to schedule those appointments @ 520.881.1887 , or you can schedule through our online scheduler at the following link below:

https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/12zlx2hv/

Here at TCA we want to remind our patients that allergy session is approaching. The beautiful flower below is from one of our staff member's front yard. Just look at all that pollen! Acupuncture is a great way to relieve some of those nasty allergy symptoms. We're here to keep your Spring happy, and help ward of pollen problems.

Stay well acupuncture lovers!
TCA Crew

An update to our clinic community from Larry:

Hey folks. As many of you know I’ll be out of action until the end of the month to recover from a planned surgery. I had a revision of a previous reconstructive surgery on my right knee, specifically the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) with additional repair of my medial meniscus.

I had initially tore the ACL playing college football back in 1996 on the turf at Southern Connecticut State University, 6 days after my 21st birthday. 🎉

The surgery that followed was not effective and I’ve lived with the limitations in activities since. Mind you, I’ve managed to keep quite active, loving to run, dance, yoga asana practice, hike, bike and all that. It’s just that certain sports and the required movements are totally off the table due to the instability of that torn ligament. Pickup basketball, soccer, regular old horsing around- all had to go lest I risk a major knee blowout. And after a few of those over the years I just settled into not doing those things any longer, which was fine. 10 mile courses through the morning desert, all night ecstatic dances and walking mindfully through the woods were, for me, not a sacrifice, but a soul expression and deeply nourishing.

And yet more recently I stepped awkwardly at clinic a couple times and almost fell. It gave out and I went sprawling into a wall. Stability has always been the issue, not pain. Well, pain happens a bit after a little blow out like those. And then the pain of sadness that can accompany a physical limitation.

But after this past occurrence it occurred to me that maybe I want to see if it could be revised and repaired. A crazy thought, yes, because after the first experience and how painful and disappointing it was in all ways, I was 💯 never going to do it again. Like, NEVER.

But something got into me. I felt an inspiration of sorts, to challenge this ‘truth’ and be curious about some new possibilities.

Joining a martial arts studio(Rising Phoenix) was a step in that direction. That is also something I would never do….because of my knee. But I decided to just speak with the instructor and get his sense of it. He encouraged me to do what I could and that no one would pressure me to do otherwise. I’d just have to protect myself from myself, it seemed! Not do what is dangerous to me, and I full well know what those things are.

And I loved it! To be in a supportive, engaging learning environment is about my favorite thing ever - and this was that, with punching and kicking and friendly faces. I kept my knee as safe as I could , communicated with my practice partners what my needs were, and was met with encouragement and respect. I felt home!

And this only further fueled my desire to see about my knee. I went and made an appointment with Dr Todd Tucker at the Tucson Orthopedic Institute, a facility we’ve see many folks through, both patients and staff (especially you nurses, much love! I even saw one of you yesterday pre-op).

Dr Tucker helped me understand the risks and benefits. A funny guy whose humor is on the wet side of dry, he was pleased to discover via X-rays that my knees have no arthritis, a necessary precondition of ACL revision reconstruction.

And we booked the surgery.

And that was yesterday.

And it went fantastic.

He thought maybe 2 hours, maybe have to remove old hardware. Lots of “McGyver’ing” according to him.

And while he did use a pack of chewing gum, dental floss and an old bottle cap, it was less eventful that he was preparred for.

The surgery was just over an hour.

And so here I am, lying on my sofa, cat in my lap, dog at my feet, 5 # bag tater tots on my knee for swelling reduction, and a heart filled with gratitude, contentment and love.

I’m so grateful for all the support I have this time around, support that wasn’t there so much as a scared, mostly alone, 21 year old kid- family; a loving partner and children that want to help and support me; friends to drop in and say hi and bring some munch; a quiet home; a supportive work place; amazing colleagues, coworkers and staff and a killer business partner; specific remedies and approaches from those aforementioned healing professionals and colleagues; a best friend thats been there for me always; wonderful clients and patients that inspire me directly through their hearts and encouraging words(and occasional nourishing meals!); my knowledge of the science around the function of pain and inflammation through the acute phases of healing; unlimited acupuncture; an incredible surgeon and support team at TOI; my furry babies; my sense of connection with my ancestors and those in spirit; a wonderful adopted Granny, and a deep desire to heal.

So here it is: I love you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to coming back to hugs and laughter, to joys and tears.

I start physical therapy with a guy I felt a resonate connection with over at Contact Physical Therapy next Friday, about an hour after my first surgical post-op appointment with Dr Tucker. I know he’ll be excited when we meet, because in talking with PT gentleman (whose name is Keith, which also makes me feel aglow) it seems Tucker and him used to work hand in hand clinically for many years and still play some racquetball together. That felt reassuring to discover 18 hours before the surgery.

And that’s that! Here are some pics of our sweet kitty Bashi, who has sat here patiently waiting for me to finish this post, his chin resting on my wrists. He’s a good grandson. 🐱

Then there’s old Cheenie girl at my feet. When I called her to turn her head for a photo she rushed me and gave me big kissies, so sweet!

Thanks for reading all this and we’ll keep you posted. I’m tired and gonna close my eyes.

Oh yeah- green light is especially helpful for headache. I don’t have a headache, though in aligning with the emerging energy of the Wood Elemental Phase which is associated with vision as well as the season Spring, the eyes, the color green, the health of ligaments and tendons, movement of qi and blood during trauma/surgery- I scored some
Green glasses from Aqua Vitae. I like em!

Thanks, gang . Much love, get your acupuncture and say hi to the smiles and tiles there for me. 🙂🙏

Yang and Yin.

The sunny side and shady side of a hill.

Same hill, same earth.

Different expression.

Activity and Rest

Day and Night

Sun and Moon

Summer and Winter

Waking and Sleeping

Doing and Being

World and Acupuncture

Our Sagely Acupucture Yoda is getting ready for the Holiday Season. We have gift certificates available for purchase. Our salves also make great stocking stuffers, or good-small gifts for friends🎁
Give us a call at:
(520) 881-1887
- for any gift inquiries, as well as appointments for youself to beat the holiday stressors.

We are OK. 😅 (IYKYK see below)

On a more serious note, we don't get to say it enough but we are extremely grateful for all of you and feel extremely honored to be here for the community through thick and thin. So, thank you everyone!

Friday and Saturday hours with Keith 9-2 this weekend, Greg is on Sunday 9-4. Come on in for some rejuvenating needle naps.

Happy Halloween 🎃
We had an un-happy camper come in for some acupuncture today. He wasn't very talkative to say the least.

Cat pic’ Wednesday!

Saw this handsome fella at The Hermitage Cat Shelter. 😻😻😻

Just hanging out with his tongue out. 😊

He was kind enough to strike this purr-fect pose. 🤩📸

Here is a short read that popped up in my google alerts for acupuncture. I could hear echoes of the patient who was interviewed in how folks have received benefits here and at other acupuncture spaces: pain relief, stress abatement, medication reduction, gratitude, interpersonal connection, personal empowerment, hope and relief.

Cheers to That! 😊🍻😊

Albuquerque Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine patient talks treatment “I can’t imagine life without it. You know, that’s the honest truth.” That’s Barbara Thomason, sharing her story about how acupuncture has helped rid her of her recent…

Laying comfortably in a cozy recliner, surrounded by good and kind folks of diverse background and expression, rain pattering audibly through a well ventilated room, thunder grumbling having been away longer than wanted.

The smell of creosote wanders into the room. A soft, light blanket tucks them in as they let down all their troubles just for this one moment, leaning into the deep restorative goodness within and around.

May the rainfall bless us in our triumphs and trials. Many wishes of peace, ease and comfort for all.

⛈️☔️🌈⛅️🌞⛅️🌈☔️⛈️

Hello, folks! One of the best ways you can help our mission to help others and reach out to new communities is to write a Google review.

Would you mind taking a few minutes to share your experience of acupuncture at TCA?

It’s surprising how much a good review can get the word out about a business. Letting others in on the restorative and healing effects of acupuncture can really help us while also creating the opportunity for others to discover our services.

Thanks for considering and best wishes!

Tucson Community Acupuncture would love your feedback Post a review to our profile on Google

Ok, so it’s a bit late. Yet Tucson Community Acupuncture turned 15 this past week.

15! Woo hoo!

This flier is from our Grand Opening event back in ‘08. A time when Larry had more hair on his face and Keith had more on his head. It was a grand success and we continue to feel blessed to serve, soothe and support all those that come through our door.

Many folks have received care here over the years. We are grateful to still be here and with your help, trust we’ll be here for many more.

Cheers, health and wealth,

Team TCA

Glimmering like the precious gems that we all are. Shine on you crazy diamonds!

Patient just sent us this and said it reminds her of what she feels at the clinic! We hope so🌈 it’s what we strive for!

Acupuncture Lovers 🥰, Get ahead of your allergies👊. The season's upon us, it's that time of year. Spring has sprung🤬...It's allergy season 🤧🤧🤧in Tucson YUCK🤢🤮 !
The beautiful colors of spring are here, come into clinic for your allergy related symptoms. We are here Everyday of the week 😇 to help you through all your 😒'lovely'🙄 plant pollen problems 🌼🌻💐.

We’re not trying to egg you on or any other kind of bunny business. Though if you’re feeling a lack of spring in your step, hop on in. We’re open regular hours today. 🐰🥚

🌼What did the tree🌳say during springtime🤔🌻?

🌼"Well this is a re-leaf" 😂😉

🌼With allergy season about 🤧, acupuncture is a great way to seek 're-leaf' from those pesky allergy symptoms😌. If you're feeling the season shift, give us a call @ 520-881-887 for an appointment.

🌼Clinic update🌼: Larry will be out of clinic this Monday March 27th, fret not - Greg will be here needling in his place from 9am-1pm this coming Monday.

I found this Leprechaun under a rainbow 15 years ago and he’s been a pot-of-gold in my life ever since!🌈

Someone once said that where one’s treasure is, there one’s heart is also. ❤️🏆

My heart resides within the treasured space of dependable and trust based friendships. ❤️🙏

Cheers to another 15 Lucky Years! 🍀🍻

Larry, Laery, Laerie,
On what educational training adventure are you off to now???

I’m out in Salt Lake City training in The Wheel of Consent. 🛞

What the heck is that??

It’s a practice and paradigm whereby two or more people take turns asking for what they want in a structured and careful way using touch, being clear in who’s doing, who is the action being done to and who is it for.

Why is that important? Isn’t consent just permission to do something?

Well, in part it is. But that’s a limited way of understanding consent. And without getting into the more nuanced dynamics around how we arrive together in agreement with clarity on those dynamics, agreements tend to be murky and unclear at best, inappropriate and potentially criminal at worst, particularly when it comes to touch.

Ok, cool. But what does that have to do with acupuncture??

Good question. I’ve trained a bunch in trauma, addiction and persisting pain, delving into individual work with folks to help mitigate suffering. In discovering The Wheel of Consent, I’ve noticed a strong connection between all those realms in that folks don’t know how to ask for what they want or say no to what they don’t want. And learning how to parse out the dynamics of asking for what we want or even noticing what we want, and what we’re truly willing to allow or do, whether that’s alone time in the mountains, to ask someone to drive us to the airport or rub our back or to allow someone access to our things or body or not, we have to have a strong sense of our limits and our boundaries. This can and is often a huge part of healing persisting pain, recovering from addiction and trauma responses. And it opens a whole new world of possibility, fun and exploration that feels safe and exciting.

Huh. Well, that sounds cool and I’d like to know more about it sometime. When will you be back in town.

I’ll be back Tuesday the 14th. Until then, the other folx at TCA are holding down the fort. Call the desk if you wanna come in and are unclear who’s working when.

Ok, take more pictures!

Ok. See you soon. ❤️❤️❤️

Walkin’ my sweet, stinky Cheenie Poonie in a Winter Wonderland!

Growing up East Coast, I forget how the snow makes for a certain hush, absorbing the vibration of sound into the relative stillness of water lying restful and blanketing the ground.

Listen, the snow melts!

The Earth celebrates and cheers

The warmth of the roof.

We’re open regular hours today, 9am -7pm.

🌸🌻👩‍🌾❤️☕️🥖🎶🥗🤭

The Five Element system in ancient Chinese thought is a tool for categorizing phenomena as well as finding patterns of connection between phenomena.

This allows us to understand the world around us, find and keep to balance, the Tao.

For instance, the Water Element is associated with cold, fear, the kidneys, the parasympathetic nervous system, specifically the dorsal vagal branch of the parasympathetic nervous system.

The dorsal vagus nerve is what controls and maintains organ functions below the diaphragm spontaneously, naturally and intelligently.

When we drop into that deep, low, buzzy, humming, wordless, vibratory state in acupuncture, we are deep in the waters of dorsal vagus functioning.

Accessing this state is a most necessary feature of human health and well-being.

Here, food is digested and assimilated.

The micro biome of the gut moves towards balance.

Serotonin is produced.

Immune cells blossom.

Deeply intuitive experiences can manifest. Often we’ll see colors swirling and whirling in our minds eye.

Some folks sense the presence of ancestors and loved ones in this space.

Wisdom rises from the Water Element. When balanced, Water and Fire are in harmony.

We feel nourished and protected and thus can feel safe and connected.

Stay warm today, ok?

Find a fire.

Seek a friend.

The spring is on its way.

Soon spring comes forth dancing,

And Wood comes out to play.

🌊🌳🔥🙂