Community Zen Acupuncture

12/19/2025

Here's a feel-good story for the season. (I didn't write it.)

The Red Scarf
The winter of 2012 was particularly bitter, and for Sarah, a single mother working two jobs, the "Christmas Spirit" felt like a luxury she couldn't afford. Between the rising heating bills and the cost of winter boots for her growing son, Leo, there was nothing left for a tree, let alone gifts.

On a Tuesday evening, just days before Christmas, Sarah was waiting for the bus in a swirling snowstorm. She noticed an elderly man sitting on the bench, shivering. He wore a thin windbreaker and no gloves. Without thinking, Sarah unwrapped the thick, hand-knitted red scarf from her own neck—a gift from her late grandmother—and draped it around the man.

"You need this more than I do, sir," she whispered. The man looked up with misty eyes, squeezed her hand, and simply said, "Kindness is the only thing that doesn't freeze."

The next morning, Sarah arrived at her shift at the local diner to find an envelope with her name on it. Inside was a $500 tip on a $10 coffee tab from a "Secret Santa," and a small, handwritten note:

"My father came home last night wearing a red scarf and a smile I hadn't seen since my mother passed. Thank you for keeping his heart warm. Merry Christmas."

That year, Sarah and Leo didn't just have a tree; they had a reminder that when you give what little you have, the universe has a way of making sure you have everything you need.

Enjoy the holiday!

12/17/2025

Come visit us in Commack, NY!

12/12/2025

Cinnamon, Walnuts, and Go Ji Zi Bread - From Mayway.com

https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/spring-recipe-cinnamon-walnuts-gou-qi-zi-bread

Here’s a great-tasting holiday bread that’s also nourishing. Cinnamon bark warms the active energy of the body. It promotes circulation and strengthens the blood. Walnut warms and benefits the Lungs and Kidneys, while benefiting the back and knees. They’re also great for the brain, and moisten the intestines to unblock the bowels. Goji berries are very nourishing and rich in vitamins and minerals. They also promote energy and brighten the eyes.

Makes 3 loaves.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups milk (or non-dairy substitute)

2 packages (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

1 cup warm water (must be between 110-115 degrees for the yeast)

3 eggs

1 1/4 cup sugar divided (raw or coconut sugar)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for dough

1 cup Gou Qi Zi/Goji Berries/Wolfberries

3/4 cup chopped Hu Tao Ren/Walnuts

8 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons milk to moisten dough (or non-dairy substitute)

3 tablespoons ground Rou Gui/Cinnamon bark

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted to brush on top

DIRECTIONS:

1 - Warm the milk in a small saucepan on the stove until it just starts to bubble, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat. Let cool til lukewarm.

2 - Dissolve yeast in warm water (must be between 110-115 degrees or the yeast won't activate) and set aside until yeast is frothy, about 10 minutes or so. Then mix in eggs, ½ cup sugar, butter, salt, walnuts, and Gou Qi Zi berries. Stir in the cooled milk slowly so you don't cook the eggs. Add the flour gradually to make a stiff dough.

3 - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes til smooth. Place in a large buttered mixing bowl and turn to grease the surface of the dough. Cover with a warm, damp cloth and let rise in a warm area. (Try putting it in the oven with just the light on for the right amount of heat and to keep the dough out of drafts.) Allow to rise until doubled, usually about 1 1/2 hours.

4 - Roll out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle 1/2 inch thick. Moisten the dough with 2 tablespoons of milk and rub all over the dough with your hands. Then mix ¾ cup sugar and the cinnamon and sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of the moistened dough.

5 - Roll up tightly (the long way). The roll should be about 3 inches in diameter. Cut into thirds, and tuck the ends in and pinch the bottom together. Place loaves into well-greased (coconut oil or butter) 9 x 5-inch pans and lightly grease the tops of the loaves. Let it rise again in a warm area uncovered for about an hour.

6 - Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until loaves are lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter. Let them cool on a rack for about 20 minutes, then lay the loaves on their sides and remove them from the pans. Allow to cool before slicing.

Shared by Laura Stropes LAc on MayWay.com

12/10/2025

Experience Community Acupuncture this Holiday Season.

Never a better time to start.

12/05/2025

Down Shift Into Winter - A Short Qi Gong Exercise.

https://www.communityzenacupuncture.com/post/down-shift-into-winter-a-short-qi-gong-exercise

We now find ourselves moving from fall, into winter. In terms of five elemental theory, that’s moving from the “metal” element (fall), into the “water” element (winter). Or in terms of yin and yang theory, from partial yin (yin within yang), to the most full yin time of year (yin within yi...

12/03/2025

11/28/2025

This time of year, it’s important to support your immune system. With holiday stress and seasonal colds and flu, the formula is primed to knock you out for a few days. What's your secret weapon? Some supplements and practices to keep your immune system strong. (Your immune system is like a fence that keeps the baddies out).

Vitamin C, Elderberry, Zinc, and Vitamin D are essential for healthy immunity.

Taking care of your gut is important too, with ginger, pre-, and probiotics.

Wellness practices like exercise, proper sleep, and acupuncture help counter the effects of stress. (Chronic stress weakens the immune system)

More than anything, take care of yourself and try to enjoy the season. It comes and goes so quickly; try to show up fully and be present, for your own benefit.

Community Zen Acupuncture

Img from Freepik

11/26/2025

This Thanksgiving, I reflect on how much there is to be grateful for. On that list, I include the beauty of nature on earth, the vastness of space and all creation, and the preciousness of our short time in this world.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Image source - YouTube

11/21/2025

Tummy Trouble Savior: The Power of Curing Pills (Kang Ning Wan)
The holidays are here. That means food, food, and more food. Ever wished you had a secret weapon against stomach upset, indigestion, or travel sickness?

Enter Curing Pills (Kang Ning Wan), a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula revered for its fast-acting digestive support.

Key Benefits:

Soothes Digestive Distress: This powerful herbal blend is fantastic for settling acute stomach issues like bloating, acid reflux, general indigestion, and even mild food poisoning.

Travel Companion: Keep them in your bag! Curing Pills are frequently used to manage motion sickness, nausea, and changes in diet while traveling.

Clears Dampness: In TCM terms, this formula is excellent at resolving "dampness" in the digestive system, which can manifest as bloating, stomach pain, loose stools or sluggish digestion.

Known for their small, easily swallowed pellets, Curing Pills are a staple in many TCM first aid kits. It's truly your all-in-one remedy for keeping your gut happy and balanced!

Here they are on Amazon. I am not affiliated with this vendor, purely for your convenience.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a licensed healthcare practitioner or TCM expert before starting any new herbal regimen.

https://a.co/d/fRBsRCB

package of curing pills 10 stick packs

11/19/2025

During meditation, it sometimes helps to hold in your mind a “Mantra” or short phrase repeated over and over.

It helps one keep focus, and can train new thought-habits.

11/12/2025

Thinking About Acupuncture? Here's What You Need to Know

Curious about those tiny needles? Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, is much more than just sticking pins in the skin. It’s a powerful method for helping your body balance its internal energy flow, or Qi (pronounced "chee").

How Can Acupuncture Benefit You?

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points to prompt the body's natural healing responses. The benefits go far beyond just physical pain relief:

Pain Reduction: This is what most people know it for! It's incredibly effective at relieving chronic pain, including back pain, neck tension, headaches, and joint issues.

Stress and Anxiety Relief: It triggers the release of natural pain-killing chemicals (endorphins) and helps calm the nervous system, leading to deep relaxation and improved mood. Many people fall asleep during treatment!

Better Sleep: By addressing the underlying imbalance contributing to restlessness, acupuncture can significantly improve the quality and duration of your sleep.

Digestive Support: It can help regulate the gut, reducing symptoms associated with common issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic indigestion.

Boosting Immunity: Regular treatments can strengthen your body's defenses, helping you recover faster and potentially preventing illness.

It’s a truly holistic approach, meaning it treats the root cause of your symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves. If you've been looking for a gentle, natural way to support your health and well-being, acupuncture might be the perfect next step!



image by freepik