allowing them to be engaged with others and alert to their surroundings. And while it may be exhausting at times for adults (who have become more yin-like with age) to spend long days with these power houses of constant, cheerful movement, rarely do playful children evoke depressive symptoms in adults.


Playing comes naturally to children and it is as much an education for them as learning standard subjects. Play could be considered a form of unstructured learn- ing. Around the time students reach Mid- dle School, children have less opportunity to engage in play as recess is replaced by greater emphasis on structured learning. By adulthood, we have found other ways to regulate our emotional states. We have forgotten how to create fun by engaging in unstructured learning, so we either par- ticipate in an activity with a purpose, such as an athletic endeavor, or we passively disengage, such as by watching television. Whether we get up and move to clear our minds or recline in a comfy chair at the end of the day, it is clear is that our emotional states are closely connected to our physical selves. Earlier, we discussed how changing our bodies can change our mood. What are the ways in which you can create emotional change?


Own a Business? List it in ELMTM Resources!


When a patient comes to acupunc- ture seeking assistance with depression and anxiety, I will ask how that emotion manifests physically. Many patients who are new to acupuncture have a hard time answering this question never having considered how a condition of the brain could be closely connected to the body. Knowing how the emotional state affects the physical state gives the acupuncturist a clue as to the organ system that needs to be addressed. It is not uncommon to hear stories of episodic sharp pain originating at the base of the neck turning into a blinding headache among PTSD sufferers, nor is it uncommon to learn of debilitating loose stools experienced by patients with social phobia. What acupuncture can offer is a regulatory effect on the system similar to what children experience when playing.


This effect is short term giving the patient temporary relief from the symptoms that have caused them to become isolated.


Becoming aware of one’s emotions is


the fi rst step in fostering change. Awareness leads to action which brings about change. When depression feels overwhelming and lying in bed seems like the only solution, try very simply to move your body. Can you turn your daily routine into a game of play like a child? Can you reach your arms up to the sky and take in a deep breath thus opening up your lungs and creating a pose of confi dence? The gentle support of a mental health practitioner can help you create these strategies for conquering your emotional anchor. With the integration of acupuncture treatment along with therapy from a mental health clinician, the progno- sis for patients with mental health condi- tions is much greater.


Jennifer Madore is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a private practice in Waterboro Maine. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of


New England. Jennifer specializes in work- ing with adults and adolescents providing treatment through a variety of modalities including DBT and Narrative therapy. Jen- nifer is a member of Health Affi liates Maine and practices at Peck’s Family Acupunc- ture in Waterboro. She can be reached at 877.888.4304.


Jessica Peck-Lindsey is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Health and owner of Peck’s Fam- ily Acupuncture, LLC. in Waterboro, ME. Dr. Peck- Lindsey holds a Masters of


Nicolaus Bloom Health Coach


nicolausbloom.com 207.749.5952


Contact Newton Dubs at newton@elmmaine.com to learn more!


14 ELM® Maine - November/December 2019


A powerful, passion-fueled program to get your body, soul and mind fit!


Science in Pain Research, Education, and Policy from Tufts School of Medicine and is Certifi ed in Traumatic Stress Studies from the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute. With the aim of being able to better provide for patients living with pain and traumatic stress, Dr. Peck-Lindsey opened the Wellness Center at Peck’s Family Acupuncture integrating therapeutic movement, trauma-informed yoga, Reiki, Emotion Code, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and well- ness coaching along with individualized acupunc- ture and massage therapy sessions. Dr. Peck-Lind- sey can be reached at jessica@pecksfamilyacu- puncture.com. See ad on page 12.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36