Put a Needle Where Your Money Is

According to Money Magazine and Hewitt Associates, the 2009 flexible spending account that you didn't fully use may still be available until March 15th.  Acupuncture just might be on the list of qualifying expenses, so its worth looking into.  Ask your human resources department if an extension exists for you.

Year of the Tiger

February 14th calls for a double celebration this year!  As we honor the sweet ones in our lives, we can also welcome Chinese New Year- the year of the Tiger.  The Tiger represents courage, honesty, strength, patience and at times, unpredictability.  According to Chinese astrology, 2010 will be a year focused on family, hard work and wealth. 

Chinese New Year starts on the new moon of the new year, and ends on the full moon 15 days later.  The new year is celebrated all 15 days, and it is believed that whatever you bring into the new year during those 15 days will stay with you the rest of the year.  One should stay positive and refrain from arguments, and it's a good time to spend with family.  Traditionally people clean out their homes before the new year, decluttering to allow the free flow of energy to circulate and improve Feng Shui.  It's also good luck to eat long noodles for a long life, and mandarins for wealth. 

Happy New Year!  Wishing you health and prosperity.

Word of Mouth-Dr Maoshing Ni

Words of wisdom from my former teacher, Dr. Maoshing Ni - author, and cofounder of Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine:

"There is an old Chinese saying:  Most disease comes from things that enter the mouth, most trouble comes from words that leave it.  The first part is easy to understand:  eat wholesome, natural food and you'll have a healthy body and a clear mind.  But how many people take as much care with their thoughts before they emerge as words?  Most of us have experienced regret for things we have said or did not say.  Be honest when you convey your feelings, be kind when you criticize something or someone, be positive when expressing your ideas, be receptive when hearing criticism, and be humble on the subject of your own virtues.  By wise management of the food that enters your body and the words that leave your mouth, you will have physical vitality and peace in your heart." (Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100.)

Acupuncture Tubes=Jewelry!

Thanks to Alix Mikesell, the talented silversmith behind Alix Mikesell Design, my discarded acupuncture guide tubes live on in beautiful, one-of-a-kind bracelets and earrings.  Alix specializes in reuse, creating fun jewelry from such disparate materials as swizzle sticks, Formica samples, smashed headlights and old bicycle chains.  For her Longevity line, she stuffs acupuncture tubes with turf grass, glass beads, paper, crystals, and other inconsequential materials, then caps the tubes with pieces of used bamboo place mats.  The results are lovely. Check out the full Longevity line, and be sure to browse the rest of her wares.