For the Host with the Most!

If you're looking for a hostess gift for the holidays, don't forget about HeadEase!  HeadEase provides easy to use, pill free pain and stress relief.  What better way to give thanks to your party host this season?

Ginkgo Acupuncture Has Moved!

Ginkgo Acupuncture is now located in northwest Oak Park, in the boyhood home of Ernest Hemingway.  Ernest's father, Clarence Hemingway, maintained his medical practice in the same space over 100 years ago.  I feel honored to practice in a space that is rich in history and healing.  Please check out this Sun Times article.  Appointments can be made by emailing maryjane@ginkgoacupuncture.com, or by calling the new office number:  708-434-5206

Don't Forget the Gift of Health for the Holidays!

The holidays are upon us!  It's time to celebrate the joy of the season with family and friends.  Along with holiday fun can sometimes come the stress and headache of party planning, gift giving and maybe a little too much indulging.  Remember: HeadEase can help relieve stress as well as headaches!  What better gift to give the ones you love?  Keep an eye out for ideas and offers from HeadEase.  Best wishes for a pain and stress-free season!

Exciting news! HeadEase is available nationwide!

HeadEase: The Original Drug Free Alternative for Headaches

A huge thank you to Jenny Yang and Chris Guillen for a great job creating the new HeadEase videos! Please check them out on Youtube!

For more information visit http://headeaserings.com/

Introducing HeadEase®: The Original Drug Free Alternative for Headaches

I am thrilled to announce the availability of HeadEase®!  HeadEase® is a new acupressure product I developed as a drug free alternative for headaches. HeadEase® can be used easily by anyone, at anytime, to relieve head pain, including headaches, toothaches, earaches and TMJ syndrome.  It is a safe, natural, easy, effective, pill free alternative for you and your whole family.


The function of  HeadEase®  is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been used continuously for millennia.  It is based on the understanding that we have vital energy, or “Qi” that travels throughout our bodies along pathways called meridians.  When this energy is flowing freely, we experience health and well-being.  It is when this energy stagnates that we experience dis-ease and pain. The aim of acupressure is to remove energy blockages so that the body returns to a normal flow and can maintain wellness.

HeadEase® consists of two stainless steel rings that stimulate the point known as Hegu.  Hegu is the “command” point of the head and face and is useful to relieve many types of head pain.  While there are several points that can be used to treat head pain, Hegu is the “pain point” or anesthesia point, of the body and is the most effective and important point for pain anywhere in the head.  By using HeadEase® to stimulate the Hegu, you are choosing simple, pill free pain relief.  Hegu is found on the back of each hand, near the v-shaped junction of the thumb and index finger

For more information, or to purchase HeadEase®, please visit the website:  headeaserings.com

Acupuncture in the Military

The military is confirming what acupuncture patients already know:  IT WORKS!  It is wonderful that troops are offered an option to pain meds.  Check out the link:  Acupuncture Use in the Military

Luscious, Healing Black Rice Congee

This week, one of my gracious student interns delivered beautiful Chinese yams to her cohorts and to me, which inspired this delicious and medicinal congee.  For the uninitiated, congee is a thick porridge or gruel that is typically made with rice.   The ratio of rice to water is 1:6, and the cooking time is increased significantly until what results is a smooth, heartwarming bowl of goodness.  Congee is so revered in Asian cultures for its nourishing qualities that it is often the first solid food given to babies, and is the food treatment of choice for the elderly or ill.  Think of congee as the Asian equivalent of chicken noodle soup. From a Chinese medical perspective, congee reinforces the digestive system and nourishes other organs.  It is a delicious and soul-satisfying way to start the morning, especially in the fall and winter, though it can be eaten any time of day or year.   

While most recipes call for white rice, I prefer brown or black rice for their higher nutritional content and lower glycemic load.  Congee can be sweet or savory.  I made this congee with chinese yam, ginger and garlic.  Ginger and garlic are warming and used in Chinese medicine to improve digestion and treat colds and coughs.  Chinese yam is sweet and strengthens the digestive center.  Enjoy!

Black Rice Congee with Chinese Yam, Ginger and Garlic

1c black rice
6 c water
1 inch cube of fresh ginger, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
pinch of sea salt
herbs or scallions for garnish


Combine all ingredients in a pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately two hours or until the rice has broken down and a smooth consistency is achieved.  If you have a pressure cooker, reduce the time accordingly.  Add more water if necessary. That's it!  

Other common additions the rice include apples, pears, cinnamon, dates, walnuts, green onions and sesame.  Experiment and reap the nutritional rewards of this time-honored comfort food!

If you live in NYC, be sure to check out Congee Village on the LES for inspiration and tasty delights!

New Report on the Benefits of Facial Acupuncture

Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture improves your appearance and has the added benefit of whole body health improvement.

Check it out !

Benefits of Acupuncture and IVF

In the latest research from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the VU University in Amsterdam, a meta-analysis and review was conducted to determine the effects of acupuncture on pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing IVF.


After combining the results of seven trials and 1,366 women, they concluded that women who underwent acupuncture in conjunction with IVF were 65% more likely to have a successful embryo transfer compared with those who underwent a "sham" version of the treatment, or no treatment at all.