Woodstock Healing Arts

TODAY! Join Ben to learn more about Zero Balancing and how the energies of life are held in the bones. Hope to see you there!

Should I get a flu shot this year? I have been asked this question more this year than ever. The answer to this question must be weighed separately from the COV...ID-19 pandemic, since the flu shot does not offer any protection from COVID-19. A discussion of Pros and Cons is often lacking when people are deciding on whether the flu shot is right for them. Because of this gap, it is not truly an informed decision. Here are some of the things I discuss with my patients. Once they have all the information, I honor their decision, one way or the other, on how they wish to proceed. Pros: 1. There is some benefit from "herd immunity" if enough people get the flu shot 2. If the strain is guessed correctly, the flu shot may decrease duration and severity of illness (caveat: the vast majority of studies are funded by vaccine manufacturers and because of issues like publication bias, where studies that don’t show benefit do not get published, it is difficult to know for certain how helpful flu shots are). Cons: 1. We don't have good studies that consistently document decrease in morbidity and/or mortality with yearly flu shots EXCEPT for elderly people in nursing home settings. This is why most Western countries do not recommend a yearly flu shot for everyone (https://vaccine-schedule.ecdc.europa.eu/Scheduler/ByDisease SelectedDiseaseId=15&SelectedCountryIdByDisease=-1) 2. Efficacy depends on guessing strains for each year and this process is known to often be incorrect. In other words, you're getting vaccinated for strains that may not be prevalent during flu season. Here is one study on efficacy that shows disappointing results and refers to previous studies with similar results: https://www.eurosurveillance.org//1560-7917.ES.2017.22.7.3 In other words, you can get a flu shot and still suffer complications and even death from the flu. 3. There are no studies that demonstrate long-term safety of getting a yearly flu shot starting in childhood and going through the entire lifespan. 4. Possible adverse effects: - Anyone with anaphylactic reaction to eggs should not get flu shots. However, other allergies to eggs such as hives can also trigger an immune response/reaction to the flu vaccine, and this should be weighed when considering flu vaccine. - Guillain Barre is a rare neurological disorder that can result from flu (or any type of) vaccination. It is usually transient but sometimes results in long-lasting adverse effects. There are multiple neurologic disorders that have been reported after flu vaccination but there is not enough evidence to definitively say one way or another whether these neurologic disorders are due to the flu shot or not: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK190013/ - Other possible adverse effects include autoimmune disease activation. Again, there are not enough high-quality studies to know whether or not flu vaccines can trigger autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis and/or trigger flairs of autoimmune disease. Here is a good resource on pros and cons: https://imcwc.com/html5-bl/influenza-vaccine-pros-and-cons/ For anyone getting a flu shot, or other vaccine, I recommend homeopathic remedies that can reduce some of the undesired effects of vaccination. These are available at most health food stores. Here is one such remedy: https://physicaenergetics.com//produc/Vaccin%252dTox..html

So glad to be a part of this amazing community!

Advice from a Emergency Room Technician

So fascinating, the human body...

Thank you, Diane

Beautiful words by the late, great John O’Donohue

This is the time of year when I once again regale you with my tale of the Acorn. And, under the circumstances, it couldn’t be more apropos. . In Traditional Chi...nese Medicine (TCM), each organ has many associations. Season, time of day, smell, sound, taste, emotion, etc. . Among these associations, the Liver is connected with Spring, when it is in its peak performance (along with its partner, Gall Bladder). . Its connected with the Wood Element, who’s nature is to move its energy upward, and outward - like a tree. . Its emotion is Anger and its action is Planning. . So you can begin to see why Cabin Fever is super legit this time of year. And now, we’re in this situation across the globe where we are literally being forced to stay in our cabin. Until way past Spring. . Some days, it may even feel like your blood is boiling - well, in TCM, liver stores the blood. . When I was studying TCM 20 years ago, I was gifted with the image of an oak tree busting out of an acorn. You can imagine, even feel it viscerally, the anger and energy it takes for a massive oak tree to emerge from a tiny acorn. And you can probably relate it to how you’re likely feeling right about now. . For the past two decades I have viewed the acorn as a Talisman of Potential and Possibility. I have them on my altars, wear one around my neck and give them as gifts painted in gold to the women who attend my annual retreat. . So this is an invitation to embrace this image, and hold on to what may be possible after this time. The Potential we each have in our own individual form. . And, if you find it helpful, there are ways you can love up your Liver, anytime: with dark leafy greens and celery juice, and if you’re experiencing a lot of frenetic energy, Sweet Potatoes are remarkably calming. . #week7 #ifeelyou #spring #liver #potential #5elementtheory #planning See more

We love the community of teachers at WHA! We miss you!! It’s such an honor to support you and the important work you do everyday shaping our future!

One sock, one no-sew face mask.

Live streaming recovery based Meditation Daily 11am and 8:30pm

Stay home. Forget about being productive for a few hours. Practice hygge and hand washing. Art by @subliming.jpg

Dr. David Alland, Director of the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Public Health Research Institute, and his colleagues have conducted the first evaluation of ...an innovative point-of-care test to detect COVID-19. Cepheid has received Emergency Use Authorization clearance of this test by the Food and Drug Administration. Test results are ready in 45 minutes, enabling decentralized testing for COVID-19 and allowing physicians to make rapid decisions about quarantine, hospital isolation and treatments. Experiments undertaken at Rutgers showed the test was able to detect even very small amounts of SARS CoV2. Learn more at: go.rutgers.edu/ohmskly9

If you're finding yourself home and bored, why not dive into self-care? We recommend this Bath and Meditation bundle from Incausa. Set the mood by burning one of the artisanal incense sticks of Breu resin, Palo Santo, White Sage, Chacrona & Jagube. There's also hand-pressed Palo Santo incense and a Palo Santo wood stick. And, to make bath time complete, a luscious and aromatic bar of vegan soap.

Please join me in this Self Care Energy Balancing movement series. A great way to wind down from the day and prepare to rest, which I am sure you need. If you're moved to donate, my Venmo is @Ben-Fleisher-1

While our space may be closed, we’re still offering digital services and will be live-streaming some of our healing techniques. Join us tonight as we stream a Self Care Energy Balancing Protocol.

Happy spring equinox! Social distancing and self-quarantine isn’t the most fun way to celebrate the first day of spring, but right now it is the most loving. If you can, get outside for a walk to connect with nature. And if that’s a no go right now, you can totally window gaze. Image via @healthline

"At many times throughout their lives, children will feel the world has turned topsy-turvy. It's not the ever-present smile that will help them feel secure. It's knowing that love can hold many feelings, including sadness, and that they can count on the... people they love to be with them until the world turns right side up again." Fred Rogers Thanks Wendy Weinrich

If you're finding yourself at home this week with work do to, here's how to make the most of it while staying focused and overcoming cabin fever.

This Monday we’re finding inspiration in the wholesome words of Fred Rogers. There are so many ways to help during moments like these, and so many ways to maintain connection and compassion during social distancing. Check on your loved ones with a phone call or donate to a food bank to ensure your community has access to hot meals. We need each other now more than ever.

In uncertain times such as these, we can gain much by relying on our trusted plant allies. This anxiety-slaying formulation from Mayanaïya Botanicals contains full-spectrum CBD, holy basil, lemon balm, ashwagandha, and reishi to release overwhelm and stress. Grab yours now in the WHA online apothecary:

Wash your hands, get enough sleep, and meditate. In other words, be vigilant while still practicing good judgment and mindfulness. According to Dr. Oz these steps together provide a balanced approach to Coronavirus’ new pandemic status.

Supporting our local BFF’s @mirasnaturals with these wonderful hand sanitizers. The formulation follows the CDC guidelines by having a base of 60% alcohol (it’s actually closer to 70%), assuring effectiveness. Fight back with this blended essential oil hand sanitizer!

Meet the women in wellness you need to know now. These ladies are innovating and changing the face of health by being authentic and embodying the change they want to see in the world.

Join WHA tonight for a free intro to our upcoming Transformational Leadership course. From 6 pm to 8 pm this evening we’ll be diving into strategies and leadership skills to build lives, businesses and organizations that resonate from their core values and support the ecosystem of their community.

Brené Brown is no stranger to vulnerability. This Monday we’re inspired by her simple reminder to connect to gratitude through being present. #womenshistorymonth

Support women in small business by picking up an Alexis Sarandon Massage Oil from our online apothecary. This blend of peppermint and cardamom in jojoba can aid in tummy troubles and can be used in a massage and on specific acupuncture points to calm digestive woes.

As we gear up for International Women’s Day on Sunday, we’re honoring the women who honor the Woodstock Healing Arts community with their gifts. We’re beyond thrilled we get to share space with this talented and vibrant group of practitionerseach of whom add their own magic to WHA. An equal world is an enabled world. #iwd2020 #eachforequal

It’s almost time to spring forward, but should we? Science has shown that the effects of daylight-savings far outweigh the benefits, and can trigger everything from disturbed sleep to stroke. Here’s what to consider before you set your clocks this weekend:

Re-mind-er today. #MyRealNameIsYou

Welcome to Women’s History Month! Each Monday this March we’ll be sharing a new quote from the powerful women who inspire us. Today we’re honored to share these wise words from @gloriasteinem reminding us to dream.

Joy. And more joy. Connect to joy this weekend with the Soul Spray Joy blend. This loving spray promotes ease, abundance, and manifestation. It contains organic natural oils of Jatamansi, gem elixirs, colloidal silver and infused with Reiki energy and crystals. Available in our online apothecary below:

Friends, today is the last day to nominate Woodstock Healing Arts for a Chronogrammie! Vote below now:

As we close out Black History Month and ready for Women’s History Month, we’re mindful of what inclusion means in wellness. This article highlights one young yogis unusual path to healing and how he plans to change the industry from the inside.

Your reality lies in this very moment alone. Not in the past, and definitely not in the future. Let these wise words from Eckhart Tolle remind you of that truth this final Monday of February.

Take a moment of self-care this weekend to soothe chapped and dry winter skin with this Chinese herb-packed Eczema Ointment from Blue Poppy. Formulated exclusively for wind damp heat eczema, this TCM salve clears heat, eliminates dampness, dispels wind, and stops itching. Available in the WHA online apothecary. Link below

When on the road to better health, how do you stick to new habits? Better yet, how do you began to build them? This article has us rethinking how we approach sticking to and building new health routines. Hint: it’s more about neuroscience and less about willpower

If you’ve ever found yourself in the caring hands of a WHA practitioner, then you know how much we believe in community. Support us back by nominating us for a Chronogrammie! There’s just 10 days left in the nomination round. Cast your vote now:

Tap into a helpers high by performing at least one random act of kindness per day. Studies now show that being kind not only impacts health for the better, but also makes you feel more connected to community and those around you.

Pause and breathe. This is your Monday afternoon reminder to be present. Whatever you find yourself in at the moment, slow it down.

Drip this sweet tincture of Damiana, Cacao, Cardamon and Hawthorn over ice cream or into a warming tea for Valentine’s Day. Perfect for romancing yourself or a loved one, Flor De Amor’s Softening Heart & Lighting the Flame is a playful formula for relaxation, intimacy, or a blissful night of sleep. Grab this treat in the Woodstock Healing Arts online apothecary below.

Wisdom is one of the greatest allies in healing. Whether that’s wisdom from how our ancestors lived or simply listening to our bodies, there’s plenty of inspiration to ground our modern lives. Native Hawaiians are taking this route and implementing ancestral techniques like ho’oponopono and indigenous farming to fight high food costs and preventable illnesses.

Join us for a lovely and full week of heart-centered wellness programming. Tomorrow, commit to yourself with the Mind Illuminated meditation course. Then, Friday, come back for a special Valentine’s Day sound bath. Links for both live here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/woodstock-healing-arts-1593266

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything going on in wellness in our quick-fix obsessed world, but it all comes down to basics at the end of the day. And, speaking of the end of the day, one timeless hack is to use that time wisely to unplug and prepare for sleep. Getting your sleep routine down is your best (and free!) bet for wellness.

Whenever we put our hands on somebody, it’s a privilege. It’s a privilege for them; it’s a privilege for us. And it’s one we take with high respect and high re...gard. It’s an honor that people will allow us to touch them and offer them an opportunity for change. Fritz Smith, MD, Zero Balancing founder See more

Is it too soon to say spring has sprung? Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring and we could not be more excited. Yes, winter is sacred and is high time for hibernation, warming foods, and deep self carebut it’s time for us to thaw ourselves and prepare to sprout anew. If January seemed endless, let this be your reminder of the approaching warm breezes, longer days, and new creativity blossoming in you. @thelesbiangaze

Catch up on sleep this weekend by dabbing on this decadently relaxing oil from Root and Resin. It’s an inviting, peaceful blend of Lavender, Valerian, Clary Sage, and Roman Chamomile in a base of jojoba oil. Find this in the WHA online apothecary linked below:

Love Woodstock Healing Arts? Then help us win a Chronogrammie! Chronogram is running a Readers Choice Awards contest where you can nominate and vote for the best of the best of Woodstock businesses. Nominate WHA today!

We’re a mere 9 days away from Valentine’s Day. Whether single or attached, we invite you to join us as we celebrate the sounds of Love. Surrender to Tibetan and Himalayan singing bowls, bells, gongs, tuning forks, rattles, drum, and much more. This Sound Journey gives us the opportunity to experience a deep state of receiving.

Wellness and healing are getting upgrades in 2020 thanks to wearable tech and j-wellness, which advocates forest bathing. Which of these new trends are you most curious about?

Welcome to the first Monday of February! This new month ahead is a blank and neutral slate of endless possibilities and creationyou can write your own bold headlines or lovingly rewrite your story through the lens of compassion. Whatever you choose, remember it’s your narrative to craft.

Stay game ready this Super Bowl Sunday by having a power probiotic on your team. This star player from Primal Blueprint contains prebiotics and select spore-forming probiotic strains found in soil to support gut health no mater how much you overindulge on game day. Available online in the Woodstock Healing Arts apothecary:

How cozy and inviting does this look? Spend Thursday night here with us in a mindful and intentional community space as we host The Mind Illuminated with Matthew Immergut. Join us this evening at 6pm for the free first session of the course. RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2820925461251195/?event_time_id=2820925464584528