Acupuncture Therapy

Happy Holidays from Jody & Jack

2011-12-14T09:56:00.003-05:00

"If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself." charles schulz

Thank you Laurie Klein photography for this delightful photo!

Button Up Connecticut

2011-12-14T09:47:00.003-05:00

Thanks to your generosity, many men, women and children will be warmer this winter!

Button Up Connecticut

2011-11-21T15:00:00.004-05:00

This year I have joined forces with the CT Athletic Trainers' Association to collect donations for Button Up Connecticut. Please bring your new or gently used, like-new COATS to my office before Dec. 13th. Button Up Connecticut is 100% non-profit and distributes coats for free to individuals and agencies in need. While you are out shopping on Black Friday, consider purchasing a new coat for a child who might otherwise go without! Remember, one person can make a difference!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!

Good Night Irene

2011-09-05T17:40:00.005-04:00

Three weeks ago, I traveled this very road on my way home to Vermont. Towns in Central Vermont were celebrating the 250th anniversary of their charters. My mother played herself in a play about the history of our town (after much discussion, it was decided she was probably best for the role)!! Irene (don't call me JUST a tropical storm) was an unexpected and rude guest! She reeked havoc on my beloved little state and literally washed away much of that 250 years of history in just a few hours. My own homestead weathered the storm with little more than a leaky roof ("to be expected") and a damp basement ("what else is new"). Those are direct quotes from the aforementioned actress. Neighboring towns were not as fortunate and the pictures coming out of Vermont are heartbreaking. Roads gone, cattle gone, crops gone, covered bridges gone, businesses gone, homes gone and yes, lives gone too. Then, marvel of it all, the stories began to filter out. Vermonters helping Vermonters. Vermonters are a quirky little people. I say "little," because at 6ft. my nephew is the tallest Murray by far! I say "quirky," because that "can't get there from here," humor is an acquired taste! Big hearted and big on action, Vermonters are already well on their way to rebuilding the state. Vermont will never be the same, but the Vermonters will be. I have lived outside of the state now longer than I lived in it and there are very strict rules about who can call themselves a "REAL" Vermonter. I am really hoping that I can be grandfathered in!

You can help in the Vermont recovery effort by TEXTING: FOODNOW to 52000 The Vermont Foodbank will turn your $10 donation into $60 worth of food.

Or TEXT: REDCROSS to 90999

Indy 500

2011-06-03T08:26:00.005-04:00

I was fortunate to spend Memorial Day weekend with 350,000 of my closest friends watching the 100th running of the Indy 500! Here are MY highlights in no particular order:

1. Singing God Bless America with 300,000 other folks (I'm pretty sure that 50,000 were lip syncing)

2. Standing amongst 350,000 people and applauding the Military March of Veterans (yup, everybody)

3. The last lines of the Star Spangled Banner drowned out by a B52 bomber fly over.

4. The first time by under the green flag...WOW.

5. Danica leading late in the race for 10 laps.

6. The Yard of Bricks, the leader pole, and the trophy

7. All the winning cars from 1911-2011

8. Sitting in an Indy car!!

9. Taking a picture with Danica's car.

10. Walking around the entire outside of Indianapolis Motor Speedway (and sneaking as many views of the track as possible).

March Madness Patient Profile

2011-03-24T18:14:00.003-04:00

Casey Smith, a junior at Danbury High School, has caught the eye of several Division I programs with her consistent post play. Already she has surpassed the 1000 pt. milestone as only a junior. Casey turned to Acupuncture Therapy when the volleyball season resulted in a painful stress fracture in her foot. She credits Acupuncture Therapy for enabling her to return quickly to basketball pain free. By teaching Casey a specific taping technique and working closely with the DHS Athletic Trainer, Casey completed a successful junior season without missing a game. Great job!!!

Happy Holidays 2010

2010-12-17T09:45:00.001-05:00

Modern Ornaments Christmas

Personalize the christmas season with Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Mission Accomplished!

2010-12-01T06:57:00.003-05:00

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS go out to Patty Ryan on completing her first marathon in an impressive 4:27!! Patty enlisted a team of health care professionals, including Acupuncture Therapy, to make sure she put her best foot forward at this race. When I requested she send me her "favorite photo" for this post, she replied, "there are NO favorites after 26.2 miles!" Well said.

Favorite Organizations 2010

2010-11-30T08:01:00.013-05:00

I say it all the time. "It's easy to be a good sport when you're winning!" I don't know who said it first, but I apply it to life, not just sports, all the time. For instance, as I was putting this post together, inspired by Oprah's Favorite Things, I saw an interview with one of the richest and most generous people in the world. He was asked if he "considered himself a philanthropist," and he replied, "it's easy to give when you're wealthy!" (aha now you make the connection), "the real philanthropists are the people who must sacrifice in order to give." Cool, right? So, here is my list of favorite opportunities for philanthropy...in case you need some ideas!

INTERNATIONAL: Kiva.org , a favorite of mine for a few years, made Oprah's favorite things list this year. This group will loan your money to a small business person who has requested help. You can loan as little as $25. When the loan is repaid, you are repaid! My original donation has been re-loaned many, many times. Check this out with your kids...this is a great one!!

LOCAL: Danbury Grassroots Tennis is a local organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for selected young people in Danbury, through the game of tennis and educational support. Participating in sports, shaped and continues to shape, how I live my life.

GIFT: If you are looking for a unique gift, check out Peace Tags . They create military style dog tags to spread messages of PEACE and COMPASSION, and distribute the profits among organizations that do the same.

There's no place like home!

2010-10-28T10:22:00.002-04:00

The athletes and staff of USA Archery gave me a round of applause at the final team meeting in Guadalajara. It was all the thanks that I needed to bring this wonderful opportunity to a close. But I have many thanks to give: to all the patients of Acupuncture Therapy, for your patience while I was away! to my support team of Jack-sitters & airport drivers, to Seirin America for its generous donation, to the News Times and Housatonic Times for their stories, and to all my friends who sit through endless photos!! And of course, thanks to the USOC and USA Archery for a remarkable opportunity.

2010 Pan American Championships

2010-10-25T16:33:00.003-04:00

Meet Jacob Wukie, a multi medal winner at the 2010 PanAmerican Championships. Wukie received several acupuncture treatments to his arm (can you see the needles) and when he developed severe tooth pain, acupuncture saved the day!!

The PanAm Championships were a roaring success for the USA Archery team. They secured the maximum available spots for the 2011 PanAm Games, set 11 PanAm records, won 12 Gold, 5 Silver and 4 Bronze medals and shot many personal bests! And that's just the Senior team. The Junior Dream team faired equally as well, although I don't have the exact medal count.

USA ROCKED THE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

My pictures are available for viewing @ www.acupxtherapy.shutterfly.com

Opening ceremonies

2010-10-15T18:31:00.001-04:00

A bobsled track in Mexico!

2010-10-14T18:25:00.000-04:00

In Mexco. Can't send email, but can receive. Tweeting!

2010-10-14T07:16:00.001-04:00

2010-10-12T10:13:00.001-04:00

Check out the story that ran in the News Times about my upcoming trip.

Monte in the Money!

2010-10-09T09:42:00.002-04:00

Big Congrats to Acupuncture Therapy patient Monte Frank! Monte finished the 2010 cycling season ranked #4 in his class, by the New England Bicycle Riding Association. FANTASTIC!!

2010-09-21T17:42:00.002-04:00

Many thanks to Seirin-America for donating acupuncture supplies to off-set the costs of working with the USA Archery team. While my travel expenses are paid for, my time is not, so every little bit helps and is appreciated. By the way, Seirin's catch phrase is "the painless one," wondering how many of you would agree with that :-)

ME in the news!

2010-09-18T07:57:00.004-04:00

Check out this story in the Housatonic Times about my assignment to USA Archery. This photo is Khatuna, who has represented 3 countries in the Olympics, Georgia, Russia and now, happily USA. More pictures are available for viewing @ acupxtherapy.shutterfly.com

2010-09-07T10:47:00.001-04:00

Pictures of the trip are available for viewing @ www.acupxtherapy.shutterfly.com

Enjoy!

2010-09-05T08:48:00.000-04:00

Final medal count
3 bronze
1 silver
1 gold
More pictures when I return!

Acupxtherapy.blogspot.com

Bronze medal winning team!

2010-09-04T01:18:00.000-04:00

The calm after the typhoon

2010-09-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

2010-09-02T00:54:00.000-04:00

What's harder than shooting at 70 meters (that's 3/4 of a football field)? How 'bout doing it in a typhoon! Today we had downpours and lightening, and absolutely no evacuation plan...you can imagine my reaction to the latter! Qualification rounds in the books after several delays, but there are TWO typhoons lurking for tomorrow. Definitely seeing it all here in Shanghai!

Acupxtherapy.blogspot.com

USA smashes team compound bow World Record!

2010-09-02T00:46:00.000-04:00

2010-09-01T10:16:00.000-04:00

Competition starts today. There is already a more serious tone! The archers go out in an AM or PM group. I am among the folks who are there all day,8-6, come back, eat dinner and then give treatments until about 10. Needless to say, I've seen the city only from the bus ride to the stadium and the view from my room! You can follow the results on USAArchery.org

Acupxtherapy.blogspot.com

Yes there is archery!

2010-08-31T23:18:00.000-04:00

Day 1

2010-08-30T23:38:00.000-04:00

Hope you've all enjoyed the pictures from my first day! Squat toilets, challenging with jet lag! On the live dinner menu: frogs (in the photo), crabs,slugs, turtles and that's just what I could identify!!!

Acupxtherapy.blogspot.com

Tastes like chicken

2010-08-30T23:32:00.000-04:00

Unofficial practice Mon. AM

2010-08-30T16:26:00.000-04:00

Chinese toilet!

2010-08-30T16:24:00.000-04:00

Watching MJ w/Chinese sub titles!

2010-08-30T02:29:00.000-04:00

2010-08-30T02:24:00.000-04:00

Twitter blocked in China! Who knew! God bless the USA!!

Acupxtherapy.blogspot.com

Acupuncture Shout Outs!!

2010-08-22T07:55:00.002-04:00

Acupuncture Therapy patient, Monte Frank (right) has had a stellar season. Shown here on the podium for a second place finish in the Fall River Criterium. Monte calls acupuncture his "secret weapon!" I tell him not to keep it so secret!!

Safe travels and good luck to Marcia Larsen LMT, as she treks up Mt. Rainier! In addition to her massage therapy practice, Marcia has a company called Gaia Trekking.

Countdown to Shanghai

2010-08-05T16:56:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all of you who have so patiently waited for me to begin blogging about my upcoming trip!! I leave on August 28th, so about 3 weeks and counting. Today I received my passport and visa tucked in among a box full of USA Archery gear!! Shirts, shorts, rain gear and a backpack...all adorned with USA red, white and blue and plenty of stars & stripes! Not ashamed to admit it...feeling downright patriotic.

Lake Waramaug Sprint Tri

2010-06-23T06:31:00.005-04:00

Congrats to Kathy Creighton on her outstanding finish of the Lake Waramaug Sprint Tri. Kathy achieved her only real goal...finishing ahead of her daughter!! Acupuncture Therapy played a vital road in helping Kathy compete in this years race.

You can train with Kathy at her fitness studio, Body Vision, in Brookfield, CT.

Patient Profile: Monte Frank

2010-06-22T07:42:00.002-04:00

That's Monte, sprinting to another victory! So far in 2010, Monte has collected a fist full of top 4 finishes and the title of Connecticut State Champion (Housatonic Hills Road Race)! He is extremely focused in his approach to training and equally focused on preventing injuries. Monte began using Acupuncture Therapy when his chronic knee pain failed to respond to more conventional measures. He continues to utilize Acupuncture Therapy to aid his body in recovery following these grueling races. Monte is a fan of skiing and The Grateful Dead!

Coach Sean Fesh

2010-06-21T08:00:00.003-04:00

Local pitching legend, Sean Fesh and his protege, Cooper. Sean is the pitching coach of the Danbury Westerners, passing along his wealth of professional pitching experience to the young staff. Cooper felt the need to ice down like the big boys after his recent outing :-)

Wizard of Westwood

2010-06-05T07:06:00.002-04:00

The greatest coach of all time has passed away. RIP John Wooden. As a kid, I had a notebook full of coach Wooden's quotes, if I look I can probably still find it! His PYRAMID OF SUCCESS is not only timeless, but applicable to anyone who has ever hoped to succeed in anything. Here's a link to his awesome website...take a minute and check out his PYRAMID OF SUCCESS for yourself.

Tommy John

2010-06-05T06:52:00.003-04:00

Tommy John entertained a large breakfast crowd gathered to kick off the Danbury Westerners' summer season. Yankee fans know TJ as a crafty left-hander, but I know him as THE elbow! Tommy John surgery!

When Pigs Fly...

2010-06-03T10:21:00.004-04:00

If you found yourself in the shadow of a flying pig on Memorial Day, I think I have an explanation! That afternoon, the unthinkable happened. For five full seconds, I rooted for the Duke Blue Devils! Now before you ask me to burn my Duke Sucks T-shirt, in my defense, I wasn't so much rooting for Duke as I was rooting for #9, New Fairfield's own CJ Costabile. Just like we'd all seen him do many times in high school, CJ snatched the draw, raced straight to goal, with his giant long stick and scored the game winner, straight into ESPN lore. It took all of 5 seconds. I watched while he was interviewed after the game. "CJ, what were you thinking while you raced toward the goal?" Anyone who has spent any time with CJ knew the answer would come in one word. "SCORE." He said his eyes weren't exactly closed...I'm not so sure. What a great kid, what a great moment for him and for all of his fans here in CT. As for me, ten minutes later I felt so dirty, I took a shower and dressed from head to toe in Carolina Blue...just before hell froze over!!

Danbury Grassroots Tennis

2010-05-26T09:33:00.002-04:00

Recently, I have been fortunate to become involved with Danbury Grassroots Tennis, a small group with lofty expectations. DGT stresses three areas of emphasis: education, fitness & nutrition, and tennis. Support and instruction in all three areas is provided free of charge to select Danbury kids. Please visit their website to find out how you can contribute and volunteer. I love the DGT Code of Excellence:

I am…..

I am smart

I am strong

I am determined

I have dreams and I matter

I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Take What You Need, Leave Your Fair Share

2010-05-18T06:55:00.005-04:00

There is a Panera Bread restaurant in St. Louis where the cashiers don't take your money. Instead, you receive a receipt of what your order would cost and come face to face with a donation box, where you are asked to leave your fair share. WOW. This kind of community cafe, is of course, not new, but to my knowledge, it is the first for a national chain. What a simple and brilliant idea. Can it work? Will the fortunate pay not only their fair share, but enough to cover those who cannot pay? And will we be willing to sit and break bread next to the guy who is down on his luck? Would you? To read more on this story, click here.

Stanford University Men's Volleyball Champs

2010-05-10T12:13:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the Stanford Cardinal for winning the volleyball national championship. Special shout out to the boys I worked with at the Olympic training center: Brad, Erik, and Gus (Stanford), and Joe (Penn State), all members of the USA Junior National team.

Take Back the Tap

2010-04-25T18:04:00.003-04:00

I am a water snob! Some people taste the subtleties in wine, I taste them in water. I've been buying bottled water for years because I simply don't care for the taste of my tap water. To my credit, I did try to decrease my carbon footprint by buying larger bottles.

On Friday night, I attended a screening of the documentary, Tapped, produced by a Brookfield High Alum. It certainly led to some spirited conversation and creative ideas on the ride home. As is my typical response to these kinds of challenges, I was initially overwhelmed into a state of paralysis. I kept seeing my elimination of plastic leading me to soap on a rope!! But in keeping with my pledge to simply be a better Human Being in 2010 I have vowed to do the following:

1. Begin drinking tap water. I plan to buy a filtering pitcher and hope for the best!

2. I will always use my travel mug when I stop for coffee!!!

Baby steps! What will you do? Visit Klean Kanteen & Tapped for more information.

Putting Your Money Where My Mouth Is!

2010-04-19T06:42:00.003-04:00

The 2010 Acupuncture Therapy Fitness Challenge could earn you $25 toward your appointment fee! Here's how to earn it:

1. Open a Twitter account and follow acupxtherapy (it's easy & safe)

2. Complete a 5k road race! That's only 3.1 miles...

3. Tweet me, "I did it!" when you finish!

4. Bring in your race number for display on our Wall of Fame!

Questions? This offer is only good once and yes, I will apply it to new patients...so find a friend to train with. No, I didn't say you have to run, but you do have to finish! Yes, races longer than 5k do qualify! Be sure to email me if you have additional questions and keep me posted on your progress!

GOOD LUCK

Mike & Mike of ESPN

2010-04-17T13:15:00.002-04:00

Transitioning From Treadmill To Streets

2010-04-14T10:57:00.004-04:00

My first effort as a contributing author to MyLivingFit.com is now posted. This blog is full of personal training and nutrition tips and advice. It packs a ton of current information into an easy to use format. There is even an exercise tip of the week video. Check it out and be sure to leave a comment at the end of my post! You will notice a permanent link to my guest posts appears on the right hand side of the acupxtherapy blog.

Congratulations Shona!

2010-04-11T06:40:00.006-04:00

The first solo showing by photographer Shona Curtis, appears to be huge success, if her reception was any measure! I was fortunate to take in the show to the musings of professional photographer, Laurie Klein. What a treat. Shona's show will remain at the Bank Street Coffee House, in New Milford CT, until May 9. Check it out!

Note: not easy to get photographers to stand on the other side of the camera!!

Loneliness can hurt you physically too!

2010-04-08T10:21:00.004-04:00

We all know that the Mind and the Body are intimately connected. Did you know that in lonely people the genes that promote inflammation are more active and the genes that fight inflammation are more inactive? A very interesting article in USA Today...read it here.

Lyme Disease Seminar

2010-04-06T10:20:00.003-04:00

There will be a Lyme Disease Seminar and Health Fair on Wed. April 7th 6-9pm @ the WCSU westside campus student center. Richard Horowitz, MD keynote speaker. For more info call Russ Cornelius @ 203-775-8010.

More positive press

2010-04-02T11:57:00.003-04:00

The American Society of Anesthesiologist have published an updated, Practice Guidelines for Treating Chronic Pain, in the current issue of Anesthesia. Acupuncture is noted as being an effective approach to the treatment of chronic low back pain.

Yoga news

2010-04-02T11:48:00.003-04:00

Yoga can actually ease inflammation! Read about it here! To find a class near you contact Lotus Gardens.

2010-04-01T18:19:00.001-04:00

2010 is the Year of the Tiger. If you were born in 2010, 1998,1986,1974 (and so on, every 12 years), you are a TIGER. People who are born in the year of the TIGER are generally fearless, adventurous, unpredictable and loving. TIGERS are also friendly, unselfish and often short tempered. They are natural leaders.

WSJ Investigates Acupuncture

2010-03-23T10:22:00.004-04:00

Check out this article from the Wall Street Journal, entitled Decoding An Ancient Therapy. All in all, pretty positive.

Photography by Shona Curtis

2010-03-20T09:18:00.007-04:00

Local artist, Shona Curtis, invites you to attend her first solo showing, entitled "Recent Photographs." Shona is a self-taught photographer whose interpretations of nature, architecture and people are wonderfully hypnotic. "Recent Photographs" will be displayed at the Bank Street Coffee House in New Milford, from March 29-May 9. Join me and meet Shona at a reception on April 10, 5-8pm. Please visit ShonArtphotography for a preview of her work.

Great Season Abbott Tech!

2010-03-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

Abbott Tech High bowed out in the semi-finals of the class M state tourney last night. I have fondly referred to this team as "My Boys," for the last several months and wish this out going group of seniors much success! They finish the season with a record of 25-2, a league championship and a second straight trip to the state semi-finals.

March Patient Profile

2010-03-08T20:31:00.003-05:00

Monte Frank, avid skier and competitive cyclist, suffered from stubborn knee pain. After more conventional treatment failed, Monte turned to Acupuncture Therapy in an attempt to salvage a ski vacation out West. He skied, he enjoyed and now Acupuncture Therapy is a regular part of his medical care. We look forward to his cycling season with high expectations!

Why I love the Olympic Games

2010-03-01T11:08:00.004-05:00

Forget that the athletes are no longer amateurs, forget that athletes sulk over silver medals, forget that NBC can't seem to get the coverage right, forget the schisms (real or imagined) that exist between teammates, forget the politics and forget all the medal counts! This is MY olympics...the faces of overjoyed, patriotic kids!! Don't tell them, "It's only a bronze!"

Bronze for Elana!!!

2010-02-25T07:52:00.003-05:00

Congrats to Elana Meyers, the push athlete for Bronze Medal winning USA2!! If there was 1 athlete that I really wanted to win a medal, it was this gal! She practically lived in the athletic training room with us, before and after every workout. And she pointed out that I was the same age as her DAD with such innocence that it was almost charming!!! Enjoy the spotlight kiddo!

Bobsled Update

2010-02-24T13:38:00.002-05:00

After the first 2 runs, Elana's USA2 sled sits in 2nd place!!! Elana, shown here on the right, is the Push Athlete or Brakeman of the sled. On another note, the driver, Erin Pac, is a CT. gal! Yet another reason to root for USA2 in tonite's final.

Meet the Bobsledders

2010-02-22T12:51:00.002-05:00

Shauna Rohb0ck (driver) and Elana Meyers (brake woman) raced together in this World Cup race. In this Olympic games, they are in 2 different USA sleds. Shauna is the driver of USA1 and Elana is on the brake of USA2. Both of these ladies are expected to contend for medals! Shauna describes this track as "stupid fast,"with speeds exceeding 90mph. Competition is Tues& Wed. GO USA.

Good Job Katie!

2010-02-20T07:58:00.002-05:00

Katie finished her Olympic competition in 11th place. While it is reasonable to think, participating in The Games IS the victory, don't try telling that to a world class athlete! Krazy Katie, will land on her feet! She tells me one of her goals is to compete in 3 Olympics, so expect to see her again.

Next up...meet the bobsled athletes!

Skeleton Day 1

2010-02-19T09:13:00.005-05:00

Katie finished the first day in 9th place. While I know she is extremely disappointed with her results, there were some notable highlights! Katie briefly set a NEW TRACK RECORD for start time, only to see that broken a short time later. She finished with the second fastest start time in heat 1 (.04sec off the current record), and the fastest start time in heat 2. The FINALS will air during PRIME TIME tonight.

I love the smokin' hot helmet & shoes!!

Faces of the Olympics

2010-02-14T08:34:00.003-05:00

I was watching the opening ceremonies, but I was playing "Where's Waldo!"in an attempt to spot the athletes I knew personally!! I spotted all 3: Shauna Rohback(bobsled driver),Elana Myers (bobsled brake woman), and Katie Uhlaender(skeleton). Katie also showed up the next day in this AP photo(on the left).

2010 Olympic Winter Games

2010-02-01T15:48:00.003-05:00

In 2 weeks Katie Uhlaender will represent the USA at the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Katie competes in Skeleton, an insane head first slide, reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph, with her chin an inch from the ice! I was fortunate to meet and work with Katie at the Olympic Training Center while I was there over the summer. Katie is expected to contend for a medal, in spite of multiple knee surgeries. I will be rooting especially hard for this young lady to meet all of her expectations.

Katie has requested that you all visit www.facebook.com/octanner.appreciation?v=app_27318691422 to read about her inspirational Dad!

Happy 2010

2010-01-08T14:25:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone has a healthy 2010. I thank each of you for your loyalty to Acupuncture Therapy. It is your word of mouth referrals that keep this practice busy and prosperous. Please continue to spread the word about how powerful acupuncture is. If you haven't had a treatment in while, January is the perfect month for some restorative acupuncture. As always, please feel welcome to stop by the office just to say "hi".

5 Golden Rings

2009-12-14T12:54:00.002-05:00

I hope you all will enjoy this years version of "Jack does Christmas"...an homage to the 2010 Winter Olympics and all the wonderful folks I met this summer. Go USA!

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! And to those of you who celebrate in other ways, Peace & Joy to you.

Laurie Klein Photography

2009-11-18T07:48:00.004-05:00

Laurie Klein is a successful fine art photographer and educator. She apprenticed with landscape photographer Ansel Adams (yes, THE Ansel Adams). Laurie's photos have exhibited around the world and appeared in many major magazines. It is quickly apparent that one of Laurie's passions is mentoring local high school students, "I'm not sure who gets more out of the mentoring program, the students or me!"

In her own words, here's what Laurie has to say about Acupuncture Therapy!

1. Jody has converted me to a Mac groupie...love my Macbook Pro!

2. My sense of humor is drier and I laugh more!

3. Most importantly, I am pain free. This allows me to climb to the perfect vantage point, to capture an image exactly as would like. I haven't been able to do that in years!

Oct. Patient Biography...Kathy Creighton-Conant

2009-10-01T08:24:00.006-04:00

Kathy Creighton-Conant is the founder and director of Body Vision LLC, a personal training and fitness consulting studio, located in Brookfield,CT. Kathy creates customized fitness programs for her clients using a multidisciplinary approach.

Acupuncture Therapy has been a key part of Kathy's personal medical team for years. In addition to treating her sports related injuries, Kathy uses acupuncture to minimize the effects of environmental allergies. "Jody keeps me from sneezing and wheezing all over my clients!"

Sept. Patient Biography...Lara Ward

2009-09-02T17:43:00.003-04:00

Lara Ward is the founder and director of Lotus Gardens, the first Yoga Alliance approved school in CT. Odds are high, if you attend yoga classes in the area, it is taught by one of the 150 graduates of Lotus Gardens!

Lara uses acupuncture therapy to keep her pain free and teaching at a high level. "Jody said the work she would do would resolve the chronic pain in my hip. Five years later, I am still teaching pain free!"

Article in the Newtown Bee

2009-08-24T09:38:00.005-04:00

Athletic Trainer Gets Inside Look At Olympic Training

By Nancy K. Crevier

Newtown resident Jody Murray is pleased to have had the opportunity to spend two weeks as part of a rotating volu

nteer medical team at the US Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., in July. Ms Murray, the owner of Acupuncture Therapy at 300 Federal Road in Brookfield, and a national board certified and licensed acupuncturist as well as a nationally certified athletic trainer, is an allied medical health professional who has provided health care to the general public and athletes for more than 20 years. She holds a master's degree in exercise physiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and graduated from the three-year acupuncture program at New York College on Long Island in 1997.

By volunteering at the California Olympic Training Center from July 6 to July 21, Ms Murray took the first step toward what she hopes might one day turn into a chance to serve as an athletic trainer at the Olympics. Only a limited number of people are accepted to take part in the two-week rotation, said Ms

Murray, and upon completion are then further evaluated. A select number of those people may be asked to accompany a traveling team. By serving with traveling teams, a volunteer is then eligible to be selected to be a trainer at the Olympics. It is a slow process, though, she said, and highly competitive. "But if that happened, I would embrace it," she said.

She had been aware of this program for several years, but it was not until this spring that she felt she was at a place in her work and life that would allow her to pursue a position as an athletic trainer at the Olympics.

She is hopeful that while older than many of the athletic trainers vying for a spot at the Olympics, her focus on acupuncture will set her aside. "That's my 'in,' I hope," she said. Acupuncture to treat Olympic athletes has only very recently begun to be utilized, particularly since the Olympics in China last summer. "I'm hoping that avenue might lead to something," she said.

"The first time I ever heard of acupuncture was when I was an undergraduate student, and a doctor visiting from China did an acupuncture demonstration in one of my classes. This was before Nixon opened relations with China, even, so acupuncture was not something we were even familiar with," said Ms Murray. She was impressed at the time, but it was many more years before she attended an acupuncture workshop and once again realized that here was a method whose time had come in the Western culture, and one that she deeply believed could be a vitally important tool in healing. "Acupuncture is very powerful," she said. "It was a perfect complement to what I was doing. I felt it was very much on the cusp of becoming the next big thing in health."

Acupuncture uses extremely fine needles of varying lengths inserted into specific body points to restore the flow of energy and the body's balance. It is an ancient Chinese practice that has gradually gained recognition in Western medicine, said Ms Murray.

Acupuncture is also what makes her business different, she said. "I have additional knowledge from being an athletic trainer. I do more in the way of a home exercise program for my clients [than a traditional acupuncturist might do]."

The US Olympic Committee apparently agreed that her qualifications would make her a valuable asset to the rotating team of medical volunteers at the training facility, even though California licensing laws did not allow her to practice acupuncture while she was there. She was accepted into the program just two months after applying, rather than the two-year wait many applicants experience.

"I was still using my acupuncture knowledge, though," said Ms Murray, as well as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, laser to stimulate acupuncture points, and state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment, to treat the athletes at the center.

The two-week rotation was an opportunity not only to interact with her colleagues from all over the nation and to see a cutting-edge training facility, but also a chance to work with some of the most elite athletes in the nation.

While many high-profile Olympic athletes pass through the center for a few weeks at a time, the majority of those training are not yet highly recognizable names, she said, and many of the athletes with whom she worked were involved in the more obscure sports: BMX bike racing, women's bobsled, skeleton sled, archery, and kayaking.

They ranged in age from 18 to their late 20s, with many of them being full-time residents at the center. Training is their full-time job, and it is this that sets them apart from the general population of athletes, said Ms Murray.

The days were long, starting at 7:30 am and going until 6:30 pm or later when she accompanied a team off-site, and filled with very physical work — "These are some big boys and girls we were working with," she said — but working with the young athletes was a pleasure.

"These athletes take really good care of themselves. They might be in to see me several times a day for treatment when something feels slightly not right. They don't let small problems become big problems, because saying 'I can't go out' is not an option for them," she explained.

What little quiet time she did have allowed her to spend some time observing the athletes in training, and some of her clients took time to involve her in their sports. She left the archery field with a silver dollar-sized bruise on her inner elbow and renewed respect for the bow and arrow sport. The firsthand knowledge was helpful in treating complaints. Knowing that an archer, for example, held a static position for four to five hours a day while firing off 600 arrows, enabled her to know what areas needed treatment. She passed on the standing bet at the kayak boat house, though, for anyone to sit upright in one of the racing canoes for one minute. The sleek and narrow kayaks neatly dumped each challenger into the water within ten seconds, and no one in the two weeks that she was at the center managed to collect the $100 prize.

World champion track team members provided her with a stunning closeup of their intense training one afternoon. Watching a BMX rider recovering from a leg injury shoot off of a rolling hill and land on just a back wheel not only made her cringe as she noted treatment he might later require, but filled her with awe at his intense devotion to his sport.

"I can't say enough good things about these young people," she said. "They were humble, open, and talked to us and explained anything we asked them to explain. Remember, every two weeks they are seeing new faces in the medical team. But there was not an ego among them."

Overall, her two weeks at the US Olympic Training Center was a high on her life experiences, Ms Murray said. How the athletes approached their practice and how they approached therapy was revitalizing. "Anytime you get to meet people who are at the top of what they do, you take something away. There was a lot of motivation and a lot of positive thinking. I would love to instill upon the patients that I see in my practice the positive energy toward healing that I witnessed in these athletes."

Meanwhile, she continues to carry the torch toward one day being at the side of Olympic athletes at the world competitions, and practices patience as she waits for word that will put her there.

Final Thoughts

2009-07-24T07:44:00.003-04:00

My Olympic experience has concluded. While I hope it was not the only one I am lucky enough to have, it was certainly one that I will always remember! I am left with extreme gratitude for the generous and patient attitudes that I encountered from everyone there. I am fortunate to have had access to a side of the Olympic process that very few are privy to and I will have a lifelong fondness for each and everyone of the athletes I was privileged to care for during my stay.

GO USA!!!!

In The News

2009-07-22T11:33:00.003-04:00

Click here to view the Danbury NewsTimes article from 7/14/09. No, I am not a PT!

8 Wks. post op ACL reconstruction

2009-07-22T09:42:00.002-04:00

Barry Nobles check out website for more crazy video!

Some athletes I expect to see in Vancouver and London

2009-07-22T09:34:00.001-04:00

Petco Park

2009-07-19T20:31:00.000-04:00

AT&T Center

2009-07-17T22:28:00.000-04:00

2009-07-17T22:22:00.002-04:00

My time here is winding down. Have been spending quite a bit of time off site with the Men's Junior National Team, as they prepare to leave for the World Championships in India. Most of these young men are going into their Soph. and Jr. seasons in college. AND they are giants, but super great kids to work with! I am posting from the AT&T center which is filled with computers, TV's and computer games (and lot's of headphones), ping pong (I have smoked everyone I've played), pool, and foosball. We are hoping to catch a Padres game tomorrow and hit Coranado beach on Sunday...to be continued.

USA Volleyball

2009-07-16T12:43:00.001-04:00

2009-07-16T09:31:00.001-04:00

BMX world camp has arrived,they leave for Australia soon. Women's jr.
Volleyball has left for Mexico. Men's jr. Volleyball just arrived and
will leave for India in 2 weeks! That's pretty much how we roll around
here...they come and they go!

Bobsledder tries the kayak!

2009-07-12T19:03:00.000-04:00

2009-07-12T18:59:00.001-04:00

I was able to spend time with the archers at their world class
facility. I was given a bow and a lesson,but not a spot on the team!
Spent the next afternoon with track and the jumpers,including the
current world champ. They are quite stunning to watch up close!

Acupxtherapy.blogspot.com

Tora Harris- USA National High Jump Champion

2009-07-12T18:50:00.002-04:00

Archery

2009-07-12T18:47:00.000-04:00

2009-07-09T22:13:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was spent on the water with the Olympic Sprint Kayak program. These are NOT your LL Bean kayaks! In fact there is a standing bet at the boat house...if any of the other athletes can sit upright on one of these kayaks for 1 minute, they get $100! The average time before dumping clumsily into the water is 10 sec. And NO, I did not attempt.

Olympic Kayak

2009-07-09T22:11:00.001-04:00

The starting hill

2009-07-07T23:26:00.000-04:00

BMX

2009-07-07T23:24:00.000-04:00

2009-07-07T22:53:00.004-04:00

As you can see by the photo's I have arrived at Chula Vista safe and sound. I have just wrapped up my second day and am enjoying time in the ATT Athlete Connections Center which is an extravagant game/ computer room! Worked with alot of athletes today including Bobsledders (yes, that's right), kayakers, archers and BMX bikers. In addition, today I got to be outside (in the fabulous CA sunshine) and cover a BMX practice. WOW!!! Words cannot begin to describe the craziness that is BMX...so I'll get some pics up soon. They let me climb up to the top of the start hill...which in itself is not for the faint of heart!!

View from my balcony

2009-07-07T09:35:00.000-04:00

Someone could have warned me!

2009-07-07T00:14:00.001-04:00

2009-06-22T18:52:00.002-04:00

Congrats to Bill Pitt of Sherman, for successfully completing the Lake Waramaug Sprint Triathlon!

2009-06-11T10:23:00.008-04:00

The Danbury Westerners have kicked off the 2009 season. This is my second season working with the team as their official team Acupuncturist. It's a great collection of young men, from all over the country, who spend 2 fast paced months in Danbury playing in the New England College Baseball League. Home field is at Rogers Park. I'm at most of the home games. Look for me, if you stop by.

2009-05-29T09:34:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to announce, that I have accepted an invitation to participate in a 2 week medical rotation at the Olympic Training Center, in California. The details are limited at this point, but what I do know, is that I will be there from July 6- July 20, so my office will be closed during that time. More to follow!

2009-05-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

Welcome! to the Acupuncture Therapy Blog. I am hoping to use this format to share the more informal side of my practice, to feature patients (and their businesses) and to make announcements. Please spread the word to those who might be interested in following along and please let me know if you have any ideas for future postings.