Welcome to the Summer 2008 issue of Pathways'
quarterly e-newsletter, WellNEWS!
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Letter from the Executive Director
Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc
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Putting the "Qi" in Community!
("Qi," pronounced chee, is the Chinese word for the energy stimulated during acupuncture)
Since 1989 Pathways has maintained a group acupuncture treatment room. Initially, this was due to our modest beginnings--all we had was one room so we needed to make the most of it!
Years later as we grew and relocated to larger space, I presumed that our new clinic would contain all private treatment rooms--surely now that we were financially stable, patients would want to have individual rooms. To my surprise, the word from our clients came back loud and clear, "No! We want to keep the community room." We listened and our community room has remained a special unique part of Pathways.
 Now in 2008, our community acupuncture space is a beautiful room filled with natural light. And, I'm pleased to report we've just added four new comfy recliner chairs! Patients thus far have found that treatment in a recliner is "the most relaxing experience" they have encountered--far from their initial expectation that treatment in a group room would be distracting.
In our community room four to six patients are treated at one time. This helps keep our costs down and enables us to offer treatments starting at just $20.
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Research News
by Beth Sommers, MPH, LAc
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Massage Therapy Foundation Research Award
Pathways recently received a research grant from the Massage Therapy Foundation to conduct a study on integrating massage into a program for adolescent girls at risk of diabetes. Called "Win Win Hands On", the project teams with a South End Community Health Center program that provides nutrition information, cooking classes, and exercise for adolescents whose weight puts them at added risk for developing diabetes.
Two years ago, Pathways received a Community Service Award from the Massage Therapy Foundation to conduct a pilot project on the same issue. The popularity of the massage, especially among the families of the participants, made it an incentive for participants to attend the sessions that promote healthy eating habits.
This year's program will begin in September and run through the school year. Pathways will be promoting the new project in health fairs and other venues around the city. For more information, please call Beth Sommers at (617) 859-3036 ext. 24.
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Participants Needed for Research Study
If you take HIV/AIDS medications, you may be eligible for our research study. Incentives up to $150 are available for participation.
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Ask the Acupuncturists
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Q. Recently I was complaining to a neighbor about my headaches, and she suggested I go to see an acupuncturist. When I mentioned my concern about not being able to afford it, she said that she was going to a community-style acupuncture clinic, and it was really affordable. Can you tell me how community-style acupuncture differs from regular acupuncture?
A. Rather than in an individual treatment room, patients receive community-style acupuncture while relaxing in comfortable, reclining chairs in a group room where four to six other patients are also receiving treatment. The group setting is soothing and relaxing, and there is a collective stillness and a sense of calm that is often missing in our fast-paced, hectic lives.
Acupuncturists recognize that for many conditions, frequent treatments produce the most rapid and dramatic changes. The low cost of community-style treatments (at Pathways treatments are just $20) means that patients can afford multiple treatments per week. Although this requires that you make a greater commitment, the response to the treatments will be faster and greater. Your progress and goals will determine how many times per week your clinician recommends you receive acupuncture.
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Saluting the Spirit: 108 Sun Salutations Returns in November!
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 Join Us on November 16
for Saluting the Spirit:
108 Sun Salutations!
Don't miss this amazing yoga fundraising event on Sunday, November 16 at The Sports Club/LA in downtown Boston. It's a powerful day of inspiration, yoga, caring, and fun!
Saluting the Spirit benefits Pathways' AIDS Care Project and yogaHOPE's yoga programs for underserved women.
Click here for more information and to register online!
Register online now at www.firstgiving.com/salutingthespirit
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| News from the International AIDS Conference |
Pathways at the International AIDS Conference
This year's International AIDS Conference was held in Mexico City on August 3-8. Kristen Porter, Executive Director of Pathways, and Beth Sommers, Research Director, were honored to be the coordinators of the Traditional Healing Zone in the conference's Global Village.
The Global Village welcomes conference attendees and offers a variety of activities; networking and cultural exchange are encouraged. Each afternoon, in the Traditional Healing Zone, Pathways provided sample acupuncture treatments while representatives from many countries shared information and experiences related to health of mind, body, and spirit.
A report on the conference will appear in our fall newsletter.
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| Volunteers Needed! |
Volunteer at Pathways and Receive FREE Acupuncture Treatments!
Pathways is always seeking enthusiastic, committed individuals to join our team. We currently need volunteers to help out in the following areas:
Acupuncture Assistants: Learn about holistic medicine by working alongside one of our licensed acupuncturists! We will provide all the training you need to help our clinicians administer the best treatments possible to our clients.
We have three- and four-hour shifts available throughout the week and we are always happy to work with you to create a schedule that best fits your needs. Please contact Richard at 617-859-3036, x29 or info@pathwaysboston.org for more information.
Administration: We need your help on a variety of interesting projects. Various shifts available. Please contact Leo at 617-859-3036, x21 or lcuello@pathwaysboston.org for more information.
Marketing: Help us with client retention, outreach, special events and more! Please contact Bob at 617-859-3036, x28 or bhornstein@pathwaysboston.org for more information.
As our thanks, you are eligible for free acupuncture treatments! |
| Pathways Now Accepts the Boston Community Change Card |
The Boston Community Change Card is a new customer rewards card (not a credit card) sponsored by the City of Boston's Main Streets program. When you shop at participating businesses with your Boston Community Change Card, a portion of each transaction is returned to you as a cash rebate and a portion is directed to a local non-profit of your choice.
Order your Boston Community Change Card and select Pathways to Wellness as your beneficiary. You'll earn cash rebates and support Pathways with each transaction!
And, when you present your card at Pathways to Wellness you'll earn a 25% rebate on fees of $70 or more.
Click to order your FREE card today!
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Acupressure Point
of the Season\
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Conception Vessel 22
By Edie Snow, ABT
This season's
acupressure point is
Conception Vessel 22, also called Heaven's Chimney.
This point can be used to clear heat and phlegm, stop cough, sooth the throat, stimulate descending lung Qi, and sooth asthma. It is found half a thumb width above the sternal notch.
Click to continue . . .
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Your gift helps
us to provide
free and
low-cost treatments
for people with
HIV/AIDS
and for
others in need
Please Donate Today
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15% Discount for .Referrals!
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We greatly appreciate our satisfied clients' making referrals to friends and family and, as a nonprofit, we depend upon it.
As thanks,
we offer
a 15% discount voucher
for each referral you make to Pathways.
This voucher is valid with all other discounts.
For more information, call us at 617-859-3036, ext 0
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Community-Style Acupuncture |
Experience the healing energy of a group acupuncture session!
Sliding scale
$20-$40 per treatment
All are welcome
Find out more!
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The Season's
Recipe for Wellness -
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By Julia Herskowitz, LAc
Here's a great Middle Eastern salad that's perfect for summer-easy to make and healthy too!
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Now, you can support Pathways when you shop online
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