On Wednesday, February 8 from 3:30-6:30pm (Ellen’s shift), we will be holding a fundraiser for Abby’s House of Worcester.

All proceeds from acupuncture treatments during this shift will be donated directly to Abby’s House. In addition, we will have a donation jar out in our waiting room for the entire week, so that you can still donate, even if you can’t make it on the 8th.

Abby’s House is a local Worcester service organization that provides emergency shelter and affordable housing to women and children. We will have brochures available in the office so that you can find out more information about the programs your donation is supporting. Also check out their website for details, or to donate online.

To make an appointment, call the office at (508) 890-8899, or use the online scheduling link on our website.

Please help us spread the word by forwarding this information on to your friends and family.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Our walls are now brightened by the photography of Wes Nickel. Wes’ landscape art is in our waiting area and both treatment rooms (my favorite is the birdhouse picture). He also does landscape art, sports art, and portrait sessions. Here is a statement from Wes:

“I have been doing photography most of my life. My first camera was a Canon AE1 given to me by my dad. I took all the courses I could in college which increased my interest in photography. My favorite subjects to photograph are nature and sports (thanks to my kids). I hope you enjoy looking at my photos as much as I enjoy taking them.”

Wes doesn’t have a website, so you will have to come into the office to see his work. Thanks, Wes, for loaning us your beautiful photos!

Moxa, short for moxabustion, is a Chinese herb that is used externally to warm acupuncture points and channels. It’s a treatment that you can take home to use on yourself for a number of different conditions, such as joint and muscle pain and stiffness, fertility and menstrual issues, weak immune system, skin disorders, and fatigue.

Winter is the perfect time to do moxa treatments (though it can be used at any time of year). Come to our class to learn about moxa and how to use it to improve your health.

Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012 (snow date January 28)
Time: 9:00-9:45am
Location: River Valley Acupuncture
Cost: Free
Optional materials fee (1 moxa stick): $2.13

Registration is required in advance and is limited to 10 people. Register by calling the office at (508) 890-8899.

Emily’s article about how to find a holistic health practitioner on a budget was recently featured on MassMoms.com. Read the full text here.

Do you know someone who still hasn’t tried acupuncture at River Valley?

For the rest of the month, we are offering a 2-for-1 deal on Fridays:
If a returning patient brings in a new patient on a Friday in December, the cost is just $20 for both treatments!

You can bring in as many new patients as you want and continue to get the deal for the rest of this year!

Fine Print:
Remember, a patient is only “new” for their first visit—after that, treatments are at the regular sliding scale. This deal is for Fridays only, and you can choose either the morning shift with Emily or the evening shift with Marina. Make sure to mention the special when you come in.

Great news! Marina is expanding her hours and will be working Friday evenings starting 11/11. This means we will now have evening appointments available 5 days a week!

To kick off her new shift, Marina is offering free treatments to new patients on November 11 from 3:30-6:30pm. Please spread the word to let your friends know about this great opportunity.

Please note, this free day is for new patients only, so that Marina can increase her patient base. Returning patients who come in for a treatment on 11/11 are welcomed at the regular sliding scale price.

Call the office or use our website to book your appointment.

Thank you for your support!

We are pleased to welcome acupuncturist Marina Apostol to our office! Marina is a Worcester native who practices traditional Chinese and Japanese-style acupuncture. She is also a teaching assistant at the New England School of Acupuncture.

Marina will be working Monday nights starting September 19, and hopefully more shifts in the future.

Let’s welcome Marina by filling up her shift! We are running a promotion for the rest of the month (September 19 & 26). New and returning patients will get their first visit with Marina for $10 when you mention this article. Tell your friends!

With the addition of Marina to our team, we are now open 6 days a week! Our office hours as of September 19 are:
Monday 3:30-6:30 (Marina)
Tuesday 4:30-6:30 (Emily)
Wednesday 10-12:30 (Emily)
Wednesday 3:30-6:30 (Ellen)
Thursday 4:30-6:30 (Emily)
Friday 10-12:30 (Emily)
Saturday 10-1 (Emily)

Our waiting area and treatment rooms are now graced by the artwork of Susan Matusen. Susan paints beautiful and cheerful acrylic landscapes and architectural pieces. Susan’s business card states “I love being an artist,” and it shows! She does not have a website, so you will have to visit the office to see these paintings.

River Valley Acupuncture is the WSRS featured deal this week. Listen for details on the radio for the next few days, and then be prepared to purchase the deal on Friday– new patients can get two acupuncture treatments for $25!

And coming up in June is Bring Your Boss to Acupuncture Month! This promotion is open only to co-workers of current or former River Valley patients.

For the month of June, existing River Valley patients can bring in their boss (or any co-worker) to get their first acupuncture treatment for free. You will be the hero of the office when your de-stressed boss returns from treatment!

The co-worker does not have to come in at the same time as you, but they should mention this promotion when scheduling and give the name of the current River Valley patient who referred them. There is no limit to the number of new patients you can refer.

Some work-related issues that acupuncture could help with:
Stress/anxiety/irritability
Headaches
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Joint and muscle pain

Pass this information along today– help out your co-workers and yourself!

The James Street bridge will be closed as of June 1. If you normally come to the office that way, it’s probably easiest to take Heard Street instead, and cut over on Clover Street. Give us a call if you need help with directions!