Acupressure Brought to You by the Office of Wellness and Health Promotion

Did you know you could get free ear acupressure on a weekly basis? Over the summer months of 2010, Rachel Knopf and I, co-leaders of Wellness & Health Promotion (formerly known as Health Education), as well as Tracy Robin, Assistant Vice President for Student Health & Support Services, were trained at the Lincoln Recovery Center in the Bronx in auricular acupuncture and acupressure. Based on Chinese medicine, these healing practices are based on the belief that the body has pressure points that when stimulated promote health and wellbeing. Specifically, we were trained in the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol which stimulates five points in the ear (liver, kidneys, lungs, Shen Men and the sympathetic nervous system). Our aim via this training is to bring the practice of auricular acupuncture and acupressure to The New School as a way to complement and enhance health services offered to the student community.

Free auricular acupressure is offered every Thursday, 5-6 PM, at Lang Café for the entire 2010-2011 academic year. I am the primary provider and work closely with both Rachel and Tracy so that services are also offered through classes, by appointment, and during special events, such as the Day of Wellness, and whenever we table. One of the most amazing things about acupressure is that with appropriate training anyone can do it. We have trained Peer Health Advocates in acupressure and they, in turn, provide it when they table.

The point we stimulate when we provide acupressure is Shen Men (“Spirit Gate”). The tradition holds that when this point is stimulated by pressure (whether finger or seeds), it alleviates anxiety, controls nervousness, has a general relaxing effect, and helps bring the “Spirit Heart” (Heart Energetic) into balance for a conscious self. The images below show the approximate location of Shen Men as seen from the front part of the ear.In ancient times, actual plant seeds were used as the material for acupressure and the term remains with us today – ‘seeds’ (magnetic pellets) are placed on the Shen Men points on the back side of the outer ear, and can be left there for up to 3 days. We encourage participants to stimulate the point by lightly pressing on the seeds or when the seed is not in, massaging the ears. A bit of self love goes a long way!

For more information on acupressure or on any of the programs and services offered via Wellness and Health Promotion, email wellness@newschool.edu.

Written by: Tamara Oyola-Santiago, Health Educator

Day of Wellness THIS Sunday!

Looking for a way to release some of your

pent-up stress/energy/boredom? Come to the Day of Wellness! We will be holding free workshops all day featuring techniques to easily make you feel more relaxed and centered. Workshops include yoga, tai chi, art therapy, gyrokinesis, and meditation. There will also be henna tattoos, massages, running form assessments, make-your-own trail mix, and much more!

Wear something comfortable and easy to move in. Come early for warm-ups and stretching (so important!), and to sign up for free massages (first come, first served). Healthy snacks and drinks will be provided.

Write this down and get excited!:

Day of Wellness

October 24th

55 w13th St, 2nd floor

12pm-5pm

Co-sponsored by the New You Peer Health Advocates, Health Education, and the Office of Recreation & Intramural Sports

DON'T FORGET!

A guided group meditation is health on during Fall, 2010 on Wednesdays from 5-6 pm in the Loeb basement lounge. All New School students are welcome to drop in. The meditation may include breath 7 body awareness, relaxation techniques and/or metta (loving kindness) practices, and includes time for reflection. The group is appropriate for absolute beginners as well as more advanced practitioners.

The Moon is Brighter at 20th Street

Congratulations to Kristina Koelle and Morgane Moulherat, the 20th Street RAs who implemented the November Program of The Month - "Moon over Manhattan"! The event was co-sponsored by William Street RA, Jeff Barton, 20th Street Hall Council, The ActiveMinds student organization and New School staff members Eric Garrison and Mike Corbett.

Students who attended this event were provided with a relaxing environment where they learned techniques that focused on health and wellness and taking care of ones self during tough academic times such as mid-terms and finals. Active Minds, a peer health education group on campus, worked with the RAs to make "mar-TEA-ni's" (tea-based mocktails). Students also found a stress ball-making station set up for them and were invited to participate in a live Jazz session.

Having staff members at this event allowed opportunities for residents to speak with professionals at the University to learn more about campus resources and how residents can find support throughout the year when times get tough. Among the resources discussed were The University Writing Center, Student Health Services and Career Development.

Runners up for November's program of the month include:
Rock Band Night at 13th Street hosted by RA Mark Josephson and the 13th Street Hall Council; Flava of Loeb sponsored by the Loeb Hall staff; Poetry Slam at William Street sponsored by RA, Jeff Barton and resident Imani Sutton; and Dodgeball at Stuy Park hosted by RAs Markesha McCoy and Katie Saunders. Congratulations everyone!