GREAT News in March!
March 9, 2011
The Vernal Equinox will be upon us in a few days marking the beginning of Spring, the season of renewal and rebirth. While winter is marked by the conservation of energy, reduction of activity, and quiescence, during spring there is a renewed sense of purpose and awakening accompanied by increased activity and renewed vigor. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, change in nature, as well as in your body, occurs in a cycle of 5-stages which are linked to the seasons. Spring is a great time to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit (after all the accumulation that occurs during winter) and the organs associated with this season are the liver and gall bladder. The liver, in TCM, is in charge of the movement of Qi (energy) in the body. When the liver is functioning well the flow of Qi is smooth throughout the body, allowing both the emotional and physical functions of the body to operate fluidly – in other words functioning like a Bad Ass! When the body, mind, and/or spirit are experiencing a lot of stress, the liver no longer functions optimally, and we experience a breakdown in our emotions (anger and frustration are common) and physical functioning (digestive problems and pain are the norm). How does one tend to their Liver?
1.) Regular exercise. Regular movement of the body promotes movement of Qi and reduces stress. Additionally, exercise such as yoga and tai chi are useful in maintaining the flexibility of tendons, which are tissues ruled by the liver. Something a little more Bad Ass, like Kung Fu, would also be appropriate.
Luckily, I teach Morning Flow Yoga at Blue Sky Yoga at 10 am on Tuesday Mornings in March.
Blue Sky is located at 107 E Charleston inside the Arts Factory and is a pay-what-you-can studio. Join me and we’ll have lots of fun!
2.) Eat green. Green is the color of the liver and of spring and the young fresh greens of the season are excellent in assisting in the movement of Qi.
3.) Spend more time outside. Fresh air is especially good at alleviating stagnation and moving Liver Qi. Exercising outside is even better. FYI, water is flowing in Oak Creek and First Creek as you are reading this! How awesome is that?!
4.) Do a cleanse. Build up in the body can also impede the smooth flow of Qi in the body. Although there are several commercial liver and colon cleanses available (I like Cleanse Smart and Blessed Herbs), just eating a clean diet of fresh juices, vegetables, and fruits for a few days can do wonders for the liver and your overall health.
5.) Get acupuncture. Not only can acupuncture address the overall health of your liver, it’s hard to beat when dealing with stress, anger and frustration. (It’s not just hard to beat, it’s Bad Ass!)
Dr. Bad Ass Wants to Know
In order to better serve you, I have developed a 9-question survey about your experience with acupuncture and how to better serve you. If you decide to help me out, you will be rewarded with a $20 credit toward any of my acupuncture services! (Now that’s Bad Ass!) BUT don’t delay! The survey will be available through Thursday, March 31 and the $20 discount is only valid through Friday, April 29! Did I mention that the survey is ONLY 9 questions? And that your friends can take it too (as long as you forward it to them)?
Start the Survey Now
or copy and paste this URL into your browser 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/drbada–wantstoknow
Who the heck is Dr. Bad Ass?
That’s me – Heather Brookman, OMD! But I answer to Heather, Dr. Brookman, Dr. Bad Ass, Your Majesty, Yo!, etc… I highly recommend “liking” Bad Ass Acupuncture (me) on Facebook so you can be kept up-to-date on my latest offerings/specials/news. This helps to keep the mass e-mailing to a minimum and my time open to deal with Kung Fu treachery as it arises.
What’s the Deal with Insurance?
The good news is YES some insurance plans do cover acupuncture! If you want to know whether your plan covers acupuncture, give your health insurance peeps a shout. Although I am in the process of joining several networks, I am not yet listed with any insurance company. Even though I am Dr. Bad Ass, I am told this may take a month or two. HOWEVER, that does not mean that you will not be covered in the meantime. Because it is important to me that you get the acupuncture you need in a way that is sustainable for you, I will be more than happy, even thrilled, to provide you with a Super Bill (short for receipt-with-all-the-codes-for-diagnosis-and-treatment) that can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. Hooray!
Referral Program
Because my wonderful patients tell their family and friends how Bad Ass they feel with regular acupuncture treatment, I’ve established a referral program. In all honesty, there’s no way I can thank you enough for your referrals, but for every 3 people you refer who utilize my acupuncture services, a free 60-minute acupuncture treatment is yours. Please remind your friends to mention you because I am keeping track!
Rate Change
In February I changed my rates for services to increase accessibility (this is good news, trust me). Feel free to call 702-562-2202 or visit www.heatherbrookman.com for more information.
Two Month-versary
On 3/17, St Patrick’s Day, I’ll be celebrating 2 months at Galvin Chiropractic. I feel very lucky and am grateful to have found a supportive home for my practice. Thank you to Dr. Kerri Galvin – who by the way is a Bad Ass (and extremely compassionate) chiropractor.
We are located at 7380 S Eastern Ave, Suite 125 at the corner of Eastern and Warm Springs. Call us at 702-562-2202 to make an appointment!
