December - The Soft Landing

We’re in the final stretch of what has been — for nearly everyone I know — a deeply strange and sometimes difficult year.

For me, it’s been a time of big transition. I moved to the Hudson Valley and started living at a very different pace. It’s slower. Quieter. Less immediate. Which, as someone who has run on urgency for most of my life, has been its own kind of adjustment. Also, this year my husband Brian joined me in running AB Acupuncture and W72 Wellness.  He is our COO, Head Cheerleader and generally helps make order out of chaos.

Also… I got a puppy.

Her name is Nyx. She’s an adorable Bernedoodle. She’s also a lot. One week in and I’m accomplishing less, cleaning more, and wondering (several times a day) what I’ve gotten myself into. But I’ve also never laughed so much while cleaning up chewed leaves off the floor. Sometimes the things we’re not fully ready for are the exact things that move us forward.

If all goes well, Nyx will one day be a calm, gentle presence in the office. For now, she is a Tasmanian gremlin. We’ll keep her home a little longer.

A Quick Note on Migraines (and Why Side Effects Aren’t Your Only Option)

I saw a pharmaceutical ad this week for a new migraine drug.One of the side effects? Raynaud’s syndrome. Cold, blue fingers. From your migraine pill.

Meanwhile, acupuncture has consistently ranked at the top of Cochrane Reviews for migraine frequency and severity reduction — and has virtually no side effects. It just requires time.

In clinic, I’ve seen patients go from 3–4 migraines a week to only a few a year.Not because of magic, but because we addressed the system creating the pattern — not just the pain.

If you or someone you love is still managing migraines with medications that barely work, I invite you to try two to three months of real care before accepting something like Raynaud’s as a side effect you’re supposed to live with.

🕊️ Happy Holidays

However you're celebrating (or not), I hope the season offers you a little stillness, a little warmth, and a little time to come back to yourself.

And if it doesn’t… we're still here to help.

Warmly,Annalisa & Carly