As of 3/4/2020 the Wellness Hour has been paused due to CDC recommendations for academic institutions with onsite clinics. Please check the AOMA website for updates on when we will begin again.
Whoever said that good things don’t come easy was a liar. At least in this case. Because, there is an easy & free community resource right in your backyard. Well, assuming your backyard is Austin, TX. AOMA is a fantastic school for aspiring acupuncturists and traditional Chinese herbalists. But, beyond training the next generation of alternative medicine practitioners, the South campus offers an incredible Community Wellness Hour. It happens every week, is totally free, and there are zero catches - you don’t have to be affiliated with the school in anyway, there is no tip jar available even if you wanted to pay, the only thing you have to sign is the waiver. It’s crazy - the Community Wellness Hour is honestly just focused on. . . community & wellness.
Now, I may be biased because I’ve been one of the folks inserting and removing the acupuncture needles for over a year now, BUT, this is one of the sweetest, most healing, special places in Austin. Before I get going down a very mushy path, let me give you the details:
Community Wellness Hour & Acupuncture
WHEN: Every Wednesday, 12:45-1:45pm
WHERE: AOMA South Campus (careful - there are two campuses, so don’t go north!): 4701 Westgate Blvd in E1
WHERE +: The campus is small and has plenty of free parking in multiple lots. Find a parking spot, and walk towards the center of campus where you’ll see a koi pond. E1 faces the koi pond. Ask for help if you can’t find it and don’t worry about coming in late - you’re welcome anytime.
WHAT: Free NADA* (auricular acupuncture), guided meditation, short (optional) sharing.
WHAT +: Wear anything you’re comfortable in (earrings are fine!), find E1, go to the sign in desk and sign the waiver, get an alcohol swab and wipe both ears, quietly find a seat in the circle and put away your cell phone. This is a quiet time and the acupuncturists (led by the fantastic Robert Laguna) will be coming around the circle to insert five needles into each ear . If you don’t want needles, just let us know and you can sit quietly and meditate needle-free. The acupuncturists remove the needles at 1:15 (sometimes you’ll see us peek in your ear to check for bleeding and, if there is any, we will hold a q-tip against the point for several seconds) and then the guided meditation begins led by the amazing Julia Aziz. At 1:35(ish) the meditation ends and there is a chance for each group member to say their name and a bit about their experience.
*What the heck is NADA?
Briefly, NADA is a protocol that is used to relax and calm down the nervous system. It includes five specific points in each ear. It’s great for relaxation, emotional trauma, substance abuse issues, and every day life. Sometimes the ear points can sting a bit when first inserted, but that sensation quickly goes away and is usually followed by an intense feeling of calm. If you are uncomfortable at any point, or if a needle drops, just flag down one of the acupuncturists and we will help you out. For more information about NADA, click HERE.
Some side notes:
Yes, it’s common to partially nod off. Yes, sometimes that means your head slumps forward. Yes, occasionally someone snores. Yes, sometimes tummies rumble. It is lunch time after all. Yes, you can leave whenever you want - but we must remove the needles before you go. Yes, you can decline the needles. Yes, you can bring a friend. Yes, you can take a selfie - but be sure no one else is in the photo (#privacy) and then put your phone away on silent mode. Yes, it feels like the best nap and the most rejuvenating cup of coffee and is incredible. Yes, please say hi to me when you come check it out.
xo,
Jenna