Coca tea and Big White Jesus

My outreach mission completed, it's time to try and share some of the beauty of this land and these people with all of you. I'll do my best to highlight the magical 2 weeks I had over the next few days/posts.

My arrival in Cusco began with a cup of coca tea. This herb is popular in the Andes for it's ability to treat the symptoms of altitude sickness, "soroche." Honestly, it's credited with the ability to ease headache and nausea, fight fatigue and suppress the appetite...among other things. The locals use it to give them staying power to work all day without needing to eat! It's delicious and it worked for me. I got to see the plant later in my visit when my guide pointed it out and proclaimed: "as you can see, it is not white and it does not grow in lines!" Take your time...it took me a minute too!!!


Our first day ended with a "little" hike up to see Christo Blanco or The Big White Jesus (my pet name, not an official translation). I was struck by this photo and how it really does, for me, capture the spirit of Cusco. Christianity was forced upon these Incans and there is evidence of this everywhere. Cathedrals have literally swallowed ancient Incan temples throughout the historic Incan Empire capital. The Big White Jesus stands next to a popular Incan ruin site, Saqsayhuman. Not to worry, they both share the most spectacular view of the city!

Copyright Jody Murray 2018

My latest adventure...

What will the faces look like in Peru?! I decided it was time to find out. So in April, I'll be off for 2 weeks, on another medical outreach mission, deep in the heart of the Amazon! I'll certainly do my best to keep you updated as we go, but for now...check out my fundraising page for more details.
Adios for now.
https://www.gofundme.com/jodyinperu

Acupuncture vs Dry Needling...which should you choose?

Full disclaimer. I am a licensed Acupuncturist. And, after a wonderful weekend with Sue Falsone's Structure and Function Dry Needling class, I am also a Dry Needler. To be honest, I have always been both...and BOTH is best!

Acupuncture is founded in Eastern Medicine. As an acupuncturist, I speak of Qi and meridians and a holistic approach to your health and well being. I treat your constitution and your underlying imbalances.

Dry Needling is founded in Western Medicine. As a dry needler, I speak of neuromuscular tissue, trigger points and motor points. I treat your kinetic chain and fascial trains.

Here's the thing. The sweet spot has always been a combination of all of the above! Happily, I practice both.

Acupuncture Therapy: Tools of the Trade

Everybody thinks needles, of course, when you refer to Acupuncture Therapy. Rightly so! But, indeed, there are many other tools that are commonly integrated into an Acupuncture Therapy treatment. Laser, Cupping, Electric Stim, Guasha (scraping, IASTM), FAKTR, Taping are all frequent additions to my treatments.
Occasionally, situations will warrant these be the primary or stand alone treatment. Above is a prime example...dirty, messy, rainy, busy rodeo. Not the prime environment for acupuncture, but plenty of other ways to get the job done!

Dynamic Taping

I love #Dynamic Taping. The tape itself stretches in every direction (unlike KTape), has great resiliency and sports a cool tribal tattoo pattern. Unlike KTape, this is a biomechanical taping method, meaning it crosses joints and provides actual physical modifications to the body. It speaks to the Athletic Trainer in me! I love it and I promise you, this will be "The thing" you see in the next Olympics! And yes, that is a real cowboy!

Pickleball anyone?

One of the fastest growing recreational activities, especially among seniors, is Pickleball. This fast paced racquet sport is a great cardio workout and lends itself to all levels of skill. As with all racquet sports, it also lends itself to elbow and shoulder injuries. Commonly seen in my acupuncture office at AZ Spine Disc and Sport are Tennis Elbow and Rotator Cuff Tendinitis. Most sports and recreational injuries respond quickly to acupuncture and our goal is to get you back on the court quickly and without pain!

Let me know if I can help!

Thank you!

The results are in and I've been voted BEST of 2016 in the category of Naturopathic/Homeopathic/Holistic for my Acupuncture practice at AZ Spine Disc and Sport! I am honored to be voted first place after only one year here in this beautiful state. I am more honored to be trusted with the care of so many of you and I look forward to many more years of service to the Ahwatukee community.