A PATH TO 'HEALING' FOR NYC

For this week, I decided to take a break from my normal marketing, advertising and branding topics. This was due to a conversation on the increasingly popular "Clubhouse" App. I joined in for a discussion on the return of live events and a concerned touring manager discussing the "anxiety" she felt working to plan 2nd and 3rd quarter concerts. It got me thinking about our "return" to commuting, work and events. What long-term effects will the trauma of the past months have on us? And, what can we do now for a mental "cleanse" and "reset"?

For answers I turned to a colleague and my acupuncturist, Dr. Flora Luyando (known to her patients as "Dr. Flora"). Dr. Flora's "Flora Healing Bodyworks" is named in honor her Grandmother. The Doctor, who's extensive studies in both Eastern and Western Medicine; include acupuncture, massage, detox, weight maintenance and immune disorders. Dr. Flora is also a practitioner of mental healing focusing on anxiety and trauma. She holds several Degrees from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in both San Diego and New York City, and West Virginia University. Dr. Flora is a NYC licensed herbalist, acupuncturist (NYC and MD), and massage therapist. She holds numerous other certifications for her practice as well.

I asked the Bronx native for her thoughts on returning to the daily grind. "NYC is a City of endurance. We've always been around people and germs and we always come through. We've survived numerous challenges and we will survive this. Continue the basics from washing your hands to all else that's needed to protect yourself. But remember you can only control what's within' your power". Dr. Flora adds "(when it's time to return to your commute)...Take your time. Leave earlier than you normally would in the morning so you can walk a little slower and readjust yourself. People have been home for so long that you've been somewhat caged, not that much different from an animal when it's been locked in close quarters and is finally freed".

In response to my question concerning the most pressing challenges she sees from patients, a couple of patterns emerge. "People are fearful. The pandemic has many attempting to now understand who they are in their purpose. And in order to move forward we have to know who we are and understand where we came from". She adds "Many people were living a lie, moving too fast. Some already weren't happy in relationships, family or career. This leads to regrets and even depression. I work to help my patients move forward through my holistic approach covering the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of their lives".

Dr. Flora also stresses the ability of people to adapt to change. "I did my undergraduate studies at West Virginia University. Coming to the mountains of West Virginia after having grown up in the South Bronx was quite a culture shock. But the beauty of understanding we are more alike than different took over for me and I was able to enjoy campus life and the wonderful mountain air. I'm a Puerto Rican girl with Taino, Spaniard and African Roots and it took time for some to understand my accent and language but we truly have so much in common if we just listen and get to know one another".

On the subject of holistic medicine including acupuncture, massage, herbs and diet, Dr. Flora seeks to "educate" as much as she "treat" each patient. "It's not about just stats and numbers, it's about results. I seek what works. People don't use their 5 senses anymore. There's a power to be unlocked within' ourselves energetically. Why not try, question and understand why (these practices) work". She adds, "I come from two sides of ancestral healing in my family. And my passion for healing has grown deeper due to the pandemic. Many of us really didn't realize what comes naturally to us until this past year".

In her spare time, the member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority loves taking groups to Tazania and has co founded a travel company to explore the motherland. "Traveling is healing for me. Africa is a globe within' itself. I seek to understand the people. And I love our exchange or wellness, art, food and culture".

Dr. Flora accepts consultations through her website. You can learn more about her services and projects at www.Florahealing.com and her travel company information at www.jafarisafaris.com

Have a great week!

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