Taproot News

Live Demo at East West Books!

2009-07-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

Please join me at Seattle's East West Bookshop for an evening that will inspire you to take a whole new look at your body and your health. We will begin with a basic overview of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, followed by a live demonstration with plenty of room for individual questions. There will also be an opportunity to examine the tools of acupuncture to help set your mind at ease about this gentle and effective therapy.

Whether you are curious or experienced, please feel free to bring questions or stories to share!

Where: East West Bookshop (Seattle Location)

When: Thursday, July 16, 7-8:30 p.m.

Cost: Free!

Home Sweet Home...

2009-07-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Is this the expression of a girl in love? Or is she still relishing the best onion soup she ever tasted? One will never know for sure... ;)

For those who have not heard, Jason Rumohr and I have decided to tie the knot! We celebrated with a pre-knot-tying trip to Germany (and a few other stops along the way) this past June. We also took a detour and visited my family in the tiny town of Rockwood, Maine on Moosehead Lake. All in all it was an inspiring and restoring adventure.

As much as we enjoyed ourselves, we are happy to be back home in Seattle and embarking on other kinds of adventures. For instance, we are merging professionally as well, and our new home-based practice is almost in full swing! More on that soon!

I hope you are all enjoying the "Fire" of summer and letting it fill your hearts...
Warmly,
Sharon

New Cooking Class: Energetics of Whole Foods

2009-03-17T12:02:00.001-07:00

Based on a blend of traditional Chinese medicine and whole foods nutrition, this 4-part series offers a new look at an ancient dietary approach.

This course introduces the basic concepts of Yin & Yang, Five Flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty), Four Natures (hot, cold, warm, cool), and the importance of eating in accordance with the seasons and our environment.

We will explore a variety of (gluten-free) whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and animal products (minimally), and the effects that their "energetic" qualities have on our bodies and minds. We will also learn simple, practical ways to incorporate these nourishing foods into our daily lives with ease and joy.

This class is intended to be informative, and experiential so please feel free to bring questions, ideas, and your appetite!

*This class is gluten, dairy and egg free!
(other sensitivities also considered...)

Dates: Tuesdays, April 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th

Time: 6:00-8:30pm

Location: Whole Foods Market (Roosevelt Square)

1026 NE 64th St. Seattle

Cost: $175.00

Please RSVP, as space is limited! For more information, or to register, please contact:

Sharon Gray, M.S., L.Ac., at 206-234-2603, or email sharongraylac@gmail.com.

What is Chinese Dietary Therapy?

2009-03-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Chinese dietary therapy is a system which classifies foods according to their specific qualities (beyond chemical composition). This system is based on the principles of Yin & Yang, Five Flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty), Four Natures (hot, cold, warm, cool), and interactions with specific organs and the body as a whole. These foods are then balanced with an individual's unique constitution (as well as age, state of health, environment, and various other factors), to prevent and treat disease, as well as promote optimum health.

Just as the seasons change, so do our nutritional needs. Chinese medicine promotes living in accordance with nature and our environment, to the best of our ability. Some simple examples are choosing warming foods in winter, and cooling foods in the heat of the summer. However, there are many factors to consider, and this may vary for each individual. In general, foods that are fresh, regional (local), and free of pesticides and herbicides are also emphasized, as they contain more 'life force' for us to convert into usable energy.

Furthermore, it is not only what we eat that is important, but how we eat it... According to Chinese medicine, we should be relaxed and think positive thoughts as we eat. We should also give attention to our meal (as apposed to work and other distractions). Most importantly, to obtain the most nutrition possible from ANY food, it should be thoroughly ENJOYED...

Northwest Women's Show

2009-03-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

For those attending the 21st annual Northwest Women's Show this year, please feel free to come by and say hello! I will be stationed at Booth 140 in the GoodLife section of the expo on Friday, March 27th from 10-6:00pm.

I will also be presenting 3 demos on the GoodLife stage on both Friday and Saturday as follows:

Acupressure 101: This guided workshop introduces practical, hands-on techniques to help yourself and your loved ones through a variety of common discomforts (including headaches, upset stomach, PMS, and more). Friday, 1:30

Cooking with Whole Grains: A quick and easy method that only looks like you spent hours in the kitchen! (Gluten Free) Saturday, 3:00

Kitchen Medicine for Menopause: A nourishing way to ease symptoms of menopause, based on the traditions of Chinese medicine. Saturday, 11:30

If you are around on Saturday, make sure you come back to booth #140 to visit Dr. Stephen Wangen of the IBS Treatment Center. For those who have not had the pleasure of meeting him, Dr. Wangen is a pioneer in the field of digestive health, and a valuable resource for anyone dealing with IBS, food sensitivities, and other digestive issues.

East West Bookshop's Spring Equinox Wellness Fair!

2009-03-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

Come spend an afternoon with a wide variety of local practitioners from acupuncturists (for those with two legs or four), nutritionists, chiropractors, massage therapists, sound healers, and more. Receive mini treatments or consultations, and walk away with new inspiration for a happy and healthy spring!

I am happy to be joining my partner (and favorite Hellerworker), Jason Rumohr in this fun-filled event...

Saturday, March 21, 2009 11:00 a.m.

Hope to see you there!

Whole Foods Cooking for Digestive Health (February Class)

2008-12-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

Rich foods got you down? Food allergies or sensitivities leaving you hungry and overwhelmed? Is your 'sensitive stomach' trying to tell you something but you you're not sure what? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this class may be for you...

Based on a blend of traditional Chinese medicine and whole foods nutrition, this 4-part series offers simple, practical advice for preparing delicious foods your belly will thank you for. This class is intended especially for those with food sensitivities (including gluten, dairy, egg, and soy) and other digestive difficulties.

We will explore a variety of whole grains (gluten-free), legumes, vegetables, fruits, and animal products (minimally), and how we can incorporate these nourishing foods into our daily lives with ease and joy. This class is intended to be informative, and experiential so please feel free to bring questions, ideas, and your appetite!

Dates: Tuesdays, beginning February 17th, 2009

Time: 6:00-8:30pm

Location: Whole Foods Market (Roosevelt Square)

1026 NE 64th St. Seattle

Cost: $175.00

Please RSVP, as space is limited! For more information, or to register, please contact

Sharon Gray, M.S., L.Ac. at 206-234-2603, or email sharongraylac@gmail.com.

Now Accepting Select Insurance!

2008-12-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce that on January 6th, 2009, I will be officially accepting Premera Blue Cross and LifeWise insurance! If you have either of these plans, please check to make sure your individual policy covers acupuncture services.

Please keep in mind that even if you do not subscribe to Premera or LifeWise plans, there are several insurance companies who will REIMBURSE for "out of network providers." It may be worth checking to see if you have one of these policies!

Thanks so much, and best wishes to you all in the New Year!!!

Acupressure Massage Class at East West Bookshop

2008-11-19T15:55:00.001-08:00

"Practical Medicine"

Based on a blend of traditional Chinese medicine and massage therapy, this guided workshop introduces practical, hands-on techniques to help yourself and your loved ones through a variety of common discomforts (including headaches, upset stomach, PMS, and more). Please bring a friend, significant other, or family member to practice with, as this is an experiential partner-based class. Blankets, cushions, or anything else you need to feel comfortable are also encouraged.

I am pleased to be offering this class with my partner, Jason Rumohr, LMP, CHP who brings passion, skill, and a gentle spirit to all that he teaches (in my unbiased opinion)... ;)

This event is over, but if you are interested in more classes like this, just let us know!

Dream Weaver...

2008-11-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

This is a long overdue acknowledgment to the amazingly talented woman who made this website (and so much more) a reality. Ellen Russell, local painter, illustrator, and designer, not only brought to life a vision that would otherwise only exist in my imagination, but also 'taught a girl to fish' so-to-speak. Her guidance and support has helped me overpower my fears, and dare to express my own creativity, including the co-creation of this website (which is something I never imagined attempting before I met Ellen).

Ellen's toasty warmth, coupled with pure talent is the ideal combination for bringing out the best in people. I highly recommend her for those of you who are in need of new inspiration, or a creative 'medium' who can help transform your raw ideas, thoughts, and character into a depiction that is as unique as you are.

The impact of your work extends far beyond pixels and layout, Ellen... You are an inspiration to many. Thank you!

P.S. You can see more of Ellen's whimsical creations through her business "The Singing Tree" at ellenrussell.net.

Introducing Pre-Payment Savings!

2008-09-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

Prepay for 10 sessions, and your next visit is FREE! There is no expiration date, and your free session is transferable... This complementary treatment makes a great gift for a friend, or YOU! Please call 206-234-2603 or inquire at your next visit to sign up...
Appreciatively,
Sharon Gray, MS, LAc

P.S. For more information about services, please visit theartofnourishment.com...

Another chance for those who missed the last class...

2008-09-09T08:57:00.001-07:00

Cooking with the Seasons:
Energetics of Whole Foods Based on the
Traditions of Chinese Medicine

Late Summer/Early Fall: Earth

According to the traditions of Chinese medicine, late summer/early fall is represented by the “Earth” element. Earth is associated with the color yellow, the emotion of sympathy, the sound of singing, sweet flavor, and fragrant odor. Most importantly, this element represents ‘Nourishment’ in every sense of the word, and is often associated with harvesting fruits of the season, both literally and figuratively. This season is the most powerful time for strengthening our digestion, and building reserves for the colder months ahead.

Please join us as we discuss practical ways of living in accordance with nature, and how we can transition most healthfully from one season to the next. We will learn to select and prepare foods that are most balancing during the late summer/early fall, which tend to be warm, sweet, and grounding by nature. We will also learn ways to strengthen our digestion, and thus improve our overall health. This class is intended to be informative, and experiential so please feel free to bring questions, ideas,

and your appetite!

*Suitable for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.

Date: Thursday, October 9th

Time: 6:30-9:00pm

Location: Whole Foods Market

1026 NE 64th St. Seattle (Roosevelt Square)

Cost: $35.00

Please RSVP, as space is limited. For more information, or to register, please contact

Sharon Gray, M.S., L.Ac. at 206-234-2603, or email sharongraylac@gmail.com.

For those who have not heard...

2008-08-21T16:43:00.001-07:00

I'm happy to say that I will now be spending part of my week providing acupuncture and nutrition therapy at The Tummy Temple in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle. The Tummy Temple is an organization dedicated entirely to digestive and reproductive health. The Temple offers a diverse array of products and services including nutrition support, massage therapy, acupuncture (from yours truly ;)), and of course, the service that launched the Temple into operation nearly 25 years ago: colon hydrotherapy.

The Tummy Temple's creative and nourishing atmosphere is especially comforting to those with squeamish bellies, or anyone in need of some TLC. The Temple is co-founded and orchestrated by Kristi and Tim Zimmer, whose HUGE hearts, outstanding knowledge, and stylish flair, make the Temple the sanctuary that it is today. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to join their talented team.

Classes Now Offered through Whole Foods Market!

2008-08-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that I am officially offering a variety of classes (based on whole foods nutrition and Chinese dietary therapy) at Whole Foods Market in Ravenna. The 'Salud' teaching kitchen is beautiful and fully equipped, with lots of room for fun and creative cooking. Feel free to check this site or contact me directly for more information on upcoming classes...

Whole Grain Goodness (Gluten-Free!)

2008-06-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

Derived from Sharon's full-length series “Cooking from the Heart”, this class focuses on simple and practical ways of preparing nourishing whole grains. In this one-night event, we will explore various combinations of vegetables and grains, using a unique “one pot” baking method that will only seem like you spent hours in the kitchen...

As with all of Sharon’s courses, this class is based on eating mindfully, cooking instinctively, and living in balance with the seasons and our environment. Qualities of food according to traditional Chinese medicine, and Western nutrition concepts are also discussed throughout the class. Please feel free to bring questions, ideas, and your appetite!

*Suitable for gluten-free and vegetarian diets- satisfying to all!

Date: Wednesday, July ^23rd

Time: 6:30-9:00pm
Location: Whole Foods Market, 1026 NE 64th St. Seattle (Roosevelt Square)

Cost: $35.00

Please RSVP, as space is limited. For more information, or to register, contact Sharon Gray, M.S., L.Ac. at 206-234-2603, or email sharongraylac@gmail.com.

Oodles of thanks...

2008-03-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Those who know me, know that I spend a fair amount of time in the kitchen every day, preparing homemade meals. While this is something that I truly enjoy, there are still those moments when I wish a nourishing meal would magically appear... Well, just when I was having one of those moments this evening, that is exactly what happened! I was on my way to the grocery store, when I noticed a familiar white box sitting at my doorstep. Sure enough, the kitchen fairy had arrived! Or at least the driving force behind "Urban Harvest" (urbanharvestfoods.com) and dear friend, Rebecca Nowka... :) So instead of sitting in traffic, I sat down to a delicious and nourishing meal that truly felt like my friend had made just for me! Thank you, Rebecca, for the time and effort (and love!) you put into your wonderful creations, and for the unexpected surprise that couldn't have come at a better time...

My new shoji screens... :)

2008-03-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

There are few words to describe my talented friend Len, and I suspect he would prefer it that way... I will leave the picture to say a thousand, and to him, I will say just two. Thank you. :)

See more of Len Cullum's shoji and other wood treasures at http://shokunin-do.com.

Cooking from the Heart

2008-03-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

This four-part series introduces basic steps in preparing simple, balanced meals without the use of recipes and complicated ingredients. We will explore a variety of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and animal products (minimally), and how we can incorporate these nourishing foods consciously and enjoyably into our daily lives.

This course is based on eating mindfully, listening to our bodies, and living in balance with nature to the best of our ability in a less than balanced world. Qualities of food according to Traditional Chinese medicine, as well as Western nutrition concepts will also be discussed throughout each class. This course is intended to be informative, hands-on, and delicious!

Dates: April 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th
Time: 6:30-9:00pm
Location: Kenmore, WA 98028 (Directions will be provided separately)
Cost: $175.00

Please RSVP, as space is limited...