Explore MUIH Newsletter - March 2018

EXPLORE MUIH | MAR/2018 | 1

MAR/2018 A PUBLICATION FOR THE MUIH COMMUNITY

LATEST NEWS 3 LATEST NEWS

WINTER’S CALL Maryland University
of Integrative
LATEST NEWS Health’s Online
Health Promotion
P RESIDENT Program Ranked #1
STEVEN COMBS
CHOSEN FOR 2 Maryland University of Integrative
LEADERSHIP Health (MUIH), a national leader
MARYLAND in the education and practice of
CLASS OF 2018 integrative medicine, health, and
wellness, is pleased to announce
UFRNODM ETHRESETXAPENRDT ING 3 that our Master of Science in Health
SEASONAL Promotion program has recently been
ALLERGIES named Best Online Master’s in Health
WITH CHINESE Education by BestColleges.com.
MEDICINE
MUIH ranks #1 on the list of top
WHOISMTOENRY’Sc e l e b r at i n g online master’s in health education
month programs in the United States based
on criteria including academic quality,
affordability, and online programming.
The University is noted for its
emphasis on developing a “scholarly
online community where students
learn valuable skills that prepare
them for careers as compassionate
healers.”

The top five online master’s in health
education programs as ranked by
BestColleges.com are:

1. Maryland University of Integrative
Health

2. University of South Carolina-
Columbia

3. East Carolina University
4. Loma Linda University
5. Nebraska Methodist College of

Nursing & Allied Health

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

2 | MAR/2018 | EXPLORE MUIH LATEST NEWS

In Touch President Combs Joins

WITH OUR Leadership Maryland
MANAGING EDITOR
Class of 2018
As a lively shade of green gently returns to the
campus herb garden, it signals the coming of Congratulations to our President, Dr.
spring. For most people, the change in season Steven Combs! Dr. Combs was recently
is a time of rebirth and enlivening of the spirit. chosen to participate in Leadership
Maryland, a professional development
While the official start of spring begins on program dedicated to building a better
March 20th, I am already seeing an abundance Maryland by harnessing the strength of
of new and exciting things happening here its local business and community leaders.
at MUIH. I see new educational programs He is one of 52 individuals chosen for
blossoming from our Office of Professional Leadership Maryland’s 26th class – the
and Continuing Education. I see career Class of 2018, who will complete the eight-
opportunities growing for students and alumni month hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most
through our Career Services Center. I see a vital social, economic, and environmental issues.
burst of activity as our School of Naturopathic
Medicine prepares to welcome new students. Following an opening retreat in April, the class will attend five
And I see fresh smiles on patients’ and clients’ two-day intense sessions traversing the state and focusing on
faces who experience new treatment offerings Maryland’s economic development, education, health and human
in the Natural Care Center. Spring has truly services, criminal justice, environment, and multi-culturalism/
sprung at MUIH! diversity. These sessions will be followed by a closing retreat in
November and a graduation celebration in December. More than
As the season changes, the integrative health 100 experts representing business, government, education, and
community will begin addressing how our the non-profit community will
bodies adapt to the changing weather. For serve as panelists and guest speakers.
many, that means managing seasonal allergies.
In this edition of Explore MUIH, faculty expert “The selection process for the Class of 2018 was very
Celeste Homan offers tips from a Chinese competitive this year, as we had an extraordinary pool of diverse
medicine perspective. We’ll take a look at the and experienced applicants to choose from,” said
effectiveness of acupuncture, essentials oils, Renée M. Winsky ‘05, president and Chief Executive Officer,
and lifestyle changes through one patient’s Leadership Maryland. “The 52 selected participants represent a
battle with allergies. diverse and broad spectrum of highly-qualified executives from
across the state, and we are confident that their Leadership
We hope that you’ll continue to enjoy this Maryland experience will help them to play an even greater
newsletter. We’d love to hear from you! If you role in our unified effort to shape the future of our state.”
have story ideas, or would like to contribute
as a guest writer, email your thoughts to About Leadership Maryland
Leadership Maryland is a professional development program
[email protected]. dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the
strength of its local business and community leaders. Each
Warm regards, year, as many as 52 diverse and accomplished executives
from Maryland’s public and private sectors are selected to
Natalie Williams come together as a class for an eight-month hands-on learning
Vice President of University program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic
Advancement and environmental issues. The first Leadership Maryland class
graduated in 1993, and the organization’s alumni network now
consists of more than 1,100 leaders from all industries and
regions of the state. To learn more, please call Leadership

Maryland at 410-841-2101 or visit www.LeadCOeNrsTIhNiUpEMD ODN.oPArgGE. 5

EXPLORE MUIH | MAR/2018 | 3

From the Expert

Understanding
Seasonal Allergies
with Chinese Medicine

BY CELESTE HOMAN, M.S., D.AC., L.AC. u LATEST NEWS
Associate Professor, Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine program Winter’s Call

Chinese medicine understands the human body On Display Now in the
as an expression of the natural world. From this Himmelfarb Gallery
perspective, the movement of fluids in the body
is similar to the movement of water that we see Winter exhibits many forms. Whether
in nature. Influenced by the warming of the sun, wrapped inside its cozy nooks or stretched
water from the sea steams upward to form clouds that drift over the across its silent landscapes—winter’s
land where rain restores the rivers and streams. Turbid water is purified images, dreams, and scenery lead us
as it percolates through soil and rocks. Fetid swamps and marshes are inward toward reflection. This season
teaming with life because they allow for the slow crucial processes of cradles hushed mysteries in its chilly
transformation. Our human energetic physiology includes all of these slumber while it nestles our unconscious
mechanisms. and nourishes the imagination. It covers us.
From the depth of its blanket of darkness,
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) results when one or more regions winter calls us to return. Winter calls us to
of the body cannot manage fluids properly. The sinuses, throat and the light.
lungs can become dry if there are insufficient fluids steaming upward
from the transformations of the digestive system. Turbid fluids that On display now in the Himmelfarb Gallery is
are meant to descend might be carried upward with heat under the Winter’s Call, an exhibit featuring the works
influence of emotional stress. Digestive stagnation can cause the body of artists Barbara Abrams, Michelle Renee
to absorb toxins that the bowels are meant to eliminate. These types Garrison, Julie J O’Connor, Joyce Ritter,
of physiological difficulties can result in the formation of phlegm in Steven Schiff, and Christine Lee Tyler.
the sinuses, and the itchy inflammation of the eyes and skin that are
associated with SAR. Patients need help restoring the moistening and The lobby of MUIH’s main campus building
purifying actions of body fluids. serves as The Himmelfarb Gallery, and
features exhibits throughout the year that
Unfortunately, conventional treatment of SAR does not always focus on some aspect of healing, wellness,
support the body’s adaptive mechanisms for restoring balance. Most or nature, in keeping with the university’s
commonly, antihistamines are used to dry phlegm. This approach further mission. Since opening in April 2003,
compromises the body’s ability to expel toxins that have made their way the gallery has been home to paintings,
to the upper regions of the body. Some patients recognize a relationship drawings, prints, photography, fabric, and
between their digestive and emotional health and the symptoms of SAR. artist-made paper. The Himmelfarb Gallery
Patient coaching and self-care instructions are often needed to address is named in honor of Helen M. and Annetta
the underlying cause. E. Himmelfarb, a mother and daughter who
each had a great love of art.
The case report for a pediatric acupuncture patient with SAR will be
presented at the upcoming MUIH Research Symposium. Her pediatrician Artwork from the exhibit will be on sale
recommended a common pharmacological treatment and a nasal steroid through the Meeting Point bookstore, which
spray, but in the weeks that followed, the patient developed impetigo is adjacent to the gallery. The gallery is
followed by a skin rash, and acute symptoms of swollen lips and tongue. open to the general public every Monday
through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

4 | MAR/2018 | EXPLORE MUIH

Women’sCELEBRATES

HISTORY MONTH

In recognition of Women’s History Month, please join
members of the Diversity, Cultural Competence, and
Inclusion Committee for a viewing and community discussion
of the riveting film Confirmation.

Confirmation tells the story of the 1991 Clarence Thomas
Supreme Court nomination hearings and the controversy
that unfolds after Anita Hill, law professional and former
employee of Thomas, accuses him of sexual harassment.

As more and more women share their experiences of sexual
harassment and assault, now more than ever, it is important
to revisit the courageous story of Anita Hill.

WATCH WITH US: WHEN: Tuesday, March 20 from 3:30-5pm

WHERE: Maple Lawn Campus, Suite 100
8115 Maple Lawn Blvd.

Fulton, MD 20759

DISCUSS WITH US: WHEN: Wednesday, March 28 from 12-1pm

WHERE: MUIH Main Campus
7750 Montpelier Rd

Laurel, MD 20723

Conference call access for remote attendees is available upon request at registration.

If you are unable to attend, you may watch the film
on your own and join the conversation on March 28.

REGISTER BY EMAIL: Participants must register by email to Scan here
to email.
[email protected] by March 15. All
MUIH students, faculty, and staff are

welcome.

EXPLORE MUIH | MAR/2018 | 5

STUDENT hands-on treatment classes in a student who is interested
SPOTLIGHT group setting with Professor Jane in attending?
Grissmer, Craig Ker, as well as
KEVIN MCNEELEY with Dr. Hunter Thompson were A: It is not easy to choose an
Program: profoundly impactful. Finally,
I would be remiss if I failed to acupuncture school. I think the
Master of Acupuncture mention Nutrition 602 with Dr. most anyone can realistically
Oscar Coetzee, it’s a fantastic hope for in a three-year study
Q: What drew you to MUIH? course. of Chinese medicine is a firm
A: M UIH has a solid reputation as grasp of the basics, the ability to
Q: C an you speak about the practice safely, and the tools to
an acupuncture school, and was faculty here? develop one’s knowledge and
close to home. skills from there. MUIH offers
A: O ne thing about the teaching this, as well as a deep dive into a
Q: W hat excites you about less widespread and very useful
your academic field of faculty is that all of them are approach to treatment - which can
study? practitioners as well as instructors. pay dividends in practice. I would
Everybody is a caregiver, and the also say it is a big commitment,
A: It has been said that one instructors don’t switch that off and having nearly finished the
when they stand in front of a class. program I’m happy I did it. I would
lifetime is not sufficient to learn I doubt they could if they wanted point out that people don’t show
Chinese medicine. It’s the almost to. In my opinion, the example of up to acupuncture school by
unlimited possibility for inquiry “this is how a caregiver comports accident, and while the best time
and discovery that excites me her/himself” is an important, to plant a tree was twenty years
about this academic field of study. if unwritten component of the ago, the second best time is now.
That, and the fact the roots of the curriculum. There are some world
medicine are literally shrouded in class instructors at MUIH. Portrait by Robert Perilla Photography
the mists of time are what keep
me engaged. Q: W hat is your best MUIH u LATEST NEWS
memory? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Q: H as there been a course
you’ve particularly A: A nother difficult question. I have Winter’s Call
enjoyed? On Display Now in the
many fond memories, and many Himmelfarb Gallery
A: T his is a difficult question. profound memories. Perhaps
the most important memory p.m., Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
Biomedicine with Professor however was of the time when p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m.
Heming Zhu and Chinese Associate Professor Linda to 4:00 p.m.
Nutrition Therapy with Associate Simmons showed our class how
Professor Heidi Most were to locate an acupuncture point, The MUIH Art Committee selects
among my very favorites, as was and demonstrated on me. The artists after a review of their
the course on Women’s Health experience does not lend itself artworks. Artists interested in
with Assistant Professors Kaiya to written explanation, but hit me exhibiting are welcome to contact
Larsen and Linda Simmons. up in the hallway and I’ll tell you
Having said all that, the two all about it.llway and I’ll tell you all himmelfarbgallery@muih.
about it. edu for consideration guidelines.

Q: H ow do you plan to use Visit the Himmelfarb Gallery online
what you’ve learned here? muih.edu.

A: I plan to use what I have learned COVER IMAGE
Joyce Ritter, Still Light, 2014
as the bedrock upon which I
continue to build knowledge, PAGE 3
skills, and experiences. I hope to Michelle Renee Garrison, Snow Crystals,
enter practice, learn more, and 2018
share what I’m doing.

Q: W hat would you say about
MUIH to a prospective

6 | MAR/2018 | EXPLORE MUIH

Community
Corner

Spring Celeste Homan, M.S., D.Ac., L.Ac., assistant professor
Wellness in MUIH’s Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program,
Offerings has joined the editorial board of Meridians: The Journal
of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Homan has
MUIH’s Spring Wellness also written an article that will appear in the March
Offerings are available to all issue of Acupuncture Today, titled “Beyond Pattern
MUIH Students, Faculty, and Recognition: Diagnosis and Gut Feelings.” Her article
Staff. describes the medical decision-making process in
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from a Western
RESTORATIVE YOGA perspective.
Tuesdays:
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Beth Romanski, M.S., MUIH’s director of professional
Location: and continuing education, recently participated in Health
Maple Lawn - Summer Room Coach Week and Health Coach Action Day 2018. Beth
is a practicing Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and
AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), a
Tuesdays: collaborative partner of MUIH. The day involved lunch
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. with Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland and IIN staff, and
an afternoon of advocacy meetings. SShe was also
Wednesdays: interviewed by Capital News Service Maryland about the
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. importance of health coaches within a standard
healthcare paradigm.
Thursdays:
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Beth was also recently published in the Council for Adult and Experiential
Learning’s Forum and News Journal. Her article, “Working Smarter, Not Harder
Location: by Collaborating with the Competition,” discusses the how employers and
Main Campus, rooms vary educational institutions can form a meaningful link in the context of supporting
adult learners’ professional development.
QI GONG
Wednesdays: Bevin Clare, M.S., R.H.,
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. CNS, associate professor
Location: and program manager
Maple Lawn - Summer Room of herbal programs, and
Camille Freeman, M.S., CNS,
GENTLE YOGA LDN, associate professor of
Thursdays: Integrative Sciences at MIUH,
1:00 – 1:30 p.m. recently served as speakers at
Location: the Conference on Meaningful
Main Campus, rooms vary Living and Learning in a Digital
World in Savannah, GA. Their presentation, “Turning Off: Reducing Stress and
Anxiety as an Online Educator” discussed how to create authentic, meaningful
connections in an online learning environment.

EXPLORE MUIH | MAR/2018 | 7

March Wellness Minute u CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

This March, The Wellness Minute is recognizing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Understanding Seasonal
month and will be featuring a discussion with Dr. Aminah Keats. Aminah Keats, Allergies with Chinese Medicine
N.D., FABNO, is board certified in naturopathic oncology and has specialized
in integrative oncology for close to 15 years. Dr. Keats also works with patients Her conventional treatment during
who are at high risk for cancer and those seeking naturopathic care for cancer this time included several trips to the
prevention. She utilizes vitamin and nutrient therapy, botanical medicine, diet pediatrician, one emergency room visit,
and lifestyle counseling in creating a personalized plan for each patient. Dr. and a pharmaceutical cascade that
Keats is a member of the Maryland Naturopathic Doctors Association and included a tropical cream, an antibiotic,
the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She currently works in and other prescription medications.
private practice at Capital Integrative Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
The patient discontinued all
The Wellness Minute is hosted by Dr. Abigail Aiyepola, medications for one week, and her
professor and associate dean of MUIH’s School of skin and sinus symptoms returned.
Naturopathic Medicine. Residents of the city of Laurel After three acupuncture treatments
can catch this month’s episode on Laurel TV, available and self-care instructions that included
on Verizon FiOS Channel 12, Comcast Channel 996 lifestyle recommendations to support
(HD), and Comcast 71 (SD). The Wellness Minute will her constitutional temperament,
also be available on MUIH’s YouTube channel and the patient’s symptoms resolved.
Facebook page. Acupressure and essential oils were
administered at home to sustain the
u CONTINUED FROM THE COVER benefits of treatment as needed. The
patient returned for treatment every
Maryland University of Integrative Health’s one to three months, for a total of
Online Health Promotion Program Ranked #1 eight treatments between May 2016
and September 2017, and she remains
“I’m proud of the fact that we have a truly unique curriculum within our symptom free. She also reports
program,” said Claudia Joy Wingo, director of MUIH’s health promotion feeling more calm and confident.
program. “We give our students the platform to explore both conventional
and integrative health from an evidence-based perspective, and believe that If you suffer from SAR, make careful
they can become change agents for population health in both the community observations of your symptoms.
and workplace.” You may see a relationship to your
digestive and emotional health. Find
Population health is an emerging field that considers and addresses both ways to manage stress and avoid
health improvements and the elimination of disparities. MUIH’s Master of foods that make your symptoms
Science in Health Promotion features distinctive integrative health-based worse. Experiment with aromatherapy
coursework focusing on practices such as mind-body medicine, physical including peppermint, eucalyptus, and
activity, functional nutrition, health behavior change, and health maintenance. citrus oils to open your sinuses and
The program offers two concentrations: community health education and then allow them to drain.
workplace wellness, and covers the education competencies required for
graduates to pass the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam If you’d like to learn more about this
through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. case report, be sure to attend the MUIH
Research Symposium on March 23.
About BestColleges.com
BestColleges.com helps prospective students find the school that best meets Place Your
their needs through proprietary research, user-friendly guides, and hundreds Ad Here!
of unique college rankings. They also provide a wide array of college
planning, financial aid, and career resources to help all students get the most To see your ad in the next issue
from their education and prepare them for the world after college. of Explore MUIH, email Susan
Larsen at [email protected].

Events Calendar

Learn more at Maryland University of Integrative Health’s annual Research
muih.edu/events Symposium highlights the growing contribution of MUIH’s students
or RSVP here and faculty to research and scholarship. This year’s event will be a
great opportunity to meet and hear from our students and faculty
directly about their work, and to learn more about our fields of study.

Heart Health Cookies roll it out in ½ inch
thickness. You may use
Ingredients: any shape of cookie
• 2 cups almond flour cutter. It should yield
• ½ cup coconut flakes unsweetened about 30-36 cookies.
• ½ cup ghee, melted • Place the cookies on
• 2 Tbsp. beet powder* the baking sheet and
• 2 Tbsp. ginger powder† bake them for 15-18 minutes depending
• 1 Tbsp. stevia/raw sugar blend (could be on the texture (a bit chewy or dry and
crisp). Take out from the oven and allow
adjusted for more sweetness) to cool.
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1 pinch of salt Enjoy!

Method of preparation: *Beets are considered an aphrodisiac as they are rich
• P re-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare in boron which helps elevate testosterone levels in
both men and women. It also helps to support great
two baking sheets by lining them with bone health and it helps relax and widen the blood
parchment paper. vessels allowing greater blood flow throughout our
• P lace all ingredients in a bowl and gently body. Beets have great antioxidant property due to
kneed them until you form a dough. Form high levels of betalains.
a ball and cover the bowl and place in the
refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to †Ginger is considered as a stimulant as is moves
2 hours. energy through the body increasing circulation,
• P lace the dough on a board between promotes great digestion and increases the flow of
two parchment papers. With a rolling pin fluids in the body. It can help to relieve various types of
pain through its anti-inflammatory properties.

MUIHealth Managing Editor: Natalie Williams Editor: Susan Larsen

7750 Montpelier Road, Laurel, Maryland 20723
410.888.9048

@ MUIHealth muih.edu #exploreMUIH