Social Acupuncture

College and Lansdowne in Toronto? That's where I live. Honestly, I don't really like it. At Lansdowne you have the first evidence of suburbia; I live above a small proto-stripmall which houses a Harvey's, a Domino's Pizza and a 7-11. I buy cream and newspapers at the 7-11, the occasional veggie burger at Harvey's and the very very occasional pizza from Domino's. For some reason, pizza just doesn't hold the thrill it used to. Nothing does. Theatre doesn't have much relevance anymore. Or so acclaimed playwright Darren O'Donnell tells us. The dynamics of unplanned social interaction, he says, are far more compelling than any play he could produce. So his latest show, A Suicide-Site Guide to the City , isn't really a show; it's an interactive chitchat about memory, about depression, about 9/11. And it's hilarious. O'Donnell's artistic practice has evolved into 'something as close to hanging out as you can come and still charge admission.' With his theatre company, Mammalian Diving Reflex, O'Donnell has generated a series of ongoing events that induce interactions between strangers in public; the Talking Creature, Q&A, Home Tours, the Toronto Strategy Meetings and Diplomatic Immunities bring people together in odd configurations, ask revealing questions and prove the generosity, abundance and power of the social sphere. Social Acupuncture includes the full text of A Suicide-Site Guide to the City and an extensive essay on the waning significance of theatre and the notion of civic engagement and social interaction as an aesthetic. 'No other playwright working in Toronto right now has O'Donnell's talent for synthesizing psychosocial, artistic and political random thoughts and reflections into compelling analyses ... The world (not to mention the theatre world) could use more of this, if only to get us talking and debating.' - The Globe and Mail

Theatre doesn't have much relevance anymore. Or so acclaimed playwright Darren O'Donnell tells us. The dynamics of unplanned social interaction, he says, are far more compelling than any play he could produce. So his latest show, A Suicide-Site Guide to the City, isn't really a show; it's an interactive chitchat about memory, depression, and 9/11, a dazzling whirl of talking streetcars, pizza and schizophrenia. And it's hilarious. O'Donnell's artistic practice has evolved into 'something as close to hanging out as you can come and still charge admission.' With his theatre company, Mammalian Diving Reflex, O'Donnell has generated a series of ongoing events that induce interactions between strangers in public; the Talking Creature, Q&A, Home Tours, the Toronto Strategy Meetings and Diplomatic Immunities bring people together in odd configurations, ask revealing questions and prove the generosity, abundance and power of the social sphere. Social Acupuncture includes the full text of A Suicide-Site Guide to the City and an extensive essay on the waning significance of theatre and the notion of civic engagement and social interaction as an aesthetic.

We live in an "adultitarian" state, where the rules are based on very adult priorities and understandings of reality. Young people are disenfranchised and powerless; they understand they're subject to an authoritarian regime, whether they buy into it or not. But their unique perspectives also offer incredible potential for engagement and innovation. Cultural planner and performance director Darren O'Donnell has been collaborating with children for years through his theatre company, Mammalian Diving Reflex; their most well-known piece, Haircuts by Children (exactly what it sounds like) has been performed internationally. O'Donnell suggests that that working with children in the cultural industries in a manner that maintains a large space for their participation can be understood as a pilot for a vision of a very different role for young people in the world – one that the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child considers a "new social contract." Seen and Heard is a practical proposal for the inclusion of children in as many realms as possible, not only as an expression of their rights, but as a way to intervene in the world and to disrupt the stark economic inequalities perpetuated by the status quo. Deeply practical and wildly whimsical, Seen and Heard might actually make total sense. Darren O'Donnell is an urban cultural planner, novelist, essayist, playwright, director, designer, performer, and the artistic director of the Mammalian Diving Reflex theater company. O'Donnell currently resides in Toronto, Ontario.

This volume presents a scholarly investigation of the ways educators engage in artistic and contemplative practices – and why this matters in education. Arts-based learning and inquiry can function as a powerful catalyst for change by allowing spiritual practices to be present within educational settings, but too often the relationship between art, education and spirituality is ignored. Exploring artistic disciplines such as dance, drama, visual art, music, and writing, and forms such as writing-witnessing, freestyle rap, queer performative autoethnograph, and poetic imagination, this book develops a transformational educational paradigm. Its unique integration of spirituality in and through the arts addresses the contemplative needs of learners and educators in diverse educational and community settings.

Social Ecology in the Digital Age: Solving Complex Problems in a Globalized World provides a comprehensive overview of social ecological theory, research, and practice. Written by renowned expert Daniel Stokols, the book distills key principles from diverse strands of ecological science, offering a robust framework for transdisciplinary research and societal problem-solving. The existential challenges of the 21st Century - global climate change and climate-change denial, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, disease pandemics, inter-ethnic violence and the threat of nuclear war, cybercrime, the Digital Divide, and extreme poverty and income inequality confronting billions each day - cannot be understood and managed adequately from narrow disciplinary or political perspectives. Social Ecology in the Digital Age is grounded in scientific research but written in a personal and informal style from the vantage point of a former student, current teacher and scholar who has contributed over four decades to the field of social ecology. The book will be of interest to scholars, students, educators, government leaders and community practitioners working in several fields including social and human ecology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, criminology, law, education, biology, medicine, public health, earth system and sustainability science, geography, environmental design, urban planning, informatics, public policy and global governance. Winner of the 2018 Gerald L. Young Book Award from The Society for Human Ecology"Exemplifying the highest standards of scholarly work in the field of human ecology." https://societyforhumanecology.org/human-ecology-homepage/awards/gerald-l-young-book-award-in-human-ecology/ The book traces historical origins and conceptual foundations of biological, human, and social ecology Offers a new conceptual framework that brings together earlier approaches to social ecology and extends them in novel directions Highlights the interrelations between four distinct but closely intertwined spheres of human environments: our natural, built, sociocultural, and virtual (cyber-based) surroundings Spans local to global scales and individual, organizational, community, regional, and global levels of analysis Applies core principles of social ecology to identify multi-level strategies for promoting personal and public health, resolving complex social problems, managing global environmental change, and creating resilient and sustainable communities Underscores social ecology’s vital importance for understanding and managing the environmental and political upheavals of the 21st Century Highlights descriptive, analytic, and transformative (or moral) concerns of social ecology Presents strategies for educating the next generation of social ecologists emphasizing transdisciplinary, team-based, translational, and transcultural approaches

How games can make a real-world difference in communities when city leaders tap into the power of play for local impact. In 2016, city officials were surprised when Pokémon GO brought millions of players out into the public space, blending digital participation with the physical. Yet for local control and empowerment, a new framework is needed to guide the power of mixed reality and pervasive play. In Locally Played, Benjamin Stokes describes the rise of games that can connect strangers across zip codes, support the “buy local” economy, and build cohesion in the fight for equity. With a mix of high- and low-tech games, Stokes shows, cities can tap into the power of play for the good of the group, including healthier neighborhoods and stronger communities. Stokes shows how impact is greatest when games “fit” to the local community—not just in terms of culture, but at the level of group identity and network structure. By pairing design principles with a range of empirical methods, Stokes investigates the impact of several games, including Macon Money, where an alternative currency encouraged people to cross lines of socioeconomic segregation in Macon, Georgia; Reality Ends Here, where teams in Los Angeles competed to tell multimedia stories around local mythology; and Pokémon GO, appropriated by several cities to serve local needs through local libraries and open street festivals. Locally Played provides game designers with a model to strengthen existing networks tied to place and gives city leaders tools to look past technology trends in order to make a difference in the real world.

Discover the incredible healing power of acupuncture with "Acupuncture and Beyond: Integrating Eastern and Western Medicine." This comprehensive guide delves into the history and philosophy of acupuncture, from its ancient roots to its modern-day applications in healthcare. Learn about the concept of Qi and the meridian system in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as the different acupuncture techniques and tools used in treatments. Explore the wide-ranging benefits of acupuncture, including pain relief, emotional and mental health, digestive issues, respiratory health, women's and men's health, sleep and insomnia, immune system support, weight management, skin health, addiction and recovery, sports performance, aging and longevity, and much more. Personal stories from acupuncture patients illustrate the transformative power of acupuncture treatment. Choose the right acupuncturist, prepare for your first appointment, and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual health needs. The book also covers topics such as the future of acupuncture and integrative medicine, the benefits of combining acupuncture with Western medicine, and sustainable practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Written by experienced practitioners, "Acupuncture and Beyond" provides a holistic approach to healthcare that integrates Eastern and Western medicine. Whether you're new to acupuncture or a seasoned practitioner, this book is a valuable resource for expanding your knowledge and exploring new treatments. Dive into the transformative power of acupuncture and take charge of your health today! Table of Contents: The History and Philosophy of Acupuncture Ancient roots and cultural significance The development of acupuncture over time Understanding Qi and Meridians The concept of Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) The meridian system and its role in acupuncture Acupuncture Techniques and Tools Different types of acupuncture needles Moxibustion, cupping, and other complementary techniques The Science Behind Acupuncture Current research and understanding of acupuncture's effectiveness Debunking common acupuncture myths Acupuncture for Pain Relief Treating headaches and migraines Managing chronic pain conditions Acupuncture for Emotional and Mental Health Reducing stress and anxiety Treating depression and mood disorders Acupuncture for Digestive Issues Addressing gastrointestinal disorders Promoting healthy digestion Acupuncture for Respiratory Health Treating asthma and allergies Supporting lung health Acupuncture for Women's Health Addressing fertility and menstrual issues Easing menopause symptoms Acupuncture for Men's Health Supporting prostate health Enhancing sexual health and performance Acupuncture for Sleep and Insomnia Understanding the connection between sleep and TCM Techniques for improving sleep quality Acupuncture for Immune System Support Strengthening immunity and overall wellness Managing autoimmune conditions Acupuncture for Weight Management Understanding the role of TCM in weight control Techniques for promoting healthy weight loss Acupuncture for Skin Health Treating common skin issues Promoting healthy, radiant skin Acupuncture for Addiction and Recovery Supporting detoxification and withdrawal Addressing cravings and relapse prevention Acupuncture for Athletes and Sports Performance Enhancing athletic performance Accelerating injury recovery Acupuncture for Aging and Longevity Promoting healthy aging Addressing age-related health concerns Choosing the Right Acupuncturist What to look for in an acupuncture practitioner Tips for finding the right fit Preparing for Your Acupuncture Session What to expect during your first appointment Tips for maximizing treatment benefits The Future of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine The growing role of acupuncture in healthcare The future of research and innovation in the field Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture Common misconceptions and concerns Answers from experienced practitioners Personal Stories: Acupuncture Success Stories Real-life experiences of acupuncture patients The transformative power of acupuncture treatment The Transformative Power of Acupuncture Treatment Acupuncture for Children and Adolescents Adapting acupuncture treatments for younger patients Addressing common childhood health issues Acupuncture for Pregnancy and Postpartum Care Supporting a healthy pregnancy Easing postpartum recovery Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue and Energy Boost Understanding the TCM perspective on energy and fatigue Techniques for revitalizing energy levels Acupuncture for Eye Health Addressing common eye conditions Supporting vision and overall eye health Acupuncture for Dental and Oral Health Treating TMJ, tooth pain, and other oral health issues Promoting overall dental well-being Acupuncture for Animal Health Understanding veterinary acupuncture The benefits of acupuncture for pets Acupuncture and Cancer Care Supporting patients through cancer treatment Addressing side effects and improving quality of life Acupuncture for Stroke Rehabilitation Enhancing recovery from stroke and brain injuries Supporting long-term neurological health Acupuncture for Hormonal Balance Understanding the TCM perspective on hormonal health Techniques for restoring hormonal balance Combining Acupuncture with Western Medicine The benefits of an integrative approach to healthcare Collaborating with other healthcare providers Acupuncture and the Environment The ecological impact of acupuncture practices Sustainable practices in TCM Acupressure and Self-Care Techniques Understanding the principles of acupressure Simple self-care techniques to complement acupuncture treatments Acupuncture Safety and Potential Side Effects Recognizing and minimizing risks What to do if you experience side effects Building a Personalized Acupuncture Treatment Plan Assessing your individual health needs Developing a customized treatment strategy Continuing Your Acupuncture Journey Maintaining long-term health benefits Expanding your knowledge and exploring new treatments