Points of Wellness

Start with yourself...

2012-01-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

We all want to see change in the world; however, not all of us know where to start. My advice to you for this New Year is to start with changing yourself. As Gandhi said, “be the change you want to see in the world.” Living is a choice. Your life is a reflection of the choices you have made. Chinese medicine teaches us that we are each given a certain amount of Jing (life energies) from our parents. That means that genetically you are pre-dispose to certain illnesses or complications in terms of your health. However, what you do with the Jing you are given is entirely up to you. Remember, you are not your genes.

Here are some thoughts to ponder as we move into 2012:

• Healthy living is a choice. For example, exercise is absolutely essential for healthy living, but we have a choice everyday to be active or not. Most of us do not have physically demanding jobs; thus, it is necessary to schedule exercise time and make it a priority. Start living today by going for that walk! Join a sports team! Go to the pool! Do that one thing that has been on your list for years. Choose to live life actively and not passively.

• NOT dieting should be a goal. Instead of getting on and off diets, make a commitment to eat mindfully. Weight loss is the outcome of healthier and mindful living choices. Eat balanced meals with more vegetables and less meats. Eat lean proteins. Most of all, eat according to the seasons. However, do not deny your cravings, life is meant to be enjoyed. Just remember moderation is the key to a balanced life. Enjoy your food, even the things that are not so good for your body. If you decide to put it in your mouth, then savor each bite.

• De-stress! Stress contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and other illnesses. Stress also affects the immune system, which protects us from many serious diseases. Do what it takes to relax your mind and body. For some, it may be meditation. For others, it’s a good punching bag, a long walk, an acupuncture treatment, reading a book, or watching a movie. Declare a chore-less weekend, and do all the things you enjoy that weekend. Take a mental health day from work and do nothing. Try a day without your cell phone (ok that might be taking it too far). How about a day of not checking emails or text messages on your phone, only taking calls?

• Visit an acupuncturist or a Chinese Medicine practitioner and see if you are balanced or if your body is deficient or has excess in any way. The acupuncturist or practitioner will ask you lots of questions, take a look at the quality of your pulses, and ask to see your tongue. S/he is trying to see what your body is saying. A traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis helps you learn more about your body and what it needs to be balanced.

So, I wish you a very Happy New Year. And, hope that in 2012, you can make a change towards a healthier and happier world. Starting with you!

The gift of acupuncture!

2011-12-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a unique and special gift this is holiday season? How about giving the gift of acupuncture? Acupuncture is a special gift that can make a real difference to the lives of the ones you love. Points of Wellness Acupuncture provides care to people throughout the year, and during the holiday season, we help our clients reduce stress and improve their well-being.

From backaches and headaches caused by long to-do lists to holiday dinner fears to over-spending insomnia, the holiday season is a stressful time for many of us. One of the most negative outcomes of stress is a breakdown in your immune system, leaving you at risk to colds and illness. Eating fattening foods, exercising less and stressful family situations can truly take a toll on your health.

Acupuncture helps you cope with these demands and enables you to function at a high level of wellness. Stress, anger, or any intense emotion creates a traffic jam in your body, blocking the free flow of energy. For example, people who are stressed tend to experience upper back, shoulder and neck pain. This is because stress stops the flow of Qi (energy) passing through channels in your body to these areas resulting in pain, tension, stiffness, and sometimes, headaches as well.

Acupuncture removes these energy blockers allowing energy to flow smoothly, which not only alleviates the symptoms of stress and anxiety, but also the underlying stress and anxiety itself. Additionally, acupuncture improves blood circulation throughout the body. The calming nature of acupuncture decreases your heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles. Acupuncture also helps relieve many aliments, such as headaches, and improves overall health.

In addition to acupuncture treatments, here are some other basic tips for staying healthy during the holiday season, or any season for that matter:

Quality sleep between 10pm and 2am regenerates the adrenal glands, which controls a large portion of the body’s hormonal system.

Exercise has many good points. It is a natural stress and pain reliever, as well as an immune system booster. If you do not have time for a 30-minute exercise session, then at the very least, do some stretching or a few yoga poses to keep your circulation up.

The old saying, “You are what you eat,” is very true. Sugar and processed foods increase inflammation in the body and damages your immune system.

Eat plenty of colorful vegetables, leafy greens, and choose organic when possible.

Remember the best shopping areas in a grocery store is the perimeter!

Soups are great for this season. You can use leftovers, such as turkey, turkey bones, beef bones, and vegetables, to make a yummy and nutritious broth.

Research shows that if you want to feel good, do something for those less fortunate. You can volunteer or donate to a local food pantry, or buy Christmas gifts for a
less fortunate child.

And, with these last few tips, I wish you and your families a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Sinus Infections

2011-11-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Sinus infections affect millions of people every year. During this time, I start to see more and more patients with this complaint. For sinus infections, I, of course, highly recommend acupuncture, which is very effective for relieving acute sinusitis, an infection that can cause pain, headaches, congestion and obstructed breathing. Acupuncture lessens pain and promotes sinus drainage within minutes of placement of the needles.

The following are other methods of preventing and relieving sinus infections:

-Place a hot, wet compress over the whole sinus area to promote sinus drainage. Work up to as much heat as you can stand for 5-10 minutes at a time, a few times a day.

-Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to help moisten and thin the mucus in your sinuses.

-Inhale steam with a little eucalyptus oil in it to ease clogging.

-Take a hot shower to help clear your sinuses. While in the shower, if you are able, bend over and touch your toes, bring your head straight down as far you can and hold for a count of 30.

-Flush your nasal passages with a warm saline solution to relieve sinus congestion and to prevent sinus infections. For an active infection, do this two to four times a day.

-A Neti Pot is a traditional, Indian nasal-irrigation device shaped like Aladdin's lamp that lets you pour the water into one of your nostrils and out the other.

-If you do not have a neti pot, you can also dissolve a ¼ teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm distilled water and pour some of the solution into your cupped hand and inhale it through one nostril while closing the other with a finger.

-If you have chronic sinus problems, try eliminating milk and all milk products from your diet (including prepared foods that list milk as an ingredient). Basically, you should avoid foods which produce phlegm, such as cheese, ice cream, milk, butter, and fried foods (french fries, fried chicken, etc.). Give yourself about two months for results.

-Take a good probiotic daily, especially if you are taking an antibiotic.

-Keep your house at the right humidity. If your house is too dry, your sinuses will also dry up, setting up a prime environment for infections.

-Acupressure can help alleviate sinusitis: Locate these points and hold for about 3 minutes. Do this three times on each point daily)

-Bitong (Extra Point): Located on each side of the nose, at the bottom edge of the nasal bones.

-Yingxiang (LI 20): Located in the groove on each side of the nostrils, at the widest point of the nostrils.

-Hegu (LI-4): Located at the highest spot of the muscle between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand when the thumb and index finger are close together.

-Finally, there are great Chinese herbals for sinus infections, come in to my office and we can talk about which formula is for you.

As always, I wish you a happy and healthy Holiday season!

Staying healthy and cold free

2011-10-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

The cold and flu season is coming quickly upon us. Below are some tips for staying healthy and cold-free for the coming months, and all year round:

• Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water. Fluids are required for your immune system to function properly.
• Keep your home hydrated. As you try to warm up your house by turning on your heater, use a humidifier to keep humidity levels at around 50%.
• Keep your nasal passages hydrated as well. Dry air can cause nasal passage irritation and can make them more prone to sinus infections.
• Get some good bacteria. Get at least three servings a day of probiotic-rich or fermented foods, such as yogurt with live bacteria, aged cheese, kefir, sauerkraut or kim chi.
• Get rest! If you are feeling tired and run-down, your body is telling you it needs some TLC! Get some rest and sleep.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Use paper towels to open bathroom doors.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wipe down desks and tables regularly.
• Make sure you are eating with the season and getting your nutrients. Adequate proteins are really important as the weather gets cooler. If you are not getting your nutrients through your diet, make sure to take some good quality vitamins. Vitamin D is very important during winter months.
• Finally, regular acupuncture treatments will help your immune system function at its optimum.

Have a happy and healthy fall season. If you do happen to get sick, come in and see me. We can get you feeling better quickly.

Time to let go...

2011-09-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

I have had a flood of emotions in the last few weeks. Along with attending a wedding, I have also had to attend one funeral and grief the lost of another friend. Such emotions remind me that autumn is coming and this season teaches us to let go. Autumn brings the end of the growing season.

The lung and large intestine are the organs related to the fall season. These organs are associated with the emotion of taking in and letting go. It is also a time of turning inward. Leaves turn color and return back to the earth, enriching it with nutrients for the new harvest in the spring. Essentially, the lesson of this season is to return to our roots. Though things are dying, this natural rhythm has to happen in order for spring to come.

The change in seasons can be challenging at times. Staying balance while you are adjusting to changing weather conditions can cause stress to your body. Grief, sadness and depression are more prevalent during this season due to the ending of summer and the change in light. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help your body handle the emotions of grief this season.

Grief tends to settle into the chest center, weakening the breath. It is very important to regularly take breaths that are full and deep, which grounds your body. Also, drinking at least 8 cups of water per day is important during periods of sorrow. Fluids help to keep the meridians open while flushing toxins out of the system; thus, supporting the body in maintaining balance while under stress.

Do not let the natural rhythm of the fall season get you down. Use this time to cleanse yourself and to strengthen your body and soul for the long winter to come.

Below are other suggestions for living in harmony with the autumn season:
• The lungs and large intestine are considered the main organs for detoxing and cleansing the body. Therefore, this is a good time to do a cleanse. There are many cleanses out there you need to do some research to find the one best suited for you.
• Flower essences can also be effective in gently balancing the body. For example, Bach’s Rescue Remedy is good for grief. Follow direction on the bottle for usage.
• Go through your medicine cabinet and check for expiration dates. Toss any medication that is expired.
• It is also a good time to examine any “negative” attitudes (prejudices, envies, jealousies, etc.) stored within your consciousness. Is your mind and your body are ready to depart with these attitudes. It is time to let go. Try writing your issues down on paper. Be as specific as possible, and then burn the paper, mentally releasing your problems.
• Finally, below is an Acupressure and Deep Breathing technique to help you release depression:
1. Lie down on your back or sit comfortably, with your spine straight, and feet flat on the floor (you can place a pillow under your knee if that feels better).
2. Reach up toward the ceiling with both hands; take a deep breath, and hold it in for a few seconds, make tight fists and squeeze, tightening all the muscles in your arms.
3. Slowly exhale, bringing your fists down and keep the fist form, to your chest.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 several times.
5. Then, cross your arms at the wrists over the center of your upper chest, now release and extended fingers so that your fingers are pressing the upper outside area of the chest, (This point is Lung 1, also known as Letting Go).
6. While you are pressing Lung 1, inhale, filling your lungs completely and expanding your stomach. Hold the breath for a few seconds and then exhale slowly through your mouth.
7. Pull your belly button to your spine and continue pressing on Lung 1.
8. Repeat this entire exercise (steps 1 – 7) for two or three minutes, concentrate on the depth and rhythm of your breath.

Summer Wellness

2011-07-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Happy July! I hope everyone is keeping cool and safe this summer. I hope everyone is wearing plenty of sunscreen and a hat for protection when heading outside. Did you know that you could get sun protection through your food?

Beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein are carotenoids (any of a class of mainly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes and autumn leaves) that studies have shown to be particularly effective for protecting the skin against sun damage. Try adding the following to your diet: carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, squash, peppers, cantaloupe melons, nectarines, papaya, mango and dark green vegetables.

Studies have shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (also called EPA), a Type omega 3 fatty acid, helps lengthen the time that it takes skin to burn during sun exposure. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. The best omega 3 fatty acids containing EPA and DHA are found in animal products such as, grass-fed beef, cold water and wild caught fish (e.g., salmon, sardines, and mackerel), and free-range chickens/eggs.

However, though you can get sun protection from your food, the amount of protection you receive is not enough protection from the sun. So, remember to wear sunscreen daily. The most ideal sunscreens are products with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Both block UVA and UVB rays, and are safe products for your skin. They have raised no health concerns to date.

Do enjoy the beautiful sun! Don’t be scared off by the heat. Just remember to protect your skin inside and outside with a healthy diet and high-quality sunscreens. You will not only soak up the vitamin D with all its health benefits, but have soft smooth skin as well.

The following recipes are from a post last year and will help to keep you cool through the hot summer months:

Cucumber Water

Benefits: Great for keeping skin moisturized and soft; helps to control body temperature

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, sliced

1 lime, sliced

4 celery stalks

1 watermelon rind

Instructions:

Place all ingredients into a pitcher of water.

Let soak overnight in the refrigerator for at least 8 to 11 hours. Remove ingredients before 12 hours to keep water from taking on a bitter taste. Please drink this water within the week.

Use ingredients as garnish on glasses, and enjoy.

Cold Chrysanthemum Tea

Benefits: Prevents sunstroke and clears heat from the body; reduces symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI)

Ingredients:

60 – 80 white chrysanthemum flowers (can be found dried in most Asian grocery stores)

4 liters of water

Rock sugar candy, or honey to taste

Instructions:

Wash chrysanthemum (gentle rise).

Pour water into a pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and add chrysanthemum.

Cook for 10 minutes, then add rock sugar or honey (optional).

Turn off heat, then allow tea to brew for an additional 10 minutes.

Remove pot from heat and allow mixture to cool to room temperature.

Strain tea into a pitcher and refrigerate.

Serve chilled and enjoy.

Happy Summer - I think...

2011-06-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

As I write this blog, the thermometer outside reads 57 degrees. I thought it was supposed to be Summer? 57 degrees doesn’t feel like Summer to me. Summer is the most “Yang” of the seasons, and according to Chinese Medicine, it is a time for growth, lightness, outward activity, brightness, and creativity.

As Summer heats up, most people do really well this time of year. Aches, pains and depression all improve as the Summer sun fills our bodies with nutrients. However, the heat can also be very oppressive for lots of people. Remember, to live in harmony with the energy of this season, rise early and welcome the sun.

When the days are hot, try to create a relaxing dining experience, such as a picnic, and try to include cooling, fresh foods, such as Apricots, Cantaloupe, Lemons, Limes, Asparagus, Sprouts, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Chinese cabbage, Cucumbers, White Mushrooms, Snow Peas, Spinach, Watercress, Seaweed, Mung Beans, Cilantro, and Mint.

Try infusing Lemons or Limes in water because sour or astringent flavors help reduce water loss. Infuse water by slicing limes and soak in a pitcher of water overnight, do not soak too long or the water will become bitter. Another way to enjoy Limes is to try unsweetened or slightly sweetened (use honey) limeade. Limeade mixed with watermelon is great for combating summer heat with no other sweetener needed. You can also add mint to the limeade for an extra cooling agent.

Finally, Summer’s element is fire; its emotion is joy; its organ system is the Heart. According to Chinese Medicine, the Heart regulates blood circulation, controls consciousness, sleep, spirit, and “houses the mind.” Thus, summer is an ideal time to treat any of the following issues with acupuncture and herbal medicine: insomnia, restlessness, ADHD, poor memory, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, depression, poor circulation, and any aversion to heat.

I wish you a great, exciting and active Summer.

Learning more about your body

2011-03-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

I know I usually blog about food as medicine, but today, I want us to look at another function in our bodies, bowel movements. Bowel movements are one of the key ways to learn more about your body.

Did you know that ancient Chinese physicians had to study the excrement of emperors for hidden illnesses and to identify the foods he should be eating? Do you look at your stools? You need to. Look at the consistency, color, quality and smell.

The ideal stool should be:

· Medium brown, the color of plain cardboard, or it should be reflective of the foods you have been eating

· Leaving the body easily with no straining or discomfort

· Similar to toothpaste in consistency

· Approximately 4 to 8 inches long

· Excreting very little gas or a slight odor (Note: you're passing methane and bacterial degraded food so there's going to be an odor, but the odor should not be very strong or pungent)

Some possible bowel issues:

· Whitish mucus in your stool may reflect inflammation in the intestines.

· Your stool should sink when it hits the water. However, when the body isn’t properly absorbing fat from the foods you eat, the fat ends up being excreted in your stool. The result is a stool that’s yellowish in color, greasy in consistency, foul smelling, and that floats in the toilet. Certain medical conditions, like celiac disease, can cause these mal-absorption problems. And since essential nutrients could also be lost along with the un-absorbed fat, it’s important to see your doctor if you experience this problem. These fatty, smelly stools are also side effects of eating foods that contain Olestra or from taking the weight loss drug Xenical (or its over-the-counter cousin, Alli).

Issues according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

· Loose stools with abdominal bloating, lack of energy and poor appetite can be signs of a condition known as spleen qi deficiency. It does not necessarily involve your actual spleen, but it is linked to tiredness and weak digestion brought on by stress and poor diet. Try eating warm or hot foods, and drink tea with your meals.

· Pellet stools are when the stool comes out in small round balls. According to TCM, pellet stools are caused by a condition known as liver qi stagnation. Liver qi stagnation can be brought on by stress. Lack of exercise can worsen the problem. To improve the quality of your stool, eat more vegetables.

In some cases, an unusual bowel movement is harmless and can be attributed to a particular food or medication -- but not always. Changes in bowel habits that persist can be a serious matter and should be investigated. What comes through your digestive track will tell you how well or ill you are. So, take a look at your bowel movements today to learn more about your body.

Heart Health Awareness Month

2011-02-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

February is heart health awareness month. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, as well as a major cause of disability. Beware of discomforts in the chest area, other upper body discomforts (such as pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms), and shortness of breath, which are all common signs of heart problems.

Chinese Medicine uses visual cues to diagnose possible symptoms of Heart Disease. For example, a vertical or tangential crease on your earlobes, a horizontal crease across the bridge of the nose, or a deep narrow central crack on the tongue extending to the tip and/or a deviated tongue are all signs of possible Heart Disease.

In Chinese Medicine, the Heart corresponds to the element of fire and is associated with the color red and the Summer season. However, the Heart dislikes heat and is vulnerable to being invaded by exterior heat (e.g., the heating system in your house). Keeping your body hydrated helps to keep the heat from accumulating.

Your lifestyle can greatly affect your heart health. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help you to maintain a healthy weight and good blood pressure. They can also help you to quit smoking, to keep your stress levels down, and to help with improving your sleep. Acupuncture and herbal formulas have been used for thousands of years to nourish the Heart and Blood to prevent and to treat a Heart Imbalance.

Remember, love your heart! Take good care of it, and it’ll go on pumping for a long time!

Happy 2011!

2011-01-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011! Whether you make New Year resolutions or simple goals for the New Year, we all think of the year to come and all the possibilities it may bring.

My wish for all of you in 2011 is to simply live in the present. With the hectic lives we lead, we never truly live in the moment. We are always trying to plan our next move, and do not take note of what we are experiencing right now.

So, humor me for a second and step away from your computer to go get that orange that is sitting on your counter. You know you’ve wanted to eat it; so just go get it. Oranges in Chinese tradition are seen as good luck so they are given out during the New Year. Before you cut into it or peel it, hold that orange in your hands, feel the weight and texture. Really look at that orange. Breathe in the fragrance. Then, dig your fingers in and peel back the skin. Is it juicy? Is it dry? Does the orange scent fill the room?

Now take a slice of the orange and put it in your mouth, just let it sit on your tongue for a second and slowly chew it. Is it sweet? Is it sour? Does it consume all your taste buds? Did it make you wrinkle your face? Chew it slowly and enjoy the seconds; empty your mind and truly savor it.

Remember this method of eating and enjoying food the next time you have a craving for a piece of cake or something that is not on your eating plan Enjoy food; don’t feel guilty about loving food. Mindful eating is the start to mindful living and leads you down the path to a healthier life, which is essential to surviving in our high-stress world.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potatoes and yams are a big part of Western holiday traditions. However, in China, sweet potatoes are a daily part of one’s diet. Sweet potatoes are believed to be warming to the stomach and can aid in relieving indigestion. When buying sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and without soft spots, cracks, or bruises. Cold temperatures will alter their taste so do not refrigerate your sweet potatoes. When stored in a cool, dark and well-ventilated area, sweet potatoes will stay firm for 7 to 10 days.

According to Chinese Medicine, sweet potatoes strengthen the spleen and stomach, nourishes your Qi (also known as the body’s energy system), help to clear heat from your body, detoxifies, and helps alleviate constipation. In terms of Western nutrition, sweet potatoes contain vitamin B6, which soothes your mind as well as strengthens your immune system. Sweet potatoes and yams also happen to be a rich source of DHEA. As one ages, the body’s levels of DHEA drops. Thus, eat sweet potatoes year-round and look forward to celebrating a long life!

Check out this great roasted sweet potatoes recipe from Dinner Made Easy:
http://www.makedinnereasy.com/roasted-sweet-potatoes.html

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Remember to practice mindful eating and to enjoy every bite that enters your mouth.

Winter is coming!

2010-11-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Winter marks a time of short days and long nights. To live in accordance with this time of year, we should slow down, go to bed early, and rise earlier in the morning. As a society that is constantly on the go, we live completely opposite of nature. We are ruled by our calendars and our latest devices. We get up early and go to bed late causing the proverbial candle to burn at both ends. This constant go heightens are susceptibility to colds and illness during this time of the year.

Chinese medicine says winter is governed by Kidney energy and Water. Energy is called Qi and is the basis for all the energies in the body. Winter is a time to rest and restore your vital energies. You want to reserve your Qi for when you are stressed or sick. Additionally, if you have good Qi, you will age gracefully (e.g., less graying) and have less health issues. Acupuncture is a good way to reinforce your Kidney Qi.

Winter is a time when many people tend to reduce their activity levels. So, if you reduce your activity level, you should also reduce the amount of food you eat. Avoid raw foods, which cool the body, during the winter as much as possible. Consume warming foods, such as soups, stews, root vegetables, beans, roasted nuts, garlic, and ginger. Soups and stews can be made with foods with a lot of nutrients. Eating foods that will strengthen Kidney energy, such as walnuts (just eat a few every day), will help to keep you healthy and strong throughout the winter months.

Now, if you’ve already caught that cold, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help with the chills, sniffles, sore throat, or fever in a safe and non-toxic way. Acupuncture does not interfere with Western medical treatment. In other words, if you are taking over-the-counter cold medicine or antibiotics, acupuncture would be a nice complement to any medication you are taking. The addition of Chinese Medicine could also aid in a shorter recovery time.

In particular, Gua Sha, which means to “scrape away fever”, is a great way to treat a cold. Gua Sha is a healing technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Gua (gwa), meaning to scrape or extract, and Sha (shaw), meaning sand or toxins, involves the layering of oil onto the skin. This oil is enhanced either with healing herbs or essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, chosen to aid in the extraction of toxic waste from the body. Pressure is applied to the skin in strokes using a round-edged instrument. The result is the appearance of small red petechiae, or spots on your skin, called ‘sha’. These spots will fade in 2 to 3 days.

Gua Sha treatments are not painful according to most people. Raising Sha promotes circulation and removes blood stagnation, which is when the flow of blood is blocked and can lead to an imbalanced body, which leads to health issues. Gua Sha can help to immediately relieve such symptoms as pain, stiffness, fever, chills, cough, and nausea. The red spots or Sha are an indication that toxins are being released from the body. After Gua Sha, areas of the body may be deep purple, indicating that the blood was old and stagnant in that area. Releasing the toxins from those areas by exposing the Sha removes pathogens from deep within the bodily system, allowing the blood to flow again and for the body to heal.

So, in closing, to stay healthy this winter season, remember to eat plenty of warm and nutritious foods, visit your local acupuncturist, and always, keep warm!

Preparing for the cold

2010-10-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

With kids going back to school and with the days getting colder, most of us are struggling to stay healthy and to keep from getting sick.

Here are a few remedies to help keep you and your loved ones feeling well throughout the fall and winter months. Remember use food as medicine whenever possible!

Sore throat relief

Local unprocessed honey
Lime
Water (you will need enough water to make at least a half a cup after boiling)

Bring water to a boil.
In a mug, combine the following: 1 tablespoon of honey, the juice of a whole lime (additionally, for added benefit, add in some of the lime zest), and about a ½ cup of the boiling water.
Stir it all up and enjoy!

Ginger Tea (use as a home remedy for indigestion, nausea and general upset stomach)

2 cups of water
1-inch piece of fresh ginger root
Optional: Local unprocessed honey and lime slices

Slice the ginger into thin slices.
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once the water is boiling, add the ginger. Cover the water and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.
After 15-20 minutes, strain the boiling water and ginger mix. The remaining liquid is the Ginger Tea.
If desired, add honey and lime to taste.

Notes:
If you are making Ginger Tea during cold and flu season, adding sweeteners is not recommended.
If you have food poisoning, in addition to drinking the Ginger Tea, also chew on slices of fresh ginger.

Scallions for the Common Cold (especially good for a fever)

In Chinese medicine, the white part of a scallion (also known as a green onion) is the best part to use medicinally. Scallion is effective in stimulating sweat, aiding urination, calming the nerves and expelling mucus. In other words, a scallion is good for helping to cure a cold.
10 white stalks of scallion
5 slices of ginger
3 cups of water
Salt and pepper for seasoning

Combine the 3 cups of water, 10 white stalks of scallion, and 5 slices of ginger in a pot.
Simmer the water until it reduces to 1 cup of liquid.
You can discard the ginger pieces or eat them if you choose.
Drinking the broth is the most important part.
Add salt and pepper to the soup to taste.
Pour the soup into a bowl and enjoy!
Additionally, you should cover the patient with a heavy blanket to induce sweating after drinking this soup. Once the patient has sweated out the toxins, have him/her change into some warm clothing.

Remember, during the colder months, you should keep yourself covered up, especially around the neck and chest areas. And, drink plenty of fluids.

Chicken Rice Soup

The following is a recipe for aiding to relieve a headache, a runny nose with clear discharge, neck and shoulder aches, an aversion to being cold, and a white-coated tongue.

8 cups filtered or spring water
1 whole organic, antibiotic free chicken (washed) or chicken parts
1 inch piece of ginger
1 bunch of green onion
1 cup of cooked jasmine rice
4-5 leaves of napa cabbage
5-7 dried shiitake mushrooms (wash and soak in warm water for about 20 minutes)
Salt and Pepper for seasoning

In a stock pot, combine the water, the washed organic chicken or 1 pound of organic chicken parts with bones, the ginger, and the soaked shiitake mushrooms. Cover the water. And, boil for one hour.
While the broth is cooking, cut the napa cabbage into bite size pieces.
Dice the scallions (green onions).

After an hour, uncover the soup and remove the chicken or chicken parts. Set the chicken aside to cool.
Remove the ginger from the soup (you can throw the ginger away).
Salt and pepper the soup to taste.
Add the rice to the soup and allow the soup to simmer as you prepare the next part.

Cut the chicken into bite size pieces.

Add the chicken and the napa cabbage to the soup.
Bring the soup to a boil.
Once the soup is at a boil, turn the heat off and add the scallions to the soup.

Ladle the soup into a bowl. If desired, add some black pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Right Diet for Your Body

2010-08-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

With summer winding down, our appetites cool with the weather, while our palates crave richer, warmer foods for the fall. It's important to remember that a part of being healthy is eating the right foods for your body, and your body alone.

In my practice, I often come across cases where food that may be considered “healthy” for one person may not be true for the next. Have you ever tried a diet that worked great for your friend, but when you followed it, you didn't see the same results? That's because you are not just physically, but internally different from your friend. You have a different stomach, metabolism, medical history, and physical makeup.

Being an advocate of eastern practices, I examine each patient as an entire individual—not just by pre-existing medical conditions. For example, if I had a patient with diabetes, I would consider what that individual is experiencing and assess his or her symptoms as a whole, not just blindly giving a treatment based on the diabetic condition alone.

Similarly, the result of food intake also varies per person. As you look toward the fall and winter months, examine your eating habits to learn about yourself. A food journal is a great way to track your eating routine, and teaches you a lot about items that work well with your body, as well as others that might not be the best for your system. You'll find below a few suggestions when starting your own journal.
Document Your Servings, Portion Sizes and Moderation

How many daily servings do you get of the different food groups? Track these items in particular to gain a clearer idea of what may be missing from your diet, or what could be affecting your energy levels.

• Overall daily food intake

• Fruits and vegetables

• Lean protein

• Raw foods

• Whole grain fiber

• Soluble fiber (e.g., oatmeal and bananas)

• Water

Pay Attention to Your Movements

Believe it or not, your bathroom habits can tell a lot about how your body accepts or rejects the food you eat.

• Describe urination and note in particular any sensitivity, colors, ease, or difficulty.

• Note when you have irregularity (and regularity) in your bowel movements.

• Consider the consistency of each movement and the presence of undigested foods. This could be an indication of food your body is rejecting.

Note Allergies and Pain

If you have a pre-existing health condition that dictates your diet (such as Crohn's, Diverticulitis, IBS, or Diabetes), pay attention to any particular foods that could be causing an adverse reaction. In the same vain, those with food allergies should be sure to note their current allergies, and document any time they feel similar symptoms when trying a food that they do not consider themselves allergic to. The below points can also tell you more about the possibility of certain ingredients or food groups that do not agree with your digestive tract:

• Bloating after eating green vegetables

• Abdominal pain after high-fat meals

• Abdominal pain after eating nuts

• Preferences/tendencies toward warm or cold drinks

With a little help from you, a practitioner of Chinese Medicine can help assess the right diet for your body. By keeping a unique balance created for you, maintaining your health over time becomes an easier task, giving you more time to focus on the things that you truly want to spend your time doing.

Eat consciously, know what you put in your mouth, and enjoy each bite!

Food Therapy

2010-08-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

Continuing with our theme of food as therapy, I would like to focus today on anti-inflammatory foods and herbs. Inflammation is part of your body’s natural immune response to infections and trauma, which is good.

Unfortunately, the overactive immune responses and too much inflammation can result in common conditions like allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, and asthma—which is very bad. By working some basic foods and herbs into your diet, all of which can be found at almost any local market, you can control inflammation in your body and help reduce the chance of illness.

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, available as powdered extracts in capsules, or alcohol-based extracts. You can make a refreshing ginger tea by grating one-half teaspoon of fresh ginger root (available at most grocery stores) with eight ounces of boiling water. Just cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and add honey to taste. For upset stomachs, simply slice a piece of ginger and chew on it.

Tumeric is another natural anti-inflammatory. It is commonly found in premixed curry powder, and contains a powerful, non-toxic compound called curcumin. Studies have found that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects are on par with such potent drugs as hydrocortisone and Motrin—but without any of their side effects. For the best results, seek an extract of whole turmeric (available in health food stores).

Fresh pineapple has Bromelain, an enzyme that reduces inflammation. Be sure the pineapple is fresh, not canned or frozen. Grilled fresh pineapple can actually be a very tasty dessert!

Papaya contains papain, a protein-digesting enzyme. Together with other nutrients such as vitamins C and E, papain helps to reduce inflammation, and improves digestion and healing from burns. From my experience, I recommend papaya to my patients with constipation problems. It is a soluble fiber source thus, gentler on your stomach than insoluble fibers.

Fish—in particular, cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel—contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep your joints healthy as well as reducing general pain and swelling. If you don't care for fish, consider supplementing your diet with fish oil capsules. Flax seeds and walnuts are good non-animal sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Green tea contains flavonoids, and is a potent, natural anti-inflammatory. Results in numerous studies have shown that to reduce the risk of heart disease. In my experience, green tea is best consumed with your meals or immediately after food consumption. I think that 2-3 cups would be the best.

Please remember that just as any part of your daily diet, everything must be consumed in moderation. Even good food and herbals like the ones discussed above will have the opposite effect if you overdo it.

Stay balanced!

Summer Recipes

2010-07-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here! Whether you're looking forward to an active season or some time to relax, keep your body cool and hydrated with these easy, healthy drink recipes:

Cucumber Water
Benefits: Great for keeping skin moisturized and soft; helps to control body temperature

Ingredients:
1 cucumber, sliced
1 lime, sliced
4 celery stalks
1 watermelon rind — the more, the better

Instructions:
Place all ingredients into a pitcher of water.
Let soak overnight in the refrigerator for at least eight hours.
Remove items before 12 hours to keep water from taking on a bitter taste.

Use ingredients as garnish on glasses, and enjoy.

Cold Chrysanthemum Tea
Benefits: Prevents sunstroke and clears heat from the body; reduces symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI)

60 – 80 white chrysanthemum flowers
4 liters of water
rock sugar candy, or honey to taste

Instructions:
Wash chrysanthemum.
Pour in water into a pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and add chrysanthemum.
Cook for 10 minutes, then add rock sugar or honey.
Turn off heat, then allow tea to brew for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove pot from heat and allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
Strain tea into a pitcher and refrigerate.

Serve chilled, then enjoy.

Have a happy, healthy summer, everyone

Welcome

2010-06-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

I’m a Chinese medicine practitioner located in Long Grove, IL. I view wellness and health as a life style. My desire is for people to understand what their body needs to be healthy and stay well. I see my role as guide on your path to wellness. By balancing the elements within as well as the elements that surround us, I hope to remove the obstacles that prevent each of us from seeing our needs. I have seen how the combination of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and lifestyle modifications can produce extraordinary results. In these blogs I hope to give you some of the insights I give to my patients to guide them on their life journey.