Happy Lunar New Year

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” ~ Socrates

In the last few years, I have been on a journey to simplify my life. It’s been a continual work in progress.  With the Lunar New Year approaching, I want to focus this coming year on the concept of less.  

I hear from many of my patients, especially the ones I’m treating for stress or anxiety, that they want to simplify their life. YET, at the same time, they tell me about the new things they are addingto their schedules.  Of course, we all want to take the “chores” out of our lives and only do the fun and leisurely things. While that is a nice thought, it’s not realistic. 

There will always be chores, tasks, and responsibilities that are not fun or pleasant, but we have to do them. Most of us, including myself, keep adding more to our hectic schedules to convince ourselves we can have and do it “all.” In fact, the only thing we seem to be removing from our schedules is time for rest and sleep.

As a society, we glorify busy.  We have a knack of making even enjoyable events seem stressful because we are so overwhelmed.The following are some goals I’m setting for myself in 2015 to help me enjoy life with “less.”  

• I want to take an event off my schedule and NOT replace it with something else.  

• I want to have more moderation in my life, especially in terms of food. I’d like to have a more balanced intake of food, especially sugar.

• I want to stop practicing “retail therapy” when I’m stressed.

What are your “less” goals for the year? I hope this year of less will lead to a lifetime of more happiness.

Points of Wellness would like to wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year! Let’s welcome in the year of the Green Sheep. The sheep is seen as a symbol of peace, balance, harmony and calmness. Come and visit us if you are looking for balance and calmness in the New Year!

Feeling jolly this holiday season!

Holiday season is upon us. Our calendars are filling up with holiday dinners and parties, where many of us will gorge on a bountiful of food and drinks.

The tips below will keep you feeling jolly through this time of year.

·         Drink too much? Counteract the effects by drinking a large amount of green tea as soon as possible. Researchers have found that antioxidants (called catechins) found in green tea inhibit absorption of alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to less of an inflammatory response and faster elimination.

·         Stuffed from eating too much? Oolong tea helps settle an upset stomach, improves digestion, and prevents acid reflux.

·         Feeling under the weather?

o   Senna tea is a natural laxative, preventing constipation and relieves the discomfort caused by food that builds up in the colon.

o   Apply pressure to the following acupressure point: In the middle of your inner wrist, two-and-one-half finger widths below the wrist crease. As you press down on the point, take a deep breath and release your breath slowly. This point relieves stomachaches, indigestion, nausea, and anxiety.

o   Apply White Flower oil to your belly and rub your stomach clockwise for about 2 minutes. This helps with constipation and stomachaches.

Finally, eat mindfully. Enjoy and savor every single bite; take in the moment; and be thankful for the experience!

Points of Wellness wishes everyone a healthy and happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for each and every one of you!

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season

Feeling less energetic? Getting tired earlier in the evening? It might be just the energy of the season. Many animals hibernate this time of year. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this time of year is governed by Yin energy, which is dark, cold, slow, and composed of inward energy.

Yin energy in the winter months give life to the Yang energy of summer, which is light, hot, quick, and has more outward qualities. Hence, Yang energy encourages people to go out and be active.

Winter’s energy encourages us to look inward; it is a great time for meditation, yoga and T’ai Chi practices. In order to live according to the season, TCM teaches us that the foods in winter enrich yin and subdue yang. Look for foods that naturally grow in this season, such as squashes, potatoes, root vegetables, winter greens, mushrooms, apples, pears, and citrus fruits.

Most importantly, in the winter, our bodies need warming foods like soups made with hearty vegetables. Rich stocks cooked with animal bones are best. Use your leftover turkey bones to make a nutritious and warming soup, such as a turkey noodle soup. Other foods that are especially good for the winter months are black beans, kidney beans, lamb, chicken, walnuts, chestnuts, black sesame seeds, and dark leafy greens.

If you are feeling run down, take the time to rest and replenish. Nature tells us that this is the time of year to take good care of our entire body: physically, mentally and spiritually.

So, enjoy your bowl of turkey noodle soup!

Points of Wellness would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Remember: give the gift of health, gift certificates are available.

 

 

Happy New Year

It’s already February; where did those 31 days of January go? I haven’t even made my 2013 resolutions yet! Luckily, being of Asian/Chinese decent, I get a second chance to celebrate a New Year. Chinese (Lunar) New Year is on Feb 10th this year. Now, I really have to buckle down and get started on 2013! I invite each of you to think and act on your 2013 goals and dreams.

The snake is the 6th animal sign of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. People born in the year of the Snake are seen as wise, logical, intuitive, introspective, and dedicated. 2013 is the year of the black water Snake; it is going to be an exciting year for many. Hence, most of you will not want to be rushed or stressed this year. Peace, tranquility, and rest will provide strength in the Year of the Snake. This is a good year to explore adding a relaxing activity to your wellness program, such as mediation, Tai Chi, or a stress-relieving acupuncture session. 

In Chinese culture, the Snake is often seen as the healer of the physical body, and represents a shift to a more spiritual path. The Chinese zodiac repeats every 12 years; however, the specific combination of animal and element occurs only every 60 years. So, I invite each of you to take advantage of this energy and go within yourselves and think about shedding the bad of years past and start anew in 2013.

Happy New Year!

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD

This time of the year we have a tendency to over indulge, especially when it comes to food. Along with the desserts, appetizers, fried food, and so on, many of us experience heartburn or acid reflux. The medical term for acid reflux is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, can offer an effective and natural treatment for acid reflux.

Your acupuncturist will place thin needles into various parts of your body to regulate the flow of Qi (energy) to restore organs, such as the spleen, liver, heart, stomach and kidneys, to their normal function.

During the busy holiday season, if you cannot get in for a treatment here are some points you can use to help yourself.

• PC 6 (inner gate) is located on the palm side of you wrist, about 2 thumb widths above the wrist crease and in the center of the arm. Use the thumb of the opposite hand to apply firm pressure on the point; inhale and exhale deeply for a few minutes while applying pressure.

• ST 36 (three mile) is located on the lateral (outside) side of the lower leg, four fingers width from below the lower border of the kneecap and one finger width off the shin bone on the outside. Apply firm pressure for about a minute.

Regarding herbal remedies, your TCM practitioner will need to diagnose the cause of your reflux. For example, acid reflux may be caused by a TCM condition known as stomach fire, which indicates that excessive heat is flowing into your stomach and irritating it. Another cause for acid reflux could be an imbalance in the liver. One function of the liver, according to TCM, is to control the proper flow of Qi throughout the body. Qi flows through specific pathways, known as meridians, to ensure that all organs of the body are functioning properly. If the liver is not functioning at maximum potential, medical problems can develop in the body.

A number of factors may contribute to acid reflux:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Consumption of certain types of foods (such as spicy foods)

Lifestyle changes can cure or greatly reduce symptoms:

• Eat smaller meals throughout the day
• Do not eat right before bedtime
• A glass of warm water with lemon juice first thing in the morning
• Saltine crackers first thing in the morning
• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 oz. of water
• If you feel you ate something that caused your stomach to be upset, then try chewing on a piece of ginger or drink ginger tea to help your stomach feel better.
• Most of all, reduce the stress in your life

For long term and lasting results, I would encourage you to talk to a Chinese Medicine practitioner for specifics on your reflux symptoms.

I would like to wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

 

Winter Eating

With the colder weather coming, this is a good time of year to assess your eating habits. 

One of the easiest ways to stay healthy is to eat according to what is available during the harvest of each season. It is important to transition into eating warmer, cooked foods during this time of year, and to save the salads and raw foods until next summer.

Foods in season during the fall:

                 

Beets

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Collard Greens

Fennel

Kale

Leeks

Mushrooms

Onions

Parsnips

Peppers

Potatoes

Pumpkins

Turnips

Winter Squash

Apples

Concord grapes

Pears

Duck

Wild Turkey

Atlantic Mackerel

Native Oysters

Pacific Salmon

Red Snapper

Scallops (bay and sea)

A good guideline to follow for eating during the fall is to see what is available at your local farmer's market. Use those foods as a template for building a meal that is appropriate to the season.  Also, look at what’s on sale in grocery stores; they tend to put on sale those foods that are in abundance and readily available.

                 

Additional tips for this season:

Carry around a sweater/sweatshirt/scarf - even if it feels warm outside. During the fall, it is cold in the shade and warm in the sun. This is typically the season where people still dress like it is summer, because the sun still has warmth during the high point of the day. This drastic change in temperature without the proper protection from the environment can put your body at risk. Make sure to dress in layers if you are working or exercising outdoors. You can shed the layers as your muscles warm up.

Eat soup - this is the time of season to begin thinking about and making more nourishing, wholesome, all-encompassing foods, like soups. The best soups contain a protein, veggies, and carbohydrates. They are a great all in one meal! The warm temperature is also beneficial to the yang to prepare oneself for winter.

Keep hydrated - autumn is a time of dryness. The moisture from the humid summer gives way to autumn’s dryness. Also, with the use of heaters, it’s extra dry. It is important to remember this. Drink tea or room temperature water to help your body remain hydrated.

See your acupuncturist – autumn, especially with school back in session, is often the time when people catch the most head colds.  Seeing your acupuncturist can build up your protective Qi to lessen colds during the winter.

Get out and enjoy the change of season, but remember to be prepared for the change in temperature. You don't want to be caught off guard.

Healthy and Protected

Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and protected throughout the remaining days of summer.

Stay hydrated. Try cucumber water. Benefits: Great for keeping skin moisturized and soft; and helps to control body temperature.


Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced 
• 1 lime, sliced 
• 4 celery stalks 
• 1 watermelon rind — optional; however, the more, the better 

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into a pitcher of water. 
2. Let soak overnight in the refrigerator for at least eight hours. 
3. Remove items before 12 hours to keep water from taking on a bitter taste. 
4. Use any left over ingredients as garnish on glasses, and enjoy. 

Use sunscreen inside and out. In addition to sunscreen that you use externally on your body, there are also foods that are natural sunscreens.

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

Studies have also shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (also called EPA), an 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.

Marinate with ginger, especially seafood. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory food. Its antibacterial properties are especially good for upset stomachs.

Lastly, enjoy every second of it! The summer goes by fast, so enjoy every moment of it with friends and family.

PTSD - An important issue to address

Happy Spring everyone! This month's blog takes us off topic a bit but it's an important issue to address.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.

PTSD symptoms can be extremely disruptive to daily life and can include depression, anger, persistent frightening thoughts and memories, sleep problems, and a feeling of numbness or detachment from life. Currently, the U.S. military is successfully treating PTSD with alternative therapies, such as acupuncture.

Although data is limited, early results demonstrate that acupuncture can reduce anxieties and cravings for alcohol and other substances. Acupuncture points are like the on and off ramps to the energy highway, and can help energy flow smoothly through one’s body to help alleviate the feelings of stress and anxieties that are predominate in PTSD patients. Additionally, acupuncture can alleviate not only the symptoms of stress and anxiety, but also the stress and anxiety itself.

Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB), a group that provided relief to the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti and Katrina, the hurricane in New Orleans, launched The Military Stress Recovery Project. This organization provides free acupuncture treatments for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as their families. To learn more about AWB, go to http://www.acuwithoutborders.org/veteransprogram.php.

You can learn more about PTSD at http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd. If you think you or someone you know may have PTSD, make an appointment with a mental health professional to get a formal diagnosis.

If you know you are struggling with PTSD, I encourage you to seek out an acupuncturist/Chinese Medicine practitioner in your area. If you are a Veteran, let the practitioner know, many practices will gladly give you a reduced rate. Points of Wellness Acupuncture (www.pointsofwellness.net), located in Long Grove, IL, gives a 40% discount to Veterans for PTSD treatments.

Loving who you are

In this month, where we set aside a special day to celebrate love, remember that love isn’t just a feeling you have for others; it is also a feeling you have for yourself.

So, love thyself this month!

Throughout our lives, we have all strived for perfection, or what society defines as “perfection.” We want a perfect body! We want 6-pack abs. Unfortunately, that type of thinking puts our bodies and lives in a negative light. We diet, binge and abuse our bodies to try to obtain “perfection.” Or, we simply give up, and do not care for our bodies at all.

I challenge you today to stand in front of your mirror and really study and look at your body. Get to know your physical body; your real physical body, not the distorted one in your head. Most of all, love what you see. See the person you are and are meant to be, not the mom, dad, brother, sister, friend, or coworker that you think everyone wants you to be. Just be the best version of YOU that you can be.

During this month of love, everyone should strive to love themselves by striving to be the healthiest person s/he can be. Eat balanced meals and incorporate activity into your daily life. When the body and/or mind is out of balance, that’s when you have cravings for the “bad” stuff, like junk food. As your body and mind become balanced, as separate entities and with each other, then you become in tune with your body and can learn what you need to flourish.

As the year is still early, go and get a physical if you have not done so recently. Get all of the usual numbers checked (e.g., cholesterol, blood pressure, TSH levels). See if you are deficient in any vitamins. Consider also seeing a Chinese medicine practitioner, s/he will study your tongue, listen to your pulse and ask a lot of questions to learn what your body needs to be balanced. Once you have a complete picture of your body, then you can truly set goals to balance your body and mind.

The road to a balanced body and life is difficult. However, when it comes to balance, you are your own roadblock, and the journey starts with loving yourself, AS YOU ARE!

The March 2012 issue of Real Simple has a great quote from Miss Piggy, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye.”

And, I would just like to add, “even if that beholder is yourself.”

Start with yourself...

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!

Sinus Infections

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!

Summer Wellness

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...

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

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

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 Thanksgiving

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!

 
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!