6 Food Tips for Autoimmune Disorders

A class of plant chemicals known as bioflavinoids has been found to dramatically reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders. Here are some examples:

1. Tea: Both green and black tea contain the flavenoids, catechins and theaflavins, which are beneficial in autoimmune disease.
2. Apples: Apples, contain the flavanoid, quercetin that can reduce allergic reactions and decrease inflammation. Quercetin occurs naturally in certain foods, such as apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea.
3. Carrots: Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include beta-carotene. A lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.
4. Ginger: Recent studies show that ginger reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and suppresses the immune system's production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reducing disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Omega-3: Omega-3 essential fatty acids can counter the formation of chemicals that cause inflammation. Good natural sources include flaxseed oil and salmon.
6. Fiber: A healthy and active colon can decrease food sensitivity, which, in turn, can lighten the burden on your immune system. For maximum autoimmune health, increase the fiber in your diet.

Source: Qi Mail™

Acupuncture and Autoimmune Disease

Treating Autoimmune Disease with Acupuncture

Over 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease; an autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. Autoimmune disorders include Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disease, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Due to the complexity of treating autoimmune disorders, integrative medicine solutions including acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have received much attention as successful therapies in their treatment. Acupuncture is specifically noted for its use in pain relief, regulating the immune system, managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

What Causes Autoimmune Disease?

Under normal conditions, an immune response cannot be triggered against the cells of one's own body. In certain cases, however, immune cells make a mistake and attack the very cells that they are meant to protect. This can lead to a variety of autoimmune diseases. They encompass a broad category of over 100 diseases in which the person's immune system attacks his or her own tissue.

The exact mechanisms causing these changes are not completely understood, but bacteria, viruses, toxins, and some drugs may play a role in triggering an autoimmune process in someone who already has a genetic (inherited) predisposition to develop such a disorder. It is theorized that the inflammation initiated by these agents, toxic or infectious, somehow provokes in the body a "sensitization" (autoimmune reaction) in the involved tissues.

As the disease develops vague symptoms start to appear, such as joint and muscle pain, general muscle weakness, possible rashes or low-grade fever, trouble concentrating, or weight loss. The following symptoms may point toward something being wrong: numbness and tingling in hands and feet, dry eyes, hair loss, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or repeated miscarriages can also be caused by an autoimmune response.

How Acupuncture Treats Autoimmune Disorders

According to TCM, autoimmune disorders occur when there is imbalance within the body. Imbalance can come from an excess or deficiency of yin and yang that disrupts the flow of qi, or vital energy, through the body. Acupuncture is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while specifically addressing the symptoms that are unique to each individual.

Clinical research has shown that acupuncture causes physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure, body temperature and the immune system.

In addition to acupuncture, your treatment program to manage your autoimmune disorder may involve a combination of therapies including stress reducing exercises, moderate physical activity, herbal medicine, nutritional support and bodywork.

To learn more about how acupuncture can safely and effectively be incorporated into care for people with an autoimmune disorder, please call for a consultation today.

Source: Qi Mail™

Fight that Cold ... With an Acupuncture Treatment!

Another wave of colds and flus seem to be in the air. This week, many of my patients cancelled their acupuncture appointments due to illness. Most of them expressed concern about spreading illness by coming in. While it is recommended to limit your activity out in public to keep from spreading illness, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is very effective at treating acute colds. I encourage my patients to keep their appointments with me when they are sick. If you come in for a treatment, especially if it's at the beginning of the illness, TCM can shorten the duration of the cold.

The TCM theory behind the common cold is that an external pathogen (cold/flu) has entered into our system (body). Our first defense, and most common area of entry, is through the mucus membranes of the nose and throat. If we can push the pathogen out of our body, using acupuncture and herbs, then there is less likelihood for symptoms to worsen and for the pathogen to penetrate deeper. We all know when a simple cold moves into the lungs, for example, it can cause more intense flu-like symptoms or infections. And then what often follows is that lingering cough that just never seems to go away! It is important to treat a cold as soon as possible to stop it in its tracks. So, next time you start to feel run down and a cold coming on, make an appointment! Let TCM help you get back on your feet and back to your life!

A Good Foot Soak to Strengthen Your Kidneys

Many of my patients experience having cold feet, especially at night. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms, this might be a symptom of Kidney deficiency, which can be the root of many conditions. Strengthening the Kidneys is especially important if you experience anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or difficulty conceiving.

Soaking your feet in warm water for 10-20 minutes per day is good for body and mind. It improves circulation throughout your body and especially to your pelvic organs and reproductive system. It is very grounding for our mind and spirit. A good foot soak can help to calm a racing heart or wandering thoughts. And it is, of course, very relaxing!

Nutrition for Fertility

Randine Lewis wrote a great book called "The Infertility Cure" which discusses the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for conception and a healthy pregnancy. The book is somewhat technical but also provides some great tips on how to prepare your body to conceive.

TCM recognizes food as a main source of energy for the body. Thus, nutrition plays a vital role in a woman's fertility. In particularly, it is important to nourish kidney energy, which is responsible for reproductive functioning. Here are some ways to nourish your kidney energy:

• Avoid ice-cold drinks, especially during menses. Cold has the effect of reducing blood flow, and we want lots of nutrient rich blood flowing to our uteruses!
• Eat lightly steamed veggies, rather than raw. Cooked foods tax our digestion less, so nutrients become more accessible to the body.
• Make the bulk of your diet come from organic plant sources (fruits & veggies).
• Limit caffeine and alcohol (some green tea is fine) which tend to be more toxic to our systems.
• Eliminate nicotine, which can make eggs resist fertilization.
• Avoid unnecessary medications and drugs, including over the counter medicines. Even non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, like Alleve) can inhibit ovulation and antihistamines and decongestants can dry up cervical mucus, making it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.

For more information, check out Dr. Lewis's book, available here.

Double Broccoli Quinoa Recipe

Heidi Swanson has a great cooking blog called 101 Cookbooks, which provides seasonal recipes with lots of whole grains and veggies. Plus she's a photographer, so it makes for an even more inspirational cooking experience. Here's a yummy one for the fall:

Double Broccoli Quinoa

3 cups cooked quinoa

5 cups raw broccoli, cut into small florets and stems

3 medium garlic cloves

2/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan

2 big pinches salt

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup heavy cream

Optional toppings: slivered basil, sliced avocado, crumbled feta or goat cheese

1. Heat the quinoa and set aside.

2. Now barely cook the broccoli by pouring 3/4 cup water into a large pot and bringing it to a simmer. Add a big pinch of salt and stir in the broccoli. Cover and cook for a minute, just long enough to take the raw edge off. Transfer the broccoli to a strainer and run under cold water until it stops cooking. Set aside.

3. To make the broccoli pesto puree two cups of the cooked broccoli, the garlic, 1/2 cup of the almonds, Parmesan, salt, and lemon juice in a food processor. Drizzle in the olive oil and cream and pulse until smooth.

4. Just before serving, toss the quinoa and remaining broccoli florets with about 1/2 of the broccoli pesto. Taste and adjust if needed, you might want to add more of the pest a bit at a time, or you might want a bit more salt or an added squeeze of lemon juice. Turn out onto a serving platter and top with the remaining almonds, a drizzle of the chile oil, and some sliced avocado or any of the other optional toppings.

Study on Acupuncture and Hot Flashes

More news about menopause: Acupuncture reduces nighttime hot flashes caused by menopause, according to a study published in the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Researchers found that seven weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced the severity of nighttime hot flashes by twenty-eight percent among menopausal women compared with a six percent decrease among women who had a sham acupuncture treatment. The effects of acupuncture vs. a sham acupuncture treatment on the severity and frequency of nighttime hot flashes were compared. Taking part in the study were twenty-nine menopausal women experiencing at least seven moderate to severe hot flashes per day.

All of the women underwent nine treatments from trained acupuncturists in sessions over seven weeks. Twelve of the women received real acupuncture using points selected to target hot flashes and sleepiness. The rest of the women received a sham acupuncture treatment using non-penetrating needles at random acupuncture channel points. Throughout the study, the women reported the number and severity of their hot flashes. The results showed that nighttime hot flash severity decreased significantly (twenty-eight percent) among the women who received acupuncture vs. a six percent drop among the women who got the sham treatment. However, they did not see a similar finding in the frequency of nighttime hot flashes between the two groups.

Researcher Mary Huang, M.S., of Stanford University, and colleagues say the results suggest acupuncture deserves further study as an alternative treatment for menopausal hot flashes.

Source: Huang, M. Fertility and Sterility, September 2006; Vol. 86: pp. 700-710. News release, American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Credit: Qi Mail™

Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health with Acupuncture

With its close understanding of the female body, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has always addressed the special needs of women throughout their lives. Menopause, in particular, is an area in which TCM shines. Acupuncture and TCM have the ability to detect energetic changes that occur in the body and quickly relieve uncomfortable symptoms that accompany the onset of menopause.

What is Menopause?
Menopause is a transitional period marking the cessation of ovulation in a woman’s body. Most women stop menstruating between the ages of 48 and 52, but symptoms can begin as early as 35. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and are brought on as our bodies try to adapt to decreasing amounts of estrogen. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain, and weight gain.

From an Eastern Perspective
According to TCM theory, menopause occurs when a woman’s body begins to preserve blood and energy in order to sustain her. The kidney is the organ system in TCM that is viewed as the root of reproduction, vitality and longevity. Menopause signifies the depletion of the fertility essence stored within the kidneys. Blood and essence from the kidneys are conserved and cycled through the body to nourish the woman’s spirit and extend her longevity. Thus, in TCM, menopause is seen as true change in life from mother to enlightened and wise being.

Treating Menopause with Acupuncture and TCM
Few areas of women’s health stir up as much confusion and debate as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which is normally started when the first symptoms of menopause appear. While HRT may alleviate hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis, they may also increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and have a number of significant side-effects. But HRT isn’t the only solution, TCM has long recognized that health and vitality can be sustained over a woman’s lifetime by restoring balance within the body and supporting the natural production of essential hormones.
Lifestyle and Dietary Instructions
Menopause patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight and to follow a diet with a high content of raw foods, fruits and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar. Some foods may exacerbate hot flashes or increase mood swings; steer clear of dairy products, red meats, alcohol, sugar, spicy foods, caffeine, and don’t smoke. Lastly, try to eliminate stress, tension and anxiety or learn techniques to cope with stress so that you can diminish the effects that it has on your body and mind.

With support from Acupuncture and TCM, along with small changes in lifestyle and diet, menopause can be a time of a revival of vital energy and an opportunity for personal growth. Please call with any questions or to schedule a consultation.

Credit: Qi Mail™

Resources to Manage Stress and Promote Fertility

I just reposted a great NY Times article from a couple years ago that makes the connection between stress and fertility. While there may be medical reasons that prevent pregnancy, stress levels and anxiety are not to be dismissed as factors. The process of trying to conceive can be stressful in itself, so any way to help calm the mind is helpful.

Below are some resources to get started on creating a regular relaxation practice:

• Meditation is the most solidly researched stress-reducing activity and triggers the relaxation response. There are many forms of meditation, but their goals are similar--to focus your mind on internal sensations and actions like breathing, while keeping out thoughts that are distracting. To learn more, visit www.learningmeditation.com or www.meditationcenter.com.
• Jennifer Bloome has created some specific meditations for fertility, available for a free download at www.anjionline.com. You will need to sign up on the front page with your basic information and then you will have access to free MP3 downloads of 10-15 minute guided meditations specific to the fertility journey.
• Yoga: there are many types, but hatha yoga is a great place to start. Yoga is a relaxing form of synchronized movement and breathing and, studies show, a 45-minute session twice a week can reduce the effects of stress and promote hormone balance.
• Mini-Meditation: Just a 2 minute break can calm you down and help your muscles relax when you're feeling particularly stressed. Here's one take on mini-meditating.

Repost: NYT Article Linking Stress to Infertility

"The truth is that if you are not in harmony with yourself and your culture, you are stressed," said physician-researcher, Dr. Sara L. Berga in a recent NY Times article highlighting the findings of her research linking stress to infertility. This 'truth' is the very foundation from which traditional Chinese medicine is built. Traditional Chinese medicine aims to restore health by creating a balance within ourselves and an equilibrium with the environment we live in.

Dr. Berga's research looks at how chronic stress alters brain signals to the hypothalamus--one of the four organs, including the pituitary, the ovary and the uterus--responsible for the intricate hormonal dance of fertility. "Chronic stress," she says, "whether emotional or physical, taxes the body."

In addition to treating the particular pattern of disharmony that may prevent a woman from becoming pregnant, acupuncture offers deep relaxation to the uterus as well as to the whole body-mind. By relieving stress and calming the spirit, acupuncture allows endocrine activity to proceed smoothly and effortlessly. And this helps balance the hormones necessary for fertility.

Often during an acupuncture session for fertility, points are specifically chosen to stimulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary-uterus axis. If you've ever had one of these treatments, you may notice a needle place on the top of your head, one between your eyebrows, a needle a few inches below your navel and a needle 3 or more inches lateral to this point. These points stimulate the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the uterus and the ovaries, respectively.

Thus, as the article proposes, getting pregnant naturally may be as simple as, "just relax." To read the New York Times article in full click here.

Healing Soups to Fight Colds/Flu

The weather is so temperamental and, with all these temperature ups and downs, many of my patients are coming in with colds and flu! Soups are a great way to prevent and treat seasonal illness. To read more, there is a great article in the Yoga Journal called Healing Soups.

Here is a great recipe for an immune boosting soup:

Immune Boosting Soup*

If you need an extra immune boost, the article recommends using 1/2 the total garlic you desire to the soup, and then adding the remaining 1/2 of the garlic (crushed) after the soup is cooked, along with the lemon juice.

4 cups mushroom or chicken broth

1 small yellow onion, chopped

4-10 garlic cloves (to taste, crushed and chopped)

1 carrot, grated

4-8 fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced

1-3 tbsp. grated ginger root (to taste)

3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

1. Bring the broth, onion, garlic, carrot, mushrooms, and ginger root to a slow boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer on low, covered, for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
3. Remove from heat. Add the lemon juice, parsley and any remaining garlic. Cover and steep for 5 minutes.

* This recipe appeared in the December 2008 issue ofYoga Journal and was provided by Debra Brammer, N.D., associate clinical dean of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr Center for Natural Health.

Women and Foot Pain

Many people, especially women, suffer from foot pain and believe it is normal. Living in a walking city, such as New York, we need to take special care! A recently published study featured in the New York Times, determined that many women make poor shoe choices early in life and suffer with foot pain in later years. The issue is not only confined to the feet, but has also been seen to cause alignment issues in knees, hip, back and even the neck. Unfortunately for the fashionista, high heels not only cause pain, they also cause corns, bunions, hammer toes, shortened calf muscles and ingrown toenails. Ouch!

Improve foot health

• Limit the amount of time you wear high heels. Carry a pair of good quality flats to wear for part of the day, and choose athletic shoes for weekends and downtime.
• Cushion! Take your high heels with thin soles to the shoemaker, and ask for a thin rubber sole cemented to the bottom of the shoe to cushion your foot.
• Pregnancy may cause your feet to grow up to a full size! When shoe shopping, look for thick, supportive soles. Buy shoes that give your toes room to move. Laced, rather than slip on shoes are recommended by podiatrists for the best fit.
• In addition to alignment issues caused by poor shoe choice, I also see a fair bit of orthopedic conditions in the neck, shoulder and hips due to carrying large, heavy handbags on one shoulder.
• Acupuncture can be very effective in treating chronic pain, but prevention is the best medicine. Lighten up the load, limit the high heels and switch to a supportive pair of shoes!

Walnuts: A Great Fall Food

I’m glad to see the walnut getting its due attention In this recent New York Times article (which also includes a delicious recipe for Bulgarian Cucumber Soup With Walnuts!). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), walnuts have a multitude of health benefits. They tonify the kidneys which, according to TCM, are responsible for maintaining brain functioning. Walnuts strengthen muscles by nourishing the blood, relieve asthma by warming the lungs, aid in digestion and have sweet and warming properties, which means they are great for this season!

Nutritionally, walnuts provide a lot micronutrients: potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc, copper, vitamins B9, B6, E, A and substantial amounts of dietary fiber, which eases constipation. They are also full of essential fatty acids like linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid.

How to Eat More Walnuts: Freshly shelled walnuts taste great eaten raw or cooked. Add raw walnuts to salads. Chop them up small and eat with a baked apple or pear or add them to your baked goods – breads, muffins, and cookies. Roast them as an appetizer or add them to a grain dish – like rice, quinoa or pasta.

How to roast walnuts? Spread them onto a baking sheet and place them in the oven for a few minutes (until lightly brown).
To toast them, place them in a skillet with a little bit of oil.

Walnut oil is another way to get the essential fatty acids (but not the fiber). Walnut oil is wonderful in salad but does not react well to heating so it’s not recommended for cooking.

A Note About Storage
: Because of their high fat content, walnuts turn rancid quickly. Chopped or ground walnuts turn rancid more easily than walnuts in the shell. 
 If they are stored in a cool place in the shell, you can keep them for up to a year. 
If you prefer to buy them unshelled, store them in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place. You do not want to keep them for more than a month.

Miso Soup with Scallions

This past week, so many of my patients have come in sick! The temperatures dropped and then rose again - which is prime time for illness. So, I am reposting this great Miso Soup recipe. As soon as you feel run down, make this soup and throw in some extra ginger and scallions.

Miso Soup with Scallions, a very popular dish, is actually an ancient herbal remedy for colds. In 300 AD, Ge Hong, a famous herbalist, wrote about Miso Soup with Scallions in a book called, Bei ji zhou hou fang or Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One's Sleeve.

The soup is intended to be eaten at the onset of a cold when a person is just beginning to feel a headache, stuffy nose and a slight fever. So, the next time you feel a cold coming on, be sure to have your miso!

Miso Soup (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

* 6 cups water
* 3-4 Tablespoons Aka Miso or red soy bean paste (usually sold in the refrigerated section)
* 3-5 green onions stalks, chopped

Directions:

* Dissolve the miso in a little bit of boiling water (about 2 tsp.)
* Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add the miso & scallions.
* Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
* Remove from heat top with green onions and serve.

Variations: you can add various other ingredients to make a more substantial soup, such as tofu, seaweed, fresh mushrooms, cooked shrimp, snow pea sprouts, cooked rice noodles, or paper-thin slices of fresh ginger.

Preventing and Treating the Flu with Herbs

There’s a simple herbal formula that people in China are using to prevent the flu. Read about it here. The formula is made up of very common herbs that I often use with my patients in various combinations to help treat different flus and colds I see. If you are interested, you can come in for a session to see if these are appropriate for you.

Here is the text of the article:

Chinese Herbs Prove Effective In The Cure Of Inlfuenza A (H1N1)

By Vincent Low

BEIJING, July 23 (Bernama)-- Chinese herbs have proved effective in the cure of Influenza A(H1N1) in Ditan Hospital, Beijing where 88 out of 117 patients treated for the disease only on the herbs fully recovered and were discharged.

"From our clinical tests and observation, the traditional method of treatment left no after effects and it is safe, more over the recovery period was shorter and the cost relatively lower as compared to Tamiflu treatment," said Wang Yuguang, spokesman of Ditan Hospital at a special briefing for the media at Ditan Hospital Wednesday afternoon.

He said the advantage of using herbs on these patients was that the doctors could prescribe different combination of herbs according to the individual's health condition.

"Treatment cost per patient using Tamiflu is about RMB56 a day whereas using traditional herbs it cost only around RMB12."

Ditan Hospital first started using traditional medicine in combination with Tamiflu on H1N1 patient from May 15 to June 15, and when the method proved effective, started treating many patients solely on Chinese herbs.

"We have even tested using the method on high risk patients since July 1, and the results proved favourable." said Wang.

However, Wang did not reveal the herbs used to cure the patients.

Ditan Hospital is one of the two hospitals specially designated for H1N1 patients in Beijing since the pandemic started from May in China.

Built in 1946, Ditan Hospital is the highest grade hospital for infectious diseases and comes under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, Beijing Municipal Health Bureau and the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The hospital had excelled in 2003 and 2004 in the fight against SARS.

Meanwhile, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has introduced an Influenza A(H1N1) prevention herbal medicine pack.

The Deputy Director of the hospital, Jin Wei, told a press conference earlier that the herbal pack contained seven little packs of four types of herbs in combination, which were said to be effective in the prevention of H1N1.

"Just dip a small pack of herbs in a teapot of hot water and drink it like tea, or used it as mouthwash, and it helps to prevent people for being infected," said Jin.

She said the pack could even cure mild cases of H1N1. However if patients do not recover after taking the herbs for seven days, they are advised to go to the hospital for further treatment.

The combination of the herbs is as follows: Lonicera Japonica Thund-3 grammes, Isatis Indigodica- 3 gms, Mentha Haplocalyx Brip.-3 gms and Glycyrrhiza Glabra-3 gms. These herbs are available in Chinese herbal medicine shops.

H1N1 Virus: How to Protect Yourself from Swine Flu and Alternatives to the Vaccination

Autumn is here and, with it, cold and flu season. A lot of patients are asking me about the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to treating colds and flu, especially with the concern this year about the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus.

Q: What are your thoughts about the flu shot and H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine?

A: While I can’t make a specific recommendation as to whether you should or should not get the vaccine, please do read up on the safety of the vaccine. The CDC offers answers to FAQs regarding the vaccine here. In my own research I have come across a clinical trial that is currently being conducted, but not scheduled to be completed until April 2010.

A CBS piece summarizes some of the concerns parents have regarding the vaccination here. Parents are particularly hesitant about the safety of such a newly introduced vaccine and the possible inclusion of chemical additives like Themerosol.

If you do choose to get a flu shot this season, acupuncture treatments can help prepare your body for the vaccine and help with any side effects.

Here are some things for you to consider in your decision:

The flu shot and H1N1 vaccine introduce pathogens to your body, essentially to give the body a preview of the bacteria, virus, or toxin it may be exposed to. This allows the body to learn how to defend itself in advance. If the body is ever invaded by that particular pathogen after the vaccine has done its work, your immune system is ready. Some people may experience illness or other side effects from the vaccine itself.

TCM treatments, given before and after a vaccination, strengthen the body to prepare for the pathogens before you receive vaccine and also “release heat” from the body after the vaccine is administered. (Similar treatments are available for infants and young children who are vaccinated against other illnesses.)

Q: How can Acupuncture and Chinese medicine help me avoid or treat colds and flu this season?

A: In TCM, we focus on strengthening the body to increase immunity (how well your body is able to fight off illness). With regular acupuncture treatments, you can strengthen your immune system and decrease your incidences of cold and flu in the coming months. The best time to start treatments to prevent the cold and flu is the season before (early Autumn), which is now!

Acupuncture treatments and herbs can also alleviate symptoms if you do catch a cold or flu. Chances are the treatments you’ve gotten will help your body better fight the illness - it will be more mild and you will get over it more quickly. If you tend to be susceptible to getting multiple colds and flus in the winter, schedule an appointment for acupuncture and herbs today!

Other tips for avoiding and treating colds and flu:

• In Chinese Medicine, we try to avoid "catching a cold or wind." As the air is becoming more crisp and cool, even when the sun is out, wear a scarf to protect your neck from being cold, keep your torso and feet warm and don’t go outdoors with wet hair.

• At the first sign of a cold or flu, rest and get extra sleep. Listen to your body's need for rest and try not to "push through" your illness. Especially this season, stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others.

• Drink warm teas, broths, and eat nutritious whole foods. Eat less processed sugar. If you have phlegm/mucus, avoid dairy products (especially unfermented dairy and citrus). Honey soothes sore throats and helps with coughs.

• Mild exercise is okay; intense exercise will only deplete your immune system further.

• Double dose your probiotics. A healthy gut can help your body fight off a nasty pathogen.

• A simple formula of four Chinese herbs has been shown to be beneficial at warding of swine flu. Come in for an appointment to see if these are appropriate for you.

Late Summer: The Fifth Season

Late Summer is the fifth season in Traditional Chinese Medicine. While it is a short season, it is, in many ways, the most important, as it represents the transition from the expansive yang energy of spring and summer to the quieter yin energy of fall and winter. This is the point at which all seasons converge. As Paul Pitchford writes in Healing with Whole Foods, Late Summer represents “the instant where the pendulum reverses its swing.”

The late summer season is associated with Earth, the mother of the elements. There is an emphasis put on nurturing, nourishing, and most of all, grounding. The earth represents a balance of yang and yin, an even energy flow.

This is a time of stability, where we have the opportunity to slow down, look around, and appreciate the feeling of abundance and contentment. The feeling of “home” is especially important.

This season is the point of clarity between Summer and Fall, when we can stop and look around us and figure out what we need to do to prepare for winter.

In our lives, we see this reflected socially. This is the late harvest time when the earth offers up a wealth of nutritious food, which we gather to enjoy and also preserve for the coming cold months when fresh food is not as plentiful.

This is also when children get ready to head back to school at the beginning of September.

Grounding and centering during this period are key. We must protect the immune system for autumn by preparing our bodies and minds.

Repost: The MUST-Have Talk Before Labor

Deb of the Prenatal Yoga Center keeps a blog about pregnancy-related issues. Below is an excerpt of the July 31st entry entitled, "The MUST-Have Talk Before Labor," in which she discusses something rarely considered when preparing for the birth of a child.

Recently I was at a couple’s apartment doing a private childbirth education class. We went through quite a bit of information that covered everything from pain management techniques to understanding the different stages of labor to how the mom’s partner can support her through the variations and complications that might arise during labor and delivery. Near the end of our session, I asked the couple, “How do you work as a couple in highly emotional or uncontrolled situations?” The father-to-be looked at me oddly and said “I think we work well together, but why are you asking?” I think this is one area that is not given much attention, but is really important. I am not trying to say that labor is innately stressful, but it is a departure from normal everyday occurrences, a situation where one part of the couple is going through an intense physical experience.

Read more here.

Late Summer Polenta

As we shift into late summer, the fifth season in Chinese medicine, we can enjoy an abundance of nutritious food the earth offers up. This season is associated with the color yellow, so what better in-season food to enjoy than corn?

One of my favorite takes on this mildly sweet vegetable is polenta, finely ground corn cooked into a thick paste.

To make polenta, all you need is

1 cup polenta
3 cups water
1/8-1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

*Mix 1/2 cup water with polenta.
*Boil the remainder of the water and gently pour into the polenta. Stir while pouring.
*Bring back to boil.
*Add salt and cover.
*Simmer 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Variations: Mix vegetables or raisins and nuts into cooking polenta. You can pour it into molds or cut it into squares when it has cooled.

It's Hot Out There!

Hope you're enjoying a beautiful weekend and staying cool! This is definitely one of the hottest weekends we've had in New York this summer.

When the temperatures soar like this, it's important to stay hydrated. Sipping water with lemon or cucumber is a refreshing way to cool off.

Be careful too if you go out in the sun—wear your sunscreen! You might also want to make sure not to leave food out for too long in direct light. Look what happened to these cupcakes!

The Spleen: More Important Than Many Realize

I get many patients who come in for digestive issues and are often surprised to hear that an imbalance involving their spleen is the cause. In Western medicine, the spleen, a so-called "B-List abdominal organ" is rarely discussed. However, a recent study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical center shows that the spleen plays a bigger role than suspected.

The spleen serves a reservoir for immune cells called monocytes—consider them little cellular repair workers—which it will release into the bloodstream in the event of a serious trauma to the body to help stop the crisis. This finding came as a huge surprise to researchers, who had previously assumed that the origin of these cells was more likely bone marrow.

This just goes to show that we should never underestimate the value of any part of our body—they are all part of a very important whole, and what goes on in one place, however small or insignificant it may seem, can have a huge impact on our physical, mental, and emotional health.

To read more about the spleen, read this article that ran this past Tuesday in the New York Times Science section, called "Finally, the Spleen Gets Some Respect."

Picking the Best Summer Fruit

I don't know about you, but I hate it when I buy a beautiful piece of fruit from the market, only to bite into it and want to spit it right back out. When a fruit is too ripe or not ripe enough, it's a major bummer.

On their Healthy Bites blog, Self magazine staffers offer a guide to choosing the best summer fruits:

Apricots: Plump, pretty firm, velvety skin, even in color with a deep yellow, pinkish hue. Store in fridge.

Peaches: Fragrant, pretty firm, no brown spots. You can ripen underipe peaches in a paper bag for a few days.

Plums: Firm (with a slight given whe you press it), plump, heavy, no brown spots, which means it's been sunburned. You can refrigerate a few days to keep.

Mangoes: Yield slightly to gentle pressure, fragrant, yellow skin blushed with red.

Watermelon: Hard rind that's dull (not shiny), symmetrical (no flat sides). Slap the side of the melon--if you hear a hollow thump, it's a sign it's probably ripe.

Cantaloupe: Sweet scent (but not too strong), deep, thick thump when slapped, heavy.

Tomatoes: Firm (with a slight give when you press it), free from blemishes, and heavy. Don't refrigerate--cold temps kill the flavor.

Microbes 'R' Us

On July 21st in the New York Times blog, The Wild Side, Olivia Judson wrote about the huge amount of bacteria present in our bodies (about 10 bacterial cells for every human cell) and the ways in which certain ones proliferate depending on the foods we eat.

The "gut bacteria," as she calls them, are particularly important. Located in the digestive tract, they play a key role in the digestive process and immune function. They also make the small molecules needed for our enzymes to work properly and alter which genes get turned on and off in our intestinal walls. Having a wide variety is key to a healthy body.

What we eat has a huge effect on these gut bacteria. A diet rich in sugars and fats reduces their diversity, causing a shift towards bacteria that are most efficient at extracting energy. However, eating more plant foods can help you shift back. Ingesting foods rich in probiotic bacteria can also be beneficial. Try miso soup or foods like yogurt and kefir.

I often see that an overuse of antibiotics also really disrupts the gut because it wipes out these important bacteria. Often, natural treatments such as acupuncture and herbs can alleviate symptoms and boost immunity better than an antibiotic. If you absolutely have to take antibiotics, though, it's a good idea to also take a multi-strain probiotic to help protect the balance.

To read more about how traditional Chinese medicine can help fight illness, visit Five Seasons Healing online.

Moxa for Breech Babies

Below is an instructional video from Acubalance Wellness Center to show a Chinese medicine acupuncture technique called Moxibustion that is used to turn breech babies.

Acupuncture for PTSD

While acupuncture is used to treat a broad range of physical ailments, it can also benefit those suffering from mental and emotional issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In a pilot study at the University of New Mexico, researchers conducted a clinical trial examining the effect of acupuncture on the symptoms of PTSD, including depression, anxiety, and impairment in 73 people who had been diagnosed with the condition. The participants were assigned to receive either acupuncture or group cognitive-behavioral therapy over 12 weeks, or were assigned to a wait-list as part of the control group.

The researchers found that the effect of acupuncture was as effective as the group cognitive-behavioral treatment, and that both were superior to the effect on the control group.

At the end of the program, both treatments were extended for 3 months, and the control group was offered treatment or referral for treatment.

While the results are not conclusive, as the sample group was small, they have paved the way for further studies that may show in greater detail how acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can alleviate PTSD symptoms.

For information about acupuncture services offered at Five Seasons Healing, click here.

Foods to Promote Male Fertility

While countless magazines, newspapers, blogs and other media are littered with information on how women can watch their diet to stay healthy to protect and enhance their fertility, the male factor also plays a big role.

Men can promote fertility and increase sperm count by nourishing their jing, the essence of life, which is fundamental in fertility.

One of the easiest ways to strengthen jing is through diet. Men seeking to do this should make sure to eat nutrient-dense foods and consume plenty of the following:

eggs (birds and fish)
animal organs like kidney
oysters
seeds
nuts
seaweeds
algae
artichoke leaf
nettles, oats, raw milk

It is also important to get adequate amounts of certain nutrients, including:

folic acid, found in oranges, dark leafy greens like spinach and kale and broccoli
zinc, found in meat and beans
vitamin D and calcium, mostly in dairy products

Getting enough sleep and exercise are also important. Stress can be a big factor in infertility, and rest and a good workout are great ways to relieve both.

For more information on how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can also enhance fertility, visit Five Seasons Healing online.

A Happy Home Birth Story!

I've been following this blog for several months, as author Ryan has chronicled his wife's pregnancy in weekly photos like the one above and almost-daily entries. His posts are candid, smart, hilarious—and addictive.

Last week, his wife, Cole, gave birth at home to a beautiful baby girl, and he has been posting photos and updates, along with the Birth Story. It's a wonderful read if you have a few free minutes in your day!

Festive Summer Cocktails

Happy Fourth of July, everyone! I hope you're all having a beautiful day.

A lot of people like to include a little alcohol in their summer celebrations. When enjoyed in moderation, an occasional drink can help promote heart health—especially fitting, as the season of summer is associated with the heart.

On Everyday Health, a Chinese medicine blog I follow, author Vien-Phuong Nini Mai posted about infusing your drink with herbs.

Why not try their suggestion of mint, ginger, and gogi berries?

Cheers!

Acupuncture and Exercise bring Relief to PCOS sufferers

According to a new study, exercise and electro-acupuncture treatments can reduce sympathetic nerve activity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders. PCOS affects about 10% of women of reproductive age and is associated with health issues such as elevated levels of androgens (like testosterone), ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

This finding is especially important, since women with PCOS have elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which can contribute to hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

The study also found that the electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles, reduced testosterone levels and reduced waist circumference.

While it may be too soon to say for sure that low-frequency electro-acupuncture and exercise may be an alternative, non-pharmaceutical way to treat PCOS, the results of this study are promising.

Read the full article here, and for more information about how traditional Chinese medicine can benefit women's health, check out the Five Seasons Healing website.

Mindful Eating

In our go-go-go world, it's so hard to find time to sit down and enjoy a meal, appreciating the way the food we eat nourishes our bodies. This leaves many of us out of touch with our sense of hunger, not to mention with the pleasure of eating. It's hard to derive much joy from wolfing down a candy bar on the way to the subway.

According to an article published in the June Environmental Nutrition newsletter, in a 2008 General Mills online hunger and eating survey that included 1,049 men and women aged 18 and over, only 6% indicated that they almost always notice physical hunger such as a growling stomach before they eat.

When subjects were asked how often they multi-task (driving, walking, working, watching TV, shopping online, etc.) while eating, only 3% reported never. Only 34% of participants indicated that they decide a meal or snack is over when they feel full.

There is a very popular meditation about mindfully eating a raisin, taking a long time to focus on the texture and the flavor and the feel of it in the mouth. Many practitioners use it in treatment for overeating, but it's a great exercise for anyone who feels that they need help focusing.

Not that you have to take a full minute to ponder every single bite of your food, but try slowing down and allowing yourself to sit down and practice mindful eating. Listen to your body's signals that tell you when you're hungry and when you're full. Eating well balanced meals at regular intervals will help keep your energy levels up, along with your mood. It may seem hard at first to fit healthy eating into your schedule, but once you realize how great you feel when you honor your body and its needs, it will seem easy.

A few helpful hints:

*Plan ahead–Pack snacks like fresh, seasonal fruits so you have healthy food to keep you going if hunger strikes.
*Carry a bottle of water with you. Dehydration makes your mind cloudy, making it hard to hear the messages your body is sending you. It will also keep you from reaching for sugary soft drinks.
*Don't skip meals. It messes with your metabolism and makes you more likely to give in to the allure of vending machines and the pastry display at Starbucks.
*Remind yourself whenever you feel overwhelmed or stressed out that you don't have to be multi-tasking all the time. Eating a meal is important in and of itself. While it may be easy to forget, taking care of yourself is a priority!


For more information about seasonal foods and flavors and healthy eating, visit Five Seasons Healing online.

Great Article on Urban Gardening

In this morning's New York Times, there was a great article about urban gardening.

While city dwellers have been growing tomatoes and herbs in little planters for years, there has been a recent increase in home-grown fruits and vegetables.

Though tax incentives have been a motivation for some, but it runs much deeper for many. Paula Crossfield, the managing editor of Civil Eats blog about sustainable agriculture, considers the 400-square-foot garden on her Lower East Side roof to be an extension of her work. “Growing my own food helps me understand better what I write about: how food gets to our table, the difficulties it entails.”

“The bottom line,” she said, “is that I harbor a secret desire to be a farmer, and my way of doing that is to use what I have, which is a roof.”

If you've been thinking about starting a garden, why not do it this summer? With the solstice coming up, there's no bette time.

For more info on what foods are in season, visit Five Seasons Healing online.

Photo courtesy of nytimes.com

Acupuncture at Wal-Mart

After the implementation in February 2008 of in-store health clinics in Atlanta, Little Rock and Dallas under “The Clinic at Wal-Mart” brand, Wal-Mart has set its sights on the holistic health market with the opening of Wal-Mart Community Acupuncture clinics in several of its major urban centers across America.

Said Wal-Mart Senior Vice President and president, health and wellness Dr. John Agwaunobi, “Chinese medicine and pharmacology are a great treasure house and efforts should be made to increase both access and affordability, which seem to go hand in hand.”

Many acupuncturists have been eager to participate. Some plans for the project include immediate availability of acupuncture to "massive and unreachable markets of patients, free education for acupuncture students, jobs for failed private practice acupuncturists and the creation of new, guaranteed jobs for Wal-Mart trained acupuncturists."

While the phrase "Wal-Mart trained acupuncturist" doesn't exactly make me want to trek to the nearest of the 3800 Wal-Mart stores to try it out for myself, it is encouraging to see such a mainstream company embracing alternative medicine.

Read more about it here and feel free to visit the Five Seasons Healing website for more information about alternative medicine and local practitioners in the New York area.

Anna Quindlen speaks at Wesleyan

On Thursday, June 4th, author Anna Quindlen spoke at the Commencement Ceremony for Wesleyan University, my alma mater. I found her speech thought provoking and inspiring.

She began by saying she was expected to apologize on behalf of their elders and the entire nation for handing off an "unmitigated disaster" to this year's graduates.

Instead, she suggested that this year's class, "perhaps more than any generation in memory," has "an unparalleled opportunity to remake this nation so that it is stronger, smarter and makes more sense."

Encouraging graduates to consider what "doing better" really means, to think in terms of spirit rather than income, she urged them "not to yield to the status quo" or to "trade happiness for deferred gratification."

She finished by saying,

"With the old house in ruins and the new one still to be built, you are the people who must have the creativity, the audacity, the ideals to answer these questions and so many more. Samuel Beckett once said, “To find a form that accommodates the mess, that is the task of the artist now.” The mess, the mess. That’s, finally, what we’re leaving you today. We leave you a mess. And I won’t apologize for that. Instead I want you to see it for what it is: an engraved invitation to transformation. Certainty is dead. Long live the flying leap. Take it. Use it. Bring it. Congratulations!"

You can read the rest of the speech here.

Enjoy!

Yoga and Tai Chi in the Park

Great news for anyone living or working in midtown: On Tuesdays and Thursdays this summer, Bryant Park will be hosting free yoga and tai chi classes! Practicing outside helps soothe the mind, body, and heart—all especially important in the summer season.

Check the park's website for a schedule of classes.

To lear more about exercise and traditional Chinese medicine, visit the Five Seasons Healing website. You can also find a list of local yoga instructors on the Resources page.

Lunchtime Meditation

During the month of June, the Chakrasambara Buddhist Center will be offering a lunchtime meditation from Monday-Thursday from 12-12:45 pm. What better way to bring some peace of mind and awareness to your day? It's a great opportunity to take a break in the middle of the day, to relax, recharge and refocus with stress reducing and heart-opening guided meditations. Admission is $5 but free for members of the center.

The Chakrasambara Buddhist Center is located at 322 Eighth Ave, Suite 502, in New York and can be reached at 212-924-6706.

No-Cook Tomato Watermelon Soup

It might be rainy in New York this Friday, but the sun is coming back this weekend, along with warmer temperatures. Who wants to slave over a hot stove when it's nice outside?

The current issue of Self features a bunch of no-cook recipes that sound delicious. This Tomato-Watermelon Soup includes some of the best parts of a watermelon-and-feta salad I love, with an added twist. From a Chinese medicine standpoint, cooling foods are especially important in the hot weather to regulate heat in the body. This photo from the magazine's website makes me want to run to the farmer's market to buy all the ingredients!

To make this soup, you need:

2 cups cubed watermelon (about a 2 1/2-lb piece)
2 tomatoes (about 1/2 lb), quartered
2 tablespoons unsalted almonds, ground
1/2 shallot, quartered
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons feta, crumbled
1 tablespoon black olives, pitted and chopped
2 teaspoons fresh mint

Directions:

Blend watermelon, tomatoes, almonds, shallot, lemon juice, vinegar and oil in a food processor until smooth. Divide soup among 4 bowls and top with feta, olives and mint.

Have a lovely weekend!

For more information about about Diet and Nutrition, check out the Five Seasons website!

Sharon

Natural Sunscreen

Happy Memorial Day! You know what that means—Summer is right around the corner. Hope you have a wonderful long weekend planned. I can’t wait to spend time outside in the sun!

While the best way to stay safe and prevent sunburn is to cover and hang out in the shade, sunscreen helps reduce burns and damage from the UV rays.

If you’re worried about the chemicals and other harsh ingredients contained in most sunscreens why not try a natural, gentler sunscreen? Though I don’t currently carry any at Five Seasons Healing, there are quite a few on the market from companies such as Aubrey Organics, Badger Balm, California Baby, and Dermalogica.

Enjoy a happy and healthy holiday!

Acupuncture on NPR

This morning, a story about acupuncture for chronic back pain appeared on NPR. The piece details one woman's first-time experience with acupuncture and examines a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, which found that a seven-week course of acupuncture helped many patients ease the pain of chronic lower back pain.

One interesting finding was that when points are stimulated on the body's surface it produces the same results as inserting needles. The reason this happens is that both methods are based on the same chinese medicine meridian system and simply stimulating the points on the channel can illicit a therapeutic response. In fact, in certain types of acupuncture, namely Japanese acupuncture, which is also practiced at Five Seasons Healing, the technique is to either shallowly insert needles or only placed them on the surface of the skin.

You can listen to the story or read the text on NPR's website.

Take a Walk in the Park to Clear the Mind

We’ve all heard that a walk around the block can help clear the mind and lower stress, but several studies show that a walk in the park actually does a lot more for you than a stroll through an urban area.

In a study at the University of Michigan, researchers performed two experiments to test how interactions with both nature and urban environments affect certain mental processes.

First, a group of volunteers completed a task designed to challenge memory and attention. Then they took a walk in either a park or in downtown Ann Arbor. After the walk, volunteers returned to the lab and were retested on the task.

Not surprisingly, performance on the memory and attention task greatly improved following the walk in the park, but did not improve for volunteers who walked around downtown.

In the second experiment, volunteers who simply viewed nature photos after completing the task did much better on the retest than volunteers who looked at photographs of urban environments.

Another study conducted at the University of Illinois even shows that children with ADHD demonstrate greater attention after a 20-minute walk in a park than after a similar walk in a downtown area or residential neighborhood. Researchers are now looking more deeply into the way “green” time can reduce ADHD symptoms.

While ideally, we would all be able to take a stroll amidst the greenery, even hanging pictures of flowers, trees and other calming nature scenes around your office or home can be beneficial. Either way, it’s good to get a little fresh air and move around every few hours.

Taking a mental health break is always important!

Open House at the Open Center!

On Tuesday, May 16, the Open Center is having an open house from 6-10 pm!

Stop by for an evening of free lectures and refreshments where you can meet faculty, sample programs, ask questions and browse the bookstore. Some workshop topics include "Introduction to Reiki," "Introduction to Reflexology," and "Bollywood Dancing."

Fifteen-minute Mini-Wellness sessions are also available all night for $15.

The Open Center is located 83 Spring Street in New York, but will be moving to 22 East 30th Street on June 1. Visit their website for more details.

Be well!

Sharon

Spanish Commercial Features Real Home Birth

The slogan of this new ad campaign by Spanish company, Flex, is “Tu cama, el lugar más importante del mundo,” or “Your bed, the most important place in the world.”

This commercial, released in April, spotlights the home birth of Waira, daughter of Carolina and Nicholas Umpierrez of Barcelona, Spain. In the advertisement, they claim that their bed is special to them because it is where there son was born and they would like for their daughter to be born in the same bed.



This commercial would probably never fly in the US (where we like our ads as glamorous as the celebrities in them), but it's great to see a home birth portrayed in such a positive light!

Treating Moodiness and Anxiety the Natural Way

Despite the bright, hopeful energy of springtime, many people may find themselves suffering from moodiness, frustration, and anxiety, as these feelings are tied to the health of the liver qi, the system associated with this season. Because of our renewed sense of energy and eagerness to push forward, many of us may notice our limitations that much more, making it difficult to accept that change is gradual and that we are constantly in transition.

Another factor is stress—a lot of us are even more stressed out than we realize! While everyone gets irritated or moody once in a while, but sometimes these emotions can evolve into more serious conditions like anxiety and depression. They can also feed into other health issues such as digestive problems, a weakened immune system, and trouble sleeping.

In the west, many doctors and patients are quick to turn to anti-depressants and other drugs to help combat these conditions.

In traditional Chinese medicine, however, the underlying cause of emotional issues is addressed. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi throughout the body and for balancing our emotions. When the liver’s function of moving qi is disrupted, qi can become stuck, or stagnated.

As stagnation of liver qi is one of the main causes of disharmony reflected in anger, irritability, and frustration, we can improve our health by moving our qi.

Acupuncture is an excellent way to relieve liver qi stagnation. Marie and I see patients all the time with this condition at Five Seasons. To treat irritability and moodiness associated with liver qi stagnation, we focus on moving the qi and supporting the liver and spleen organ systems with acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and perhaps an herbal formula, if appropriate.

There are other things you can do to get your qi moving.

Stretch. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, which maintains tendon health and flexibility. Make a habit out of a morning stretch and try yoga or tai qi.

Waterfall Pose. This yoga pose, also called Viparita Karani, is incredibly relaxing. Lie down on your back with your legs up against a wall. Hang out in this pose anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the pose:
...

Eye Exercises. The liver is said to open into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for long periods of time and do eye exercises.

Eat Green. The color green is associated with the liver. Eating young plants like fresh, leafy greens and sprouts can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.
Some other good foods to eat to move your liver qi include celery, cabbage, mustard greens, scallions, beets, peaches and miso soup. Mild spices like ginger, rosemary, and basil can work well too.

Try Something Sour. Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver qi. One of the simplest ways to incorporate this flavor into your diet is to put lemon slices in your drinking water. You can also use vinegar and olive oil for salad dressing and garnish sandwiches with a slice of dill pickle.

Sip Milk Thistle Tea. Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.
Peppermint tea is also helpful.

Limit junk foods, processed foods, and dairy. These foods can clog up your system, so it’s best to avoid them if you are concerned about stagnant qi.

Get Outside! Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, try going for a walk or bike ride.

Consider Herbs. Xiang fu, chuan lian zi, he huan pi, he huan hua, and qing pi are all herbs that move liver qi.

Get Acupuncture Treatments. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration. Regular treatments can tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become more serious problems.

Meditation in the Park this Weekend!

This Saturday, May 9th the Chakrasambara Buddhist Center is hosting a Meditation in the Park with Kadam Morten.

The event is scheduled from 1-3 pm in Central Park. Kadam Morten will guide participants in a meditation on the clarity of the mind, emphasizing in particular how we incorporate all the sounds of the park into our meditation. The meditation will end with a heartfelt dedication for world peace. The meditation itself is likely to go from 1:15 until 2 pm and will be followed by a potluck picnic.

The meditation is free and open to the public. In the case of rain, it will be held at the Center, which is located at 322 Eighth Avenue, Suite 502 in New York.

More information, including the exact location of the meditation, will be posted soon on the Center's website.


See www.meditationinnewyork.org for more details.

Bean Burgers—great blood-strengthening fuel!

And now for Part Two of our post-partum haircare episode...

Foods rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 can help fortify the blood, promoting optimal health in new mothers and anyone else who needs to strengthen their blood.

Beans are a great source of iron, B-vitamins and protein (another key nutrient). These bean burgers, when paired with a salad of leafy greens and sprouts (for folic acid) and sliced tomato (for vitamin C, which aids absorption), are a tasty way to boost your intake and say hello to renewed energy and shiny, healthy hair!

Bean Burgers

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked beans
1 carrot, diced
1/4 onion, diced (optional)
1 tablespoon herbs*
1/2 cup bread crumbs, whole wheat flour, or cooked grain
Sea salt to taste
Toasted nuts or seeds


Directions:

Mash beans
Mix ingredients together and form patties or small balls.
Fry or bake at 350oF until browned (approximately 30 minutes)

*Some herbal combinations to try:
Coriander, cumin, ginger (lentil, black, aduki)
Sage, thyme, oregano (black, pinto, lentil, kidney)
Dill, basil (lentil, garbanzo, split pea)
Fennel or cumin (pinto, kidney)
Mint, garlic (garbanzo, lentil)

—recipe courtesy of Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford