Upcoming Lecture at the Swedish Institute

On Wednesday, April 22, Lawrence Palevsky, MD, will be appearing at the Swedish Institute to give his lecture, entitled "Vaccinating Your Children: The Safety and Efficacy of Vaccines." I have gone to hear him speak and found it an interesting and informative experience. he takes a particularly strong stance against vaccinations, Palevsky's viewpoint represents one end of the spectrum of perspectives any expectant parent should consider getting in order to help them make an informed decision.


Place: The Swedish Institute
Topic: Vaccinating Your Children: The Safety and Efficacy of Vaccine
Instructor: Lawrence Palevsky, MD
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Tuition: $40 per person

The Swedish Institute is located at 226 West 26th Street, #5 and can be contacted at (212) 924-5900 or by visiting www.swedishinstitute.com.

Spring Salad

Spring has officially begun!

As the season of renewal of energy, spring is also the time of year when we “clean out” the heavy, dampening foods of winter in favor of lighter, fresh fare. A diet rich in yang-type foods that echo the expansive energy of springtime are recommended, such as vegetables like kale, collard greens, corn, asparagus and celery. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cranberries also help cleanse the liver. Consuming a moderate amount of raw foods can also stimulate liver qi flow. And remember, consuming organic and local ingredients taste better and is better for you! Why not throw together a festive spring salad?

Ingredients:

3 cups Salad Greens
½ cup chopped Celery
1 cup sliced Strawberries
Walnut Oil and Red Wine Vinegar for dressing
Salt and Pepper as needed

Directions:

Make sure greens, celery, and strawberries are all properly washed.
Place ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Mix 1-2 parts oil to 1 part vinegar.
Toss salad with oil and vinegar mixture.

Get ready for Spring

Friday, March 20th brings the Spring Equinox, and we begin a new season.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is associated with one of the five principle elements in the natural world: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Spring is paired with the wood element.

Wood exemplifies growth, change, and pushing through obstacles. Its active energy allows for much growth, both internally and externally. We may find that we are able to make great progress on projects and endeavors that may have been hard to get moving on during the hibernating winter months. Take it slow, however, as this energy can easily funnel into stress, frustration or anger when we run into obstacles. Because we are able to feel our renewed energy so profoundly in contrast to our slower winter pace, these blockages may seem all the more apparent.

The body system associated with wood is the Liver. The Liver is in charge of maintaining a smooth flow of mental, emotional and physical energy throughout the body. Thus, it aids all the other body systems in functioning properly. The Liver also plays a key role in the functioning of the reproductive system. For this reason, the spring is an optimal time to focus on reproductive health.

Keep in mind, though, a seed does not blossom into a flower overnight. The bud has to push up through the thawing soil first. Spring is a wonderful time to work with our blockages, as there is greater access to that can-do energy.

Spring Ahead!

Daylights Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8, so be sure to set your clock ahead an hour!

While it is great that we are one step closer to spring, it often takes time for us to adjust to the change. Many people struggle to maintain a healthy sleeping pattern as it is, and it can be difficult to get used to waking up an hour “earlier.” Many complain of sleep disruption, headaches, and grouchiness in the weeks following the switch.

However, the benefits to “springing ahead” greatly outweigh the disadvantages. As the daylight lasts longer, people are able to be more productive during the day. Additional light and warmer weather encourages people to spend time outdoors—a proven stress reliever. People just need to pay attention to their sleep habits a little more closely during this time.

There are several ways in which people can help their bodies adjust.

*Exercise: Even a brisk walk will help release serotonin into your bloodstream, making it easier for your inner clock to get used to the time change.

*Bright light exposure: Sitting in front of a bright fluorescent light (like a light box) for one to two hours a day can be incredibly helpful, as they are brighter than typical household lights.

*Be aware of your limitations during the first few weeks of daylight saving. Listen to your body, and make changes you need to make.

*See your acupuncturist for treatments to help regulate your sleep cycle, if need be.

Free Introductory Classes at New York's Open Center!

The New York Open Center is a non-profit holistic learning center offering evening events, full-day workshops, ongoing classes, and advanced trainings. There are some great upcoming free introductory classes.

Thursday, March 12, 8 pm:
Spring Detox and Rejuvenation with Drew DeVittorio
"In this class we will take an in-depth look at how toxins can accumulate in our bodies and how to detoxify and regain our vitality. Springtime is a wonderful time to cleanse and renew, and this course will provide you with simple, yet effective dietary guidelines, recipes, specific herbs, exercises and antioxidants—combined with the most current scientific research on detoxification—to help you safely and effectively cleanse and rejuvenate your body, lose weight and feel more energetic."

Wednesday, March 25, 6 pm:
Introduction to Meditation with David Alkalay, PhD
"Meditation is a core practice, often the fundamental practice, of nearly every spiritual tradition for experiencing deeper levels of consciousness and awareness. In this class, we will draw upon yogic, Buddhist and Kabbalistic traditions to explore various meditative techniques, including breathwork, mantras (sound), yantras (sight) and movement. We will also discuss current scientific models of the mind that draw upon the contemplative tradition. Besides lecture and practice, there will be ample opportunity for dialogue. You will leave this class equipped to engage in a personal practice of meditation, ready to enjoy the enhanced mental clarity, balance and equanimity it will bring into your life."

Thursday, March 26, 6pm:
Medical Qigong: Ba Duan Jin with William J. Kaplanidis, LAc, MS, MA
"The Ba Duan Jin ("Eight pieces of brocade") is a Taoist medical qigong set of eight therapeutic exercises that dates back over 1,000 years. Over the centuries, many have experienced its numerous health benefits, and it is one of the most famous of all qigong forms.
There are several variations of each exercise that combine gentle movements with breath coordination, and they can be easily modified for people of varying fitness levels. In addition to increasing strength, flexibility and improving posture, this set can provide benefits to the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and lymphatic systems. The exercises are relatively simple to learn, and one begins to feel their subtle, yet profound benefits after only a few weeks of practice. You will feel energized, yet calm and balanced after each of the sessions."

For more information contact the Open Center at 212.219.2527 or registration@opencenter.org
The Open Center is located at 83 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012