Give the Deal - Feel Well Acupuncture

Looking for a jump start to health for the new year? 
Check out my special currently being offered through "Give the Deal"! 
Get an awesome deal on an initial acupuncture treatment while helping out a local San Diego charity called Lucky Pup Dog Rescue! =)

Seasonal Changes: Staying Healthy in the Fall Season

Health Cultivation and Disease Prevention in the Fall Season

Much of Chinese Medicine theory is based in nature, especially when it comes to seasonal changes.  This is especially important in the Fall season when the weather is cooling down from the heat of summer.  Fall is also the season attributed to the Lungs. We become more prone to respiratory ailments: seasonal allergies, sinusitis, colds, and flus.  Skin issues such as eczema can also flare up because our skin is related to the Lungs. Keeping in tune with seasonal changes helps cultivate one’s health and prevent disease.  

Eat with the season –

• Cooler weather means eating foods that are warm, wholesome, and nourishing.  Forgo the salads and opt for soups and stews which are hot and hearty.  The temperature maintains our body’s Yang energy which is warming and essential especially with digestion. 

• Eat foods that are in season:

o   Vegetables – beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, mushrooms, potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash

o   Fruits – apples, concord grapes, pears

• Sweet potatoes and pumpkins are especially delicious and right for the season.  Try these yummy tips from Yoga Journal to enjoy their goodness.   

Cover your neck –

• In Chinese Medicine theory, catching a cold or the flu is referred to as an "external invasion".  However, unlike Western Medicine, the external invasion can be elemental like nature and symptoms are related to the type of pathogen involved.  These can include wind, cold, heat, dryness and dampness.   
• The back of your neck is considered the “gateway for 10,000 diseases” and is basically our weak spot.  It can be even more so when we’re feeling rundown, overworked, stressed, or fatigued.  Keep this covered and prevent invasion of the elements, especially wind. 
  
• Fall weather fluctuates between warm and cool. Winds such as the Santa Anas are also prevalent. In San Diego, the days start off crisp and cool which leads to a hot sunny day by noon, and chilly again by nightfall.  
• Carry around a scarf or better yet a sweater to prepare for the change of temperature throughout the day. 

Stay hydrated –

• Autumn is associated with the element of dryness.  In Autumn, the dry weather can affect our skin, our nose, and our lungs – which are important in our body’s immunity and are its first line of defense.  

• Drink plenty of room temperature water or better yet hot tea. Chyrsanthemum, mint, orange, and spiced teas are great for the fall season. 

•  As food therapy, try steamed pears with a touch of honey and sliced almonds to moisten dryness, especially of the lungs and skin.   

Take your vitamins –

• To maintain strong immunity make sure take these every day:
• Vitamins A, B, C, E 
• Zinc, CoQ10

• Incorporate phytonutrient rich foods – garlic, Echinacea, astragalus, mushrooms

Recognize the signs –

• A combination of any or all can mean your getting sick:  nasal discharge, sneezing, fever, chills, sinus pressure, body aches, aversion to cold or wind, fatigue, sore throat, and/or loss of appetite.

• If you feel like you are getting sick, try these home remedies:
• Miso Soup [miso + tofu + seaweed + green onions]
• A great example of food as medicine.  All ingredients work together to "release the exterior and the pathogen".  
• Ginger, Chicken and Rice Soup (recipe will follow) 
• Ginger Tea - warm, pungent, and releases the exterior
• Get plenty of rest, eat simple foods, especially soup, stay warm

Lastly…get Acupuncture –

• Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine can help boost your body’s protective Qi (immunity) and helps prevent catching the cold and flu, especially if you are prone to getting sick during the Fall and Winter seasons.

• When you do get sick, acupuncture can help your body fight the illness so you can recover faster. Herbal Medicine is also effective in strengthening your body and pushing out whatever is ailing you.  Treatment is based on the pattern of symptoms that are observed.  

Enjoy and be well this season!

Acupuncture and Seasonal Allergies

One of my first acupuncture treatments years ago was for allergies to rabbit brush, a common fixture in local Nevada plant-life. I must say from personal experience that acupuncture and herbal medicine helped me find relief from my symptoms of sneezing and the itchy eyes and ears. Now, as an acupuncturist, I am happy to offer the same relief to my patients.

Check out this great article about acupuncture and seasonal allergy relief.  There is also a great section about key foundations and theory of Chinese Medicine.  These principles are the basis of our knowledge and ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat many conditions including seasonal allergies.  

 Fox News - Acupuncture Pins Down Allergy Relief

Acupuncture for Japan

As we all know, on March 11, the northern coast of Japan was devastated by an enormous tsunami triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake.  Entire coastal towns were wiped out and many were lost.  In the aftermath, survivors were left with limited resources of food, clothing, water, gasoline, and health care.  The Japanese people need our help during this crisis.

 To show our support, Feel Well Acupuncture is honored to offer a special session of Sama-Sama Community Acupuncture that would benefit disaster relief efforts in Japan.  In the spirit of Sama-Sama, together as a community, we can send our collective thoughts, prayers, healing energy, and love to the people of Japan.  By supporting the organizations listed below, we can provide the survivors of this disaster with much needed resources in the form of food, supplies, and health care. 100% of donations received will be split between these two organizations:

Acupuncturists Without Borders: www.acuwithoutborders.org

AWB's mission is to provide immediate relief and recovery acupuncture services to global communities that are in crisis from disaster or human conflict. AWB also seeks to provide training and services to global communities that promote and sustain local self-directed, self-sufficient, proactive and long-term recovery, rebuilding and trauma (including PTSD) resolution.  AWB provided acupuncture services following Hurricane Katrina and the earthquakes in both Haiti and Chile last year.  For more information on their efforts to aid Japan, please click here.  

The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund:  www.globalgiving.org

Launched through GlobalGiving.org, this project will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. GlobalGiving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations on the ground.  

Acupuncture for Japan will be held on Saturday, April 2 at MOSAIC Yoga [830 25th St. Suite 203, San Diego 92102] in Golden Hill from 12noon - 2pm.  Any contribution you are willing to give whether it be monetary or just a simple thought or prayer will be most appreciated.  To participate in Sama-Sama Community Acupuncture, please bring a yoga mat.  Light refreshments will be provided during this special event.  Please spread the word and thank you for your support! See you then!

For more information, please contact Lesley at 775.220.2008 or lesley@feelwellacupuncture.com.  You can also visit our website www.feelwellacupuncture.com or RSVP through Facebook. 

Acupuncture Relief in Haiti and the NADA Protocol

I love what we can do as acupuncturists! We can bring the wonderful healing of acupuncture anywhere in the world, especially in areas of devastation where help is most needed. Last year, after the earthquake, Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) arrived in Haiti to provide healing and calm during a time of mass chaos and destruction.  The beauty of acupuncture is not just in it's ability to heal, but that it can be applied in just about any setting.  AWB Volunteers were able to provide treatment to populations undergoing extreme levels of stress in addition to the lack of supplies, trauma, uncertainty, and fear.  Using the NADA Protocol, AWB Volunteers were able to alleviate symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and manage pain for those affected by the earthquake and the many who came to their aid.  After the Chile earthquake, volunteers were also sent to provide treatment to those affected.  Now, a year after the Haiti earthquake, AWB is returning to provide further treatment to the country's people as well as train Haitian healthcare providers.

 Thank you Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB)!  One day, I hope to volunteer as a member of AWB alongside fellow colleagues sharing acupuncture with those who need it.  The NADA Protocol is a powerful system of treatment and I am proud to use it in my Sama-Sama: Community Acupuncture sessions.  

For more information on AWB's return to Haiti, click here for the article in the latest issue of Acupuncture Today.  

Many Thanks and a recipe for Quinoa & Shiitake Mushroom Soup, too!

This entry is a little belated but I wanted to thank everyone who attended my Chinese New Year Open House last weekend at MOSAIC Yoga!  It was a great success - yummy food, free acupuncture, Qi Gong, Happy Tea, raffle prizes, and goodie bags of herbal teas to take home.  All around lots of healing and sharing of the benefits of acupuncture!

So again, many thanks to everyone who attended.  I'd especially like to thank to my family (from Las Vegas and Mira Mesa) for helping me with preparation and simply supporting me in my element.  And a big thanks to Melissa Love, Ryan Glidden, and Ryan Krupa of MOSAIC Yoga for opening up their beautiful Air studio to me so I can share the gifts of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. 

And now...on to the recipe...

Quinoa and Shiitake Mushroom Soup

This dish was actually served at the Open House and received rave reviews by those who tried it.  This recipe was my mom's delicious and healthy creation.  Enjoy!

1 yellow onion - chopped
4 cloves of garlic - chopped
1 tsp of ginger - grated
1 tsp of safflower
1 stalk of lemongrass (cut in half)
2 cups of shiitake or oyster mushrooms (sliced)
2 cups quinoa
5-6 cups of water
2 tbs olive oil
pepper
salt (to taste) or soy sauce (optional)

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onion, garlic, lemongrass, and ginger and stir-fry until transparent and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).  Add 1/2 of the mushrooms and stir-fry until they caramelize and absorb the flavors of spices already in the pot (about 2-3 minutes).  Pour in about 5 cups of water to the pot and add in the quinoa and the rest of the mushrooms.  Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat down to a simmer. Simmer the soup for about 30 - 45 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked (the grain should like little curly-Q's when done).  Stir occasionally.  If needed, add more water if you like your soup to be thinner.  When the quinoa is almost cooked, add the safflower, which will change the color of the soup to a warm brown color.  Before serving, remove the lemongrass stalk and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Add soy sauce if desired.

This recipe brings together the rich, warm, and aromatic flavors of ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and onion, which are excellent for promoting circulation and warming digestion. This combination is also great for staving off the common cold or flu. Mushrooms, especially shiitake and oyster, are very nutritious and in Chinese food therapy are associated with longevity and boosting energy.  Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain rich in phosphorus, iron, and dietary fiber that is a great alternative for white rice.  It is also one of few grains that is also a source of protein and is gluten-free.  Enjoy this recipe and all of its health benefits!

Yours in Health,

Lesley

So Acupuncture Works....but How?

This is a great video of a health show from Australia.  It answers the basic questions that most have about acupuncture, such as "What is acupuncture?" or "How does it work?"

Not only does this video explain the Chinese Medical theory behind acupuncture but it also shows the recent research that has been conducted to scientifically figure out how and why acupuncture is so effective. Using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), Western science has shown that acupuncture reduces activation of pain sensors in the brain.  Other theories and research suggests that acupuncture triggers the  release of our "feel good" hormones called endorphins and calming neurotransmitters such as serotonin.  Acupuncture has also been shown to dilate blood vessels and increase circulation to areas of treatment; thus, relieving pain and promoting healing.  Even more research suggests that acupuncture somehow accesses the natural bio-electrical field of the body.  

No matter what Western science discovers, acupuncture simply just works.  In addition to the research that is out there, Chinese Medicine and acupuncture are backed up by thousands of years of theory and case studies.  This history shows that it is effective and can address a wide range of conditions.  So should you try acupuncture?  Why not?  Just try it and see what it can do for you. 

Shiitake Mushroom & Soba Noodle Soup

In Asian cultures, noodles are a symbol of longevity as evident by their seamlessly long length.  On birthdays, it is tradition to have the celebrant eat a noodle dish to ensure a long and healthy life.  It is also tradition to eat noodles at the turn of the new year to attain those benefits as well.  So in honor of the new year (2011 - even though we're heading into February already!) and Chinese New Year, here is a delicious recipe using Soba noodles and another food associated with longevity, Shiitake mushrooms.

Shiitake Mushroom & Soba Noodle Soup 
(Serves 4- 6, Prep Time 15minutes, Cook Time 30-45minutes)

Shiitake Mushroom & Soba Noodle Soup

1/2 yellow onion (sliced)
3-4 garlic cloves (sliced)
1-2 celery stalks (chopped)
2 1/2 cups Shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
1 Tbs ginger (sliced)
1/2 napa cabbage (thinly sliced)
olive oil
4-5 cups water
6 oz. package of Soba noodles (buckwheat)
1 Tbs miso paste
pepper (for seasoning)

1.  In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onions, garlic, ginger, & celery and saute until fragrant.
2.  Add 3/4 of the Shiitake mushrooms and saute until soft and caramelized.
3.  Add water and the remainder of the mushrooms and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer and allow to boil for about 20 - 30minutes to create the broth.
4.  Add soba noodles and allow the noodles to cook through. 
5.  When noodles are cooked, stir in the miso paste and allow it to incorporate into the soup. 
6.  Just before serving, add the napa cabbage to the soup.  Season with pepper and add more miso if you'd like.  For even more flavor, try adding a teaspoon of 5-spice power, which is a blend of fennel, star anise, ginger, licorice root, cinnamon, and cloves. 
7.  Enjoy!

The photo posted above also shows Zesty Orange Pork - recipe will come soon! Stay tuned!

In health,

Lesley