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

Stop Being So Tired! - 3 Simple Rules to Health

As Jack Lalanne said: "stop being so tired!" Even in today's world of health, lack of exercise, empty calories, and nervous tension can definitely contribute to that feeling of lethargy and tiredness.  Not to mention that your body is not getting the movement or nutrition it needs to function at its best.  So how do you improve your energy and health?  By implementing these 3 simple rules:

 

1.  Exercise! 

Just 20 - 30minutes of exercise three times per week can have a great effect on your health.  You'll experience improved energy, better sleep, and a relaxed mood.  Don't forget that it can also help you manage weight and protect you against chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and pain.  Go for a walk around the park or your neighborhood.  Or, try yoga, pilates, or Tai Chi.  

 

 In Chinese Medicine, pain and disease occur when the body's energy, or Qi, is stagnant and not moving.  Thus, exercise is important to keep Qi flowing smoothly throughout the body to be healthy and happy. 

 

2.  Eat Healthy -

As Mr. Lalanne says, don't eat foods with empty calories.  These are foods that are processed, high in sugar, and high in fat.  Instead of grabbing that candy bar as a snack, grab some fruit:  an apple, banana, blueberries, or an orange.  Colorful vegetables provide you with loads of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Grains such as brown rice and quinoa have fiber, vitamins, and even protein.  Fresher foods are more nutrient dense, delicious, and easier for the body to break down and provide you with the energy you need.  

 

Simply said - your body needs good food to have good energy.  What you take into your body is your fuel and can have a great effect on your overall health.  

 

3. Release Some Stress - 

Pent up stress leads to tension that is felt throughout your body, both physically and mentally.  Exercise can also help you relieve that stress.  Relax your mind with meditation, or try yoga because it exercises both mind and body.  Or, simply take some personal time for yourself - read a book, listen to some relaxing music, take a bubble bath, or spend some time in nature. 

 

Exercising, eating healthy, and relieving stress can have a remarkable effect on your health. Incorporate a little bit of each into your daily routine and see how it benefits you. And if you need a little extra help, come get acupuncture, too. Acupuncture can help you relieve stress, as well as re-balance and replenish your body's energy.  Oriental Medicine is also a great resource for dietary suggestions and lifestyle changes.  As an acupuncturist, I provide you the guidance you need to live a healthier and happier life. 

 

And to Mr. Lalanne, thank you for your great message and inspiring us to improve our health & lives.  

 

 In health, 

Lesley

FREE COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE! Chinese New Year Open House @ MOSAIC Yoga

HAPPY YEAR OF THE RABBIT!

Come join us at MOSAIC Yoga on Saturday Feb 5, 11am - 2pm, for our Chinese New Year Open House!

Enjoy free community acupuncture, Tai Chi, and learn about the health benefits of acupuncture!  Light refreshments will be provided.  Raffle prizes and special discounts will be available to those who attend. 

We will have 2 rounds of community acupuncture & Tai Chi starting at 11:30am and 12:45pm.  Please bring your own yoga mat for community acupuncture. 

For more information, please call 775.220.2008 or visit our website www.feelwellacupuncture.  You can also RSVP on Facebook!

Sama-Sama Community Acupuncture @ MOSAIC Yoga

The end of 2010 brought Feel Well Acupuncture into a great partnership with MOSAIC Yoga in Golden Hill.  We're pleased to be offering Sama-Sama Community Acupuncture sessions:  low-cost (and affordable!) community acupuncture combined with an element of yoga - exclusively at MOSAIC Yoga.

Sama-Sama Community Acupuncture is a shared acupuncture experience combining the simplicity and effectiveness of the NADA Protocol, a specific acupuncture protocol, and the relaxation of yoga's final resting pose, Savasana.  Treatments run about 30-45minutes.  These sessions are open to all and no prior yoga experience is required.  Grab your yoga mat, come as you are or bring a friend or two!  Cost is only $20 at the door.

Our current schedule for January 2011:  Mondays 6:30pm-7:30pm, Wednesdays 12noon-1:00pm, and Fridays 7:00pm-8:00pm.  

For more information, please contact us at lesley@feelwellacupuncture.com or 775.220.2008.  MOSAIC Yoga is located at 830 25th St. Suite 203, San Diego, CA 92102. 

Information can also be found on our website www.feelwellacupuncture.com/sama-sama.html