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.