Hello!
So after enjoying this beautiful morning, warm and bright outside, I get a call from my mom who happens to live on the west coast. One of her favorite topics to bring up is the weather. Whether its for sake of conversation, or whether she likes to rub it in, without fail she reminds me that she is in a state where over Thanksgiving, she will be enjoying an 80 degree holiday. Ugh! Thanks mom. Although I can't complain about the weather we have been getting, I would prefer 80 degree days.
I grew up on the west coast. I remember when I would watch movies or shows where snow fell, I seriously thought it was fake. I never grew up with it, I never really thought that winters were six months long and I really thought that SAD (seasonal affective disorder) was fake. (Sorry!) My reality was palm trees, beaches and shorts during the holidays. But after 3 years of living here in Minnesota, I realized that every winter I would feel out of sorts. I would go home for the holidays, feel fantastic and energized, and then I'd make it back to Minnesota for the coldest months that winter could bring. With that came my own experiences with SAD. My reality had changed and the novelty winters wore off. I hated being cold and would never partake in winter activities and in fact avoided going outside as much as possible. To me, -20 degree days were unnatural! Well, being cooped up all day, it was only predictable what would happened next. Winter blues.
Winter blues or SAD, can deeply impact the quality of life for people that may experience it. No one likes to feel out of sorts and may not even notice it until they are already down. Its important for people to recognize what might be going on so that effectively reducing symptoms is possible. When I understood what was going on, I became a lot more proactive about not getting in that slump.
If you or someone you know is experiencing winter blues, here are a few things to try or suggest: get as much sunshine as you can! I know we've all heard that vitamin D can help, but its true. Soak up as much light as you can. Open your curtains and sit by the window for a few minutes and soak up the sun. Better yet, get out! I know its freezing and the last thing that might sound fun is to get out of the house, but try and get out for at least a little while. A great tip that I've read and tried is to read a book or watch a movie where the story takes place in sunny warm environment. I really do think that this works. Lastly exercise! Even if its gentle and you have to do it at home, exercise. Exercising will get your blood and qi moving. Stagnant qi can either be a result of, or contribute to depression. Exercising will invigorate you thus lifting your mood. Plus – do you ever regret the way you feel after you work out?
Sometimes being motivated to do these things is easier said than done, especially when you're not feeling your best, and sometimes doing these things just isn't enough. Acupuncture and herbs can help in so many ways. It will balance your body as a whole, so you actually feel good emotionally and physically. Chinese medicine moves qi and blood which helps increase energy, regulate emotions, as well as lift the mood. Plus it has no side effects which everyone can feel better about.
I've lived in Minnesota for almost nine years and have understood a long time ago what was to come with every winter. I'm so happy that I was able to recognize what was going on but its still hard to adjust every year. Personally, I have had great success with Chinese medicine. When winter rolls around I have my routine treatments. This keeps me healthy and happy and feeling great. Now when the topic of weather comes up, I can take it easier and appreciate that what I have to look forward to after winter is beautiful and warm. That makes me happy!
Christine
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
We want you to feel your best!
Hello!
As more and more people are getting sick, I'm realizing that few people understand just how effective Chinese herbs and acupuncture are. Every time I offer to help someone I know, I usually get the same response, “Its just a cold, I'll get some stuff from the drugstore”. After everything they've tried still leaves them feeling under the weather (and groggy!), they break down and try Chinese medicine. Wouldn't you know, they end up kicking the bug and feeling better in no time!
Chinese medicine really focuses on individual diagnosis. So, even if ten people all had colds, they all may experience different things. They each could get different herbal formulas to specifically address and treat their symptoms. This is a big difference with treating a cold or flu with over the counter medicine where its kind of like a “one size fits all” type treatment. Sure these meds may alleviate some symptoms, but for how long? This is a temporary fix. How good do they really make us feel? How often do we also experience secondary symptoms like very low energy or as we talked about earlier, sinus infections? Chinese herbs and acupuncture focus on the root of the problem specific to each person, treat the symptoms and boosts the immune system. The results are quick and complete recovery.
Even if its “just a cold”, Chinese herbs and acupuncture can really help you feel better quick.
We want you to feel your best!
Health & happiness,
Christine
As more and more people are getting sick, I'm realizing that few people understand just how effective Chinese herbs and acupuncture are. Every time I offer to help someone I know, I usually get the same response, “Its just a cold, I'll get some stuff from the drugstore”. After everything they've tried still leaves them feeling under the weather (and groggy!), they break down and try Chinese medicine. Wouldn't you know, they end up kicking the bug and feeling better in no time!
Chinese medicine really focuses on individual diagnosis. So, even if ten people all had colds, they all may experience different things. They each could get different herbal formulas to specifically address and treat their symptoms. This is a big difference with treating a cold or flu with over the counter medicine where its kind of like a “one size fits all” type treatment. Sure these meds may alleviate some symptoms, but for how long? This is a temporary fix. How good do they really make us feel? How often do we also experience secondary symptoms like very low energy or as we talked about earlier, sinus infections? Chinese herbs and acupuncture focus on the root of the problem specific to each person, treat the symptoms and boosts the immune system. The results are quick and complete recovery.
Even if its “just a cold”, Chinese herbs and acupuncture can really help you feel better quick.
We want you to feel your best!
Health & happiness,
Christine
Friday, November 13, 2009
Keep colds at bay with these recipes!
Hello everyone!
We've been having a lovely week up here in Minnesota, which has almost made me forget that it is November and winter is on it's way! Gulp...
Continuing our recent cold/flu theme, I thought I would add a few recipes to help keep you and your loved ones healthy. I love the idea of using food as medicine...very few side effects, and it tastes a lot better! Enjoy everyone!
Ginger and Scallion Soup
A good Sweat inducing recipe for when you feel a cold developing...
2 cups water
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, sliced
2 tablespoons white head of the scallion, sliced
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the ginger and scallion and simmer over a low flame for 15 minutes, or until the ginger is soft and its smell has spread throughout your kitchen.
Drink hot before bedtime. Keep yourself wrapped up (sweater, scarf), stay away from the cold, and especially cold drafts.
Ginger and Pear Soup
This soup will help you sweat out the pathogens that can make you sick.
2 cups water
1 pear
1 tablespoon sliced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sliced scallion, white heads only
2 eggs, beaten
Bring water to boil in a small saucepan. Cut the pear in half; do not peel it. Add the pear, ginger, and scallion to the water. Return to a boil, cover the pan, and reduce the flame to low. Simmer for 20 minutes.
In the meantime, thoroughly beat the eggs ina glass or ceramic bowl. When the broth is ready - you will know it when the aroma of the ginger spreads through your kitchen - pour the decoction into the bowl containing the two beaten eggs. Mix and drink the decoction while it is still ho, then get under a heavy quilt or thick blanket for a good sweat.
Take this remedy once a day for three or four days, or until the cold goes away.
Peppermint and Scallion broth
Peppermint rises to the head and has a cooling, pungent effect. It is therefore a good relief for colds accompanies by headaches.
20-30 fresh peppermint leaves, or 2 heaped teaspoons dried peppermint
2 or 3 crushed white heads of scallion
2 cups of water
Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the flame. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until half of the water has evaporated. Drink hot or warm.
- All of the recipes are from The Healing Cuisine of China, by Zhuo Zhao and George Ellis
We've been having a lovely week up here in Minnesota, which has almost made me forget that it is November and winter is on it's way! Gulp...
Continuing our recent cold/flu theme, I thought I would add a few recipes to help keep you and your loved ones healthy. I love the idea of using food as medicine...very few side effects, and it tastes a lot better! Enjoy everyone!
Ginger and Scallion Soup
A good Sweat inducing recipe for when you feel a cold developing...
2 cups water
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, sliced
2 tablespoons white head of the scallion, sliced
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the ginger and scallion and simmer over a low flame for 15 minutes, or until the ginger is soft and its smell has spread throughout your kitchen.
Drink hot before bedtime. Keep yourself wrapped up (sweater, scarf), stay away from the cold, and especially cold drafts.
Ginger and Pear Soup
This soup will help you sweat out the pathogens that can make you sick.
2 cups water
1 pear
1 tablespoon sliced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sliced scallion, white heads only
2 eggs, beaten
Bring water to boil in a small saucepan. Cut the pear in half; do not peel it. Add the pear, ginger, and scallion to the water. Return to a boil, cover the pan, and reduce the flame to low. Simmer for 20 minutes.
In the meantime, thoroughly beat the eggs ina glass or ceramic bowl. When the broth is ready - you will know it when the aroma of the ginger spreads through your kitchen - pour the decoction into the bowl containing the two beaten eggs. Mix and drink the decoction while it is still ho, then get under a heavy quilt or thick blanket for a good sweat.
Take this remedy once a day for three or four days, or until the cold goes away.
Peppermint and Scallion broth
Peppermint rises to the head and has a cooling, pungent effect. It is therefore a good relief for colds accompanies by headaches.
20-30 fresh peppermint leaves, or 2 heaped teaspoons dried peppermint
2 or 3 crushed white heads of scallion
2 cups of water
Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the flame. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until half of the water has evaporated. Drink hot or warm.
- All of the recipes are from The Healing Cuisine of China, by Zhuo Zhao and George Ellis
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Open House
Greetings!
I was sitting here looking out the window and couldn't stop thinking about our open house. We are a great clinic that has so much to offer and the idea of sharing our passion with you is exciting! I can't wait.
If you get a chance, you should stop on in! Its November 18th, 2009 from 4pm to 7pm. We will have coupons and other offers as well as a good time and a fabulous cake!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Health & happiness,
Christine
I was sitting here looking out the window and couldn't stop thinking about our open house. We are a great clinic that has so much to offer and the idea of sharing our passion with you is exciting! I can't wait.
If you get a chance, you should stop on in! Its November 18th, 2009 from 4pm to 7pm. We will have coupons and other offers as well as a good time and a fabulous cake!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Health & happiness,
Christine
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sinus infections
Hello Everyone!
Hopefully you all had a nice weekend. It was beautiful out! A 63 degree day with lots of sunshine in the beginning of November. I'll take it! I had a great weekend, but unfortunately, at least four people I know were in bed this weekend due to nasty sinus infections. I know from personal experience that sinus infections are downright miserable.
It is important right now to keep our bodies healthy. With the changes in weather and it being cold and flu season, the most important thing we can do is prevention. Sinus infections can be attributed to different things, but they are often secondary to a cold or flu. Talk about dragging out misery! Wash your hands, stay covered during cold and wet weather, get your rest and avoid other sick people.
A few good things to know should you come down with a sinus infection, listen to your body. If it is telling you rest, rest! You need your strength to recover faster. To alleviate pain, you can try putting a warm cloth over your face, especially over the forehead and across the cheeks. A gentle massage to your face above and around your eyebrows, down the sides of your nose and gently over the cheeks can help the movement of mucous blocked in the sinus cavities. Eat your chicken noodle soup! It will help strengthen your immune system, but it is also very easy to digest. This is important because you want your body to focus on getting better. The least your energy is expended to do other things, the better. Avoid greasy, oily or fried food. If you have any essential oils at home, a nice steamy shower with a few drops of eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil can be used. They can open the nasal passages and alleviate pain. A recipe my grandma always used and swore by is apple cider vinegar and water. Put 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of warm water and drink. You can do this before bed and when you wake up.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is very effective at treating and preventing sinus infections. Maybe the idea of getting poked in the face while it is throbbing doesn't sound fun, but the results are very relieving. Herbal formulas can be used to prevent and help sinus infections. They are natural antibiotics and antivirals as well as pain relievers and astringents.
Its easy to put out of your mind the misery of a sinus infection until your head is throbbing and you can't breathe. I can't stress it enough, prevention is key to staying happy and healthy. Having a health maintenance or preventative regime will greatly benefit anyone that is prone to getting sick or suffering from chronic sinus infections or just anyone wanting to feel their best.
Health & Happiness!
Christine
Hopefully you all had a nice weekend. It was beautiful out! A 63 degree day with lots of sunshine in the beginning of November. I'll take it! I had a great weekend, but unfortunately, at least four people I know were in bed this weekend due to nasty sinus infections. I know from personal experience that sinus infections are downright miserable.
It is important right now to keep our bodies healthy. With the changes in weather and it being cold and flu season, the most important thing we can do is prevention. Sinus infections can be attributed to different things, but they are often secondary to a cold or flu. Talk about dragging out misery! Wash your hands, stay covered during cold and wet weather, get your rest and avoid other sick people.
A few good things to know should you come down with a sinus infection, listen to your body. If it is telling you rest, rest! You need your strength to recover faster. To alleviate pain, you can try putting a warm cloth over your face, especially over the forehead and across the cheeks. A gentle massage to your face above and around your eyebrows, down the sides of your nose and gently over the cheeks can help the movement of mucous blocked in the sinus cavities. Eat your chicken noodle soup! It will help strengthen your immune system, but it is also very easy to digest. This is important because you want your body to focus on getting better. The least your energy is expended to do other things, the better. Avoid greasy, oily or fried food. If you have any essential oils at home, a nice steamy shower with a few drops of eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil can be used. They can open the nasal passages and alleviate pain. A recipe my grandma always used and swore by is apple cider vinegar and water. Put 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of warm water and drink. You can do this before bed and when you wake up.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is very effective at treating and preventing sinus infections. Maybe the idea of getting poked in the face while it is throbbing doesn't sound fun, but the results are very relieving. Herbal formulas can be used to prevent and help sinus infections. They are natural antibiotics and antivirals as well as pain relievers and astringents.
Its easy to put out of your mind the misery of a sinus infection until your head is throbbing and you can't breathe. I can't stress it enough, prevention is key to staying happy and healthy. Having a health maintenance or preventative regime will greatly benefit anyone that is prone to getting sick or suffering from chronic sinus infections or just anyone wanting to feel their best.
Health & Happiness!
Christine
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