Gift of Health

Cause of Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine

2010-02-26T20:47:00.012-05:00

When you go and see your doctor it is mostly a very brief process. You tell your story, your symptoms - the doctor then considers all the evidence and creates a mental picture from the patterns that present - maybe a test or two - or more.....
Then the inevitable question: "What to take?"...
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a different approach and I want to tell you about that over the next few newsletters - little by little:

THE CAUSE OF DISEASE IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Chinese Medicine has a very particular view of the causation of illness:
Cause #1
There maybe a genetic, "prenatal" cause for disease. The prognosis of cure for such a prenatal cause for disease is cautionary because it is difficult to increase energy beyond the level that was present at the time of birth.
Where does the new energy come from? It is easier to move energy from one organ system to the other or to regulate energy - but create new energy where there is none or little is a harder task. Often Chinese Herbal Medicine is more appropriate or may be offered in conjunction with Acupuncture as the more nourishing
aspect when there is deficiency.

WELL-BEING ROOTED IN EMOTIONS
Cause # 2 :
The five emotions that injure the Qi; the life force:
ANGER and frustration make the Qi rise and injure the Liver,
OVER-EXCITABILITY and over joyousness (or excitability) injure the Heart,
WORRYING, Over Thinking and Ruminating injure the Spleen,
SADNESS and grief affect the Lungs
FEAR, panic and anxiety injure the life force and Shock scatters the precious Kidney energy.

All these main YIN organ systems, the LIVER, the HEART, the SPLEEN the LUNGS and the KIDNEY according to TCM (Traditional; Chinese Medicine) have complex, myriad and vital functions.

WE ARE THE WORLD AROUND US
Cause # 3: External pathogenic factor ; such as extreme Wind, Heat, Dampness, Dryness or Cold
and of course Food and Drink.
Chinese medicine always reminds us of the micro cosmos within the macro cosmos and the absolute inter-connectedness with the world around us; the times of day, month and year and the seasons...even the hour of day or night! See the Chinese Clock:
The times when THE ORGAN SYSTEMS ARE AT THEIR PEAK:

Gallbladder and Liver 11PM to 3AM
Lung Large Intestine 3AM to 7AM
Stomach and Spleen 7AM to 11AM
Heart and Small Intestine 11AM to 3PM
Urinary Bladder and Kidney 3PM to 7PM
Pericardium and Triple Heater 7PM to 11PM

Did you ever awaken in the night between 1AM and
3AM when things just don't feel good or right - maybe headache or nausea or that busy mind needing to figure things out? You got it: that is "Liver Time".
Often that's when we notice: we are toxic.

ENERGY VERSUS CHEMISTRY
Allopathic medicine defines health based on measurements of most chemical components of the body. Numbers, weight, and quantity are the values that define homeostasis, detailed, step by step uncovering of numeric veils translating as a state of Health.
In the Western world surgery has been applied for centuries to alleviate suffering; the dead body has been of fascination and not taboo for dissection as it has been throughout Chinese history. While incineration of the dead has been practiced throughout history in the East, the body of a person who died from disease was sacred to the knife. Dissection became unlawful within the Han Dynasty. (206 B.C.E. -220 C.E.)
In the West, with the invention of the microscope, the conceptual map of Western medicine was laid out. The human body represents a continuum of chemical substances forever regenerating and transforming themselves; the individual person can be more, often than not, appear irrelevant in the full assessment of a disease.
A litany of numeric values describe the state of health and as long as the patient is willing to accept surgery, and have bits and pieces taken from him/her, there will be a scientific, numeric, quantitative, and by that, qualitative diagnosis.
Chinese medicine is rooted in energy: QI, the life force, is at the base of any intervention through needles or herbal medicine.
The concept of health translates into the YIN and YANG being balanced, which means that adequate amounts of energy flow through respective meridians to and from the extremities and to and from the corresponding organs.
Health means no excess and no deficiency but harmony and balance of energy throughout the whole body/mind system.
Acupuncture is the one of the two main branches used in Chinese medicine. Chinese herbal medicine is the other. Two different aspects and practices and one philosophical foundation. Both branches can powerfully shift the direction of the energy that constitutes health. To assess, understand and take our directives as practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine we use our methods of investigation:

1) To Observe
2) To Listen & Smell
3) To Question
4) To Touch
Our major tools are:
Pulse Taking and Tongue Diagnosis

I shall be delighted to explain more in detail next time........

The World Health Organization has recognized and recommends acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of over 40 types of illness including:

* Internal illness: colds, asthma, bronchitis, hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis, digestive disorders, colitis

* Ear-eye-nose-throat disorders:deafness, tinnitus, poor eyesight, sinus infections, allergies

* Dermatological disorders: eczema, acne, herpes, psoriasis

* Neuro-muscular disorders: arthritis, neuralgias, bursitis, tendonitis, headaches, migraines, cerebral palsy, polio

* Reproductive issues:infertility, impotence, vaginitis, irregular menstruation, morning sickness

* Mental-emotional disorders: anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress

ALL THE DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN LOVE YOURSELF BETTER !
"He who knows the world around him is smart
He who truly knows himself is wise"
Lao Tzu
app. 500 BC

MORE FEAR THAN HOPE - H1N1 -

2009-12-02T19:43:00.002-05:00

MORE FEAR THAN HOPE - H1N1 -
WHAT ACTUALLY IS THIS VACCINE MADE FROM ? AND WHAT MIGHT IT DO TO YOU! AND BE EDUCATED AND INFORMED!

"When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others" Chinese Proverb

LIST OF INGREDIENTS IN THE H1N1 VACCINE:
aluminum hydroxide
aluminum phosphate
ammonium sulfate
amphotericin B
animal tissues: pig blood, horse blood, rabbit brain,
dog kidney, monkey kidney,
chick embryo, chicken egg, duck egg
calf (bovine) serum
betapropriolactone
fetal bovine serum
formaldehyde
formalin
gelatin
glycerol
human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
hydrolized gelatin
monosodium glutamate (MSG)
neomycin
neomycin sulfate
phenol20red indicator
phenoxyethanol (antifreeze)
potassium diphosphate
potassium monophosphate
polymyxin B
polysorbate 20
polysorbate 80
porcine (pig) pancreatic hydrolysate of casein
residual MRC5 proteins
sorbitol
sucrose
thimerosal (mercury)
tri(n)butylphosphat e,
VERO cells, a continuous line of monkey kidney cells
washed sheep red blood cells

The Government has used millions of dollars to buy and produce a swine flu vaccine that some experts believe is potentially several times more dangerous than the swine flu itself. Please observe all the news about miscarriages that clearly appear to be have been induced by the vaccine.

Swine flu has killed between 2000 and 5000 people worldwide. The regular flu kills 40 000 people plus, every year, in North America alone. Is it appropriate to panic about the swine Flu?

Swine flu vaccines were created only a few months ago. They have not been thoroughly tested. Most medicines take about 6 years to develop and test. The way it goes is that a drug company finds a potentially useful drug, tries it in the lab for a few months, then tries it on a few animals for a few months, then tries it on lots of animals for a few months, then tries it on small groups of healthy humans for a year or 2, then tries it on small groups of sick humans for a year or 2, then finally tries it on large groups of healthy and unhealthy humans for a few years, and then, finally, it is released to the public. HOW CAN THAT HAVE ALREADY OCCURRED WITH A BRAND NEW STRAND OF FLU?

Swine flu vaccines were not tested in this way. They were
created in a lab, underwent very limited testing, and have now been mass produced, and purchased, by the government, without regular testing.

The drug companies that make swine flu vaccines are so unsure of human safety, that some have applied a special exemption from governments around the world, to sidestep the drug testing/drug responsibility protocols, so that in case it doesn't work, or makes people sick, people can't sue them. This certainly does not sound like a safe drug.

If you're a pregnant mother and about to take the vaccine being provided by government ask your doctor why you should take a vaccine that contains Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfate - both of which exhibit positive risk to unborn children - so as to avoid what? A mild flu, that kills 95% fewer people than the regular flu? Does that make sense? Is that an appropriate health decision, balancing out the needs of the mother and child?

If you read the label on the vaccine, it lets you know that a
possible side effect is Guillain-Barre syndrome. A very serious disease. There are approximately 9000 people in the US (so far, according to various reports) that have developed this condition as a result of vaccines. If you keep reading the label, it says that one of the ingredients is thimerosol - a preservative compound that is 50% mercury. When mercury reaches your brain, it attaches to your brain cells, and causes brain damage. According to Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt and his research, the synergy of Thimerosal and testosterone in baby boys can more easily result in boys developing Autism.
Brain damage? To avoid the flu? Another ingredient is squalene. When squalene enters your body, it tricks your immune system into attacking your own cells - which means you develop autoimmune diseases, like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, asthma, skin disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and a bunch of diseases that we don't have a name for yet, because what we are doing is creating them, by using substances like squalene.

It appears that the vaccine seems a lot worse than
the disease, and not only that, the actual drug company that
made it is so unsure of their product that they want a legal
exemption in case it creates serious harm to human life.
Many people feel that they would rather take their chances with the swine flu, that kills 95% less people than the regular flu does, than risk getting brain damage, or an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis.
Ask the logical questions - why does the drug company want an exemption? Why were millions of doses ordered without doing a proper assessment? Is "fast tracking" a drug that might hurt millions of people a responsible decision? Why are we so upset about a flu that kills 95% less than regular flu? Does this make sense?
The more education the better!! Please read up!
www.mercola.com
I find this web site very educational (even though Dr. Mercola appears to be extremely fired up about this subject, judge for yourself!.....)

Here is a list of web sites and books which will be helpful in outlining the dangers of vaccinations:
1. http://www.republicbroadcasting.org
2. http://www.The Matrix and the US Constitution (Excellent Article)
3.http://www.davidicke.com (It's Not the Flu...It's the Vaccine Which is the Biggest Danger.)
4. http://www.naturalnews.com (Mike Adams)
5. http://www.educate-yourself.org The Great Poisoning of America Has Begun...Ken Adachi
6. http://www.shirleyswellnesscafe.com

AND THIS INTERESTING VIDEO:
7. http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/735.html

Book Titles
1. Murder By Injection...Eustace Mullins (worked for more than 40 years in The Library of Congress in the US)
2. The Poisoned Needle...Eleanor McBean (Available on the internet)
3. How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor...Dr. Robert Mendelsohn
4. Confessions of a Medical Heretic...Dr. Robert Mendelsohn
5. DPT: A Shot in the Dark...Coulter and Fisher
6. Immunization, The Reality Behind the Myth...Wallene Janes
7. The Medical Mafia...Ghislaine Lanctot, M.D.
People need to study and learn how to help themselves.
the web site offers a good amount of compelling articles and interviews - It is good to be educated!!

Very happy to be communicating with you
Any questions or comments - please contact me

OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM A REVISION

2009-12-02T19:28:00.002-05:00

OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM - A REVISION
Wasn't it Louis Pasteur who said" it is not the microbes - bacteria - viruses - it is the Terrain!!"
I feel that this is where our truth lies - the 'Terrain' is our precious body.
What then defines the 'Terrain' ?

There we have a brand new Terrain. A new lovely little human being carrying his Genetic Predisposition - not a total predicament - just a predisposition.
So, if we start right; whatever the predisposition to Diabetes or Cancer may be, the course can be altered! That is my important message.
How? By offering the body what it truly needs to unfold and grow into its own optimal state.
Water - clean and pure
Whole food - all grown from rich good soil as close as possible to its source and original shape and form.
Movement - Use it or you loose it!
Air - good breathing practices - deep and frequent.
Optimal body hygiene - baths - saunas - sweating -

Some days one barely takes a break from eating - it can be pretty non-stop. Sounds familiar ? - it could be the 101st use of duck tape. Keep the fridge door shut!
The body needs a break - it gets to work too hard!
Everything becomes sluggish with too much food - feeling heavy - moving and walking becomes a chore.

The email that has been going around on the internet about
H1N1 prevention is actually very smart and simple : In my clinic I add supplements to it and some Chinese Herbal Medicine too boost the Immune System as well as certain prescriptions in Patent form (pills) to be taken at the very onset of any Cold or Flu symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine is very good at this! Here it goes:

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official
communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any
part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.
Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method!
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, more tea, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
In my office we offer Chinese herbal medicine in Pills that can be taken successfully at the very onset of and throughout any flu symptoms.
We also prepare a Chinese Vegetarian Chicken Soup that will boost your immunesystem and help recovery. It is very
powerful.
Also important are teas made with Astragalus and Power mushrooms. We also offer an immune system modulating herbal combination that comes from the native American tradition.
All together be practical! Protect you and yours.
Just common sense logic. Be well - Stay healthy
you can call about the Chinese Herbal Medicine

413 549 2830
verena@giftofhealth.com

The Shift in the Seasons (Autumn)

2009-10-12T21:04:00.004-04:00

SHIFT AND TRANSITIONS INSIDE OUT IN THE SEASONS

It always amazes me how with the passing of late September into early October there is a somewhat melancholic shift in the emotional field of people. More sadness - fear of separation - expressions of grief. Just after the peak of harvest - this wonderful abundance of peaches, apples and the beginning of prevalence of yellow and orange root vegetables. All the "ornaments" flowers and leaves are at their peak of color and richness while making way for the "knowing" of how this abundance will too soon get blown away by the cooler winds and rains of autumn!
Chinese literature is full of descriptions of this process - and we know it in our hearts.

The organ systems that are particularly associated with the fall are the Lung organ system
and the Large Intestine.
The emotions that pertain to the these systems are sadness and grief - sense of loss and, depending of the balance in the person: the ability to let go and the understanding of boundaries.

So, there we have a clear explanation of why such feelings appear to be prevalent during this season as human being reflect their microcosmos within the macrocosmos of the Universe. In my many years of practicing acupuncture I have encountered this rythem and breath of life over and over again. People might be closer to tears - can't let go and forget of something they feel they did not want or deserve and any variation of this theme.

Maybe it stands to reason then why root vegetables help us ground in this vulnerability and greater emotional frailty.
Mother nature must have known because there are plenty of sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkins and seeds as well as carrots and parsnips to help us ground and "be rooted".

Physical issues often pertain to the Lungs and the Large Intestine: so we have increase in allergies (beginning with golden rod)
asthma and breathing difficulties. Sometimes people will experience breathing difficulties right at the time on the Chinese Clock that pertains to the Lungs (from 3 to 5AM or possibly difficulties around Bowel Movements between 5 and 7AM.

So, In the fall - more than ever, it becomes us to do breathing exercises - increase our Yoga practice for opening our ribcages and B R E A T H E. Try it this season and rejoice at the fruits of your efforts. Also Acupressure is useful - you can rub and "pummel" the point LI4 halfway in the web between the thumb and index finger; or at LU9 around the radial artery at the wrist crease. Lastly there is the point LU10, midway on the fleshy part of the pad of the thumb. (the latter point is helpful with sore throat - loss of voice, also fever, etc.)

Sense of humor is also very important in this time when everything seems to have to let go - even if we don't "want to"!
Smiling and laughing about our selves helps! - I have learned that and whenever I rediscover smiles and laughter - I feel happier and relieved! Life is so much easier and truly abundant with possibilities and even choice of how we want to feel.
Even in the fall when everything appears to be vanishing.......
only to make room for the next installment of our learning.

EXERCISE and GREAT PREVENTION here we go again...

2009-08-21T07:31:00.003-04:00

So hard to get away from it. We just have to do it somehow!!!

As one instructor said so aptly "So What you don't like to exercise - DO IT ANYHOW!!"

I like alternating my endeavors. I own enough yoga, dance and exercise DVDs to start my own library. Whatever the mood of the day - I have something I can play with - unless I have no such mood!.......and then:
I use my Trampoline conveniently placed in my sitting room - so I cannot ignore it!!
and several times during the day I can get my heart rate UP!
I have my big exercise ball lolling around in my room around the table where my computer lives - so I have to make some effort to stay seated on it - and also so I keep my core toned.
There is also a skipping rope and stretch bands I can use.
Really I made it so I have no EXCUSE!

Phys Ed: DOES EXERCISE REDUCE YOUR CANCER RISK?

By Gretchen Reynolds NEW YORK TIMES

Aubrey Jonsson/Getty Images

Finnish researchers recently concluded that, if you wish to ward off lung or
gastrointestinal cancer, you might want to spend your leisure time jogging
instead of picking berries, mushroom gathering or fishing. In the study,
published in late July on the Web site of the British Journal of Sports
Medicine, scientists studied the health of a group of 2,560 middle-aged
Finns over the course of about 17 years. The subjects, all men living in
eastern Finland, kept diaries of their daily activities for a year and then
went about them.

At the start of the study, none had cancer. By the end, 181 had died of the
disease. Parsing the men's activity levels, the researchers determined that,
after controlling for cigarette smoking, fiber and fat intake, age, and
other variables, the most physically active men were the least likely to
develop cancer, particularly of the gastrointestinal tract or the lung. Even
more striking, the intensity of the exercise was key. The more arduous it
was, the more protective it proved. Jogging was the most strenuous activity
studied, fishing among the least. The men who jogged or otherwise exercised
fairly intensely for at least 30 minutes a day had "a 50 percent reduction
in the risk of dying prematurely from cancer," says Sudhir Kurl, medical
director of the School of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition at the
University of Kuopio in Finland and one of the study's authors.

It seems fair and just that conscientiously working out should confer
disease-fighting benefits, especially against cancer, and an accreting body
of research suggests that under certain conditions and against certain forms
of cancer, fitness may be remarkably protective. A major review article
published in February on the Web site of the British Journal of Cancer
synthesized the results of more than two decades' worth of studies and
concluded that the most active people are 24 percent less likely to develop
colon cancer than sedentary people are, regardless of their diets, smoking
habits or body weight. Another study, this one presented in May at the
annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine reported that
women over age 30 who defined themselves as "highly competitive" by
disposition and who exercised more than the average for the group had much
less risk of developing breast cancer than women who worked out for less
than 60 minutes per week.

Related

What these recent studies, including the one from Finland, share is the
suggestion that, in order to use exercise to reduce the risk of cancer, you
must make yourself sweat. In the Finnish study, the most beneficial exercise
was both frequent and demanding. The researchers used METs (an acronym for
metabolic equivalent of task, a numerical comparison of the oxygen or energy
used during an activity versus the amount used at rest) to characterize
their subjects' exercise habits. A MET of 1 is the equivalent of lolling
inertly on the couch. In his study, jogging steadily for 30 minutes or so
represented a MET of about 10. The men whose METs reached at least 5 almost
every day were the least likely to die of cancer, especially of the lung or
the gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, in one of the studies included in the
colon cancer review, women who walked briskly for five to six hours a week
were much less likely to develop colon cancer than those who strolled for 30
minutes per week. And in the bogglingly comprehensive 2008 national Physical
Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee report prepared for the secretary of
health and human services, which includes a chapter about exercise and
cancer, the authors concluded that when it comes to breast cancer, "one hour
per day of moderate or vigorous activity produces greater reduction in risk"
than the two and a half hours of moderate exercise per week that are
currently recommended by the surgeon general.

The Finnish researchers admit that, like other scientists studying activity
and cancer, they don't know just how or why brisk exercise affects risk or
why only some types of cancer are affected. Exercise long has been known to
speed the emptying of the colon, which may reduce the amount of time that
carcinogens linger in the organ, the Finnish scientists point out. Strenuous
exercise also affects the production of sex hormones in men and women, and -
particularly in the case of estrogen and breast cancer - may by that
mechanism reduce cancer formation. Other scientists have posited that the
panting involved in strenuous exercise might rapidly move carcinogens out of
the lungs. Still other researchers have written that alterations in how a
well-trained body handles insulin and some cellular growth factors could
lessen the chances of tumors developing.

But it remains difficult to tease out the specific molecular effects of
regular, brisk exercise from the generally healthy habits of exercisers.
Although the Finnish study controlled for diet, the scientists write that
other, unspecified "lifestyle factors" and the luck (good and bad) of
genetics may well have affected their results. Still, their findings offer a
prescription for potentially reducing your risk of certain cancers that has
few obvious, undesirable side effects, except among the intractably lazy.
"At least moderately intense physical activity is more beneficial than low
intensity physical activity in the prevention of cancer," the authors
conclude. The takeaway, in other words, is that jogging trumps berry
picking.

FIRE ELEMENT the Transformational Phase of the Summer in Chinese Medicine

2009-07-12T21:29:00.005-04:00

Summer Heat! the Fire Element - According to Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

How does this particular season affect us both physically and emotionally?
What does this Chinese medical theory offer us to help us understand ourselves and the world around us.

According to Chinese Medicine the human body is a micro cosmos of the macro cosmos - the Earth the Universe.
From the Classic The Nei Jing from 200 B.C. The Inner Classic comes this description.

FIRE
"from the South there comes extreme heat. Heat produces fire and from the fire come the bitter flavors.
The bitter flavor strengthens the heart; the heart nourishes the blood and the blood enlivens the stomach. The heart rules over the tongue.
The supernatural powers of Summer create heat in Heaven and fire upon the earth. They create the pulse within the body and the heat within the viscera. Of the colors they create the red color and of the musical notes they create "chi" and they give the human voice the ability to express joy. Of the Orifices they create the mouth with its palate; of the flavors they create the bitter flavor and of the emotions they create happiness and joy"
The HEART organ system refers to the Heart organ itself and the Small Intestine is its associated "hollow" organ. The concept of hollow refers to all the organ systems that have the ability to store some substance such as the gallbladder stores bile and the bladder stores urine. There are five "hollow " organs. Gallbladder, small intestine, stomach, large intestine, bladder.
According to the "Nei Jing" the Heart is considered the "Supreme Ruler", like a King it is responsible for everything within its Kingdom; it "rules the blood and the blood vessels". The Heart organ itself has the function to move the blood throughout the body. It also has the function to "house the Spirit". It has the task of controlling the emotions with reference to excitability and thus keeping them even. This "Housing of the spirit" refers in particular to sleep. At night when the Yin is at it's peak, meaning its deepest time; the spirit should rest in the depth and safety of one's heart. When the (Chinese) heart is weak, it may be unable to "house" the Spirit and insomnia may occur

FIRE:
The HEART belongs to the summer and reflects the element FIRE According to the Chinese clock the peak time for the
HEART organ system is from 11AM to 1PM and the SMALL INTESTINE from 1PM to 3PM. Heart and Small Intestine meridians running to and from the tips of the pinky fingers on both hands belong to the Heart and Small Intestines respectively

The heart controls the spirit.
The HEART "opens" into the tongue
The color of the element fire is red.
The corresponding human sound is laughter
The taste that corresponds to the element fire is BITTER
The smell is SCORCHED
The weather condition or the climate associated with HEART is heat. The emotion is a sense of joy, excitability, happiness -
there is also the emotion of arrogance and vexedness when the heart is in disharmony
The psychological ability furthered by the heart is for grief and sadness
the Heart controls the SPIRIT

As with the other organ systems there seems to be preponderance of heart disharmony in the summer - in the heat, when
the heart has to work harder to keep internal body temperature even and when the pace of emotional involvement is so accelerated.

Does the summer - the Fire not blow by so very quickly? - Sometimes, both the heat and the speed leave us breathless!
It helps us to remember this element when we threaten to become impatient with fellow human beings who may not be able to deal so well with the heat, the internal Fire! - people who become too excited and maybe extremely vexed and irrationally disturbed by extreme heat. Of course imbalances in the circulatory system and the heart itself become more common place in the summer.
We can take cooling baths in room temperature water (Or cold)
We can eat cooling foods: cucumber, salads, steamed veggies made into salads (room temp) drink more water
We can develop more kindness toward others and ourselves - We can slow down and breathe more consciously
We can avoid pushing ourselves too hard in the heat!

Stay cool inside and out - take care !

THE JOY OF GRILLING

2009-05-24T21:00:00.002-04:00

May 22, 2009, 11:58 am
Reducing the Risks of Holiday Grilling
By Tara Parker-Pope
The New York Times Smoking up the barbecue covers meat in risky chemical compounds.

Grilled meats have long been linked to health risks, but most backyard chefs don’t want to believe it. But a few simple tricks can help you avoid the health worries and still enjoy a holiday barbecue.

The problem with grilling is that it creates two types of risky chemical reactions. Fat drippings create smoke that is filled with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. When the smoke envelopes the food, it transfers the PAHs onto the surface of the meat. And when meat, chicken and fish are grilled at high temperatures for long periods of time, compounds inside the food react and create heterocyclic amines, or HCAs. HCAs are worrisome because in lab studies they’ve been shown to trigger breast, colon and prostate tumors in rats and mice.

A few dozen observational studies have shown a link between cancer and high consumption of grilled and well-done meats. One study of more than 3,000 women showed that for postmenopausal women, eating a lot of grilled, barbecued and smoked meats raised breast cancer risk by 47 percent compared to those who ate the least meat.

Here are four simple steps to make grilled meat safer.

1. Pre-cook in the microwave. By pre-cooking meat a little, you reduce the amount of time it sits on the grill. Microwaving also releases certain compounds so they won’t react on the grill. Just one minute of microwaving a burger before you put it on the grill virtually eliminates HCAs.

2. Go heavy on the marinades. Marinades don’t just make food taste good. Studies show using a marinade helps blunt the heat so fewer HCAs are formed.

3. Add broccoli. Consuming cruciferous vegetables like broccoli changes the way the body metabolizes certain chemicals associated with grilling.

4. Avoid well-done meats. Numerous studies have linked well-done meat with various health problems. Tell the chef you want it medium or rare.

In the past, when I’ve written about the health risks of grilling, readers have told me I’m a killjoy. But in my view, there are so few environmental and chemical risks we can control, why not take a few simple steps to reduce cancer-causing compounds in our food?

What do you think? Will you think about healthier grilling during your Memorial Day celebration? Or is this a health message you plan to ignore?

NEVER!!!!!!!........... BUT MAYBE WE CAN PRECOOK THE MEAT in a conventional oven and forgo the micro wave altogether.

BETTER BACK WITH ACUPUNCTURE - WITH OR WITHOUT....

2009-05-12T17:47:00.004-04:00

WHEN I READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE I was amazed at the concept of "simulated acupuncture". Are we talking holding a pretend needle (but not really) or are we talking places on the body you would normally n o t treat with needles for back pain?
It is an interesting concept when you think about all the Japanese acupuncture that is being successfully practiced without ever
inserting a needle into the flesh......indeed, how much of the intention of "healing" actually manifests from the consciousness
of the "patient" as opposed to the consciousness of the practitioner? How much influence does that in turn have on the outcome. I am assuming that all 638 Patients wanted the acupuncture work "no matter what"!

Acupuncture-Like Treatments Improve Outcomes Compared to Usual Care for Low Back Pain

People suffering from chronic low back pain who received acupuncture or simulated acupuncture treatments fared better than those receiving only conventional care According to a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.[1] The study highlights central questions about the mechanisms of benefit seen in acupuncture studies.

This trial, led by Daniel Cherkin, Ph.D., of Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle, was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a component of the National Institutes of Health.

"Because of the lack of highly effective medical treatments for chronic low back pain, we were pleased to find that acupuncture-like treatments were helpful for persons suffering from chronic back pain," said Dr. Cherkin. "However, the finding that real acupuncture produced no greater benefit than simulated acupuncture raises important questions about acupuncture's mechanisms of action."

This trial enrolled 638 adults with chronic low back pain who had never had acupuncture and who had rated the "bothersomeness" of their pain as at least a 3 on a 0-to-10 scale. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: individualized acupuncture, involving a customized prescription for acupuncture points from a diagnostician; standardized acupuncture, using a single prescription for acupuncture points that experts consider generally effective for chronic low back pain; simulated acupuncture, which mimics needle acupuncture but does not involve actual penetration of the skin; or usual care, which is standard medical care.

The patients assigned to any of the three acupuncture groups (individualized, standardized, or simulated) were treated twice weekly for three weeks, and then weekly for four weeks. At 8, 26, and 52 weeks, researchers measured back-related dysfunction and how much symptoms bothered participants.

The researchers found that at eight weeks the individualized, standardized, and simulated acupuncture groups all improved their dysfunction scores significantly more than the group receiving usual care. These benefits persisted for one year, though diminished over time. However, there was no significant difference between the groups receiving the needle and simulated forms of acupuncture. Thus, while acupuncture was found effective in treating low back pain, neither tailoring acupuncture needle sites to an individual patient nor penetrating the skin appears to be important for receiving therapeutic benefit.

"The findings of this research show that acupuncture-like treatments, including simulated acupuncture, can elicit positive responses," said Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., director of NCCAM. "This adds to the growing body of evidence that there is something meaningful taking place during acupuncture treatments outside of actual needling. Future research is needed to delve deeper into what is evoking these responses."

The researchers believe that further research is needed to determine the roles of patient expectancy, practitioner reassurance and the physiological effects of non-insertive stimulation and other effects that may contribute to acupuncture-like benefits.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine's mission is to explore complementary and alternative medical practices in the context of rigorous science, train CAM researchers, and disseminate authoritative information to the public and professionals. For additional information, call NCCAM's Clearinghouse toll free at 1-888-644-6226, or visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov. NCCAM 1999–2009: Celebrating 10 years of rigorous research.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov. Reference:
1 Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, et al. A Randomized Trial Comparing Acupuncture, Simulated Acupuncture, and Usual Care for Chronic Low Back Pain. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2009;169[9]:858-866.

SWINE OR OTHERWISE FLU........

2009-05-05T20:36:00.006-04:00

Prevention is always where my mind goes. As you, I have a healthy aversion to scare tactics - or even simple paranoia.
Certainly I do not like to close the barn after everybody has escaped (or rushed in!)
So, what now with this swine flu? We are still scared, kind of, not settled but do feel a little more assured (say than if we lived in China, right now, where fear spells with a capital F.)

We could certainly take the occasion and learn something from it. Maybe if we all were feeling stronger in our state of
health - we would also not be so panicky. What does make us strong?
Good food does - good rest does - fresh air does - movement/exercise does - and drinking enough (plenty of ) water does. Doing all these things we can at least 'remember' the state of "nothing can break us"!!!!: we are invincible!!!

Of course I love acupuncture and it has saved me and many others from an invasion of what the Chinese call the "Evil Qi"
some "wind cold" or "wind heat " that mysteriously penetrates our defensive shield and may land us in bed with a fever!

So I suggest - when you feel vulnerable and not so strong - have an acupuncture treatment !- have a knowledgeable practitioner balance your system, open and strengthen the appropriate meridians and protect the ones that feel vulnerable.

Also boosting the vulnerable Qi through herbal medicine is a good approach!
Several avenues are open. Different specific prescriptions for very specific circumstances or, more generically, I offer something called the Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup to my patients to boost their innate capacity to fight of any invasion(!)
And they love it! It can be used for prevention or to boost the system after the fact.

Following is a more detailed description and recipe

CHINESE HERBAL CHICKEN SOUP
One of the common ways to use tonic herbs in China is cooking them in the form of a soup along with chicken. This is because chicken is thought to bring out and enhance the tonifying and nourishing aspects of the herbs. Most of the tonic herbs have a pleasant taste that does not adversely affect the flavorful quality of mealtime soups made without the herbs. In fact, when properly selected, the additional herbs produce a highly desirable taste and texture for the soup. The following herb mixture for making chicken soup gets excellent reviews:
Lotus seed, Lycium, Dioscorea, Polygonatum, Black fungus, Codonopsis, Astragalus, Longan
The root herbs-astragalus, codonopsis, and dioscorea-are classified by Chinese herbalists as qi tonics. They benefit digestion, aid absorption of nutrients, improve cardiac function, and enhance energy. The two dried fruits, lycium and longan, are classified as blood tonics; they are frequently used to treat anemia, reduce fidgeting, and benefit sleep. Black fungus is reputed to alleviate dryness and benefit the circulation; it adds a satisfying texture to the soup. Polygonatum is classified as a yin tonic; it helps restore moisture to dried membranes. Lotus seed is a mild tonic and sedative useful for alleviating nervousness and irritability.
To make the soup, place about 2 pounds of chicken (best with bones included) with the skin removed in a medium sized pot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and remove any residue that floats to the top at that time. Add in the whole package of herbs, 2 cloves of crushed or grated garlic, 2 thin slices of fresh ginger, and a teaspoon of salt (the amount of garlic, ginger, and salt can be adjusted to your taste; these amounts are for a mild flavoring). Bring back to a slow boil, cover, and simmer for about 50-60 minutes.
Add sliced fresh vegetables, such as carrots and celery (for a more warming effect, use green onions), and various greens and squashes at this time and simmer again for an additional 5-10 minutes to soften them. Then add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of wine (or mild vinegar). Remove from heat. All the herb materials are edible except the astragalus, which is too fibrous, and this item should be removed before serving (it is the flat herb that retains a woody appearance).
The package of herbs contains about 5.5 ounces. This recipe makes enough soup for four servings (a large bowl of soup each) providing about 40 grams of dried herbs. For individuals recovering from serious illness or other debilitating experience, the soup can be taken daily for about one week to help restore strength. Others may wish to enjoy this dish about once a week for nourishing the blood and getting a great energy boost. Serve with a side dish of rice to make a complete meal.

Vegetarian Alternative: Cook the herbs together as above but without chicken; when adding the vegetables, also add one pound of tofu as a protein source. If desired; just before removing from heat, blend in four tablespoons of miso paste (or more to taste) in place of the tablespoon of soy sauce.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE CONCEPTS OF SOUP INGREDIENTS (an unusual description of ingredients!.......)

Note: In the following text, the mention of organs, such as spleen and kidney, are in reference to the traditional descriptions as translated from the Chinese and do not imply any effect on the organs as recognized by modern medicine. Thus, for example, herbs that benefit the "spleen" are usually used to promote digestive functions, which are not related to the spleen functions as recognized today, and herbs that tonify the "kidney" are thought to adjust metabolism and have a variety of beneficial effects that are not associated with the function of the kidney as understood in modern medical terms. The descriptions of the therapeutic nature and applications in the traditional Chinese system are not intended to imply that all such benefits are provided by the soup.
• Chicken: its taste is sweet, its nature is warm, and it benefits the spleen and stomach. Chicken meat nourishes the qi and blood, and tonifies the kidney and essence. It is used therapeutically for blood deficiency, emaciation, and persistent illness; and for heart palpitations and dizziness. The vegetarian alternative tofu is cooling, lubricating, and benefits the spleen and stomach; miso is sweet and salty, its nature is neutral, and it benefits the stomach, spleen, and kidney. Miso and tofu are used to treat disharmony of the stomach, with loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
• Garlic: its taste is pungent and sweet, its nature is warm, and it benefits the spleen, stomach, and lungs. It is used to promote digestion of foods, especially meats, to alleviate intestinal infections, and to treat coughing due to lung disorders.
• Carrot: its taste is sweet, its nature is neutral, and it benefits the spleen, liver, and lung. It is used for indigestion, weak vision, and cough with fever. Squashes, in general, are sweet, cooling in nature, and benefit the spleen, stomach, and lung. They are used for promoting urination and alleviating coughing.
• Celery: its taste is pungent and sweet, its nature is cool, and it benefits the liver, stomach, and bladder. It is used for feverish feeling, dizziness, agitation, loss of appetite, and difficult urination. Most green leafy vegetables are slightly astringent, cool, and benefit the spleen and liver.
• Green onion (scallion): its taste is pungent, its nature is warm, and it benefits the stomach and lungs. It is used for dispersing chill, relieving congestion, and relaxing muscle tension.
• Black fungus (wood ear): its taste is sweet, its nature is neutral, and it benefits the lung, stomach, and liver. It is used for dry cough, dry throat and mouth, and for other symptoms of dryness.
• Lotus seed: its taste is sweet and astringent, its nature is neutral, and it benefits the spleen, kidney, and heart. It is used for loss of appetite and diarrhea due to weak digestion, for frequent urination, and for restlessness.
• Lycium: its taste is sweet, its nature is neutral, and it benefits the liver and kidney. It is used for weakness due to overwork and aging, for weak vision, and for chronic cough.
• Longan: its taste is sweet, its nature is warm, and it benefits the heart and spleen. It is used for deficiency of blood, with poor memory, heart palpitations, and weakness.
• Astragalus: its taste is sweet, its nature is mildly warm, and it benefits the spleen and lung. It is used for all kinds of qi deficiency syndromes, especially when there is excessive sweating.
• Dioscorea: its taste is sweet, its nature is mildly warm, and it benefits the spleen, lung, and kidney. It is used for treatment of diarrhea and frequent urination.
• Codonopsis: its taste is sweet, its nature is mildly warm, and it benefits the lung and spleen. It is used for all types of qi deficiency syndromes, especially when there is weak digestion. It is commonly used by Chinese herbalists as a substitute for ginseng.
• Polygonatum: Its taste is sweet, its nature is mildly cold, and it benefits the lung and stomach. It is used for any kind of yin-deficiency syndrome, typically manifesting as fidgeting, dry mouth and throat, and dry cough.

So, as you see - a lot can go into a bowl of soup
and a lot of protection can come with it and through it.

we have "the Herbal Chinese Chicken Soup" in our office
call us
413 549 2830
or write to Verena@giftofhealth.com

DO NOT FOLLOW, I MAY NOT LEAD........

2009-04-08T22:55:00.005-04:00

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”
The Buddha

Such ancient good advice - apply it to everything; whether the media tells you to take Statins or an Aspirin a day or even "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" - or "stay out of the sun and cover your body with sun screen" or "Milk is good for you - look, it is fortified with Vitamins"......and so many more 'truths' - endless truths for someone else who wants you to follow theirs for a miriad of reasons! And not all reasons are in your interest.
Specially when it comes to what you eat and drink. Who could actually know better than you yourself? - it is your body; they are your senses.
Ask yourself with everything your eyes or your nose want to eat - will this be beneficial to my body and my mind/spirit. I trust there would be a few things we would just put back. No, thank you.

The whole issue of what is the right eating life style for me is based on experimentation. Ongoing and lots of it! Not so different from other experimentations in life.......Now I eat this piece of bread, chocolate, piece of carrot or chicken.
Then I listen to my body - how does it sit - feel and affect the state of my energy.
Somethings you have to repeat many times to get a clear idea; specially wheat, dairy
and sugar - raw versus cooked, macrobiotic, vegan, lacto-ovarian, ayurvedic, Atkins, Zone and anything else old and new - you must give it all a good try and observe.
Of course that's how the Buddha comes into the kitchen! Discriminating wisdom when it comes to our bodies and food.
Sometimes you try something just once and you know - "this feels right" or "this does not feel good" Please trust those feelings and heed them - somebody in that (your) body k n o w s it; it just takes a little while to figure it out. Trust that you can! - Log your experiences and then maintain some coherence with them. You'll be healthy wise and maybe even happy with a well fed body.

THE HEALING POWER OF SUNLIGHT and Vitamin D

2009-03-30T21:37:00.005-04:00

Vitamin D and Sunlight: The Healing Powers
15 Facts You Probably Never Knew About Vitamin D and Sunlight Exposure

Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer and breast cancer, and even effects diabetes and obesity. Vitamin D is perhaps the single most underrated nutrient in the world of nutrition. That’s probably because it’s free; your body makes it when sunlight touches your skin. Truth is, most people don’t know the real story on vitamin D and health.

1. Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight.

2. The healing rays of natural sunlight that generate vitamin D in your skin cannot penetrate glass. So you don’t generate vitamin D when sitting in your car or home.

3. It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from your diet. Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in your own body.

4. A person would have to drink 10 tall glasses of vitamin D fortified milk each day just to get minimum levels of vitamin D into their diet.

5. The farther you live from the equator, the longer the exposure you need to the sun in order to generate vitamin D. Canada, the UK and most US states are far from the equator.

6. People with dark skin pigmentation may need 20 to 30 times as much exposure to sunlight as fair- skinned people to generate the same amount of vitamin D. This is why prostrate cancer is epidemic among black men—it is a simple but widespread sunlight deficiency.

7. Sufficient levels of vitamin D are crucial for calcium absorption in your intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium, rendering calcium supplements useless.

8. Chronic vitamin D deficiency cannot be reversed overnight; it takes months of vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure to rebuild the body’s bones and nervous system.

9. Even weak sunscreens (SPF 8) block your body’s ability to generate vitamin D by 95%. Sunscreen products can actually cause disease by creating a critical vitamin deficiency in the body.

10. It is impossible to generate too much vitamin D in your body from sunlight exposure: your body will self- regulate and only generate what it needs.

11. If it hurts to press firmly on your sternum, you may be suffering from chronic vitamin D deficiency right now.

12. Vitamin D is activated in your body by your kidneys and liver before it can be used.

13. Having kidney disease or liver damage can greatly impair your body’s ability to activate circulating vitamin D.

14. Even though vitamin D is one of the most powerful healing chemicals in your body, your body makes it absolutely free. No prescription required.

Adapted from “The Healing Power of Sunlight and Vitamin D: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Michael Holick,” by
Mike Adams

TOP TEN REASONS TO EXERCISE OTHER THAN BEING HAPPIER !!

2009-03-30T20:48:00.007-04:00

TOP TEN REASONS TO EXERCISE AND BE SO MUCH HAPPIER !!

Exercise may be the closest thing to the fountain of youth. Not only does regular activity strengthen your muscles and improve heart and lung function, but it can also reduce your risk of major diseases, stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and even add years to your life. Studies show just 30 minutes of physical activity on most days is all that's required to reap big benefits.

The range of health bonuses now attributed to exercise has surprised even doctors. Research suggests that workouts may do the following:

1. Keep you young! Workouts such as brisk walking or cycling boost the amount of oxygen consumed during exercise. Improving your aerobic capacity by just 15 to 25 percent would be like shaving 10 to 20 years off your age. Aerobic exercise may also stimulate the growth of new brain cells in older adults.

2. Reduce infections. Moderate workouts temporarily rev-up the immune system by increasing the aggressiveness or capacity of immune cells. That may explain why people who exercise catch fewer colds.

3. Prevent heart attacks. Not only does exercise raise "good" HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure, but new research shows it reduces arterial inflammation, another risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

4. Ease asthma. New evidence shows that upper-body and breathing exercises can reduce the need to use an inhaler in mild cases of asthma.

5. Control blood sugar. Exercise helps maintain a healthy blood-sugar level by increasing the cells' sensitivity to insulin and by controlling weight. Regular brisk walking can significantly cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

6. Protect against cancer. Exercise may reduce the risk of colon-cancer by speeding waste through the gut and lowering the insulin level. It may also protect against breast and prostate cancer by regulating hormone levels.

7. Combat stress. Regular aerobic exercise lowers levels of stress hormones. For many people, exercise helps relieve depression as effectively as antidepressant medication.

8. Relieve hot flashes. Increasing fitness by walking or practicing yoga enhances mood and reduces some menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

9. Protect men's health. Pelvic exercises help prevent erectile dysfunction and possibly benign prostate enlargement, a common cause of urinary problems.

10. Prolong life. Studies lasting many years have consistently shown that being active cuts the risk of premature death by about 50 percent for men and women.

Adapted from Consumers Reports, COURTESY OF www.integrativenutrition.com

अबाउट डेट्स इन थे Spring

2009-03-24T20:42:00.006-04:00

The winter brings inertia(when and if we can afford it......)
The Spring is the time to shake ourselves - rid ourselves of the very inertia that felt just fine in the depth of the Winter. Bears and other creatures hibernate and so do we.
But as you can feel through the energy stirring inside yourself it is time -time to cleanse to rejuvenate inside out. Specially with the warmer days coming.
There are so many ways we can do this.

Many many years ago I undertook a radical "Grape Cure"
eating nothing but grapes for 27days - about two and a half pounds a day. There came a time - on this diet, that what came out appeared to be the same as what went in. It did feel extremely "clean" and I enjoyed the incredibly "brainless" simplicity of it; once I had decided to do it. Two and one half pounds of organic grapes a day - and water - nothing else.....simple

Whether you choose a more radical approach or just begin by drinking fresh, organic lemon juice in water, first thing in the morning, to give the liver a little push - either way water is your good friend!

These days I prefer the "Liver flush" - here it is the way I have used it in the last twenty years:

LIVER FLUSH

In the spring or warm season this can be done for ten days or less.

First thing in the morning:
In the blender mix:
o 10 – 12 oz. of grapefruit juice
o 1 clove of garlic
o 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best; bottled concentrate is ok)
o 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra light or mild is ok)

Drink it down and chase it with a cup of mint tea.

Mid morning:
Eat a raw apple and enjoy.

Lunch time:
Whatever amount you need of steamed vegetables, either hot or at room temperature with a little salad dressing on them.

Afternoon:
You can snack on ¼ cup of almonds (raw) and again, an hour later on ¼ cup of roasted sunflower seeds.

Supper time:
Whatever amount you need of steamed vegetables, either hot or at room temperature with a little salad dressing on them.

Throughout the day drink copious amounts of herbal tea hot water. Hot water is very healing and soothing.In Tibetan medicine it is the FIRST medicine.

o After the third day take two Swiss Kriss Herbal Laxative Tablets before bed.
o After the sixth day take two Swiss Kriss Herbal Laxative Tablets before bed.

If you wish to extend this cleansing program over a longer period of time you can add whole grains to the lunch or supper after the third day. The whole grains might include buckwheat pasta, brown rice, millet or barley. The main concern is that you DO NOT add fat, dairy or sugar to the diet.

To change this way of eating into a complete diet you should then add to the above a protein such as tempeh, tofu, organic chicken, turkey or fish. The cleansing program is meant for a short period of time as a catalyst into the next season, (spring, summer and autumn). In the winter we need more calories to brace ourselves against the elements; therefore it is best to wait until spring.

D a f f o d i l s

2009-03-05T09:58:00.003-05:00

The streak of sunshine through the glass doors is just hitting a few of the outrageously yellow daffodils on my table.
Now, there is a voice of spring!
The birds are singing as though they also can spot the daffodils in the vase!
Spring must be coming! Even though the snow is still ankle deep out in the yard.
With the time of spring come thrill and excitement of uncovering - throwing off blankets - heavy coats and pale, withered skin!
Chinese medicine hails this time as a time of new beginning with creative, innovative energy bursting forth - just like the flower bulbs that have been kept undercover by the harshness of the frost. Our own energy is likened to that - new beginnings - sometimes little outbursts of energy - maybe even bursts of frustration trained by winter's imprisonment.
Never mind - we move on riding the wave of new ideas and concepts. A fresh beginning

We are ready.
The daffodils come from Trader Joe's - Origin of import unknown. Green house maybe?
However the energy is genuine and I am not going back on it!

Good time to see your practitioner of Chinese Medicine - acupuncture works fine to balance the energies for this somewhat sudden transition from winter to spring. Every change of season welcomes this kind of care and attention to the Self.
It is a little like taking your car for a spring clean - winter tires off - good oil change
ready for the different life to be lived in the spring. A tune-up - well deserved and timely!

THE KIDNEY ORGAN SYSTEM AND THE WINTER

2009-02-17T15:58:00.001-05:00

Musings over Kidneys according to Traditional Chinese Medicine in Costa Rica - where it is summer – in the middle of February

The Kidneys in this form of medicine have many vital functions. Some texts tell us that they indeed represent the core of our available energy. The main season for restoration, in a deep sense, for these precious organs and the energy they stand for, is the winter, the season that pertains to them. During these cold months we are naturally inclined to be more still, maybe meditate more or rest by the fireplace with a cup of warming tea and read more books. (This is of course when we are not shoveling snow and deal with the issues that the nature of that season naturally bestows upon us!)

WHAT DO THE KIDNEYS represent according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

They are linked to creativity, will to live and act and sexuality
* Power the nervous system and contain the emotions of fear, anxiety, panic and depression
* Store the essence called the Jing QI (sperm and beyond)
* Govern reproduction and development
* Control water metabolism – and govern all fluids throughout the body
* Receive the air you inhale and grasp the Qi, the energy from it to utilize
* Reflect the sense of hearing and the ears as orifices are related them
* The Kidneys govern the bones, all joints in the body and create bone marrow
* Reveal their state of health in the sight and touch of hair

The Chinese medical understanding of the function of the Kidneys is based empirically on observation looking at and listening to the body by doing pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis and palpation. Also listening and watching movements, expressions and
Colorings of the person a Chinese doctor is attempting to diagnose.

“During the winter months all things in nature wither, hide, return home and enter a resting period, just as lakes and rivers freeze and snow falls…..Retire early and get up with the sunrise, which is later in the winter. Desires and mental activities should be kept quiet and subdued. Sexual desires in especially should be contained, as if keeping a happy secret. Stay warm, avoid the cold and keep the pores closed. Avoid sweating. The philosophy of the winter is one of conservation and storage. Without such a practice the result would injure the Kidney energy”

- THE YELLOW EMPEROR’S CLASSIC OF INTERNAL MEDICINE –

Even the description of the Kidneys in allopathic medicine fully supports the need for repose and rejuvenation:

• Two Kidney organs each averaging 5” long and 3” wide
• The kidneys receive about 120 pints of blood per hour!!!
• About 400 gallons of recycled blood run through your kidneys every day!

That is a lot a lot of activity – I immediately think how this relates so very deeply to nutrition! How can it not?! Everything we put into our body has to be made fit for consumption – meaning the essential nutrient of every food element has to be purified
by the body so it can utilize its essence to build the body, brain and the nervous system.
In that context where do donuts, French fries and hamburgers fit in?
How could they have made it that far???
We have to regroup – rethink nutrition – eat pure and simple.
And that does mean “DELICIOUS” !
IT IS ALL A MATTER OF HABIT AND COMFORT - We can recreate comfort foods
By shifting ingredients and preparation mode slightly.
I will write on that subject shortly – but staying with the subject of the kidneys:

Some indicators of Kidney Deficiency or imbalance as understood in Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Sterility/infertility and impotence
• Lower back pain
• Difficulty with knees
• Urinary problems
• Edema
• Memory and focus problems
• Cold hands and feet
• Depression
• Loss of hair and premature graying
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Groaning voice

It stands to reason that we must give this exhaustive system a rest – a pause – to allow it to replenish

And of course: to consume food to unburden your Kidney organ system

Water to drink to allow the body to detoxify.

Foods that are particularly “in tune” with the Kidney energy are warming and nourishing foods.

Celery
Parsley
Adzuki beans
Unsweetened Cranberries
Warming nourishing soups and stews
Ginger
Cayenne
Garlic

Meat according to Chinese dietetics is to be used sparingly –
Maybe the broth from bones would be more appropriate to nourish yet not overload the kidneys
Salt is the natural flavor of the kidneys – as such it is a healthy flavor – but again moderation is appropriate.

In the Winter Qi Gong and Tai Qi and Yoga are fine forms of exercise.
They all replenish the QI and the Nervous System by allowing for stillness
and inner repose.

Happy restoring rest this winter!

Earth, Sun, Salt and Water and Space

2009-02-08T14:57:00.007-05:00

How wonderful to have visual space -
To look out as far as the eye can see - is so relaxing to the nervous system.
I have arrived here in Nosara, Costa Rica after a "hairy" ride through littered branches and trees taken down
by a five day wind storm!! There are always pot holes galore, dust, dirt and absence of sign posting! Now just add branches and trees to it!!!! Very 'survival- like'!
Now it is all over - there is the proverbial "calm after the storm" - and it is gorgeous!
The Ocean always makes me think of the "5 Element Theory in Chinese Medicine"

How the outside balance of the five elements reflects the internal balance of the five elements
I frequently feel absolutely complete by the beach
The Sun: the element Fire producing Joy and Energy that is active and bright like light
The Ocean representing the water element - holding you, carrying you - promoting a sense of fluidity inside you
The Beach the Earth element - solid and supportive underneath your feet!
The Air the Metal element like the breath in your Lungs - breath and space all around you!
I guess the Wood Element is fullfilled by my determination to even get here against all adversity!!

Small wonder I feel so complete here!!!

Back from the City "DOWNSIZE ME"

2009-02-01T23:42:00.008-05:00

Another smooth journey to the Apple.
Another couple of nights at the YMCA
More Sauna and steam bath
and - most importantly another two days of intense training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition
www.integrativenutrition.com
Joshua Rosenthal, the founder of the country's largest School of Nutrition inspired us once more to wake up
take leadership in education about food - FOOD and NOURISHMENT for a healthy body and spirit not as a convenient pre-packaged filler for a lonely, scared heart.
61% obesity in the US and the greater rest of the world is following fast - as fast as the American diet spreads around the
planet. We do see the evidence of this with people in China, India and even Japan. The big 'MAC' has hit!

Dr. Arthur Agatston, the author of the "Southbeach Diet" gave a chilling overview of all of lifestyle changes that have occurred
from the time of the hunter and gatherer through the time of technological evolution! Now.
He humorously discussed the concept of "functional exercise". True for myself: I used to have a big vegetable/flower garden in the English countryside. Lots of digging, weeding and hand turning of the earth. In the winter I used to grind our own corn and bake bread - never mind always going for walks - gathering wood and running with the children.
In this age of technology and automatization we had to adapt and change. Nowadays many people pound the concrete or strain isolated muscle groups in the gym in an attempt to do "something". Of course, we do have to do something to move and exercise!
Dr. Agatston talked about his favorites tools and methods - and as it happens they are mine too

One very home made Hula Hoop. I used a heavier gauge PVC because it is more willing to move with me!
two balls to bounce on and do anything with (one is fine too)
a skipping rope (very fun for a short fast sprint-type exercise that gets your heart pounding and blood rushing!)
a stretch band - feels great to work shoulders and neck
and the rebounder to achieve a healthy movement of the lymph and also make your heart beat faster.
one Yoga mat and two blocks for places you can't reach without them

Have them available - in your living area - so, whenever it overcomes you - hopefully several times during the day engage
even for five minutes!! It helps - Its easy - its even fun
Best
Verena

Simple Ways to Add More Fresh Foods to Your Diet

2009-01-29T07:49:00.003-05:00

Simple Ways to Add More Fresh Foods to Your Diet: NY Times article

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The Minimalist
Fresh Start for a New Year? Let’s Begin in the Kitchen
By MARK BITTMAN
PERHAPS, like me, you have this romantic notion of shopping daily — maybe even a mental vision of yourself making the rounds, wicker basket in hand, of your little Shropshire or Provençal or Tuscan village. The reality, of course, is that few of us provision our kitchens or cook exclusively with ultra-fresh ingredients, especially in winter, when there simply are no ultra-fresh ingredients.

But if your goal is to cook and cook quickly, to get a satisfying and enjoyable variety of real food on the table as often as possible, a well-stocked pantry and fridge can sustain you. Replenished weekly or even less frequently, with an occasional stop for fresh vegetables, meat, fish and dairy, they are the core supply houses for the home cook.

While you’re stocking up, you might clear out a bit of the detritus that’s cluttering your shelves. Some of these things take up more space than they’re worth, while others are so much better in their real forms that the difference is laughable. Sadly, some remain in common usage even among good cooks. My point here is not to criminalize their use, but to point out how easily and successfully we can substitute for them, in every case with better results.

Here, then, is my little list of items you might spurn, along with some essential pantry and long-keeping refrigerator items you might consider. Note that I’m not including the ultra-obvious, things that are more or less ubiquitous in the contemporary American pantry, like potatoes, eggs and honey.

OUT Packaged bread crumbs or croutons.

IN Take crumbs, cubes or slices of bread, and either toast evenly in a low oven until dry and lightly browned, tossing occasionally; or cook in olive oil until brown and crisp, stirring frequently. The first keep a long time, and are multipurpose; the second are best used quickly, and are incomparably delicious.

OUT Bouillon cubes or powder, or canned stock.

IN Simmer a carrot, a celery stalk and half an onion in a couple of cups of water for 10 minutes and you’re better off; if you have any chicken scraps, even a half-hour of cooking with those same vegetables will give you something 10 times better than any canned stock.

I like to save my vegetable & fruit scraps and used spiced and herbs in a bag in a freezer. When I have enough I put them all in a pressure cooker with some fresh carrots, onion, garlic, celery and herbs, cover with water bring to pressure and cook for 10min or so to make vegetable stock. I then store it in the freezer in 1 1/2 - 2C containers to use for cooking grains, beans, or as a base for soups and sauces. Any vegetable or fruit peels, seeds and scraps can be used for this purpose, such as the seeds and pulp from squash, yam peels, apple and pear cores, parsley stems etc. Onion and garlic peels can be saved in a bag and you can throw a few into the stock. KB

OUT Aerosol oil. At about $12 a pint, twice as expensive as halfway decent extra virgin olive oil, which spray oil most decidedly is not; and it contains additives.

IN Get some good olive oil and a hand-pumped sprayer or even simpler, a brush. Simplest: your fingers.

OUT Bottled salad dressing and marinades. The biggest rip-offs imaginable.

IN Take good oil and vinegar or lemon juice, and combine them with salt, pepper, maybe a little Dijon, in a proportion of about three parts oil to one of vinegar. Customize from there, because you may like more vinegar or less, and you undoubtedly will want a little shallot, or balsamic vinegar, or honey, or garlic, or tarragon, or soy sauce. ...

OUT Bottled lemon juice.

IN Lemons. Try buying six at a time, then experiment; I never put lemon on something and regret it. (Scramble a couple of eggs in chicken stock, then finish with a lot of lemon, black pepper and dill; call this egg-lemon soup, or avgolemono.) Don’t forget the zest: you can grate it and add it to many pan sauces, or hummus and other purées. And don’t worry about reamers, squeezers or any of that junk; squeeze from one hand into the other and let your fingers filter out the pips.

OUT Spices older than a year: smell before using; if you get a whiff of dust or must before you smell the spice, toss it. I find it easier to clean house once a year and buy new ones.

IN Fresh spices. Almost all spices are worth having. But some that you might think about using more frequently include cardamom (try a tiny bit in your next coffee cake, apple cake, spice cake or rice pilaf); ground cumin (a better starting place in chili — in fact, in many bean dishes — than chili powder); fennel seeds (these will give a Provençal flavor to any tomato sauce or soup; grind them first, or not); an assortment of dried chilies (I store them all together, because dried chipotles make the rest of them slightly smoky); fresh — or at least dried — ginger, which is lovely grated over most vegetables; pimentón, the smoked Spanish red pepper that is insanely popular in restaurants but still barely making inroads among home cooks; and good curry powder.

OUT Dried parsley and basil. They’re worthless.

IN Fresh parsley, which keeps at least a week in the refrigerator. (Try your favorite summer pesto recipe with parsley in place of basil, or simply purée some parsley with a little oil, water, salt and a whisper of garlic. Or add a chopped handful to any salad or almost anything else.) And dried tarragon, rosemary and dill, all of which I use all winter; mix a teaspoon or so of tarragon or rosemary — not more, they’re strong — with olive oil or melted butter and brush on roasted or broiled chicken while it cooks, or add a pinch to vinaigrette. Dill is also good with chicken; on plain broiled fish, with lemon; or in many simple soups.

My grandmother used to trim the leaves from the stems of parsley and store them in a jar in the refridge. Then she could just grab a handful and use when needed. I like to rinse the bunch and place the stems in a jar of water, cover with a lid or a plastic bag and store in the refridge. The parsley (or cilantro) lasts longer this way. Lettuce can be rinsed and wrapped in a paper towel and stored in a plastic bag in the refridge to extend the shelf life. KB
OUT Canned beans (except in emergencies).

IN Dried beans. More economical, better tasting, space saving and available in far more varieties. Cook a pound once a week and you’ll always have them around (you can freeze small amounts in their cooking liquid, or water, indefinitely). If you’re not sold, try this: soak and cook a pound of white beans. Take some and finish with fresh chopped sage, garlic and good olive oil. Purée another cup or so with a boiled potato and lots of garlic. Mix some with a bit of cooking liquid, and add a can of tomatoes; some chopped celery, carrots and onions; cooked pasta; and cheese and call it pasta fagiole or minestrone. If there are any left, mix them with a can of olive-oil-packed tuna or sardines. And that’s just white beans.

Beans cook quickly in a pressure cooker. Soak the dried beans overnight. Then put them in the pot, covered with an inch or so of water with and onion cut in half, garlic cloves (no need to peel the garlic or onion), herbs and spices, salt, a strip of kombu (kelp: prevents gas) bring to full pressure and cook about 10min, depending on the size of the bean. The cooking water can be used as vegetable stock. KB
OUT Imitation vanilla.

IN Vanilla beans. They’re expensive, but they keep. (If you look online you can find bargains in bulk, which is why I have 25 in my refrigerator.) If you slice a pod in half and simmer it with some leftover rice and any kind of milk (dairy, coconut, almond...), you’ll never go back to extract.

To make your own vanilla extract, slice a few pods in half and put in a bottle with alcohol, such a brandy, and let soak a couple months. KB

OUT Grated imitation “Parmesan” (beware the green cylinder, or any other pre-grated cheese for that matter).

IN Real Parmigiano-Reggiano. Wrapped well, it keeps for a year (scrape mold off if necessary). Grated over anything, there is no more magical ingredient. Think about pasta with butter and Parmesan (does your mouth water?). But also think about any egg dish, with Parmesan; anything sautéed with a coating of bread crumbs and Parmesan; or asparagus, broccoli, spinach or any other cooked vegetable, topped with Parmesan (and maybe some bread crumbs) and run under the broiler; how great. Save the rinds to throw in pots of sauce, soup, tomato-y stew or risotto.

OUT Canned peas (and most other canned vegetables, come to think of it).

IN Frozen peas. Especially if you have little kids and make pasta or rice with peas (and Parmesan!); not bad. Or purée with a little lemon juice and salt for a nice spread or dip. In fact, many frozen vegetables are better than you might think.

OUT Tomato paste in a can.

IN Tomato paste in a tube. You rarely need more than two tablespoons so you feel guilty opening a can; this solves that problem. Stir some into vegetables sautéed in olive oil, for example, then add water for fast soup. Or add a bit to almost any vegetable as it cooks in olive oil and garlic — especially cabbage, dark greens, carrots or cauliflower.

OUT Premade pie crusts. O.K., these are a real convenience, but almost all use inferior fats. I’d rather make a “pie” or quiche with no crust than use these.

IN Crumble graham crackers with melted butter and press into a pan. But really — if you put a pinch of salt, a cup of flour, a stick of very cold, cut-up butter in a food processor, then blend with a touch of water until it almost comes together — you have a dough you can refrigerate or freeze and roll out whenever you want, in five minutes.

OUT Cheap balsamic or flavored vinegars.

IN Sherry vinegar. More acidic and more genuine than all but the most expensive balsamic. Try a salad of salted cabbage (shred, then toss with a couple of tablespoons of salt in a colander for an hour or two, then rinse and drain), tossed with plenty of black pepper, a little olive oil and enough sherry vinegar to make the whole thing sharp.

OUT Minute Rice or boil-in-a-bag grains.

IN Genuine grains. Critical; as many different types as you have space for. Short grain rice — for risotto, paella, just good cooked rice — of course. Barley, pearled or not; a super rice alternative, with any kind of gravy, reduction sauce, pan drippings, what have you. Ground corn for polenta, grits, cornbread or thickener (whisk some — not much — into a soup and see what happens). Quinoa — people can’t believe how flavorful this is until they try it. Bulgur, which is ready in maybe 10 minutes (it requires only steeping), and everyone likes. If you’re in doubt about how to cook any of these, combine them with abundant salted water and cook as you would pasta, then drain when tender; you can’t go far wrong.

OUT “Pancake” syrup, which is more akin to Coke than to the real thing.

IN Real maple syrup, an indigenous gift from nature and the north country.

YOU SHOULD ALSO STOCK:

REAL BACON OR PROSCIUTTO Or other traditionally smoked or cured meat of some kind. If you have a quarter pound of prosciutto in the house at all times you can make almost anything — simple cooked grains, beans, vegetables, tomato sauces, soups — taste better. And, tightly wrapped, it’ll keep for weeks in the fridge or months in the freezer.

FISH SAUCE You have soy sauce, presumably; this is different, stronger, cruder (or should I say “less refined”?) in a way — and absolutely delicious. Use sparingly, but use; start by sprinkling a little over plain steamed vegetables, along with a lot of black pepper.

CANNED COCONUT MILK Try this: cook some onions in oil with curry powder; stir in coconut milk; poach chicken, fish, tofu, or even meat in that. Serve over rice.

MISO PASTE Never goes bad, as far as I can tell, and its flavor is incomparable. Whisk into boiling water for real soup in three minutes; thin a bit (with sake if you have it), and smear on meat or fish that’s almost done broiling; add a spoonful to vinaigrette. Etc.

CAPERS, GOOD OLIVES (BUY IN BULK, NOT CANS) AND GOOD ANCHOVIES (IN OLIVE OIL, PLEASE) The combination of the three makes a powerful paste, or pasta sauce, or dip.

WALNUTS And/or other nuts, but walnuts are most basic and useful. Try a purée with garlic, oil and a little water, as a pasta sauce, or just add to salads or cooked grains.

PIGNOLI With raisins, they make any dish Sicilian.

DRIED FRUIT For snacking, in braises (braised pork with prunes is a classic winter dish), or just soaked in water (or booze) or poached for dessert. Don’t forget dried tomatoes, too.

DRIED MUSHROOMS Don’t even bother to reconstitute if you’re cooking with liquid; just toss them in.

FROZEN SHRIMP Incredibly convenient.

WINTER SQUASH AND SWEET POTATOES These store almost as well as potatoes and are more nutritious and equally interesting. A sweet potato roasted until the exterior is nearly blackened and the interior is mush is a wonderful snack. The best winter squashes (delicata, for example) have edible skins and are amazing just chunked and roasted with a little oil (and maybe some ginger or garlic). For butternut- or acorn-type squashes, poke holes through to the center with a skewer in a few places and roast in a 400 degree oven until soft. Let cool, then peel and seed.

I tried this cooking method with spaghetti squash: it's easy and tastes fresh and moist. I suggest halving the squash and removing the seeds and pulp once it becomes fragrant in the oven. Add a pat of butter to each half and return to the oven to finish.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!! The Year Of The OX

2009-01-26T21:51:00.002-05:00

The Year 2009 is the 4706th Chinese year.
Low and steady marks the ox's character. Bona fide leaders, they are grounded, determined and highly dependable. They have
the ability to motivate and inspire confidence in others as well. Those born under the sign are meticulous, systematic and real sticklers for details.

January 26 marks the New Year in China, and there will be much celebrating and fireworks. The fireworks are to scare away any evil ancestral spirits from coming into the New Year. In addition, the Chinese sweep there homes on Jan 25th in order to sweep away any lingering evil qi (energy) from the old year coming into the New Year. So the New Year marks a time of new beginnings.

The following gives a little background and folklore about the Chinese Zodiac system which has 12 signs, like it's western counterpart.

12 is a powerful number in numerology: 12 apostles, 12" in a ruler (the distances from the king's [ruler's] elbow to his middle finger tip), 12 = a dozen. 12 is a combination of the powerful trinity 3 x 4: a stable number - 4 legs on a table or chair, 4 corners in a square or rectangle, the usual foundation shape for a building.

Also discussed here is what the Ox brings to 2009. The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work.

Background and Concept

The Chinese animal signs are a 12-year cycle used for dating the years. They represent a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear concept of time. The Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, and is constructed in a different fashion than the Western solar calendar. In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February. The Chinese have adopted the Western calendar since 1911, but the lunar calendar is still used for festive occasions such as the Chinese New Year. Many Chinese calendars will print both the solar dates and the Chinese lunar dates.

Background Information

In the United States, the years are dated from the birth of Jesus Christ, for example, 1977 means 1,977 years after the birth of Christ. This represents a linear perception of time, with time proceeding in a straight line from the past to the present and the future. In traditional China, dating methods were cyclical, cyclical meaning something that is repeated time after time according to a pattern. A popular folk method which reflected this cyclical method of recording years are the Twelve Animal Signs. Every year is assigned an animal name or "sign" according to a repeating cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Therefore, every twelve years the same animal name or "sign" would reappear.

A cultural sidelight of the animal signs in Chinese folklore is that horoscopes have developed around the animal signs, much like monthly horoscopes in the West have been developed for the different moon signs, Pisces, Aries, etc. For example, a Chinese horoscope may predict that a person born in the Year of the Horse would be, "cheerful, popular, and loves to compliment others". These horoscopes are amusing, but not regarded seriously by the Chinese people.

The animal signs also serve a useful social function for finding out people’s ages. Instead of asking directly how old a person is, people often ask what is his or her animal sign. This would place that person’s age within a cycle of 12 years, and with a bit of common sense, we can deduce the exact age. More often, though, people ask for animal signs not to compute a person’s exact numerical age, but to simply know who is older among friends and acquaintances.

Legend

According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.

All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox's back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.

Ox Horoscope for 2009

The Ox is the second sign of the Chinese zodiac. Like its predecessor and complement, the Rat, it signifies new beginnings. The main difference is the Ox is associated with building to last and slow but sure action. Even more so than last year we all have to make good choices, as that which is begun now is likely to have long term consequences.

As with last year, this is an Earth year. The difference is this one is yin rather than yang. It is thus likely to be less tumultuous. On a personal level, better results are more likely to be achieved by reacting to circumstances and going with the flow rather than aggressively charging forward and initiating a lot of action.

Unfortunately Earth has a destructive relationship with the Ox's fixed element, Water. In fact this is the fourth in a run of six years governed by an unlucky conflict of elements. This fact should come as no surprise to those who have followed US and world financial markets or the unspeakable horror that has persisted in Iraq.

The combination of Earth and Ox, however, is not at all a negative combination. Its primary characteristic is durability. It suggests an environment dominated by cautious pragmatism rather than quixotic dreaming. Things will get done.

Interestingly this is an equally good time for thinking and all kinds of intellectual endeavors. Planning, scholarship and research, for example, are favorable activities. It is also an auspicious time for the arts; although, under Earth's influence, applied arts such as design and graphics may do best.

Furthermore, they will generally be successful if done in harmony with the spirit of the Earth Ox. This applies both to the type and amount of new projects as well as the approach to accomplishing them. That means focusing on just a few, long term projects. It also suggests proceeding in a cautious yet determined manner. Finally, it counsels avoiding taking unnecessary risks and yielding to the temptation to seek short term gains.

There is likely to be a focus on career and self improvement this year to the detriment of family. People thus need to be attentive and creative so that this area does not suffer. It is, however, a relatively good time to begin a new romance. Those in a relationship may want to consider raising it to the next level, to include marriage.

Since this is an Earth year, those people born in a Metal year will generally fare better than others of their animal sign, while those born in a Water one are likely to do worse than those born in Wood, Fire, and Earth years.

The year 2009 will be a period of lasting accomplishments. This is true for individuals, societies and the human race in general. There may be times when motivation appears to be lacking. In fact the big challenge everyone faces is to generate the enthusiasm and desire to act. Those individuals and organizations that do will create enduring benefits for themselves and the world.

होव्कां थिस बे उसेफुल तो यौमे हाउ कैन थिस बे उसेफुल

2009-01-24T08:58:00.002-05:00

How interesting
My title line was going to be "How May this be Useful?"
and you see the beautiful script that came up.
I decided to leave it (hoping that it would not translate into something rude....)

I believe this "blog" ( a new word in my active vocabulary) may provide a chance for you chose your own piece of information. My basket if full - 25yrs certainly have given me some insight:
Here we go; these are the things I want to talk about:

When is Acupuncture the right Choice?
When is Herbal Medicine the right choice?
How and why are they chosen respectively?

First Aid suggestions for those moment when we need and can have a "quick fix"!

Which conditions does Chinese medicine actually address?

When is the right moment for allopathic medical intervention..?

Where and how to rub when it hurts.......

Chinese medicine and babies and children!

A series of helpful Chinese Herbal Medicines every home pharmacy should have!

How do you self diagnose the type of cold/flu you have and understand which medicines you should take ! (They work!)

How hot and cold deal with different ailments - and why?

Food as medicine...........big chapter!

Feed The Hungry Not The Full

2009-01-21T21:43:00.004-05:00

What a wonderful decision I made ! - I signed up for a six months (ten week) program with the Integrative Nutrition School in New York - the world’s largest nutrition school, offering in-person nutrition courses with the world’s leaders in health and wellness.
I am still buzzing from the first three days of lectures and communication. We were 1500 students at the Lincoln Center - Bernie Siegel was great!! Lots of facts - also scary ones absorbed about the state of health of our Nation and the beliefs fed to us by our industries. Great numbers of us were shocked by the data.

But really, size does not matter - not to me - not in that context
The message matters and Joshua Rosenthal has a great message - "If we can succeed to bring Obama to the White House we can succeed in delivering and conveying a message of health and happiness to the American people." We need to talk to nursing homes, schools, day care places and hospitals - we need to expand and help people to eat right and thereby be happier!"

The movement is back to basics - simple and good! Eat less - move more !!
Buy and cook simply organic or local. Don't make things complicated - Gourmet dishes on special occasions! Food is nourishment! Fuel. Could your car run on coffee and donuts?
Resize portions and look for quality. Less is better!
Natural is wonderful !!
There go the twenty isles in the supermarket and you are left with a manageable two.....produce and produce.
That's doable!
Check out the web site www.integrativenutrition.com
and keep it simple

Verena

The Ongoing Day After

2009-01-21T21:13:00.002-05:00

It is the day after - Happy, unforgettable inauguration of change and moving toward a more peaceful world -

Yes!

And as all days after - they are followed by more days after - and then more days after......

How to carry the original intention - wether this is about how we run our politics,

how we deepen our compassion for others - how we take care of our bodies - our health !

How do we keep our passion for our original intention alive ?

Keeping supportive company - a companion to share the food selections with or meditation and exercise - promote support!!

Sharing your plans with others

Keep your house temptation clear

Take a moment in the morning and night to check in with yourself - to see where you are on your path

Treat yourself - be kind and loving to yourself wether you succeed every day or not - flowers; a new book - some music.......

The Happiest Day of Hope

2009-01-20T11:31:00.002-05:00

Congratulations!!!

such a feeling of change and hope

it is true

there is a difficult road ahead but as the man says together WE CAN DO IT !!!

and return America to kindness, compassion and decency

Winter Solstice

2008-12-21T17:35:00.001-05:00

Thick snow underfoot…..never mind the snow swirling through the air.
It is crisp, fresh and awsome…. in one word: brilliant!
Tonight is the longest night of the year - but also the one that bears the hope of light and sunshine - as the days will become longer and brighter.
Even holding this concept - it will be hard to believe, during the next few weeks………more of what we have today….brrrr…..

Chinese medicine favors being internal and quiet at this time in the year
Throughout the year we expend a lot of Qi, energy! In the spring we celebrate creativity and new starts - in the summer we are very fiery and active with all of our endeavors - in the late summer we harvest the fruits of our endeavors and in the autumn - we let go of all of our attachment. quite like the trees who let go of all ornaments…….there can be a sadness and grief…
the Winter, lastly; the time we are in right now, is a time of contemplation and rest and journeying inside - this is, after all, the way we restore our Qi, our life force and energy.
Take deep breaths - calmly, quiet and rest! It is what is needed.

For more information on acupuncture and Chinese medicine, check out my website: www.giftofhealth.com