The holidays are over and now we have 3-4 more months of winter to look forward to. During this time most of us will be hit by SAD in one way or another. We all know that with the short days and lack of sunshine, the cold, and being cooped up all day long, winter can be a downer. We feel stuck or literally stagnated and when this happens, our liver qi often gets stagnated as well. Symptoms of liver qi stagnation are depression, anxiety, frustration, and anger.

One of the most beautiful things about Chinese medicine is that is great for moving qi. We might be literally stuck inside, but it is important to keep qi moving to keep us feeling happy. Along with upping your dose of vitamin d and staying active – indoors or out, Chinese medicine can help you avoid those winter blues.

Many of you are doing some holiday travel this year. To stay as healthy as you can, here are some ideas to help you if you think you are coming down with something.

Many of you are doing some holiday travel this year. To stay as healthy as you can, here are some ideas to help you if you think you are coming down with something.

Hopefully everyone had a great Turkey Day, some days off to relax or shop, and some days to enjoy the nice weather we have had. If you found yourself indulging in all the yummies from and leftover from Thanksgiving, and are now experiencing “off” digestion, let me remind you that acupuncture can quickly harmonize your digestive functions and help you feel better quickly, effectively and naturally. For those of you who have had acupuncture, you have probably experienced an active stomach once the needles are inserted. This goes to show how quickly the body responds to acupuncture and how it can quickly help you. There are some acupuncture points you can press at home to help settle a rumbly tummy, move food stagnation from overeating, relieve bloating, cramping, nausea, diarrhea or constipation.

Arugula Pistachio Pesto

 

3 cloves garlic

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, broken into pieces

1/3 cup pistachio pieces

1 cup loosely packed arugula leaves, rinsed and dried

¾ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper

 

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and whirl until smooth.  Use as a sandwhich spread or top your favorite pasta! Yum.

 

Are you thinking of having a bundle of joy any time soon? If so, it is important to take care of yourself now so that you and baby are healthy and happy! Many times, people come off their birth control pills/patch/ring expecting to conceive right away. If not then, then at least in the few months that follow. Some women are fortunate enough to have no issues making the transition from hormonal birth control to doing everything on their own smoothly and soundly. Others however need a little more adjustment time. This is actually an important time to have because bringing your body into balance sometimes takes time.

In my later years, insomnia has become something that I have had to deal with. On top of all these other changes, insomnia was added to the list. I tried everything from exercise and changing my diet, to over the counter and prescription medication. My sleep was still horrible. My sister used acupuncture for other issues and always had such great success, she recommended me trying it for insomnia. I saw Christine and she treated me with acupuncture and herbs. She explained why I could be experiencing insomnia and how our treatments would regulate the body. I am able to get a much better night's sleep now and on top of that, my night sweats and hot flashes went away! That isn't why I even went in! I'm amazed at how Chinese medicine works and like my sister, now use it regularly.

Maria M.