Winter is Coming...
Well, technically it is already here according to our Chinese almanac! For some places on the mainland, the blizzards are already in the forecast. For us here in Hawaii, the nights have definitely gotten cooler and there is a coolness behind the light to non-existent breeze we've been experiencing. Winter is a time of inner reflection and hibernation. It is also a great time to continue boosting our immune systems, to work on improving health concerns and to get ready to jump out at Spring in a few months! This winter I'm offering a combo package of massage and acupuncture. Call for more details or to schedule your next appointment. 808-870-2732
2014 Year of the Wood Horse
Xin Nian Kuai Le! Happy New Year! Yes it's that time of year again. The Chinese New year occurs next week and as we say goodbye to 2013 year of the snake, it will make a few last ditch efforts to shed its skin-presenting some obstacles and milestones to overcome, as we transition into the year of the wood horse. In Chinese Medicine, the horse is associated with the heart and its time is 11am-1 pm. This years horse is a wood horse and is thought to be very fortunate and bring good opportunities and positive relationships. Horses tend to be good natured, yet they do love their freedom and space to roam. Just as horses are fast and set a quick pace, know that the pace will pick up as we move forward into the year of the horse.
Xin Nian Kuai Le!
Happy New Year! Yes it's that time of year again. The Chinese Lunar New Year is a great time to re-evaluate any resolutions that were made at the calendar new year and have a fresh start. Welcome Year of the Yin Water Snake! The snake is a transformative, clever and auspicious symbol. The beginning of Spring according to the Chinese Classical Calendar began last week on the 4th. This season corresponds nicely with the beginning of the Year of the Snake. May this year be truly blessed with positive transformation for all! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
What's in your medicine cabinet?
Staying healthy during seasonal changes and the onslaught of flu season is a priority in my house. Friends and colleagues often ask me what I reach for at the first sign of the sniffles, or flu or even cuts and bruises. In this post I will begin exploring the top ten items (in no particular order) in my medicine cabinet.
1.Essential Oils: Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Rosemary & Tea Tree Oil
These oils are so powerful in there healing abilities. They have antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral properties to name a few. If I’m feeling a head-cold coming on I’ll steam with lavender & eucalyptus. If the throat is sore or involved in anyway I’ll add lemon to the bowl. For sinuses be sure to add rosemary. Its a simple yet very effective way to open up nasal & sinus passages as well as boost your immune system. Tea tree oil has antiseptic characteristics and its great for cuts and bruises and even acne. Essential Oils are great and don’t take up that much space either.
2.Castor Oil: This powerful oil strongly stimulates lymph and circulation. It can be used topically to ease menstrual cramps, assist digestion and bowel movements and assist healing of scar tissue and adhesions. It can also be used to help heal musculo-skeletal injuries and reduce inflammation. I recommend castor oil packs to the majority of my patients.
3.Arnica...topical gel/cream & internal homeopathic Arnica is great for supporting musculo-skeletal health.
4.Salve: Salve is what people used before antibacterial ointment came along. I personally make my own, which is fairly simple and easy to do. There are many great salves on the market these days. A general salve may contain comfrey and calendula as well as other healing herbs and essential oils for cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns and bites.
5.Chinese Teapills: Gan Mao Ling, Curing Pills/Po Chai Pills
Gan Mao Ling is a great remedy for cold & flu. Begin taking it at the first signs of cold or flu. Po Chai Pills aka Curing Pills are great for stomach issues from food poisoning to upset stomach. These are a must have when traveling and are great to have around the house too.
6.Clay: Topically clay is a great base for a poultice to draw out toxins or even as part of a beauty mask. For internal use, clay can also help draw out toxins out of the body. Internally it can have very strong effects so its important to stay hydrated as well.
7.Rescue Remedy: Is a flower essence remedy. Helps reset the nervous system whether you’ve had a traumatic experience or accident, to a public performance to an emotional breakdown or had way too much coffee. During times of stress our immune
8.Magnesium: Great for sore muscles, muscle cramps. Can also help with sleep and anxiety.
9.Vit C & bioflavanoids: This will help boost the immune system. If possible buying a non-citrus version is best to help reduce adding to any mucus issues.
Tied for 9. Is Elderberry. I prefer a tincture form, syrup also works great. Add a dose of this to boiling hot water to create a soothing tea for colds and flu or take it straight. Elderberry helps boost the immune system and is great and clearing pathogens.
10.Probiotics: Help establish beneficial gut flora which in turn keeps us healthy and our immune system at top notch.
Hope you have enjoyed seeing some great natural remedy essentials to assist in maintaining optimal health. Acupuncture is another great way to boost the immune system. Call today for an appointment 808-870-2732
Going with the Flow
The secret to the healing powers of Chinese Medicine is circulation. If you observe a river or moving body of water in nature. You will find in most cases healthy, thriving ecosystems. In areas where the current is not flowing, either due to a natural eddy or obstruction the water is stagnant. This is also an area where debris can collect. We can take this analogy and apply it to our own bodies and the energy pathways Chinese Medicine practitioners refer to as meridians. Just as moving water is flowing freely, if the energy in our body is able to do the same then we are considered to be in good health and harmony. Just as the debris collects where the water is not flowing. In our body this is seen as pain, discomfort, emotional issues and illness due to the disruption in flow of energy. Lifestyle and diet also influence this harmoniously flow of energy. Based on tongue and pulse diagnosis a well trained practitioner can identify where in the body the blockage is, what meridians are affected and begin to facilitate the natural flow of energy. Call today for a free 15 minute consultation including pulse and tongue reading. 808-870-2732
Summer Solstice!
Yes it's time for another pivotal transition of energy in the grand scheme of things. Since winter solstice the daylight has gradually lasted longer and longer. With the return of the light, is the return of the ascending yang energy in nature. As we approach the summer solstice, the yang has reached its maximum limits and will gradually start to decline.
In Chinese herbal medicine the summer solstice marks harvest time for a few quintessential herbs such as Fuzi and Banxia. Fuzi is an incredibly warming herb that is planted on winter solstice and is harvested on summer solstice. Containing purely yang energy this herb is incredibly warm and can drive away cold lodged in the body. Ban Xia is also harvested at this time, due to the decline in energy therefore it has a descending action and is effective at directing qi downward. To be noted that both of these herbs are toxic unless prepared properly.
Certain conditions such as asthma that are worse in the fall and winter were traditionally treated at the summer solstice. Since the yang energy is at its peak, a great effect can be made. So whether you're interested in a general tune-up or working on a specific condition call 808-870-2732 to schedule an appointment today.