Healing Soups to Fight Colds/Flu
TweetThe weather is so temperamental and, with all these temperature ups and downs, many of my patients are coming in with colds and flu! Soups are a great way to prevent and treat seasonal illness. To read more, there is a great article in the Yoga Journal called Healing Soups. Here is a great recipe for an immune boosting soup: Immune Boosting Soup* If you need an extra immune boost, the article recommends using 1/2 the total garlic you desire... Read More
Walnuts: A Great Fall Food
Tweet I’m glad to see the walnut getting its due attention In this recent New York Times article (which also includes a delicious recipe for Bulgarian Cucumber Soup With Walnuts!). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), walnuts have a multitude of health benefits. They tonify the kidneys which, according to TCM, are responsible for maintaining brain functioning. Walnuts strengthen muscles by nourishing the blood, relieve asthma by warming the lungs,... Read More
Late Summer: The Fifth Season
TweetLate Summer is the fifth season in Traditional Chinese Medicine. While it is a short season, it is, in many ways, the most important, as it represents the transition from the expansive yang energy of spring and summer to the quieter yin energy of fall and winter. This is the point at which all seasons converge. As Paul Pitchford writes in Healing with Whole Foods, Late Summer represents “the instant where the pendulum reverses its swing.” The... Read More
It’s Hot Out There!
TweetHope you’re enjoying a beautiful weekend and staying cool! This is definitely one of the hottest weekends we’ve had in New York this summer. When the temperatures soar like this, it’s important to stay hydrated. Sipping water with lemon or cucumber is a refreshing way to cool off. Be careful too if you go out in the sun—wear your sunscreen! You might also want to make sure not to leave food out for too long in direct light.... Read More
Picking the Best Summer Fruit
TweetI don’t know about you, but I hate it when I buy a beautiful piece of fruit from the market, only to bite into it and want to spit it right back out. When a fruit is too ripe or not ripe enough, it’s a major bummer. On their Healthy Bites blog, Self magazine staffers offer a guide to choosing the best summer fruits: Apricots: Plump, pretty firm, velvety skin, even in color with a deep yellow, pinkish hue. Store in fridge. Peaches:... Read More
Festive Summer Cocktails
TweetHappy Fourth of July, everyone! I hope you’re all having a beautiful day. A lot of people like to include a little alcohol in their summer celebrations. When enjoyed in moderation, an occasional drink can help promote heart health—especially fitting, as the season of summer is associated with the heart. On Everyday Health, a Chinese medicine blog I follow, author Vien-Phuong Nini Mai posted about infusing your drink with herbs. Why not... Read More
Natural Sunscreen
TweetHappy Memorial Day! You know what that means—Summer is right around the corner. Hope you have a wonderful long weekend planned. I can’t wait to spend time outside in the sun! While the best way to stay safe and prevent sunburn is to cover and hang out in the shade, sunscreen helps reduce burns and damage from the UV rays. If you’re worried about the chemicals and other harsh ingredients contained in most sunscreens why not try a natural,... Read More
Acupuncture for Allergies
TweetWhile the spring brings with it warmer weather and a sense of rebirth, for many, it also brings on the dreaded seasonal allergies. As a result, millions of dollars are spent every year on allergy medications and shots, which often provide only mild relief. Allergies are caused by an over-reactivity of the immune system to certain allergens such as wind-born tree, grass, or weed pollen. Sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, headaches, fatigue,... Read More
Spring Salad
TweetSpring has officially begun! As the season of renewal of energy, spring is also the time of year when we “clean out” the heavy, dampening foods of winter in favor of lighter, fresh fare. A diet rich in yang-type foods that echo the expansive energy of springtime are recommended, such as vegetables like kale, collard greens, corn, asparagus and celery. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cranberries also help cleanse the liver. Consuming... Read More
Get ready for Spring
TweetFriday, March 20th brings the Spring Equinox, and we begin a new season. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is associated with one of the five principle elements in the natural world: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Spring is paired with the wood element. Wood exemplifies growth, change, and pushing through obstacles. Its active energy allows for much growth, both internally and externally. We may find that we are able to make great... Read More
