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Advice from a Pro on sugar

We all know that complementing your Acupuncture treatments with a good Diet is important. Here is an article from Men’s Journal from Steve Nash (Pro-Basketball Player) on the benefits of  giving up sugar

http://www.mensjournal.com/living-sugar-free

 

Treatment Plan

Lots of folks ask me how often or how long do I have to come in? Well,

Treatment Plan is a crucial part of getting better. Normally, Acupuncture

works in multiple sessions, building on each other till we get well. However,

now & then we can knock out something in 1 or 2 sessions. The longer you

have had something, the more severe it is and how strong your body is will

help determine the length of treatment plan. Generally pain problems

are better treated by treatments bunched closer together and things like

digestive problems or gynecological issues are treated weekly or even

every other week as we generally have the patient take herbs in between.

As a person gets better they will come in less frequently.  A general rule

is that if you have had something for 1 year, you should have 1 month of

treatment. I generally tell people with anything chronic to give acupuncture

6-8 treatments & if the patient feels better, we know we’re on the right

track.

Summer Time & the Heart

We finally had a nice sunny weekend; I went hiking in the Gorge!
Summer is the season of the Fire Element, which is associated
with the Heart. In Chinese Medicine the Heart
not only pumps the blood but also houses the mind (Shen). Dr
Dean Ornish MD, a heart specialist says “I think the mind is where
Heart disease begins for many people.” The Heart is associated
with the emotion Joy or lack of Joy as in the old phrase a broken
Heart. Some general symptoms of a Heart-Mind Imbalance include
depression, loss of memory, speech problems, poor circulation,
weak spirit and aversion to heat. Things we can do to Heal the Heart
are diet (whole foods have a calming effect), exercise (aerobic &
anaerobic), relaxation/meditation (being not always doing), a
positive attitude on life and the power of laughter and good relation-
ships.
Some dietary suggestions for calming the mind are to reduce or
eliminate alcohol, tobacco, coffee (all create heat), refined sugar
and eating large late meals. The following substances can reduce
nervousness, and help mental focus and insomnia. Oyster shell
good for insomnia and can be eaten in the form of oyster-shell
Calcium. Whole grains, wheat, brown rice and oats help calm the
mind. Try to buy organic and avoid pesticides. Mushrooms like

Ganoderma or Poria. Mulberries, lemons and Schisandra berries calm
the mind. Jujube seeds (Ziziphus) helps with insomnia. Ziziphus and
Schisandra can be found at Oriental grocery stores. Interestingly,
The color of the fire element is red and herbs that have an effect on
the Heart have a tendency to be red in color. Lastly, in the
Summer we can eat more fruit and water but remember to try not
to drink iced water as it can cause digestive problems. So, have fun
Get outside and enjoy, till next time
Steve

5032314101