B Holistic

B a Winner: Member Giveaway

 Congratulations 62!  This sturdy little wallet is made from a special blend of paper called washi.  There are two compartments; perfect for a checkbook and receipts.   This particular wallet has a lovely sewing geisha on the front flap.  I love the one I've had for years and look forward to giving more away! 

B Courageous

Dedicated to Fred Anthony Stegemann (1946-2008)

It was one year ago that my Dad passed away.  As I reflect on his life I look to this lion that sits in my garden.  When my Dad was 17 years-old he found this lion and gave it to his mother for her garden.  When he died my Grandmother gave it to me.  My Dad struggled deeply in his life.  The saddest part was his misconception of himself.  Like the Lion in the Wizard of Oz who struggled with his own inadequacy wanted nothing more than to live up to his potential as King of the Beasts.  The Lion failed to recognize his own acts of bravery.  My Dad failed to recognize his creative genius and felt deep shame for his own false cowardice.

This lion reminds me that despite our innate gifts we still need to muster up courage in the face of fear.  That just because it's difficult doesn't mean we should deny ourselves the attempt.  That it's enough if we dig deep and at least try despite feeling uncomfortable.  To not focus on who we think we should be, but discover who we are through the challenges we meet head on.

B Open to Community Acupuncture

In my opinion, acupuncture in a group setting is the wave of the future.  Many hospitals in China practice this community style approach, but a clinic in Portland introduced this model to the West.  Their motto is that "Acupuncture Can Change the World"!  A strong statement, I know.  But in many ways I agree with it. 

Acupuncture has many benefits, but its optimal potential is fulfilled as a means of health management.  People often ask "what can acupuncture treat"?  The fact is, acupuncture can treat both acute and chronic conditions but you don't need anything "wrong" to gain from this therapy.  This is because the principle behind acupuncture is to regulate the flow of Qi for health and vitality, so when applied on a regular basis we can lead more balanced lives.   Let's face it, life is hectic and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.  If we're in tune with our health and well-being we'll have more control of our lives and able to take preventative steps towards longevity.  I love the idea that group acupuncture makes this practice more accessible and affordable for everyone's gain. 

I am presently practicing community style acupuncture at The Peace Center in Berwyn, on Thursday afternoons from 10-12p.m.  Located at 6833 Stanley Ave.  Call 773-860-2267 for more details and to reserve a spot. 

B Honored: Veteran's Special

In Honor of Veterans Day,  B Holistic is offering discounts on all acupuncture services for veterans.  Acupuncture is effective for pain management and symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.   

 PBS offers excellent programming that remind us how vital it is to support our troops and veterans.  This site offers numerous resources for volunteer efforts and opportunities to show support.

Participate in the National Veterans Oral History Project.  A special project dedicated to keeping the achievements of soldiers alive through their personal  stories. 

Here are a few organizations that specialize in sending care packages.  The holidays are approaching and it's crucial we reach out.  http://www.anysoldier.com/

http://www.opgratitude.com/

http://www.operationshoebox.com/

B Connected with the Moon: A Fertility Meditation

Where the sun is yang, the moon is yin.  When it comes to reproduction it's all about the substantive and energetic aspects of yin. Connecting with the moon may not be the craziest thing you'll do if your name isn't Myrtle.  Seriously, the lunar goddesses don't represent the divine feminine  for nothing.  Women are indeed connected to the moon. 

Try this fertility moon meditation:

Sit outside or by a window facing the moon.  Sit or lay comfortably with your spine straight.  Begin to focus on your breath.  Breathe naturally and softly, expanding your abdomen with each inhalation. 

Focus on your womb and be receptive to the moon's yin energy.  Visualize the universe "breathing" for you as you inhale, soaking in the nourishing energy  from infinite space - creating a warm, comfortable, and inviting space.  When you exhale imagine all doubt, fears, and stress exiting as dark mucky clouds.  Eventually, exhale into the air, clearing these clouds with your breath.  Allow the space to open presenting a clear and strong channel between you and the moon.  Stay here as long as you like.  Finally, send out thoughts of compassion and patience to all the women facing fertility challenges. 

B a Quitter: November Special

 

B a quitter and participate in the Great American Smokeout on November 20th.  The smokeout proposes putting your butts out for a 24 hour stretch.  Try acupuncture if your inspired to quit for a longer duration.  Acupuncture helps take the edge off withdrawl symptoms and cravings.

Three sessions over the course of two weeks can be just what you need to stay on track.  Cost: $150 non-members $100 for members 

B Defensive: Strategies for Seasonal Pathogens

Follow these defensive strategies to protect yourself and your family against this seasons pathogens:

BUILD:  Enhance immunity to not only prevent illness but also strengthen your defenses against pathogens.  Here are some suggestions:

Supplements are useful before and after you get sick. 

• Vitamin D, Pro-biotics, Omegas, and Vitamin C are good for the entire family.  Shop here.
• Preventative herbal formulas:  There are herbal formulas designed to enhance immunity depending on your individual needs.  (stay tuned for more info. on herbal strategies)

Eat and drink:

• Increase vegetable intake: Leafy greens, mushrooms, garlic, scallions, cruciferous veggies etc.  Download and print this list.  Involve your kids and check the items off for fun.
• Teas - Treat yourself to a daily cup of tea.  Green or white tea are loaded with anti-oxidants. 
• Soup- Warm and nourishing- soup is a must this time of year.  Make a batch and freeze some so it's available.  Here's one of my favorite chicken soup recipes, but there are endless options.  However, if you don't have any on hand order take-out from your favorite Thai restaurant.  

Daily Routine:

• Rest- Now is not the time to burn the candle at both ends.  Sleep is your body's time to restore itself.  Try going to bed an hour earlier than usual.

• Exercise- Be careful in the gyms but don't neglect them entirely.  A good sweat can potentially eliminate any pathogen before you even notice it.
• Dry brushing- Brushing your skin with a natural bristle brush improves your blood AND your lymphatic flow.
• Sinus cleanse and gargling- It's a must.  Try the nasaline or purchase a neti pot (available at most grocery stores)

PREPARE:  Prepare your medicine cabinet so that your ready if you or a family member gets sick. 

•  Make sure your medicine cabinet has adequate supplies of:
• • Tylenol and Motrin (for adults and children)
  • Fluids with electrolytes:  Pedialyte and /or gatorade to prevent dehydration
  • extra battery and slipcovers for your thermometer
  • masks - this is important if you have young children and are breastfeeding. 
    
  • I don't usually recommend clorox wipes, but this is a good time to get some.  Useful for doorknobs, telephone, toys, light switches, faucets, etc...
  • Yin Qiao San - A common herbal formula used at the onset of sickness. 
    
• Know where to go if there is an emergency.   Certain hospitals are creating special centers for immediate attention.  It's just good to have a plan.
  

CONTROL:  Stay calm, cool, and collected if you or a family member gets sick.  Kids can get very high fevers so it's all about controlling the heat.  Use whatever you can to keep the fever down.

• At the onset of sickness (esp. scratchy throat) use Yin Qiao San to expel heat. 
  

• Call your doctor if you suspect the flu so they're aware of the situation.

• Controlling the fever
• • alternating between Tylenol and Motrin for especially high temps. (102 and up)
  • cool-cold washcloths on wrists, ankles, and foreheads

• Wet sock treatment ( helps to rev up the immune system so the fever breaks)
• • Soak the feet in hot water- hot as you can take it
  • soak dry-wick socks (sport socks or cut the feet off of tights) in ice water
  • ring socks to remove excess water and immediately place on feet
  • cover feet with wool socks and go to bed.

• Quiet and rest as much as possible
• fluids (soup or plain broth, pedialyte, gatorade)
• Acupressure and hand techniques for children include (quick rubbing of the inside of the arm and the back, Stimulation of Du-14, and Lung points on the back and wrist)
• WATCH for signs: Difficulty breathing, severe lethargy, dizziness, blood in stools or vomit all may require emergency attention

B Conditioned: Teas and Tips to Promote Fertility

Conception is about the conditions.  There's a delicate balance at work and the conditions have to be right for conception to occur and pregnancy to maintain itself.   These days it's not uncommon for women to undergo extensive fertility treatments to ensure these conditions are met.  I applaud these women and always hope it works out for them because the end result is worth the emotional roller coaster. 

I love Susan Weeds series of books for women and in  Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years she suggests a few simple things to augment fertility and promote conception.

RED CLOVER flowers: High in both vitamins and protein that nourish the uterus and body.  The Calcium and Magnesium levels promote fertility by relaxing the nervous system.  Many of the minerals present are useful for glands which contribute to hormonal balance.  This herb also helps balance the acid/alkaline levels in the vagina and uterus contributing to a nice stable environment for conception.

Weed suggests infusing 1 oz of Red Clover flowers with 1tsp of peppermint leaves in a quart of water for four hours.  Drink throughout the day for several months.

NETTLE Leaves:  The common stinging nettle is a great herb for nourishing the uterus while strengthening the kidney's and adrenal glands.  This is important because actively attempting conception is VERY stressful.  This is a simple way to help combat some of that tension.  

RED RASPBERRY:  The high calcium content and properties that tonify the uterus make this another popular tea for women.  Combine this with Red Clover for maximum effect.  Use 1/2 oz of each in a quart of water for four hours. 

Add DANG GUI to these infusions if you need to normalize your periods.  Add this tincture between ovulation and menstruation.

Finally, just when you were getting used to clinical sex, she recommends "lunaception", which is to leave a light on in your bedroom for 3 nights mid cycle since ovulation is controlled by light.   Having intercourse on these "light" nights can help promote conception.  Keep your room in total darkness the rest of the month. 

Next week, I'll discuss fertility and the lunar cycle.  Until then...happy baby making.

B Pointed: Palace of Heaven

A.k.a Tianfu or Lung 3.  This point is located on the Lung channel which begins on the lateral side of your chest down to the edge of your thumb.  Lung points are obvious points for respiratory conditions like asthma.  But, Lung-3 is interesting because it has a spiritual component.  The Lungs store the corporeal soul, called the "po" which is one component of several that make up our spirit energy.  This particular point  is a great one for common conditions with an underlying emotional aspect to them.  Sometimes, we experience things that seem out of the ordinary.  So don't feel like you're crazy if you feel disoriented and are more forgetful than usual, or are overcome by sadness and find yourself weepy, or even if you feel drowsy but can't sleep.  We need to trust ourselves when we feel a little off and recognize that TCM may offer a pointed explanation.

B Clear: Remove Clutter to Clear Your Mind

Clutter in our home and office can be distracting to creative and cognitive processes.  Taking time to clear the clutter, tackle projects,  and re-organize can help focus our energy for more important matters.  This is a great time of year to remove clutter since Fall is about gathering and clearing as we prepare for colder months. 

Begin the Gathering:

1.  LOCATE a place in your home and bring all the stuff you want to sell and/or donate to that spot.  This helps begin the cleansing process without having to make permanent decisions for parting ways.  Set a date for a garage sale or charity pick-up.  You don't want that space or room to become a permanent designated place for stuff.

2.  CONTAIN.  Focus on one room at a time and bring with you a bag for trash and an empty box for stuff to move, donate, or store.

3.  PART ways with good stuff and avoid being too attached.  Sometimes, our good stuff doesn't work in our home anymore.  The velvet curtains I sold at my garage sale look much better in  The woman who bought my velvet curtains was excited to put them in her bedroom, a much better place than my basement.

Begin the clearing:

4.  CLEAR & CLEAN.   Have a bucket of suds and a rag to freshen up the space before you reorganize closets, shelves, and drawers.

5.  DESIGNATE spots.  Group stuff together and designate space for like items.  A chest of drawers became a new home for mailing materials, TCM catalogs, and craft materials.  

6.  BE RESOURCEFUL.  There is plenty of containers in your home without having to buy more.  Nice boxes are great for containing loose materials like scarves, smaller purses, and jewelry.

7.  LIST your projects and just DO IT.  Projects like hanging pictures and towel bars can linger in my mind's to-do list for months.  These things can take up unnecessary space in our homes and minds.

8.  BASK in the glory of organization.  Good job!