 Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad
This is one of my new favorite autumn/winter recipes; it is nourishing, grounding, and delightful to the tastebuds. The slight sweetness of the butternut squash and pecans is balanced by the pungency of the red onion and the slight bitterness of the kale. In addition to tasting delicious, this seasonal dish is quite nutrient-dense and high in fiber. The squash and kale are both excellent sources of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, plays a key role in immune health-- making this a wonderful recipe for “cold and flu season”. The ghee, coconut oil, and/or olive oil are all super nourishing fats, and the pecans provide some protein and more good fat. Ideally all the ingredients should be organic, but especially the kale, as it is one of the veggies that is most heavily sprayed. Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 bunch of kale, cut into thin ribbons (I use dinosaur kale, but any kind should work) 1 red onion, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. unrefined coconut oil or ghee 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes ½ cup pecans, chopped (and lightly toasted to bring out flavor, if desired) 1 tbsp. real maple syrup 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar unrefined salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional 1.) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a large flat baking pan with the ghee or coconut oil. Add the diced squash pieces and toss with a sprinkling of salt and fresh cracked pepper. Bake the squash for about 30-40 minutes, until tender and slightly browned, but not burnt. 2.) While the squash is roasting, prepare the kale on the stovetop. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil on medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced onion and saute about five minutes. Add half of the kale, and once that half has cooked down slightly, add the other half, along with 1 tsp. unrefined salt. Saute the whole mixture together for about 10 minutes on low heat, until the kale is tender. 3.) Once the squash is roasted, place it in a large bowl. Add the sauteed kale/onion mixture to the squash, along with the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar. Mix everything together. Add the chopped pecans, and once cooled slightly the feta cheese, if you are using it. This salad can be served warm or cold, and will keep in fridge about three days.
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It is late summer, a time of harvest and of basking in the abundant splendor of nature, as gardens and orchards brim with flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Down in my garden the "naked ladies" (a flower that's technically called Amaryllis Belladonna) are blooming with the smell of absolute pink-ness, and the peach trees are laden with ripening fruit. In the Chinese Medicine model of the Five Elements, late summer is a season unto itself, and it is the one associated with the Earth element. A very core and central theme for the Earth element is nourishment. In my newsletters throughout the year I like to share ways in which we can align our bodies and spirits with the energetic of the season. We all have these Five Elements within each of us, manifesting in many different ways. This month I'm offering suggestions relating to the Earth element, and how we can bring our own inner Earth element into greater health. Earth is also my personal constitutional element, so I have a lot of thoughts on this particular one! Ways in which you can cultivate a healthy Earth element: *Make a nourishment list. This is a "homework assignment" that I give to many of my clients, when they are depleted and drained. Write down everything you can think of that makes you feel deeply and truly nourished. I define something as nourishing if it leaves me feeling like the best possible version of myself. Let this list be long, and keep adding to it as new ideas come to you about what feels nourishing. Write down every food that feels deeply nourishing, every self-care practice and healthy habit, every book, every song or musical artist, every healing modality or healer, every friendship, every place you like to visit. It can help to post this list where you see it on a regular basis, and when you are feeling like your cup is running empty, refill it with something from your nourishment list. *Look at the "ecology of needs" in your life. This is a term that my teacher Thea Elijah shares when discussing the Earth element, and it is a very central theme with this element. The ecology of needs is the balance (or lack thereof) in our lives in relationship to needs: our own needs and the needs of others. As with any ecosystem, this balance can easily get disrupted. To see how your own ecology of needs is doing, it is helpful to ask ourselves these questions (journaling can be especially insightful): Do I consistently ignore my own needs? Do I give too much? Habitually doing this can lead to chronic energetic depletion and/or resentment. "To be generous, one must be rich" is an expression that is an important one for the Earth element. Our cup must be full before we can really give in an authentic way. A lot of health problems stem from continually giving and giving without refilling one's own cup and honoring one's needs. Am I able to voice what my needs are, to myself and to the people in my life (the greater community)? Am I comfortable with asking for help when I need it, without feeling guilty? Earth is about community, and an essential piece of community is reaching out for help when needed (and in turn reaching out to help others when they are in need). A key sentiment for the Earth element is "We are all in this together." There are times when we simply need support or resources outside of ourselves. If we really struggle with the act of asking for help, we should delve into why that might be, and work to build the inner muscle of asking for help. Are there ways in which I'm too needy? Are there ways in which I can and should be more self-sufficient and resourceful? Just as it is healthy to be able to ask for help, it can also get out of balance the other way if we are always depending on others to take care of our needs. It is a good idea to try to assess and discern what needs we can and should take care of on our own, and when it is time to reach out to the greater community for help. *Spend quality time in nature. One of the best ways we nourish our Earth element is by spending time with our feet actually on the earth! Take yourself on a date with nature: no concrete, no technological devices (cell phones off!), even no talking or reading. Go to a natural place that feels particularly healing to you. Take a slow and mindful walk in this place, opening your senses to the sounds, sights, and smells that surround you. As you walk, pay attention to your feet connecting with the earth with each step. See if you can feel fully supported and nourished by this planet that is holding you in its gravitational embrace. Allow yourself to move really slowly, so that you can fully soak in the essence of this natural place. Sitting or even lying down on the ground in a natural place can be one of the most replenishing and grounding things you can do for yourself. The Earth Element governs our relationship to Home-- be it our our actual living spaces, our bodies, or our planet. A healing theme for the Earth Element is to learn how to fully come home, to ourselves and to this planet. As you sit, stand or walk in the natural healing place you've chosen, try to see just how at home you can feel there. Try to cultivate a sense of really belonging, remembering that you are in fact a part of this natural ecosystem. It may even help to say to yourself, "I am home" as you spend your quality time in this place. *Examine and heal your relationship with food. Food is one of the most primal ways to nourish oneself, and it is also a powerful way of connecting with the Earth and all of its abundance. Many people who struggle with Earth imbalances struggle in their relationship to food (and also with appetite and digestive issues). It is important to think about not just what you eat, but also how you eat. Eating should be a loving and enjoyable act of self- care, not a source of stress and guilt. It's true that if we are addicted to processed foods and refined carbs it might take a little while for the cravings for those foods to end, as they are addictive foods. But once we kick the habit of eating that way we can begin to relish food that is truly nourishing to our bodies. As equal parts foodie and health nut, I'm pretty adamant that we don't have to choose between delicious food OR healthy food. The two can and should overlap! I'm also a big proponent of mindful eating. When you sit down to eat, take a moment to prepare your mind and body for this act of nourishment. You might even silently say to yourself before every meal, "May I be nourished by this food." Be sure to chew your food thoroughly, even setting your fork down between bites to slow down the process. This will also greatly help your digestion as many digestive problems stem from eating too quickly or not chewing thoroughly enough. Try to eat without distraction (again, no cell phones!) and when you are done eating take a moment to just sit and observe how you feel. Pausing to notice how you feel after eating can also give you information about which foods are really good for you, because you should feel good after eating! *Get regular acupuncture treatments, to establish and maintain balance in your Earth Element, as well as all the other elements. Acupuncture can support the health of these Five Elements within us on a deep energetic level, as well as on the physiological/symptomatic level. If you are struggling with a physical and/or emotional imbalance in your life, I would love to help you move through it towards a place of vibrancy, by using my synthesis of acupuncture, heart-centered lifestyle counseling, nutritional guidance, and herbal support. Call or email me today to see how I can help you on your healing journey... Wishing everyone an abundant and nourishing late summer season! Well wishes, Aimee P.S. Be sure to check out my Facebook and Instagram pages for articles, recipes, health tips, testimonials and more! https://www.facebook.com/AimeeMillerAcupuncture/ instagram: #aimeemilleracupuncture  In the Five Element philosophy of Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the Fire Element. As such, summer is the time to nourish and tend to our own inner Fire element (remembering that we have each of the five elements' energy systems within our being, and to have health they all need to be in balance). Fire is the element of joy and connection, and its season, summer, is when the yang energy is at its peak-- the days are the longest and hottest, and the energy is one of openness and expansion, like a flower in full bloom. Each season I like to share a little about how we can align ourselves with the particular element of that season, so this month I'm sharing how we can tend to and balance our inner Fire element. Here are some ways we can align ourselves with the seasonal energy of summer and the Fire element: *To stay replenished in this season of utmost yang, and not "burn out", we must always balance the Fire element with the Water element. Water is the utmost yin energy, and to stay healthy we need to nourish our yin, especially as the expansive and fiery yang energy is at its peak. This means, in essence, balancing outward activity with inward replenishment. In the summer many of us do a lot of traveling, going to festivals, amusement parks, etc. These are all very Fire Element activities, and it's good to do them, but we need to be sure we aren't just going-going-going until we burn out with exhaustion. If you have a very exciting trip or outing planned, try to schedule some down time of doing nothing soon afterwards to integrate and replenish. This is how we balance Fire with Water. I also encourage people to schedule "yin time" in their daily lives. Yin time is doing something meditative and restorative, such as sitting or walking meditation, yin yoga, Tai Chi, or qigong. It's ideal to have 10-30 minutes of yin time practices in the morning and the evening (as book ends to your day), and even in the late afternoon ("siesta time") if you can. Just mindfully drinking a cup of tea or taking a short cat nap can be deeply replenishing yin time. *The emotion associated with the Fire element is joy, so this is a good time to reflect on what brings us joy in life. You may even want to make a list of all the people and things in your life that genuinely bring you joy. What makes you glow, what fills you with warmth? Are there things that used to bring you joy but have fallen by the wayside in the hustle and bustle of life? Consider how you could re-incorporate these things or relationships back into your life. Or perhaps be a pioneer, and explore new interests or friendships. *The Fire element is all about connection. Our connection to each other, to ourselves/our hearts, and connection to the greater universe/greater spirit of life. Summer is a good time to contemplate and nourish these different connections... *Connection with others: Are there people in your life you've been meaning to connect with and reach out to, but for whatever reason haven't? Pick up the phone, send an email, schedule some quality time with them. If you have a spouse or partner, plan a special date or getaway, as a time for reconnecting. *Connection with your self: Sometimes we forget that we also have a relationship with our own self, our own heart, and it's an important one! Spend some quality time alone at least once a week, having a date with yourself! Take a solo walk in nature, spend some time journalling in a beautiful place, do something that brings you into a greater connection with yourself. A great way to connect with yourself is to place your hands over your heart center, close your eyes and spend several minutes as you continue to breathe into your heart ask yourself with deep sincerity, as you would ask a dear friend, "how are you doing in there?" See what thoughts or feelings come up as you ask this simple question. You may become aware of a feeling a tightness or tension, and you can gently breathe into that tension, inviting it to release with the breath. This is a beautiful way to listen to your heart and connect with yourself. *Connection to the universe: Regardless of our specific spiritual beliefs, we can probably all agree that we are living in a pretty vast, and even limitless, universe. Connecting to that vastness and limitlessness can put our own lives into a greater perspective. Some of us might be open to inviting that big energy connection into our own hearts, and there are a number of ways we can do this. One of my primary teachers, Thea Elijah, teaches a series of practices called Whole Heart Connection, which I have incorporate into my own self care. One of my favorite of these practices, which I share with many of my clients, is the practice of "basking and asking." In this practice we bow our heads and energetically breathe into and open up the area between our shoulder blades, the back of our heart. We often don't pay much attention to the back of our heart, but with breath and intention we can create a little portal there. We can ask this big universal energy to enter us through this portal and fill our hearts with all the love, light, and strength we need. Doing this, we allow ourselves to be filled until we are like a cup that runs over. Some people call this praying; you can also call it connecting to the greater universe, the universal love, the Tao, whatever. However you choose to frame it, it is a way of connecting, and it can be a very powerful practice. *Nourish your heart with diet and supplements. Each of the Five elements is associated with organs in the body, and the heart is the main organ of the Fire element. There are certain foods and tonics that are especially beneficial for the heart and for the fire element within us. Fish oil (specifically the EPA fatty acid in fish oil) is an important supplement for heart health, as is magnesium. A safe and gentle herbal tonic that supports cardiovascular health is the leaf, flower and fruit of the Hawthorne tree; you can get this as a tincture, capsule or make a tea. As for diet, eating seasonally means that summer is a time to "eat the rainbow" of fruits and veggies that are brimming in the gardens and farmers markets. The bright colors are indicative of antioxidants, which prevent cellular damage (the red colored ones especially have an affinity for the heart and the fire element). From a Chinese Medical dietary standpoint, the bitter flavor is associated with Fire, clearing excess heat. Dark green leafy veggies all have this bitter flavor, especially ones like arugula and dandelion greens (small amounts of very dark chocolate can also be used as a bitter!). When there is more cold and deficiency in the fire element, with symptoms of poor circulation, spices like ginger and cayenne can be used. Energetically summer is the time of full flowering, so teas and tinctures of flowers like lavender, rose, borage, albizzia, and Hawthorne are a good way to match the energy of this season (and these flowers also gently work to calm anxiety and soothe the heart). *Every element is associated with a sound, and the sound of Fire is laughter. Laughter is good medicine! It's also contagious so spending time with a funny friend can be very therapeutic. So can playing with little kids, watching a funny movie, reading a hilarious book, or conjuring up a ridiculous memory from your past. These are all good ways to get yourself laughing. *Contemplate if there are any areas in your life in which you need to "lighten up." The Fire element is the most carefree and lighthearted of all the elements. One way to support our own fire element is to contemplate the ways in which we are just too heavy, or might be taking some things (or ourselves) way too seriously. This doesn't mean turning into a flake or being irresponsible! But many of us could probably greatly benefit from loosening up a little. Where in your life do you get a little too tightly wound? I know for myself lately it's been with my three year old son, who has been really testing boundaries and pushing buttons. I've found if I can lighten up a little, consciously loosen my inner tension, and even bring some humor into the situation it makes things a lot better. *Spend some time near Fire. Spend some time this summer sitting by an actual fire--whether it is a campfire, a bonfire or even just gazing into a candle. This is not only a good way to experientially connect with this dynamic element, but this is often something we do with friends and family, so it also nourishes the need for connection that the Fire Element is so much about. Another way to connect with the actual element of Fire is to sunbathe. Obviously we should use common sense by not overdoing it or burning our skin, but a little time basking in the sun's warm glow is deeply nourishing (and gives us a dose of that incredibly important Vitamin D!). We are a sun-phobic society, but sunlight is very therapeutic for the body as well as the spirit, as long as we don't overdo it. * Spend time in and near the water. Water and Fire have a very intimate relationship with each other in the healing philosophy of Chinese Medicine. Water represent our depth, our roots, our kidney energy; Fire represents our height, our flowering, our heart energy. These two elements are clear representations of yin and yang, and they are always in dynamic relationship to each other. In winter, which is the season of water, we cozy up around the fire; this is nourishing the yang within yin. In summer, which is the season of Fire, we splash in the water; this is nourishing the yin within yang. Immersing ourselves in actual water, or spending time next to it, is very balancing to the fire within us. It can also be a deeply replenishing meditation to simply listen to the water, whether it's sitting by a babbling brook, a rushing wild river, or the crashing waves of the ocean. Sit in a comfortable place, close your eyes, and bring your full attention just on the sound of the water. This is a powerful meditation in its own right. Boxed cereals, even the ones labeled organic and natural, are not a very healthy breakfast option. This is because making the cereal into those cute little shapes involves a process called extrusion—a high heat industrial processing technique that denatures the grain, rendering it into an inflammatory food. A much healthier option is to cook your own whole grain porridge. Also known as Congee in traditional Asian diets, this way of preparing whole grains is very digestible and nourishing to the body. You can use most whole grains to make congee, though rice is the one that is traditionally used in Asian congees. I also like to make my congee using millet or quinoa. Adding a slice of dried Astragalus root adds immune-strengthening properties. I cook my congee in a crockpot overnight, so it’s all ready to go on the morning. Leftover congee is good for about two days.
Crockpot Congee Recipe Soak ½ cup of the whole grain (such as rice, millet, or quinoa) in warm water for 8-12 hours (soaking grains makes them more digestible and makes their nutrients more available to the body). Strain off the soaking water in a fine mesh colander and rinse the grain well. Put the soaked grain into a crockpot and add 4 cups of water. Cook on low setting for about six to eight hours. NOTE: You may add more or less water if you prefer a thinner or thicker consistency. Serve the congee with any nourishing seasonings of your choice. You can do a savory mix of fresh chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, toasted sesame oil, and a spoonful of fresh miso paste. You may also try a sweeter blend of dried fruits such as goji berries or raisins; chopped nuts or nut butter; butter or ghee; honey, maple syrup, or molasses; and spices such as cinnamon or cardamom. As long as your ingredients are nourishing and pure, feel free to experiment! I'm a firm believer that what we eat every day should be our primary source of medicine. In my acupuncture practice I teach my clients how to put this principle into practice. The growing movement towards embracing traditional, pre-industrial foods preparation has so much to offer in terms of preventing and healing chronic disease. This movement emphasizes eating foods that are nutrient-dense and free from the modern industrial processing techniques that denature and devitalize our food. Within the Traditional Food movement, bone broth holds a special place of honor. Our ancestors, from all different cultures, have used this traditional healing food for generations, not only for its potent health properties, but also for its ability to enhance the flavor of soups and sauces. By using the bones as well as the meat from the animals we eat, it is also an economic and resourceful practice to make homemade broth. As a health practitioner, I am especially interested in the therapeutic health properties that traditionally made broth has to offer. Bone broth is a wonderful source of easily absorbed minerals. It also contains naturally occurring gelatin, which is phenomenal for digestion and healing digestive disorders. A natural source of collagen, broth is also a great staple for people with joint disorders such as arthritis. And the "old wives tale" about homemade chicken soup being good for colds and flus? As is often the case, those old wives are now being backed by scientific research, which reveals that there actually are antiviral and immune-enhancing components in homemade chicken broth! I love the taste, versatility, and healing properties of homemade chicken broth in particular, so I'm going to share how I personally like to make it. You basically make a roast chicken or half-chicken for dinner one night. Then make the broth with the leftover chicken bones, and use this broth along with the leftover chicken to make the soup the next night. You can freeze some of your leftovers if it is more soup than you or your family plan to eat within a few days. This is a very healthy and delicious meal option for wintery nights. Enjoy! Part One: Crockpot Roast Chicken 1.)Rinse one organic and free range chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with unrefined sea salt. 2.)Stuff the chicken with whatever of the following seasonings you desire: shallots, onion halves, lemon halves, whole cloves of garlic, sprigs of thyme or rosemary, etc. 3.) Chop two onions in half, and place the four onion halves on the bottom of a crockpot. This is both to flavor the chicken and also to elevate the chicken in the crockpot a bit, as it will produce a lot of juices. Place the chicken on top of the bed of onion halves and turn the setting to "high." 4.) Cover and cook on high setting for about an hour, then turn setting to low, and cook on low for about six to eight hours. 5.) Test for doneness with a thermometer. or you can just tell by how easily it falls off the bone! Carefully lift chicken out of crockpot and place into an oven-proof baking dish. 6.) At this point you may choose to broil the chicken in the oven for five minutes if you want a very crispy skin. If not, just let it sit for about ten minutes before carving and serving. 7.) There will be a lot of juice left at the bottom of the crockpot. You may choose to make gravy from this, or leave it in the crockpot for your stock. After your chicken dinner, put any leftover chicken meat into a covered container in the fridge for tomorrow night's soup. Part Two: Making the Broth 1.) That same night, after your roast chicken dinner, place all the bones back into the crockpot with one roughly chopped onion, a couple celery ribs, and 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar (this helps pull more minerals out of the bones). Cover with 3-4 quarts of fresh water, turn the crockpot to low, and let simmer overnight. Part Three: Making the Super-Duper Delicious and Healing Chicken Soup 1.) The next day, strain your broth with a fine mesh metal strainer into a large bowl or pot. Discard the bones. You now have your homemade, nutrient-dense broth. It may be a bit gelatinous in texture-- this is a good thing! It actually means you're getting lots of good healing gelatin in your broth in addition to all the minerals from the bones. 2.) To make the soup: In a large soup pot, sautee 1 finely chopped onion in 2 Tb. ghee or extra virgin olive oil on low heat until onions are soft. 3.) Add 3 chopped carrots, 3 chopped celery ribs, 1 peeled and chopped potato, 3-4 cloves minced garlic, 6-8 pieces of peeled fresh ginger slices, and 2 tsp. unrefined sea salt. Sautee for a few more minutes. 4.) Stir in 1/2 cup brown or wild rice in to the veggies, along with chopped leftover chicken. Sautee a few more minutes. 5.) Add your homemade broth to the soup pot and turn the heat to high. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to low and simmer, covered for another 45 minutes or so, until the rice and veggies are soft. Taste for salt and add fresh cracked pepper to taste. Part Five: Adding the healing condiments Aside from the homemade chicken broth, one of the keys to the healing power of this soup is all the condiments you add after it's cooked. Here is a list of the condiments you can add fresh to your individual bowls of soup: * 1 Tablespoon of fresh miso paste * 1 handful of fresh chopped cilantro leaves * 1-2 tsp. of chopped fresh scallions * 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil * a crushed clove of fresh garlic (I suggest this if you are battling a cold) Hope you enjoy this delicious and healing soup as much as I do! If you are interested in learning more about the Traditional Foods movement, here are some great resources: www.nourishedkitchen.com www.thenourishinggourmet.com www.westonaprice.org www.nourishingourchildren.org Greetings to everyone this vibrant green spring! This is the season of growth and the Wood element. This means it is a good time to commit (or recommit) to the practices in our lives that keep us growing and blossoming into the fullest expression of who we really are. I am in the process of a lot of personal growth myself this spring, as I am integrating an incredibly valuable workshop I attended a few weeks ago. The work was on the practices of "Whole Heart Connection" which are taught by my teacher, mentor, and healer Thea Elijah. Whole Heart Connection is a series of inner practices Thea has created that can help one access a deep connection to the heart, which in Chinese Medicine is understood as the supreme emperor of one's being, and the seat of all consciousness. I am integrating these Whole Heart Connection practices into my own life and personal healing journey, and I am also beginning to offer them to some of my acupuncture clients when I sense they would be of benefit. (for more information on Thea Elijah and her work, visit http://www.perennialmedicine.com). Those of you who are already my clients know that I often will give out "homework" after an acupuncture session, and it is often an inner practice or exercise that I feel will further facilitate the client's healing and growth. Of course the acupuncture itself, as well as the herbs, are vitally important for shifting the whole self into a greater state of balance. But I also consider it to be vitally important to continually nourish that state of balance with regular practices that quiet the "monkey mind" and that bring us more fully into our bodies and the wisdom of our hearts. Inner cultivation practices such as sitting meditation, qigong, yoga, and many others are as essential for our health as is nourishing food and physical exercise. Having a practice of this kind teaches us how to shift into a more grounded, calm, and clear state of consciousness (much like how you often feel after an acupuncture session). Having a practice helps us continue to grow and evolve, and to see with more clarity the areas in which we still need to grow. These practices also help bring our awareness more deeply into the body and less tangled up in the busy thinking mind. This is really important because healing happens in the body, and it happens when we are living a fully embodied life. While our thinking minds can be very useful for a number of things in life, what most healing traditions teach (and I share this belief) is that true healing happens through the body, not through our cognitive processes, clever as they may be. Having a practice that brings us more fully into the present moment has a profound impact physiologically as well as psychologically. When we really come home to our bodies, we can come home to who we really are, and we can more clearly listen to the wisdom the heart has to share. Embodied consciousness practices also help us to shift from the sympathetic nervous system state of "fight or flight" (a state of chronic stress with which many people are all too familiar) into a parasympathetic mode of "rest, digest, and relax". True healing only happens when we are in a parasympathetic, relaxed state of consciousness, and these practices help teach us how to get there. Most of us spend a large portion of our time every day "taking care of business"-- working to make money, caring for children or other people that depend on us, paying bills, running errands, keeping house. Having a daily practice of some kind is having a daily reminder and a daily commitment to go deeper than just surviving. It is a commitment to our selves and our wellbeing. A daily practice is a time for renewal, kind of like an island of refuge we can spend a little time on each day. Over time, that island of calm begins to permeate into more and more areas of our daily life. Meditation, yoga, qigong, etc. are called practices for a reason-- they do require practice. I have been meditating for almost twenty years, and I definitely don't feel like I'm an expert at it! The practice is never mastered; we are always growing more, learning more, evolving more fully into who we really are. We embark upon a road with no end when we commit to a inner self-cultivation practice. The work is never finished and packaged up neatly with a "done" stamp on it. In a very goal and final product oriented society, the value of having a practice where you never "get there" is often dismissed. It certainly doesn't look like you are getting anywhere when you are just sitting on a meditation cushion with your eyes closed or doing such seemingly simple qigong exercises. It might "look like" a waste of valuable time. But there actually is a very clear and huge benefit to committing to such a cultivation practice. In essence, the benefit is called "health." But it does require effort, discipline, and patience. When we do an inner cultivation practice on a regular basis, it gradually starts to become easier for us to shift into that parasympathetic mode even when we are experiencing a enormous external demands and stressors. Over time, doing such a practice gives us a fuller well of inner calm from which to draw, and we are much less likely to snap, collapse, or resort to escapism in order to cope with the inevitable pressures of life. This is the value of a practice. It gives us internal resources to cope, so we don't have to rely on faulty crutches like addictions or unhealthy self-destructive habits. Many of us know that having a daily meditation, yoga, or qigong practice would be good for us, but feel like we just don't have the time. With a growing toddler and acupuncture practice, I can relate! But if we can make time to shower every day, we can make time to have a practice. Even ten or fifteen minutes a day of mindful breathing or qigong can make an enormous difference in our overall mental, emotional and physical health. In parting I've included below a ten minute guided mindfulness meditation video. If you are new to meditation, this can be a helpful and non-intimidating introduction. There are literally thousands more practices, teachers, books and resources out there. But at the end of the day, all of these different roads lead us back to the same destination-- they lead us home to who we really are. They bring us back to our true nature, in health and wholeness. Wishing all of you a clear mind, a healthy body, and an open heart as you continue on your healing road! With heart, Aimee Guided Ten-Minute Mindfulness Meditation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HYLyuJZKno I always know we are moving into late summer when the peaches start dropping from the tree in our garden, and the birds seem drunk on the sweet blackberries that grow down by the creek. Now begins the season of the harvest, the season of great abundance and nourishment. In Chinese medicine, Late Summer is actually considered a season unto itself, and in the Five elements framework this season corresponds to the Earth element. As with all of the elements, there are so many potent healing themes contained within Earth. I like to take some time to unpack some of these healing themes in my monthly newsletters, as when we explore and integrate these different facets of ourselves, we can move towards greater health in all areas of our lives. Health is really so much more than the absence of disease or pain. Health is so much more than eating right and exercising, though these things are indeed very important! But the highest level of health is fully stepping into and embodying the truest core essence of our being. It is being in rhythm with who we came into this world to be. It is living in a state where we can shine the radiant light of our true heart, and we generously share that light in all aspects of our lives. The beauty of the inner tradition of Chinese Medicine is that it is a path of coming home to who we really are. It is the path to health at the deepest, constitutional level. Sometimes we may lose touch with this core essence of our being, or we may not even realize it exists, because the pain and suffering in our lives has caused us to shut down our growth/healing in some fundamental way. Many of us fall into patterns in an effort to cope with the pain--patterns of undermining or sabotaging our growth, patterns of self destructive habits or thoughts, patterns of identifying with our sickness, and not with our true nature. The Five Element acupuncture approach is to help clear those patterns, and to reopen that path that leads us back to who we really are at our deepest, most radiant core. We each have one element that is our main constitution. This means that the core themes of that particular element make up the core themes of our life; this element holds both are greatest strengths and our greatest weaknesses. And although one element is our primary constitution, all of the five elements live within each of us. We need them all to be working together harmoniously, like a family of energies inside of us. Just like in a family, when one element is brought into greater health, it brings the other elements into greater health as well. Focusing on the healing themes of a particular element during its corresponding season is a great way to work on our self-healing throughout the year. So now that we are entering the season of late summer, let's focus our healing energy on our Earth element, and the teachings it holds. Earth is the element of the harvest, and of deep sustaining nourishment. It is the part of ourselves that, when healthy, knows when to give and when to receive. It is the part of ourselves that knows how to balance our own needs with the needs of others. This is the "ecology of needs". Earth is the element of ecology, and ecology is all about balance. One of the key themes I've been contemplating in regards to Earth lately is the role that self care plays in this ecology of needs. This has taken on an even deeper meaning for me personally, as being a mom to a toddler is teaching me how essential it is to make time and space for self care. If I don't learn how give myself what I really need, then I don't really have much left to give to my child. There needs to be a balance for there to be a healthy ecology. This applies to other areas of our lives as well. Do we have enough inner abundance to give all that is needed in our relationships and friendships, in our work, in every area of our lives? Or are we running on empty? We can think of ourselves as the soil from which our life grows. When we tend to our own self-- our soil-- with the right amount and the right kind of nutrients, then there can be an abundant and nourishing harvest in our lives. Abundance means that not only do we have enough for our self, but we have enough to share. Our soil's health is dependent on healthy self-care, and the fruits that grow from this soil are what we in turn harvest in our lives. Our relationships, our families, our careers, our passions, our spiritual paths-all of these are the fruits that want to grow and offer themselves in our lives. Will they be abundant and teeming with delicious nourishment? Or will they be withered and scanty, leaving us with a constant aching hunger? The answer lies in the extent to which we tend to our own soil-- our practices of self care! A misconception that some people may have is that self care is selfish. But self care is not the same thing as unchecked hedonism or indulgence. There is a big difference. True self care is the basic foundation for health. When we are the healthiest, we have the most to give. Again and again I have seen so many people sacrifice their own self care thinking that doing so, and being "selfless" is somehow a gift to others. But the opposite is true. There is a wonderful expression: "To be generous, one must first be rich." Being "rich" means being deeply nourished. Being deeply nourished depends upon us creating time and space for our own self care. This means we need to do the things that are truly nourishing, not just pleasurable or distracting. There are many things that are temporarily pleasurable but that actually deplete us, or numb us out. So we need to discover for ourselves the ways in which we can truly nourish ourselves, and thus become stronger. We also need to know how we can fit these self care practice into our daily lives, so that we may be continually feeding a rich and healthy soil. This healthy soil is what will in turn yield a nourishing and delicious harvest of fruit--the harvest of our lives. But it is not always so easy to figure out how to truly nourish ourselves! We all have unique nourishment needs. This is why my next women's healing circle will be devoted entirely to going deeper into this theme of self care and nourishment, and into exploring how the Earth element manifests uniquely within each of us. Details are below. I hope you will join us! Come join our women's healing circle and learn more about the Earth Element in you!! Daughters of Demeter is a series of healing circles for women. Each circle has a different seasonal theme, based on the teachings of the Five Elements fused with archetypes of the sacred feminine. Following the flow of the seasons, these groups invite us to dive deeply into all of these different facets of ourselves, so that we may come to understand ourselves at a more meaningful level, and so that we may also learn how to move past any obstacles keeping us from flourishing and blossoming fully in our lives. Together we will be learning and sharing in an intimate, safe, and sacred circle of sisterhood. We will be doing this work primarily through guided writing prompts and personal sharing. We may also incorporate qigong exercises, elements of ritual, and sacred song based on the season and element we are exploring. Our next circle gathers to explore the Earth Element, and the archetype of the Mother. We will explore several rich and potent themes in this session, including our relationship to nourishment, the sacred art and practice of self care, balancing the "ecology of needs" in our lives, and learning to mother ourselves. With the intention of healing, we will go beyond exploration and dive into discovering practical ways to make healthy and needed change in our lives. We will be doing this healing work at my clinic here in beautiful Happy Valley on Sunday August 30th, from 10:00 to 12:00. The cost for the Earth session is $30, but participants that register by August 15th will receive an early bird discount of $25. Pre-registration is required. For now I am only offering one of these healing circles for each season and element, so if you're interested be sure to sign up soon, as space is limited! Between my own personal cleanse I've been doing, the clients I'm currently helping with their cleanses, and the talk I did last night on the subject, I've got Spring cleansing on the brain! One of my absolute favorite foods to eat during a spring cleanse are beets. They are an amazing food for liver health, for promoting regularity, and for both purifying and building the blood. One fabulous way to get the healing properties of beets AND probiotics is to consume beet kvass. A naturally fermented traditional Ukrainian beverage, beet kvass is easy to make and a wonderful daily tonic for liver and digestive health. I'm going to share how I make beet kvass, adapting a recipe from the Traditional Foods bible, Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon...
Make your own beet kvass... Thoroughly scrub and/or peel 3 beets. Chop coarsely and place into a 2 quart glass jar. (Optional: also add 2 Tb. of fresh grated ginger root). Add 1/4 cup liquid whey (see how to make below), 1/2 Tb. unrefined salt, and water to fill the jar. Stir well and cover. Allow to sit at room temperature for about 4 days. Transfer to fridge and enjoy a small glass once or twice a day as a wonderful tonic. To make liquid whey: Liquid whey can be used for starting many probiotic-rich fermented foods and beverages, including beet kvass. Here's a video showing a method similar to the one I like to use to obtain my whey. It is pretty easy, and also yields a delicious yogurt cheese after you separate the whey. I have had the best success using the St. Benoit plain yogurt, which is available at many health food stores (it comes in a glass jar). I use a small muslin cloth bag to strain the whey from the yogurt into a quart-sized mason jar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skypSnABzQA I really encourage people to start exploring making your own traditional fermented beverages like kvass and kombucha-- it is so much cheaper than what you buy at the store, and many of these are very easy and to make. Consuming naturally fermented, probiotic-rich foods and beverages is a key component to our health (read my post on healthy eating for more on this subject). Rethinking our perspective on cleansing… “Cleanse” versus “Detox”
I like to think of a cleanse as a seasonal renewal and an opportunity to get into balance, rather than a “detox” for a couple of reasons. One is because I strongly believe it is important to have an empowering, health-affirming perspective in relationship to our bodies and our healing processes. In other words, I don’t find it to be helpful on any level to think of oneself as “toxic”. I also have found that the most effective cleanses tend to be relatively simple and gentle, and are ones that allow the body’s own inherent cleansing mechanisms to take place. I strongly believe that the body has its own inherent wisdom for finding balance, if the appropriate diet, healing practices and herbal allies are utilized. It is my intention as a practitioner to help people in this gentle yet profound way of cleansing. What is a cleanse? There are many different types of cleanses. Some are ancient healing traditions from various cultures and some more modern inventions. Some are very specific protocols (such as the Master Cleanse) and some are more a set of guidelines that can be adapted and tailored towards varying constitutions. The cleanse I help people with in my clinic is more the latter kind-- a set of guidelines and principles, largely based on dietary choices, but also using herbs and other healing modalities. A big part of a cleanse is of course supporting the detoxification and elimination processes in the body, but a balanced cleanse should at the same time support and nourish the body's vital energy. Why do a cleanse? Cleansing can greatly benefit a person’s overall health, because essentially it is giving the body a break. By cutting out foods and substances that put strain on the body, we free up the body’s own inherent healing energy. The liver doesn’t have to work so hard processing toxins when we are not taking in any toxins! In addition to cutting out the things that put a strain on our health, we emphasize incorporating foods, herbs, and self-care practices that strengthen the body’s own inherent cleansing and healing capacity. I believe that most people can benefit from doing a gentle spring cleanse every year, because even if we don’t have any specific health conditions we are struggling with, we can all benefit from a “reboot”, where we set aside some time and energy to really focus on our health. But there are some specific health conditions that can often really benefit from this type of cleanse. Some of these include:
When do we cleanse: aligning with the Wood Element, and why we cleanse in Spring In Chinese Medicine, each season corresponds to one of Five Elements. Spring corresponds to the Wood element, represented by trees, plants and all green living things that grow and thrive. The Wood element has the Liver and Gallbladder as its associated organs and acupuncture channels. The liver and gallbladder, as we know, are vitally important in the cleansing process. When these organs or energy pathways have stagnation, there can be an incredible amount of frustration, irritation, even depression. There is a sense of not being able to move forward, a sense of stuckness. It can go the other way too: when we are chronically stressed, frustrated or irritated this can create stagnation in these organ systems. Springtime, and the Wood element, is about new beginnings, growth, and rebirth. When we do a cleanse, we are allowing our bodies (and our spirits) to get unstuck, to grow, and to move forward in life with vibrancy. We are getting the energy moving, in a direction of healing and growth. We can do encourage ourselves to let go of old habits and patterns that do not serve our overall health and happiness, and that keep us stuck on any level. Interestingly, the element that keeps Wood in balance (through the K’o cycle of the Five Element framework) is the Metal element, which is the element associated with Autumn. Here is one way to think of the relationship between these two elements, and how they relate to the cleansing process: If a tree doesn’t let go of its dead and dried up leaves in Autumn, there will be no room for the vibrant, new green growth of Spring. We need to release old, stuck energy before we can truly heal, grow, and thrive. This is the energetic dynamic I like to focus on when helping people do a Spring cleanse, working with these two elements. It’s also interesting to note that one of the organs associated with the Metal element is the colon. An important part of the cleansing process is elimination, letting go. Thus, it is important to make sure that we also focus on the colon and bowel elimination when we do a cleanse. On a physiological level this is how toxins that have been released from the cells then can be released from the body (also through urination and the skin via sweating). There are many different ways to facilitate colon cleansing, through many different healing traditions. I prefer the gentle method of increasing water intake, probiotic-rich foods, and whole plant foods that promote regularity. Supplementing with foods like ground flax seed or chia seed can also be helpful. When Not to Cleanse… I advise people not to do a cleanse in certain situations. If you are sick with a cold or flu I advise waiting until you have recovered, and your energy and immune system is stronger. Remember, when we cleanse we are moving the energy in the body; if the body is greatly depleted from an active infection, moving the energy will only weaken the person further. I also advise people not to cleanse when they are pregnant or nursing, to prevent transmitting any stirred up toxins to the baby and also because the diet should be more rich in animal protein and building foods at these times. How Long to Cleanse? It varies with individual constitutions and health concerns, but most people would benefit from a cleanse lasting anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. When I am guiding people with their cleanse in my private practice I will often take a gradual, incremental approach over the course of a month. *Components of a Cleanse Part One: Diet* An important note: I really encourage people to focus their energy and intention more on the foods on that they "should" eat during a cleanse and less on the ones that they "shouldn't." While it is true that we want to cut out or greatly eliminate certain foods during a cleanse, we don't want that to be our whole focus, or we enter into what I call a deprivation mindset. Thinking to ourselves "I'm really excited to eat all of these vibrant and delicious foods that are so nourishing to body" is so much more health-affirming and positive than thinking "Well, I can't and shouldn't eat this or this or that". So I encourage us to shift our perspective towards the positive, and really relish all these wonderful foods we can and should eat during our cleanse. And as someone who is equal parts foodie and nutrition nut, I'm a firm proponent of the fact that healthy food can and should be delicious! Foods and drinks to reduce, avoid, or eliminate during a cleanse: All sugars and artificial sweeteners; sodas; breads and flour products such as pasta, crackers, etc.; processed foods; fast foods; caffeine (small amount of green tea ok); alcohol; dairy (small amounts of raw, pasture-raised dairy may be ok for part or all of cleanse, but keep to a minimum); red meat and pork; possibly all animal protein for all or part of cleanse, depending on constitution. Foods and drinks to emphasis during a cleanse: A wide variety of organic, in-season vegetables-- lightly steamed, sautéed, and some raw in salads (depending on individual constitution and strength of digestion). Specific vegetables to focus on: dark leafy greens such as kale, dandelion greens, arugula, and other bitter greens; fresh sprouts such as sunflower sprouts; parsley and cilantro; radishes; beets (and their greens!); roasted roots; also naturally fermented vegetables such as raw sauerkraut or kimchi; seaweeds. For some people it is also a good idea to incorporate “green drinks” into a cleanse; there are some very good superfood green powders available in health food stores. Spirulina and blue-green algae are also potent superfoods with both cleansing and strengthening properties. Properly soaked and well-cooked grains and legumes. Quinoa, millet, rice, and other whole grains are excellent whole grains for a cleanse, if prepared properly by soaking and cooking thoroughly. Kitcharee, made from mung beans and rice, is an excellent cleansing and nourishing food (see recipe, and consider doing a 1-3 day kitcharee fast as part of your cleanse). Congees are also a good way to prepare grains in a highly digestible way. It is very important to soak all grains and legumes to make them digestible. Optional: Some pasture-raised and traditionally prepared animal protein. While grassfed red meat and pork are often important nutrient-dense foods in a balanced diet, they usually should be eliminated during a short term cleanse, when the emphasis is on lighter, much less nutrient-dense foods. Poultry, wild fish and seafood may be eaten, though some people may choose to eat a completely vegetarian diet during a cleanse, depending on their constitution and preference. Pasture-raised eggs and non-pasteurized and/or fermented dairy such as raw milk, yogurt, or kefir can be part of a cleanse for some people, but should be kept to a minimum. The emphasis should really be on whole plant foods during a cleanse, but for many people it is still a good idea to eat a small amount of animal protein for part or all of the cleanse, depending on one's constitution. A cleanse shouldn’t last much longer than a month, which in general is not long enough to set up nutritional deficiencies that can occur in a long-term vegan diet. If animal protein is eaten it should be pasture-raised/grassfed, and completely free from antibiotics and hormones. Plenty of fermented foods and beverages: miso, raw saurkraut, kimchi, kombucha, beet kvass, water or coconut kefir, etc. A cleanse is a great time to really build up one's internal microbiome of beneficial flora by consuming probiotic-rich foods and drinks. Small amount of soaked or sprouted raw nuts, seeds, or nut/seed butters: As with grains and legumes, soaking ensures they are digestible. A wholesome fiber supplement such as ground flax seed and/or chia seed to promote regular bowel elimination Organic, in-season fresh fruit or dried, unsulphured fruits Beverages: at least 64 ounces of water a day, warm or room temperature, with fresh lemon juice squeezed into it; kombucha; beet kvass; herbal teas (dandelion is a great one for cleansing); green drinks; a little bit of organic green tea ok *Components of a Cleanse Part Two: Herbs* Note: I highly recommend consulting with an experienced and professionally licensed herbalist before beginning any herbal supplements. While many herbs are quite gentle and food-like plants, others have a much stronger physiological effect on the body. Some herbs are not appropriate for certain constitutions or health conditions, and can even be harmful, so please check in with a skilled herbalist before you incorporate herbs into your cleanse. If you are taking prescription medications or have been diagnosed with a medical condition, please consult your primary care physician before taking any herbs. There are so many wonderful herbs that can facilitate the cleansing process. Here are a few of my favorites, and some key points about them: Dandelion: the leaf is a wonderful kidney cleanser and diuretic. The root is superb at clearing liver heat and effectively cleansing a congested liver and gallbladder. It stimulates bile secretion and can be used to improve digestive function. The root also has a mild laxative effect, making it a great herb for increasing elimination during a cleanse. It is one of my favorite herbs for clearing up difficult skin conditions. The roasted root in a tea is a delicious alternative to coffee. Milk Thistle: Milk thistle seed is a phenomenal hepato-protective herb, meaning it protects the liver from damage. It also helps the liver to regenerate. It is thus a wonderful herb for people who have taken or are currently taking any type of drug (whether over-the-counter, prescription, or recreational) or who drink alcohol on a regular basis or have a history of drinking. And it is a good herb for most people to take, because in modern life we are all exposed to environmental toxins to some degree. Turmeric: Most people these days think of turmeric as a powerful anti-inflammatory, but what many people don’t realize is that it is also a wonderful herb for liver cleansing. It stimulates bile production, decongests the liver, and promotes digestive health. Along with dandelion root, it is also a great herbal ally for chronic skin conditions such as acne, itchy and inflamed rashes, and eczema. Artichoke Leaf: This is a great one for a sluggish liver and gallbladder, with difficulty digesting fats or sluggish digestion. Its bitter flavor stimulates bile production, and it’s a great one to prevent the formation of gallstones. It is often included in Digestive Bitter formulas. Bupleurum (Chai Hu): An herb often used in Chinese Medicine to spread or smooth out stuck liver qi. Stagnant liver qi that results in depression, PMS, or mood swings can often be effectively treated with Chai Hu, or a formula with that as a chief ingredient. It is also great for the chest pain or stifling feeling that accompanies liver qi stagnation. Chinese Herb Formulas: There are many phenomenal Chinese herb formulas that balance and invigorate the Wood element, and the liver and gallbladder system. I have seen incredible results over the years that I have been using and prescribing these ancient formulas. It is best to consult with a practitioner of Chinese Medicine if you are interested in taking Chinese herbs, as it is a completely different diagnostic system than is used in western herbalism, and requires someone with a firm understanding of Chinese Medicine to make an appropriate herbal prescription. *Components of a Cleanse Part Three: Self-Care Practices* In addition to dietary changes and herbal supplementation, there are many self-care practices that can greatly enhance and facilitate the body’s cleansing practice. You may choose to do some or all of these practices during your cleanse. Massage: Therapeutic massage helps improve circulation and increases oxygenation. It also moves the lymph and helps with the elimination of toxins. It is ideal to get a professional massage once a week during your cleanse, but you can also do a self-massage. You can do your full body self-massage after a bath or shower using a blend of essential oils in a pure oil base such as olive oil or coconut oil. Some essential oils that are particularly helpful during a cleanse include grapefruit, lemongrass, juniper, lemon, and rosemary. Be sure to drink plenty of water after a massage. Dry-brushing: The skin is a huge organ of elimination, and we can greatly facilitate our cleansing process by doing some dry brushing. Using a natural skin brush or loofah, brush the skin starting at the feet and moving upwards. All strokes should go towards the heart. Be sure to shower after dry brushing to rinse away the dead skin and debris. Therapeutic Baths: Taking baths with natural mineral salts, seaweed, essential oils, and/or herbal infusions can greatly enhance the cleansing experience. Remember that the skin is an organ of elimination, so when we sweat we help the cleansing process. Saunas and sweat lodges are another wonderful cleansing ritual. You may want to do a facial mask with a clay, such as bentonite, kaolin, or French green clay, during your bath to pull toxins out of the skin. Drink plenty of water when you do a therapeutic bath, sauna, or sweat lodge. Oil pulling: An ancient Ayurvedic practice in which you swish oil around in your mouth (I suggest coconut oil) first thing in the morning, for 10-20 minutes, then spit it out. This helps cleanse the mouth and gums of toxins and bacteria, and many people report feeling whole-body healing benefits from regularly doing this practice. Exercise: During a cleanse it is ideal to do at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and longer stretches if possible. Qigong, yoga, brisk walks, hiking, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are all wonderful ways to move. There are some specific Qigong exercises that support the Wood element and Liver/Gallbladder meridians, as well as certain yoga postures. Remember, the Wood element is all about movement, so get out there in the fresh spring air, amongst the living green trees, and move your body! Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an amazingly powerful way to move stuck energy in the body, mind, and spirit. It is also great because each treatment is tailored to YOU and your specific health concerns and needs. A relaxing acupuncture session is a wonderful way to turn inward and “check in” with yourself at a deep level, while at the same time getting emotional support and herbal expertise from a skilled practitioner. Journaling: Write about your vision for this next season of growth. Think about your life as a garden. What seeds do you want to plant? What seeds are beginning to sprout already? What do you want to manifest? Where are you headed? What are some potential blocks (internal or external) keeping you from this new growth--what weeds need to be pulled? What do you need to let go of? Spring cleaning: Clean your house, smudge it with sage or cedarwood, get rid of/donate any clutter you no longer need, put fresh flowers in vases. We are profoundly affected by out physical living environment. Make yours a peaceful and beautiful sanctuary, free from excess clutter. Cleansing the mind: Allow a bit of time each day to empty and quiet the mind with meditation. Consider doing a media fast, where you “unplug” from TV, radio, Internet, I-phones, Facebook, etc. Even if you just do it for one day, this can be a powerful practice for finding the spaciousness and quietude within, especially if combined with meditation. You might want to combine this media fast with a day (or more if possible) of total silence, where you completely refrain from speaking. SPRING CLEANSE PACKAGE!! Last year in my clinic I offered a guided spring cleanse package for some of my clients and I got such good feedback that I've decided to do it again! In this package you will get: Four 90 minute private sessions that combine acupuncture, massage, and consultation. I will provide guidelines, specific self-care suggestions and counseling, meal plans, shopping lists, and recipes tailored towards your needs and constitution. I will also prescribe an appropriate herbal formula for you. We will go over your specific health concerns in each session and you will have unlimited email support for the entire four weeks of your cleanse. The combination of massage and acupuncture in each session will not only be deeply relaxing, but it will also be helping your body cleanse and move stuck energy. This entire month-long package is only $300, though its actual value is well over $400! I will be offering this exceptional package for the months of March, April, and May only. Payment plans accepted. This is an amazing way to do your yearly spring cleanse under the guidance and care of a practitioner, and with weekly massage and acupuncture sessions in addition to all the nutritional and herbal support! For decades I have been interested in nutrition and healthy eating. Several months before I got pregnant with my son (now a healthy and thriving 15-month old) I began to do intensive research on nutrition. I knew the importance of a healthy diet to increase one's fertility, to ensure the health and proper development of the fetus as it grew, and then, once born, the importance of the mother's diet in relation to breast milk quality and quantity. So I was strongly motivated to dive even deeper into food as the ultimate medicine.
My research, combined with my prior knowledge of health as a holistic healthcare practitioner, led me to finally have an answer the perennial question so many people ask of "what is a healthy diet?" The answer: a nutrient-dense, traditional foods diet. Unlike the countless trends of "diets" that rise and fall throughout the years, this way of eating is based on the diets our ancestors ate, before industrialized and processed food was introduced. Different traditional cultures across the globe had very different diets, but they also shared some very key aspects: food wisdom passed down through the generations prior to the advent of industrially processed and denatured food. The modern Traditional Foods Movement is a return to these principles of eating. I'd like to share some of these basic principles, as I know so many people who are confused about what they should be eating and feeding their families for optimal physical and mental health. Below is a list of the basic foods that comprise a whole food, nutrient-dense diet. 1.) Pasture-raised meats, eggs, and wild-caught fish. While I think many people can thrive on a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (one that includes eggs and dairy, but no meat), from a nutritional standpoint I cannot recommend a strictly vegan diet for anyone, and ESPECIALLY not for growing children. There are no traditional cultures that followed a strictly vegan diet, and this is not a coincidence. There are many nutrients, absolutely essential for mental and physical health, that simply cannot be obtained from a purely plant-based diet. As a teenager, I was a strict vegan for five years of my life, and it was primarily because I was appalled at the treatment of animals in industrial agriculture, and this a valid point that needs to be addressed. At the time of my veganism, I was not aware of a movement towards traditional agricultural farming methods that uphold ethically and environmentally responsible practices. It also turns out that the meat, eggs, and dairy that comes from animals raised in the old-fashioned, pre-industrial way is actually superior from a nutritional standpoint. The Traditional Foods movement is adamant about obtaining animal protein from small farms with traditional farming methods and NOT from animals raised in factory farms and CAFO's (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations). It would be unheard of in an indigenous culture to throw away some parts of an animal that was killed for eating. One of the principles of a traditional diet is making use of the whole animal--bones, skin, organs in addition to the commonly eaten muscle meats. This is both a way to respect the animal who has been killed, by not wasting any part of it, but it's also a way to get an incredible amount of nutrients. Making a broth out of the leftover roast chicken carcass is a great example of how to enact this principle. There is an entire book written about the healing properties of bone broth--it is such good medicine! 2.) Dairy that is full-fat, raw, non-homogenized from cows or goats raised with traditional farming methods. Our ancestors didn't have skim or low-fat milk! The low-fat/non-fat dairy products came out of a widespread belief (propagated by the industrial food industry) that eating animal fats will make us fat. Wrong! The biggest contributing factor to obesity (besides a sedentary lifestyle) is a diet high in sugars and refined, processed carbohydrates (more on this below). Low-fat and non-fat dairy, in addition to being denatured by unnatural processing methods, is higher in sugars and much lower in the fat-soluble vitamins that are so essential for mental and physical health and wellbeing. "Milk alternatives" are also highly processed food products devoid of nutrients (which is why they will add synthetic vitamins A and D to these alternative milk products and to low-fat dairy). So it needs to be full-fat and it really should be raw, if possible Pasteurization came about in a tme when there were dirty and unsanitary farming practices and people were getting sick from contaminated milk. Modern day raw dairy farmers have access to equipment and practices that prevent such contamination (such as stainless steel tanks and refrigeration). Most modern raw dairy farmers are also regularly inspected by government agencies to ensure they are following completely safe and sanitary practices. Because it retains its natural enzymes, raw milk is easier to digest than pasteurized (I for one get a lot of mucus, sneezing, and sometimes stomach pain when I drink pasteurized milk-- symptoms I never get from raw milk). I drank raw milk throughout my entire pregnancy and now I give my toddler the same milk. I attribute his phenomenal health largely to this wonderful superfood that we get directly from the farmer at the weekly farmer's market. Some people find raw goat milk easier to digest, and some people can only tolerate dairy in its cultured forms (i.e. yogurt or kefir). Every body is different, so I suggest people find what works best for them, within the context of traditional dairy products. 3.) Organic, seasonal, and locally-grown fruits and vegetable. Local and seasonal means you're not eating blueberries or tomatoes in January! By eating produce that is grown on small local farms, without pesticides, you are getting the optimal vitality and life-force from your fruits and veggies. Right now, in the dead of winter, the only fruits that are really in season here are citrus and kiwi. And guess what? They are wonderful sources of Vitamin C, right in the midst of cold and flu season! Balancing the nutrient-dense foods we get from the animals with the lighter, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables is the perfect balance of foods that are building and foods that are cleansing. When people forgo all animal foods for only plant foods they are basically eating a diet that is cleansing without building. This may feel good at first, and can be therapeutic for short-term seasonal cleanses, but in the long run it is a recipe for serious deficiencies. So while it's good to enjoy a fresh organic salad from the farmer's market, don't neglect getting your nutrient-dense foods in as well! 4.) Grains. Boy, is this is a hot topic these days! Grains have become vilified in recent years, and actually with good reason. When not prepared properly, grains are extremely hard to digest and can pose a lot of health problems for people. This is where Traditional Food wisdom comes in handy. Our ancestors knew that grains needed extra preparation if they were to be nutritious and digestible foods. So they soaked and soured their grains a long time, and then cooked them a long time, often into watery porridges. Through proper preparation, they found a way to make a food, which in its raw form is virtually indigestible, into a highly nourishing staple. But in modern times we've lost this food wisdom in regards to grains, and are now paying the price, health-wise. There are a few ways we've been eating grains our modern culture that pose health threats. On the one hand, there is the industrially processed flour products (such as crackers and boxed cereals) which are completely denatured by a process called extrusion, so that they can get into those shapes. These flour products also often contain rancid vegetable oils that promote inflammation in the body. "Whole grain" and "natural" crackers and boxed cereals do the same industrial processing, so don't be confused! The other way we've gone awry with grains is to eat a lot of "whole grains", but without doing the proper soaking and long-cooking methods essential for improving their digestibility. In response to all the grain-induced health problems, many people have opted out of eating them altogether (as in the Paleo diet). While this works well for some people, I actually advocate including in one's diet some whole grains--just prepared in the proper, traditional manner. Eating a diet primarily comprised of meat is not a financially viable option for many people, nor is it a very sustainable option from a planetary perspective. Grains can be a nourishing and affordable part of a whole foods diet, as long as they are prepared correctly. 5.) Legumes, nuts, and seeds. These also require soaking and thorough cooking to optimize digestibility and nutritional value. I recommend cooking them all day in a crockpot, after soaking them. Avoid canned beans, which are not prepared in the traditional method. Like grains, lentils and beans can be very nourishing and versatile staples in a diet. Nuts and seeds can be soaked in salt water and then put into a food dehydrator to make "crispy nuts" as a healthy snack. Be sure your nuts and seeds are fresh, not rancid. They are best stored in the refrigerator. 6.) Healthy, traditional fats. Long vilified, traditional saturated fats such as butter, ghee, coconut oil, and even lard provide valuable fat soluble nutrients such as Vitamins A and D. These fats have been used for cooking by traditional cultures for countless generations. Cholesterol, which most of these saturated fats contain, is actually and important nutrient for hormone production, fertility, cognitive function, and many other functions in the body. Cholesterol is especially important for children and their developing brains. A delicious and nourishing food for toddlers and children is steamed vegetables tossed with pasture-raised butter (the more yellow in color the more nutrient-rich) and sea salt. Extra virgin olive oil and some nut oils also play important roles in a whole food, traditional diet. The oils we should be avoiding are the modern industrial vegetable oils that do not have a history of traditional use: canola, soybean, and corn are some of the most commonly used of these unhealthy oils. They create inflammation in the body, and oxidation of the cells. 7.) Fermented foods and drinks. The mainstream medical world is finally catching on to the important role that beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, play in one's overall health. Not only limited to digestive health, more and more research is revealing that having balanced internal flora has a lot to do with emotional health and cognitive function. There is an entire field of research emerging in regards to the "gut-brain axis" and the "human micro-biome." Probiotics also play an important role in immune system health. Traditional peoples didn't necessarily have hard science proving that naturally fermented foods were good for you--but they had generations of experience. Yogurt, kefir, kombucha, raw sauerkraut, kim-chee, beet kvass, miso, real sourdough... virtually every traditional culture regularly consumed some form of naturally fermented food or drink, rich in this beneficial bacteria and live enzymes. I suggest having a little glass of a fermented drink like kombucha or kvass, or a little scoop of sauerkraut with every meal. It will improve digestion and ensure that your own internal micro-biome is thriving in balance. This is especially good for pregnant moms, as the health of your flora will be passed on to your baby at birth and through breastfeeding. When babies are introduced to solids it is a good idea to introduce some of these foods in small amounts as well. It will get them accustomed to the sour taste at an early age, and it will ensure they too have a healthy internal ecosystem. My little toddler loves kombucha, sauerkraut and unsweetened yogurt! ************************************************************************************** As you can see, getting people to eat a nutrient dense, traditional, non-industrialized diet is something I am very passionate about. In my acupuncture clinic I strive to help all my clients start to understand how food is medicine, and how eating healthy isn't about deprivation--it's about nourishment and enjoyment. Healthy food tastes and feels good in the body. My nutritional guidance is something my acupuncture clients can rely on, included in the cost of their acupuncture sessions. I offer this because I see the best results in people's healing when they are eating nutrient-rich medicine three times a day! There are some great resources out there if you want to learn more about real, nutrient-dense foods and the Traditional Foods Movement. Here are some of my favorites: Cookbook: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Cookbook: Full Moon Feast by Jessica Prentice (so much more than just a cookbook, I love how she explores food from so many angles) Cookbook: Nourished Kitchen by Jessica McGruther Organization: The Weston A. Price Foundation www.westonaprice.org Organization: Nourishing Our Children www.nourishingourchildren.org |
AuthorI am a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with a Heart-centered practice in the Santa Cruz mountains. See my About page for more about me and the work I do. Archives
April 2019
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