ooh! As it warms up, we all want something refreshing - how about this healthy, homemade alternative to soda? yum!

AGUA DE MANZANA
It’s so easy to make, and it’s a healthy alternative to juice and soda. Also, the high fiber and carbs in apples leave you feeling satisfied and full.
1. Take a big ol’ pot (think the kind your aunt uses to make caldo) and fill it 3/4 of the way with water.
2. Cut 6-8 apples into quarters. Throw away the seeds. (I recommend taking off the skin if the apples aren’t organic.)
3. Add the apples and 3 cinnamon sticks to the pot.
4. Boil until apples are so soft they start to break apart.
Let it cool before refrigerating. If it’s not sweet enough for you, add a tad of raw sugar. Don’t know what to do with the leftover apples? See applesauce recipe below.

HOMEADE APPLESAUCE
1. Blend the leftover apples from the agua de manzana recipe and a handful of cereal (such as Special K) in a blender.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of a healthy buttery spread, such as Smart Balance, in a small pot.
3. Add the apple-cornflakes mix to the pot and heat thoroughly. Add 2 tablespoons of honey and cinnamon to taste.

Source

Two more fantastic examples of how acupuncturists are sustainably working in the public health, thinking outside the box and addressing social needs in an affordable, effective way.

As Adam Burke says, "Historically, the role of public health has been in control of infectious disease, emergency preparedness, ensuring access to affordable care, and promoting community health. Acupuncture services are already an important part of public health service, especially in the areas of community-based HIV/AIDS treatment and in treatment of individuals with chemical dependency issues. Given its growing use in the general public, there is a greater potential role in a wider arena. Numerous studies show how acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain; this represents another important area of growth for this medicine. Providing acupuncture within a broader holistic context of diet, movement, and healthy lifestyle could be a potentially powerful contributor to modifications in health behaviors of all Americans."

Providing affordable acupuncture IS a form of providing public health. As acupuncturists, let's expand our vision for what being a health care provider can (and perhaps should) look like.

From www.acufinder.com

The Spirit of Renewal: Spring and Traditional Chinese Medicine
By: Diane Joswick, L.Ac., MSOM Spring: It is the long-awaited change of winter to spring. Seeds sprout, flowers bloom, and the sun warms the earth. There is a sense of renewal and new life all around.

While winter was a time to conserve energy and reduce activity, spring is a time of regeneration, new beginnings, and a renewal of spirit.

The Principle of the Five Elements

The five elements refer to wood, fire, earth, metal, and water in Eastern philosophy. The Principle of the Five Elements (known as the Wu Hsing in Chinese) describes the flow of Qi and the balance of yin and yang.

According to the principle, all change — in the universe and in your body — occurs in five distinct stages. Each of these stages is associated with a particular time of year, a specific element in nature, and a pair of organs in the body. Change links together the seasons of the year, aspects of nature, and your body’s organs and bodily processes. A practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine uses this principle to diagnose and treat health problems, linking specific foods, herbs, and acupuncture points to the restoration of yin-yang and Qi.

SPRING:

Spring is the ideal time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. As spring is represented by the wood element and includes the liver and its complementary organ, the gallbladder, these two organs are usually the primary targets for springtime cleansing and health regimens.

• Element: Wood
• Color: Green
• Nature: Yang
• Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
• Emotion: Anger
  

Learn more about the Liver and Liver Qi Stagnation

Put Some Spring into Your Step

Spring corresponds to the "Wood" element, which in turn is conceptually related to the liver and gallbladder organs. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flowing of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. So, for optimum health this spring, move your Qi!

Stretch - The liver controls the tendons. According to Chinese medicine, the liver stores blood during periods of rest and then releases it to the tendons in times of activity, maintaining tendon health and flexibility. Incorporate a morning stretch into your routine. Try yoga or tai qi.

Eye Exercises - The liver opens into the eyes. Although all the organs have some connection to the health of the eyes, the liver is connected to proper eye function. Remember to take breaks when looking at a computer monitor for extended periods of time and do eye exercises.

Eat Green - Green is the color of the liver and of springtime. Eating young plants - fresh, leafy greens, sprouts, and immature cereal grasses - can improve the liver’s overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.

Taste Sour - Foods and drinks with sour tastes are thought to stimulate the liver's qi. Put lemon slices in your drinking water, use vinegar and olive oil for your salad dressing. Garnish your sandwich with a slice of dill pickle.

Do more outdoor activities - Outside air helps liver qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out that liver qi stagnation. Try hiking or take up golf.

Enjoy milk thistle tea
Milk thistle helps protect liver cells from incoming toxins and encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, such as alcohol, medications, pesticides, environmental toxins, and even heavy metals such as mercury.

Get Acupuncture treatments- Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help improve the overall health of your liver as well as treat stress, anger and frustration, which are often associated with liver qi disharmony.

You can call Tanuja at 773-749-9101 or email her at tjagernauth@gmail.com to make an appointment. All sessions are sliding scale.