Devi Health

2011-04-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

HOORAY!!! Please come out to celebrate the opening of Sage Community Health Collective! We are so excited to open our doors and continue the work that each of us began individually. We are honored to support an even wider network of our friends, family, and community with sliding scale acupuncture, bodywork, herbs, and workshops.

Please come celebrate with us!!!

2011-03-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It has been a while since my last post! I definitely took some time to reflect and refocus, and just in time for Spring, I have a great announcement!

In May, 3 fellow healers and I are opening our doors as Sage Community Health Collective!

We are a worker-owned community health collective. As a collective, we will be providing sliding scale individual and community acupuncture services, Asian Body Therapy, workshops, skill-shares, and more! We have been doing so much work to craft our vision, our mission, our objectives, our internal working agreements, and while we will always be growing and learning together, we feel ready to get started! For more information, email us at sagecommunityhealth@gmail.com

This Sunday we are hosting our first Healing Justice Teach-In (see my Organizing Upgrade article for more information about what healing justice is) -- we will be defining some of the terms we use as part of our healing work and discussing what healing justice looks like in our daily lives. I'm pumped!

As for Devi Health, DH turns three years old on April 1st! WOOOT! Stay posted for news and announcements about celebratory specials!

2010-11-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

Check out the recent article on Organizing Upgrade that discusses acupuncture's use as a Healing Justice tool. For me, this is how acupuncture really works.

In addition to being amazing for migraines, cramps, anxiety, depression, and the whole slew of symptoms and conditions identified by the World Health Organization, acupuncture is a modality that has the potential to be transformational in the lives of those who have access to it.

It is cost effective. It is safe. It can be done in groups, in community. It can bring people together for collective healing from trauma and violence. It can be a tool for making healing and health care accessible to everyone. When used in this way, not only can it be used for removing obstructions within the individual that cause discomfort and dis-ease; but it can be a tool for dissolving much larger social and political obstructions that reinforce injustice and inequality on local and systemic levels.

Breathing: Three Exercises - Dr. Weil

2010-09-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

It is very good to breathe :)

Breathing: Three Exercises - Dr. Weil

2010-09-21T19:18:00.001-07:00

"If we feel deeply, and we encourage ourselves and others to feel deeply, we will find the germ of our answers to bring about change. Because once we recognize what it is we are feeling, once we recognize we can feel deeply, love deeply, can feel joy, then we will demand that all parts of our lives produce that kind of joy. And when they do not, we will ask, "Why don't they?" And it is the asking that will lead us inevitably toward change.

So the question of social protest and art is inseparable for me. I can't say it is an either-or proposition. Art for art's sake doesn't really exist for me. What I saw was wrong, and I had to speak up. I loved poetry, and I loved words. But what was beautiful had to serve the purpose of changing my life, or I would have died. If I cannot air this pain and... alter it, I will surely die of it. That's the beginning of social protest."

-Audre Lorde

2010-09-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

To open your Lung and Large Intestine channels and facilitate flow during Fall, allowing you to release what you are ready to release and take in what you are being challenged and inspired to take in, try this awesome pose! Remember to keep it simple and do not go beyond your limits, and BREATHE! :)

Enjoy.

2010-09-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Common Cold

By Joel Harvey Schreck, L.Ac.

We've all heard it said “We can land spaceships on Mars, but can't even cure the common cold.” The cold seems to be a humbling curse that is mankind's burden forever.

Despite the frustrations of science, some people claim to cure a cold with an amazing variety of stuff like garlic, ginger, zinc, and vitamin C. These never worked for me. I found that once my cold started, I was in for a week of suffering.

That is, until an acquaintance gave me a vial of Chinese pills and told me to take them if I felt a cold coming on. A few days later, I awoke with a sore throat. Before leaving for work, I remembered the pills and took them. That evening, I realized that my budding cold had vanished, gone without a trace. What was that stuff?

The stuff tuned out to be Yin Chiao. Was this a fluke? How could no one know about this? As it turns out, it was no fluke. Since that day, Yin Chiao and similar Chinese remedies have ended most of my colds. Perhaps medical science hasn't cured the common cold, but it appears that Chinese herbalists did it hundreds of years ago. The formula for Yin Chiao was first published in the eighteenth century. It's hard to understand why it would take the West so long to discover them. I imagine if bad news travels quickly, good news must travel slowly.

Different ideas, no matter how good, are met with resistance. That’s why it took us about a thousand years to discover Chinese food. With pharmaceutical cold medicines proving to be harmful, let's hope it doesn't take another thousand years to discover Chinese herbal medicine. Not only are they safer, but Chinese herbs are simply more effective. When you discover them, you'll never even think about drugs for colds or visiting the doctor for a cold. When Western civilization discovers them, it could turn our medical establishment upside down, easing suffering and preventing millions of needless trips to the doctor. This might be bad news for doctors, but it's very good news for everyone else.

Though ancient Chinese herbalists knew nothing about germs, they knew that respiratory diseases were caused exterior wind evils. Evils that caused serious diseases like influenza and measles were called wind-heat evils. Common colds were caused by wind-cold evils.

Our bodies are protected from wind evils by defensive energy, known as wei qi. With adequate wei qi, you can be exposed to disease without getting sick. Herbs such as astragalus can be used to boost the wei qi, protecting us from invaders. They block the entry of wind evils.

Expelling these evils requires herbs that release exterior conditions. Some of these are ginger, mint, kudzu root, and many others. Some of these herbs protect against wind-heat evils; others defend against wind-cold invaders. These herbs are rarely taken alone, but are combined in formulas that greatly increase their potency. Some of the most popular Chinese cold formulas appear to work on any kind of wind invasion, hot or cold. However, I have found that certain formulas work better on different parts of the body.

For example, colds originating in the throat seem to respond best to Yin Chiao, which is taken at the first sign of cold. Keep them with you during cold season; the sooner you take them, the better they work. Yin Chiao contains remarkably simple and safe herbs. They are: honeysuckle, forsythia, balloon flower, peppermint, edible burdock, crested grass, schizonepeta, fermented soybean, and Chinese licorice root.

For colds that begin in the nose, I prefer Gan Mao Ling. Use it alone or combine it with Yin Chiao when nasal or sinus congestion is present at the onset. Gan mao ling contains: Ilex Root, Chrysanthemum Flower, Vitex Herb, Isatis Root, and honeysuckle flower.

To relieve colds which are too far developed to stop, or to relieve colds that begin with body aches, fever, and chills, I believe the best remedy is Zong Gan Ling which contains: kudzu root, hairy holly root, vervain, woad root, wormwood, gypsum, and notopterygi.

Preventing a cold requires a different formula altogether, one that strengthens the body's defensive energy. The most famous of these formulas is called Yu Ping Feng San, or otherwise known as, Jade Windscreen or Jade Shield. This formula is used to build defensive energy (wei qi) and protect against cold, flu, and other invasions. Jade Screen contains astragalus, Atractylodis, and Siler.

Many of these formulas are available in natural food stores, particularly on the West Coast. If you can't find them at your local health food store, you can certainly find them on the web. I strongly suggest that you try them. They will open your eyes to the potency and reliability of Chinese herbals. And unlike many of the drugs at your drugstore, all of these are safe for children.

Remember that a mere hundred years ago, no one in the West had even heard of Chinese food. Today there are Chinese restaurants everywhere. I can assure you that Chinese cold medicines work, and will become as valuable to our culture in the 21^st century as Chinese food became in the 20^th century.

About the Author

Joel Harvey Schreck, L.Ac. is an acupuncturist and herbologist. Schooled in Hong Kong and San Francisco, he's been practicing since 1987. He is the author of A Patient's Guide to Chinese Medicine, http://www.baytreepublish.com/chin-med-fr.html

He is co-founder of the Shen Clinic and co-founder of the popular Dr. Shen line of natural medicines, sold nationally in many natural food stores. Visit http://www.drshen.com/

2010-09-20T18:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Fall, everyone!! Check out this article from www.Acupuncture.com!!!

Fall Veggies: Healthy Choices in Season Now

By Dr. Maoshing Ni

Try these four vegetables that are in season in fall and learn some of the many wonderful ways you stand to benefit from incorporating them into your diet.

According to the Five Element theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is a time for eating white vegetables. Read on to find the many benefits in store for you this fall when you enjoy its wide selection of seasonal vegetables.

The Seasonal Food Palette
As we get into the cooler months of autumn, there is an abundance of white vegetables to enjoy. White vegetables contain isothiocynates, which support the immune system and protect us against the development of cancer. Below are four vegetables that are in season during this time of year and some of the many wonderful ways you stand to benefit from incorporating them into your diet in the coming months. Stock up!

1. Cauliflower: Cauliflower is what is known as a cruciferous vegetable, and belongs to the same family of plants as that of broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Cauliflower possesses high concentrations of fiber, vitamins C and B6, and folate. Along with the presence of isothiocynates, cauliflower also has a high concentration of glucosinolates, which are key to cauliflower's anti-cancer properties and help the liver detoxify carcinogenic substances. Along with treating low immune function, it is helpful to incorporate cauliflower into the diet when treating sinus problems, constipation, and conditions of the skin such as warts.

2. Cabbage: Cabbage, like cauliflower, is a cruciferous vegetable, and therefore possesses many of the same healing and nutritional properties related to the immune system and hindering the development of cancer. Cabbage is commonly associated with its high concentrations of vitamin C. It also contains the amino acid glutamine, which has been revealed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Along with treating immune-related conditions such as cold and flu, cabbage can also help anyone looking to treat acne, allergies, hives, constipation, arthritis, bronchitis, and yeast overgrowth. That's one versatile vegetable.

3. Turnips: Turnips are a root vegetable that are typically grown in temperate climates. Turnips are packed with vitamin C. And turnip greens contain vitamins A and K as well as folate, calcium, and lutein. Turnips treat immune-related conditions such as bronchitis, and other conditions such as incontinence, flatulence, and symptoms of jet lag. Lightly steam the greens for a healthy side dish. As for the bulb, cut and sauté or boil and mash.

4. Garlic: Garlic is a pungent, spicy herb that has bulbs, leaves, stems, and flowers that are edible. It is generally anti-bacterial in nature, and is used as an antiseptic and a remedy for infections. It is used for digestive disorders and as a treatment for intestinal worms. It is also used to prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, prevent diabetes-related conditions, treat allergies, reduce arthritis, counteract bone loss, and to treat ailments related to cancer. All those benefits, and it's delicious, too.

With an abundance of white vegetables in your diet this fall, you will give your immune system the support it needs to ward off colds, the flu, and any number of other ailments associated with this time of year.

2010-05-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

From Yes! Magazine:

Health Care Reform Action Moves to the States

2010-05-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

Devi Health has entered Intuit's Love a Local Business Contest, and has the chance to win 5K in May!!

Show your love for sliding-scale, community-centered acupuncture!

Vote Today!!!

And what exactly could Devi DO with 5K?

Glad you asked! It has been my dream to set up a fully functioning community acupuncture office, making my work even more accessible to even more folks. 5K would purchase at least 8 comfortable reclining chairs for group acupuncture, needles for months, a full herbal pharmacy, it could subsidize the cost of herbs for those who cannot typically afford herbs, it could subsidize the cost of some treatments. It could support trainings for other acupuncturists who want to do this kind of work but are not sure where to start or how.

You get it. What seems like a small sum would make a HUGE difference for my work and the communities I strive to support.

Please pass the voting link on to folks who would be supportive! THANKS!!!

2010-04-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-16T08:22:00.001-07:00

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."

2010-04-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-04-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-03-12T20:07:00.000-08:00

Make this. NOW.

Ingredients (Makes 2 cups):

2 garlic cloves, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon ground sea salt
2 cups blackeyed peas, rinsed, cooked and drained
1/3 cup well-stirred tahini (sesame seed paste)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon harissa spice
3 tablespoons drained blackeyed pea water (for color)
3 tablespoons of either minced fresh parsley leaves or blanched collard greens

In a food processor blend together garlic paste, blackeyed peas, tahini, lemon juice, oil, and harissa, scraping down side, until smooth. Add water, parsley or collard greens, and pulse until just combined. Serve with crackers, pita toast points, or corn bread.

2010-03-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

You KNOW I'll be making this one while it's almost Spring but nooot quite:

BIBIMBAP!

Thanks, New York Times!

Vegan Chocolate, Oatmeal and Peanut Butter Muffins

2010-03-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

Tonight I make these. Tomorrow morning I eat. :)
Vegan Chocolate, Oatmeal and Peanut Butter Muffins

My revisions:
Additions: flax seeds, cinnamon, and cranberries.

Substitutions:
1. for rice milk, I am subbing WATER (only because I forgot to pick some up at the market...we'll see how that goes...)
2. for white sugar I am using brown sugar
3. for cocoa powder, I am using carob powder

Tweaks:
I am using 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Just so you know, posted 3/9/10: these came out really well! I think if we had had some almond milk or rice milk, they'd be even better, but they are sweet without being tooo sweet, a great breakfast or snack. And SOO EASY! wooot!

2010-03-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

A Week Without Facebook -- Day One!

Actually tomorrow will officially be Day One, since I have checked Facebook probably 5 times already today. Ok, but what is this?

In an effort to take better care of myself and be a little more mindful, I'm experimenting with reducing the sorts of things I expose myself to that whack me out a little, and by that I mean: things that take me "off course", unground me, unsettle me, make me a little more nuts than I already am... ;) Facebook is, as I have noticed recently, one of these things.

Why do I care about this? As an acupuncturist and friend, I find myself having many conversations with my people about boundaries, living mindfully, and "self care". We ask each other, "What IS self care and what does it look like?" "Better yet, how does one practice self care on a CONSTANT basis and not get super irritable or stressed about how little self care one is doing", etc etc.

What I offer again and again is: you get to decide what self care looks like for you.

For some, it looks like going vegan. For others, it looks like beginning to eat meat again. For some, it looks like smoking weed. For others, it looks like smoking cigarettes. You get the idea. Obviously some behaviors come with added risks that we'd like to minimize. Obviously some behaviors come with dangers that we would like to minimize, but the decisions we make about what behaviors we choose strongly depend on our access to and awareness of different options as well as a host of other factors. For more information on this approach, check out the Harm Reduction Coalition.

But no matter where you are coming from, we do know that there is no magic Self Care pill you can take or Self Care Badge you get once you have completed a certain number of Self Care Challenges - getting massages, getting acupuncture, doing yoga, stretching, meditating...these are all great ways to help you heal and facilitate your self care, but even they will not necessarily ensure constant mindfulness, if that is even possible.

Why does mindfulness matter? That is a very big question, the answers to which are varied and even controversial. I do know that when I do not make decisions mindfully, when I go on autopilot, I notice that I tend to begin to lapse in my self care. I begin living a very "amped up" sort of life, rushing everywhere even when I don't have to, not breathing well, not really eating well, not sleeping well, and henceforth not exactly living well. And it's ok. There are reasons why people dissociate from their daily lives and seek "distractions" or "self destructive behaviors". I have my reasons and so do you. But it's all good.

What I mean by that is: Seeking mindfulness and practicing self care is not about adding to our self hatred - let me say it again and emphasize it: Practicing self care and seeking mindfulness is not about adding to our self hatred.

As far as I can tell, it's about noting where we're at, honoring that place, checking out what our options are, and deciding where to go next based on our current resources and access to helpful tools. Sometimes it is not the right time to try something new. Sometimes it is. And it is different for each person.

I am interested in checking out what it looks like to bring an increased quality of mindfulness to my life. Plain and simple. It will benefit my patients, my relationships, and my relationship with myself. And it looks like going without Facebook this week is how I will explore what self care and seeking mindfulness looks like. For me.

As you might have guessed, I am not going into this without tools for the moments when I am craving Facebook (yes, I compulsively check Facebook some days, it is very strange, but it is what it has become). Obviously, internet is not off limits. I will still update Twitter and this blog. I have a list of short story ideas that I would like to develop. I have a list of friends who I would normally connect to on Facebook, via comments left on their pages, but this week perhaps I will email them directly. How's that for a genius idea? ;) I also have a stack of books I might read instead of checking Facebook. You get the idea. What might I do with allllll the extra time spent on Facebook? You might see more frequent posts on this blog! You might see a new and improved Devi Health website! You might see my taxes get done (well, you won't SEE that, but you know what I mean.) The possibilities are endless, and that is sort of cool.

Wish me luck, and as always let me know what you think.

--Tanuja

2010-02-19T14:49:00.001-08:00

The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine is hosting another Vegan Kickstart beginning March 1st! If you are interested in learning more about incorporating more veggies into your diet, check it out! Even if you don't "go vegan" the kickstart offers a variety of great recipes and shopping tips.

And if you are wary about veggie-based foods being yummy and/or satisfying, you should take a trip to the Chicago Diner. They make consistently amazing vegetarian/vegan fare and are always a source of inspiration for me. Check 'em out!

2010-02-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

Hooray! Another great resource for heart healthy recipes from Epicurious.

Check 'em out!

Thoughts on Racism

2010-02-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

Tanuja responds to a blog post on race at Community Acupuncture Network's website.

Check it out and let me know what you are thinking!

2010-02-16T07:17:00.001-08:00

FIERCE FOODIES, behold Kay's Recipes for the People!

Examining the connections between food, culture, and creation while sharing BOMB recipes!

SWOON!!

2010-02-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

Holly Grigg-Spall blogs about her experiences with the birth control pill.

2010-02-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

Hot off the press at Acufinder.com!

For Women With PCOS, Acupuncture And Exercise May Bring Relief, Reduce Risks
By: The American Physiological Society Study finds acupuncture and exercise decrease a key marker for disease

Exercise and electro-acupuncture treatments reduce sympathetic nerve activity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to a new study. The finding is important because women with PCOS often have elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which plays a role in hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

The study also found that the electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles, reduced testosterone levels and reduced waist circumference.

Exercise had no effect on the irregular or non-existent menstrual cycles that are common among women with PCOS, nor did it reduce waist circumference. However, exercise did lead to reductions in weight and body mass index.

"The findings that low-frequency electro-acupuncture and exercise decrease sympathetic nerve activity in women with PCOS indicates a possible alternative non-pharmacologic approach to reduce cardiovascular risk in these patients," said one of the researchers, Dr. Elisabet Stener-Victorin of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The findings regarding menstrual cycles and decrease in testosterone levels in the low-frequency electro-acupuncture are also of interest, according to the researcher.

The study, "Low-frequency electro-acupuncture and physical exercise decrease high muscle sympathetic nerve activity in polycystic ovary syndrome" was conducted by Elisabet Stener-Victorin, Elizabeth Jedel, Per Olof Janson and Vrsa Bergmann Sverrisdottir, all of the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden and the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. The study is in the online edition of the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, published by The American Physiological Society.

Common endocrine disorder

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders, affecting an estimated 10% of women of reproductive age. Among the problems associated with the condition are elevated levels of androgens (such as testosterone, the ‘male’ hormone found in both sexes), ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

PCOS is associated with increased sympathetic nerve activity in the blood vessels, part of the ‘fight or flight’ response that results in blood vessel constriction. Chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

The Swedish researchers had previously found that PCOS is associated with increased sympathetic nerve activity and said it may arise from the elevated testosterone level that is characteristic of PCOS.

Three groups

The researchers wanted to find a long-lasting treatment for PCOS that would have no adverse side effects, and so they looked at whether acupuncture or exercise could decrease the sympathetic nerve activity in women with PCOS. The study included 20 women, average age of 30 years, divided into the following groups:

low-frequency electro-acupuncture (9)
exercise (5)
untreated controls (6)

The acupuncture group underwent 14 treatments during the 16-week study. Acupuncture points were located in abdominal muscles and back of the knee, points thought to be associated with the ovaries. The needles in the abdomen and leg were stimulated with a low-frequency electrical charge, enough to produce muscle contraction but not enough to produce pain or discomfort.

The exercise group received pulse watches and were told to take up regular exercise: brisk walking, cycling or any other aerobic exercise that was faster than walking but that they could sustain for at least 30 minutes. They exercised at least three days per week for 30-45 minutes, maintaining a pulse frequency above 120 beats per minute.

The researchers instructed the control group in the importance of exercise and a healthy diet, the same instructions the experimental groups received, but were not specifically assigned to do anything differently.

Key Findings

The researchers measured the muscle sympathetic nerve activity before and after the 16-week study. Following treatment, the study found the following:

Both the acupuncture and exercise groups significantly decreased muscle sympathetic nerve activity compared to the control group.

The acupuncture group experienced a drop in waist size, but not a drop in body mass index or weight.

The exercise group experienced a drop in weight and body mass index but not in waist size.

The acupuncture group experienced fewer menstrual irregularities but the exercise group’s irregularities did not change.

In the acupuncture group, there was a significant drop in testosterone. This is an important indicator because the strongest independent predictor of high sympathetic nerve activity in women is the level of testosterone.

"This is the first study to demonstrate that repeated low-frequency electro-acupuncture and physical exercise can reduce high sympathetic nerve activity seen in women with PCOS,” according to the authors. “Furthermore, both therapies decreased measures of obesity while only low-frequency electro-acupuncture improved menstrual bleeding pattern."

The study has some limitations, including a small sample size, so further research is necessary, the authors wrote. To find the full study, click here

Resource:

Stener-Victorin et al. Low-frequency Electro-Acupuncture and Physical Exercise Decrease High Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. AJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2009; DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00197.2009

2010-02-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

Check out this fantastic recipe from Jennifer Dubowski's Acupuncture blog!

Best Banana Bread!

yum!

2010-02-04T07:41:00.000-08:00

And Now For Something a Little Different:

Check out this great article on wellness, prevention and how we might use the principles of healing to approach our economic and political strategies.

I appreciate that acupuncture is positioned in this article as a modality that "nips it in the bud", "gets to the roots", and encourages us to look within for analysis instead of ever seeking external ease.

Thanks, Anand Giridharadas!

2010-01-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

More delicious inspiration!

This time it's healthy Indian cuisine!

Enjoy!

cashew seitan

2010-01-11T17:06:00.001-08:00

Greetings! Here is a recipe for a super easy vegan meal I made tonight! The following recipe will serve 2.

You will need:

1 cup brown rice
1 bok choy
garlic (as much as you want)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 package of seitan
2 cups whole cashews
the juice of 2 oranges
a little zest from one orange (preferably organic)
1-2 tsps maple syrup
dash of soy sauce

1. Put the rice on to cook in 2 cups of water.

2. In a wok, saute the chopped garlic in the sesame oil, adding the cashews when the garlic is getting brown.

3. When the cashews are looking beautiful and brown, add the orange zest and half of the orange juice

4. Add the seitan, chopped to your liking, and let this mixture saute, brown, and get acquainted.

5. Add the chopped bok choy, the maple syrup, the rest of the orange juice, and the soy sauce. I threw in some chunks of orange for some extra texture and flavor.

6. When the bok choy is a beautiful dark green color, it's done!

You should get a light, yet hearty well-textured meal that is a pleasing blend of sweet and savory!

Serve over rice, and enjoy!

couscous!!

2010-01-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

I love couscous! And here is a cool recipe from Alicia Silverstone on how to make it. Try it tonight? ;)

http://www.meatoutmondays.org/emails/09-10-19.htm

2010-01-07T06:04:00.000-08:00

Let's take a minute to appreciate chickpeas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans), shall we? They are yummy, cute, low on the glycemic index, and they pack a wollop of fiber, protein, and healthy carbs.

For a savory and quick vegetarian breakfast featuring these bad boys, try this:

1. Sautee about half an onion in a little oil.

2. Throw in a handful of chopped onions and sautee.

3. Throw in a can of organic chickpeas without the water, and brown them to your liking.

4. Add a dash of cumin and salt to taste.

4. (optional) Slice up an Italian veggie sausage and throw that in until it is also brown to your liking.

5. (optional) Throw in a small piece of fresh tomato if you like.

And there you go - a warm breakfast that is full of protein and fiber, and it has a little kick to it.

Modifications: If you plan on spending the day in close proximity with folks and fear the onion breath, omit them! If you have any leftover red or green bell peppers, throw some of those in, or try adding spinach or kale to the mix - chickpeas really give you a perfect base for experimentation.

2010-01-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

It was freeeeezing on the way home tonight! To warm up, I made some soup, but I wish I had been prepared to make the recipe I am about to share with you here. I found it on Super Vegan, a great website. According to Samantha Cohen of Super Vegan, it "will taste chowdery and look the color of pumpkin. Mmmmm."

Enjoy! And stay warm!!

Pureed Chickpea and Root Vegetable Soup
makes 8-10 servings

2 small sweet potatoes or one large one
1 yellow squash
2 turnips
1 parsnip
1/2 a large yellow onion
3 carrots
2 celery stalks
1 cup dry chickpeas, soaked in water overnight
2 tbsp chopped chives
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger

1. In a large pot place soaked chickpeas and cover in water, enough to fill the pot about 2/3 of the way. Bring to a boil and cook chickpeas on medium heat for a half hour.

2. Meanwhile, wash and cube the veggies into half-inch pieces.

3. After the chickpeas have been cooking for a half hour, add the veggies. Cook for another hour, or until everything is soft but not falling apart.

4. Pour as much soup as will fit into a blender, and blend till smooth. Do this till all the soup is blended. if you have an immersion blender, use that instead, fortunate soup-maker.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste. This is enough soup in which to bathe a small child, so you'll want to add more than you think is necessary.

6. Eat! Bon appetit!

2010-01-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Over at Devi Health, 2010 is going to be The Year of Exploring Vegan Food!

Yes, that's right! Vegan and vegetarian diets are known for being beneficial for those who struggle with diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), high cholesterol, weight control, heart disease, and more.

At the same time, in the TCM world, acupuncturists are often concerned for vegans and vegetarians, as many of them tend to present with what we call Blood Deficiency and Spleen Qi Deficiency, the signs of which may include: facial pallor, dry hair, anxiety, dry skin, scanty periods, dizziness, fatigue, and other signs and symptoms.

In folks who present with Excess and signs, however, a vegan/vegetarian diet may be one that clears excess Dampness, Phlegm, and Heat, reducing factors that impede the proper flow of Qi and Blood.

Therefore, I am interested in exploring how a sensible and well-balanced vegan/vegetarian diet may assist some while exacerbating unfavorable signs and symptoms for others - as always, there will never be one diet that is fit for all people - how boring (and dangerous) it would be if there was!

If you ask this acupuncturist, diets should be dynamic and flexible enough to put the health of the person first, emphasizing variety, ample fiber, healthy protein, joy, foods compatible with one's constitution, locality, and subjective aesthetic sensibilities. I am NOT interested in diets that feel like programs for self-punishment in disguise!!

That said, on today's resource!

To promote a plant-based diet, The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is sponsoring a 21-day vegan kickstart designed to get folks started on the path to eating a vegan diet. They are providing "technical assistance" in the form of videos, meal plans, and advice, so check the site out if you are interested!

Be well!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-12-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Kick off the new year by getting relaxed and centered with community acupuncture at Devi Health!

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 3-7 p.m.

Each 45-minute acupuncture treatment is scheduled every 15 minutes.

Your intake is done in private before you are seated in a small group for your treatment.

Cost is $10-25!

To make your appointment, email me at tjagernauth@gmail.com or call 773-749-9101

As you know, Tanuja has been committed to offering sliding scale individual treatments for acupuncture since Devi Health was created in 2008. To continue and build upon this commitment, Tanuja is making some exciting changes at Devi Health.

Starting in January, all individual acupuncture appointments will be offered on a sliding scale.

In addition, group acupuncture will be offered twice a week at the following times:

Tuesdays 3 p.m - 7 p.m.
Saturdays 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Please help spread the word, and I hope to see you on Saturday!

Peace and wishes for your health and happiness in 2010!

Holiday Eating

2009-12-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

I found a great little article that has some sensible ideas about eating well this holiday season.

Enjoy - and breathe! ;)

Happy December!

2009-12-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

My biggest piece of advice for December is this: BREATHE.

This time of year is full of external stressors that trigger our internal fight or flight responses, which trigger the release of cortisol in our systems, and cortisol is that stress hormone which encourages our bodies to hold on to fat and then some...

In the check-out aisle at the grocery store, I see glossy magazines emblazoned with the charge: FIGHT YOUR HOLIDAY FAT! HERE IS HOW! and the like. They often suggest ways to eat what you want this holiday season (if you do not have a metabolic syndrome, such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, syndrome X and the like) and have a great time and then they show you a workout you may do to lose the pounds you gain.

I agree with all of this: eat wisely according to your body's needs and constraints, choose foods that will help to maintain your blood sugar levels and that will not cause those dangerous spikes, and maintain your exercise regimen, focusing on strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

In addition, take deep abdominal breaths. Often. This will help to oxygenate the body, relax your abdominal muscles, and take your breath out of the upper lobes of your lungs. When we breathe shallowly into the upper lobes of our lungs, we are stimulating our sympathetic nervous system, which triggers that fight or flight response. When we breathe into our lower abdomen and see our belly rise as we inhale and deflate as we exhale, we are literally telling our bodies: "Hey! relax. digest your food. all is well." The beneficial effects of consistent abdominal and deep breathing are manifold.

For more information, check out this article from www.abc-of-yoga.com that discusses in-depth the benefits and methods of deep breathing.

Consider beginning a simple yoga practice to assist in opening your chest, stretching your muscles, and strengthening your body. Find a yoga studio close to your house and go for a drop-in session or you can also find some really helpful videos online. I recommend those that come from yogajournal.com

Above you see Cobra Pose, a great pose for opening your chest. Click here for a nice description of how to do the pose.

I also recommend the 5 shiatsu stretches that I teach to groups. If you are interested in meeting with me to learn these stretches and why and how they work, you can email me at tjagernauth@gmail.com

And if stretching and yoga do not do it for you, just begin with your breath. ;)

Be well!

In Blackwater Woods

2009-10-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Last night at Zen Shiatsu, my teacher shared with us this poem by Mary Oliver as a great example of an Autumn poem, full of Metal Element themes: embracing others, loss, letting go, and cycles of natural decay with the promise of future growth.

Enjoy.

In Blackwater Woods

Look, the trees
are turning
their own bodies
into pillars

of light,
are giving off the rich
fragrance of cinnamon
and fulfillment,

the long tapers
of cattails
are bursting and floating away over
the blue shoulders

of the ponds,
and every pond,
no matter what its
name is, is

nameless now.
Every year
everything
I have ever learned

in my lifetime
leads back to this: the fires
and the black river of loss
whose other side

is salvation,
whose meaning
none of us will ever know.
To live in this world

you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it

against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.

How Acupuncture Works...part 1

2009-10-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

There is not going to be just one answer to the very common question: How does acupuncture work? However, thanks to SCIENCE(!), we are slowly gathering information as to how acupuncture may work.

Check out this brief article!

As they discuss, acupuncture stimulates chemicals in the brain that help to regulate pain in the long term - thus, you can think of acupuncture as having cumulative effects, and this gives some insight into how and why acupuncture is great for prevention of pain, as well as treatment.

Happy Autumn!

2009-09-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

To get our channels open and clear, I'm doing a workshop for interested groups.

Opening Our Own Channels of Communication:

A healing workshop for healers

Non-profit and social change work is political and healing work. All too often to our detriment, as we fight for change on a systemic level, we take on the stress and trauma of those with whom we work at the individual and group levels.

Discover powerful tools that we have in our own hands to combat vicarious trauma, burnout, adrenal fatigue, and other conditions.

During this 90-minute workshop, learn how to identify, contact, stretch, and breathe into the 12 Channels of East Asian Medicine to increase your body’s vitality, decrease your stress and fatigue, and heal trauma from within.

Cost: $5-25 per person

If you and or organization are interested in hosting this workshop, please let me know! Email me at tjagernauth@gmail.com or call me at 773-749-9101

For more on Autumn and Traditional Chinese Medicine correspondences, check out this article from Diane Joswick, L.Ac, MSOM.

Michael Pollan on Heath Care Reform

2009-09-13T12:59:00.001-07:00

Yes. 'Nuff said.

I couldn't resist...

2009-09-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

Thinking about Autumn Eating got me super excited about eating round, seasonal foods, so of course I began salivating about butternut squash soup! Here's an amazing recipe I am going to try from Vegetarian Times as reposted on YogaJournal.com

Try adding some of the following items to make it a medicinal treat:

astragalus (huang qi): boosts the Lung Qi, can help to prevent illness
sweet potatoes: boosts the Spleen Qi, drains dampness
pearled barley (yi yi ren): boosts the Spleen Qi, drains dampness

Vegetarian Times Issue: November 1, 1999 p.38

For an extra-special touch, toast the squash seeds to sprinkle over the soup. Rinse seeds, pat dry with paper towels, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing occasionally. This make-ahead soup can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Ingredients

8 servings

3 medium or 2 large butternut or acorn squash (4 lbs.)
2 (14-oz.) cans vegetable broth (1 qt.)
1 tsp. coarse salt
1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil or 3 Tbs. vegetable oil and 1 Tbs. walnut oil
24 fresh small sage leaves
4 slices firm-textured white bread

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds; save seeds for toasting if desired (see above). Place squash halves cut side down on large baking sheet with sides. Bake until skins are browned and squash is tender, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Scoop cooked squash from skins and transfer to large saucepan. Mash well with potato masher, then stir in broth and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat. Soup should be as thick as tomato sauce–add up to 1 cup more water to thin if necessary. If you prefer a finer texture, cool slightly then puree soup in a blender or food processor. Let cool completely, transfer to container with lid and refrigerate at least 8 hours.
Up to 4 hours before serving, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until lightly browned, turning once, about 1 minute. Using tongs, transfer sage to paper towels to drain. Reserve oil in skillet.
Trim crusts from bread, discarding crusts. Cut each bread slice diagonally into 4 triangles, then cut each triangle in half to make 32 croutons total.
Heat reserved oil in skillet over medium heat. Add half the croutons and cook, turning once, until golden on both sides, about 1 minute. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in skillet and cook remaining croutons as before.
Rewarm soup over low heat, stirring occasionally. Ladle soup into bowls and scatter 3 toasted sage leaves over each portion. Garnish each with 4 croutons and serve hot.

Autumn Eating

2009-09-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is thought that disease comes from the conflict when a body or being struggles against the flow of change, whether that change comes happens within the microcosm of a person's life or the macrocosm of changing seasons. As we move into Autumn, I am suggesting to my patients that we begin eating the foods of Autumn.

Dr. Maoshing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., Ph.D, author of Secrets of Longevity Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100 suggests some great foods to consume this autumn. I've reposted his article from Acupuncture.com here:

Autumn marks the turning point between the heat of summer and the cold of winter. The cooling weather ushers in the harvest and heralds the dying cycle in nature. The seasonal change also causes the respiratory system to constrict, leading to cough, asthma, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. Chinese medicine has always associated autumn with the lungs and large intestine. The Yellow Emperor advises early to bed and early to rise, practice breathing exercises, avoid pungent flavors but increase sour ones in the diet, drink fluids and eat soups, and remain calm and relaxed to avoid the diseases typical of autumn.

Some Important Autumn Foods

Apples

The apple, a universally loved fruit, has long been a symbol of passion and temptation – and now, scientists have confirmed that it also contributes to a healthy heart. Eating two to three apples per day results in decreased cholesterol levels, thanks to the fruit’s rich pectin content. Pectin also helps prevent colon cancer, which ranks among the top causes of death in adults over the age of sixty.

Sweet Potatoes and Yams

These powerhouse foods contain higher amounts of beta-carotene and vitamin C than carrots, more protein than wheat and rice, and more fiber than oat bran. Sweet potatoes and yams also happen to be a rich source of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). This is a precursor hormone – a substance that remains latent until it converts into a hormone that the body needs. DHEA can become estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, all essential for your body’s ant-aging defenses to work. As one ages, however, the body’s level of precursor hormones like DHEA drop precipitously.

Oats

Oat bran, the outer coating of oats, contains high concentrations of soluble fibers, which help trap cholesterol and move it quickly through the intestines. Unfortunately, most people eat their oats in the refined form, which contains very little of the precious bran that contains beta-glucan and saponins. Whole oats are also rich in the antioxidants that stop cholesterol oxidation, the process that enables it to stick to artery walls.

More benefits: oats prevent colon cancer by binding toxic minerals and acids; they balance the body’s blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates; and the saponins in oats increase production of “killer cells,” a critical part of the body’s immune surveillance system. Try substituting a warm bowl of whole oats for your cold cereal in the morning. Your body will thank you – for years.

You probably noticed that these are foods that tend to feature prominently in Autumn soups, stews, and morning breakfasts or porridge or oatmeal. Slow cooking is the way to go during the Autumn. It imparts extra energy into the food and begins the digestion process in the pot. This means your body has less work to do. During the Autumn, it's a fantastic idea to begin conserving your energy for the harsh winter ahead (especially if you live in Chicago).

Gua Sha

2009-08-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Fall Illness is Not Inevitable

One tool that I use to prevent and treat Fall illnesses is Gua Sha, which means "scraping sha".
Sha is what you see when you press on someone's muscle tissue and see your fingertips leave behind a white mark surrounded by redness. Try this on a friend's neck or shoulders. If you press there and see your fingertips leave a mark, they could use some Gua Sha!

I use a smooth-edged tool to scrap the sha, applying oil and moderate pressure to the tissue. What is revealed are red-to-purple marks, petechia, which fade within 2-4 days. This allows for stagnant blood to leave the area, bringing fresh blood IN.

In addition to treating respiratory conditions, I love this modality for folks with chronically tense/painful neck and shoulder and back muscles.

For more information, check out this link.

SPECIAL OFFERS FROM DEVI HEALTH

1. For the months of September, October, and November, I am offering $40 30-minute Eastern Nutrition consultations.

This is a great way to discuss in-depth a strategy for preventing illness and treating what commonly ails you, from sinus infections to headaches. I have on hand some wonderful recipes for soups, stews, congees, and medicinal meals that may serve as home remedies to keep you and your family healthy.

2. For those who are new to acupuncture, I am offering 40% off the 90-minute initial appointment, a value of $40!! Please spread the word!

3. If you are thinking of giving a loved one a gift certificate for a 60-minute acupuncture session, I am offering gift packages this year! You may purchase 2 treatments for $120, 3 for $150, and 5 for $200.

These make great wedding gifts or support packages for wedding parties and/or families.

4. Group Acupuncture: If your family, co-workers, or friends could use a collective boost, talk to me about setting up a group acupuncture session for you all, which will include a group guided meditation and wellness discussion.

Eastern Nutrition and the Heart

2009-08-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a super helpful article from Acupuncture Today that discusses some ways to support your heart health using what I like to call "kitchen medicine." You do not have to confine your entire diet to what is discussed here, but incorporating some of these ideas into your existing diet may be a way to slowly transition toward a diet that supports your entire being.

I personally love the breakfast, especially before or after major events - the kinds that really tax you, leaving you sometimes disoriented, ungrounded, and anxious or agitated. Add some cinnamon twig for added warmth and invigoration.

Medicated Diet Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease

By Gordon Cohen, LAc

Angina, chest pain, dizziness, palpitation and high blood pressure are symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease. Medical science dedicates a great deal of effort and expense developing drugs, devices and procedures to combat the most common cause of death in both men and women.

These symptoms can be controlled, prevented and treated successfully using medicated diet therapy.

Medicated diet therapy is a special branch of Chinese herbology which uses food products according to their herbal properties to treat diseases. This combines the effectiveness of herbal medicine with the familiarity of foodstuffs. Many common foods have herbal properties, and many of the herbs first identified in source texts were barley, yams, dates, walnuts, figs, grapes and sesame seeds. Medicated diet is divided into two components, namely dietary drugs and medicinal recipes. Dietary drugs are individual foods. They are used to complement other, more detailed modalities. Medicinal recipes are complex formulae which are effective alone and also potentiate other treatments.

The most revered ancient texts of acupuncture and herbal medicine include dietary prescriptions. For example, in the Treatise on Cold-Induced Diseases, rice porridge is recommended to be taken concurrently with the first prescription of gui zhi tang.

The ingredients of medicated recipes are selected according to classifications defined in traditional herbology. These are according to the nature of the flavors and the associated organs. Sweet, sour, bitter, salty, bland and spicy determine types of herbal function and target particular organs. For example sour ingredients target the liver, while bitter ingredients target the heart and are anti-toxic in action.

The nature of food refers to indications of metabolic response and determine potential side effects. These are described as cold, cool, neutral, warm and hot. Red chili pepper is hot in nature. If applied to the skin, a sensation of warmth will be perceived. When ingested, it will produce an elevation of body temperature. It can cause increase of night sweats, but is useful in treating chills. Mint leaf is used to treat sore throat. Its cool nature produces the familiar sensation associated with mint flavoring.

Ingredients are also selected according to their roles in the actions of the recipe. These are categorized as follows: chief, deputy, assistant and envoy. The chief ingredient in a recipe determines the recipe's main function. An example would be meat in any recipe. The deputy supports the chief action and adds a secondary function. This would be the beans in chili con carne. Assistants enhance the effect of the chief or deputy (helping assistant).They can also reduce harshness or toxicity (opposing assistant).Onions, which improve the function of qi-tonifying meats such as beef, are helping assistants. Fresh ginger is a very potent antidotal and will neutralize actual poisons found in herbs and foods, as an opposing assistant. The envoy directs the formula to a specific anatomical location and harmonizes the flavors of the recipe. Round-grain polished rice is sweet and neutral. It harmonizes the flavors of recipes. It also activates the middle burner, which makes it an ideal envoy.

After differential diagnosis using tongue and pulse signs, dietary drugs are selected, and the chief, deputy, assistants and envoys chosen. For example, a patient presents symptoms of chilled extremities and a desire for warm liquids, accompanying palpitations. A pale bluish or swollen tongue accompanied by slow pulse indicates yang deficiency or cold accumulation. Treatment should tonify yang and disperse cold.

The treatment of cardiovascular disease is one of the more important uses of medicated diet therapy. Coronary artery disease is considered to be an excellent target from the aspects of prevention, cure and recovery. Treatment falls into two subcategories: individual foods, and medicinal recipes.

Coronary artery disease is differentiated by TCM into two categories: excess and deficiency. The main dietary drugs for the heart are shan zha, xie bai, bai he, long yan rou, sang ren, fu ling, suan zao ren, ju hua, rou gui, gan jiang, da suan, kun bu and hai zao. These are used alone for blood stasis, qi deficiency, yin deficiency, yang deficiency, qi stasis and phlegm stasis. Dietary drugs are taken as snacks, condiments or flavoring for rice porridge. More complicated recipes are offered for comprehensive treatments.

For example: hawthorn and wild garlic porridge is used to treat obvious precordial pain with qi deficiency. Sargasso, soybean and kelp soup treats coronary disease accompanied by hypertension and high cholesterol. Ginseng, red sage and hawthorn spirits treats blood stasis and qi deficiency. Honeyed Extract for Nourishing the Heart treats deficient yin and qi, as well as blood stasis.

The best way to take advantage of food herbology is to prescribe daily menus which offer more options than breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here are some examples:

Breakfast: Red date and wheat-berry rice porridge. This wholesome nutty porridge strengthens and regulates the heart qi. Red date is the chief. It is sweet and neutral, and activates the heart, spleen and stomach. In this recipe, it nourishes the heart qi. Wheat berry is the deputy. It is sweet and cool, and activates the heart and lung. In this recipe, it regulates the heart qi.

Lunch: Carrot, macrostem onion and celery porridge. This savory rice porridge is especially effective to treat coronary disease accompanied by precordial discomfort .Macrostem onion is the chief. It is spicy bitter and warm. It activates the lung, heart, stomach and large intestine. In this recipe, it regulates the qi in the chest. Carrot is the deputy. It is sweet and neutral, and activates the lung and spleen, and tonifies the five organs. In this recipe, it strengthens the heart. Celery is also a deputy. It is sweet, bitter and cool. It activates the stomach and liver. In this recipe, it regulates the blood vessels.

Dinner: Saffron and black-chicken rice porridge. This savory porridge nourishes the yin and invigorates the blood. Black chicken is a chief ingredient. It is sweet and neutral, and activates the liver and kidney. In this recipe, it nourishes the yin. Saffron is the other chief ingredient. It is spicy and warm, and activates the heart and liver. In this recipe, it invigorates and nourishes the blood. Round-grain polished rice is the envoy. It is sweet and neutral, and activates the spleen and stomach. It harmonizes the ingredients.

This menu offers a variety of dietary drugs presented in the most effective manner to support other treatment. The ingredients used in medicated diet are common foods that are readily available in grocery stores. Medicated diet therapy can be frequently used in conjunction with other modalities of traditional Chinese medicine. By including it in treatment of heart disease, the practitioner can potentiate the effectiveness of herb and acupuncture prescriptions and improve their outcome.

2009-08-16T09:56:00.001-07:00

As the summer approaches its end, you may be feeling heavy-limbed, sluggish, irritable. Try including kitchari in your diet as a way to give yourself a gentle cleanse while not depriving your body of nourishment.

Cleansing Kitchari: from www.yogajournal.com

This Indian comfort food provides strength and energy while you're fasting.

By Alison Rose Levy

In America, downing a hearty grain dish would not be called fasting. But in India kitchari—a soupy porridge made from rice and mung beans, lightly spiced with ginger, cilantro, and other spices—is considered a fasting food and is used to purify digestion and cleanse systemic toxins.

Ayurvedic physicians often prescribe a kitchari diet before, during, and after panchakarma, a rejuvenative treatment that cleanses toxins stored in bodily tissues as it restores systemic balance. Kitchari provides solid nourishment while allowing the body to devote energy to healing. You can safely subsist on kitchari anytime in order to build vitality and strength as it helps balance all three doshas. For restless vata, the warm soup is grounding; for fiery pitta, its spices are calming; and for chilly kapha, it provides healing warmth.

Ayurveda believes that all healing begins with the digestive tract, and kitchari can give it a much-needed rest from constantly processing different foods while providing essential nutrients. The blend of rice and split mung beans offers an array of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Its mixture of spices is believed to kindle the digestive fire, the Ayurvedic description for your innate digestive power, which can be weakened by poor food combinations.

Kitchari tastes like a cross between a creamy rice cereal and a light dal, or lentil soup. If it is a cold, blustery day or you are feeling under the weather, a steaming bowl of this classic Indian comfort food can both warm up your bones and restore sagging energy. Everyone has his or her own special method of making kitchari. Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing (The Ayurvedic Press, 1997), by Usha Lad and Vasant Lad, offers a half-dozen kitchari recipes, including this one that was adapted for Yoga Journal:

First, rinse one cup of split yellow mung beans and soak for several hours. Set aside. In a blender, liquefy one tablespoon of peeled, chopped ginger; two tablespoons of shredded coconut; and a handful of chopped cilantro with one-half cup of water. In a large saucepan, lightly brown one-half teaspoon cinnamon; one-quarter teaspoon each of cardamom, pepper, clove powder, turmeric, salt; and three bay leaves (remove before serving) in three tablespoons of ghee, or butter.

Drain the mung dal and then stir it into the spice mixture in the saucepan. Next, add one cup of raw basmati rice. Stir in the blended spice and coconut mixture, followed by six cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook on low heat for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until soft.

If you are feeling especially warm, irritable, and sluggish, consider removing the coconut and the warming herbs: cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and clove powder. Try emphasizing the mung beans and even mung bean sprouts, grated daikon radish, and aduki beans. Experiment!

Some other nutritional ideas for beating the heat while being good to your body:

Drink: peppermint tea, cucumber water, lots of water infused with lemon, dandelion root tea, green tea
Eat: light meals consisting of steamed vegetables and whole grains, like amaranth, couscous, quinoa, barley
Avoid: dairy, beer, hot and iced coffee with cream (yummy as it is, it'll create more stagnation and dampness in your system)

At the same time, approach what you eat with joy, remembering compassion for yourself and moderation in ALL THINGS, especially when working on your health!

Why Acupuncture? Here's Why!

2009-08-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

I love acupuncture, and I love it when biomedical practitioners are supportive of it, as well!

Check out this article from the Mayo Clinic from SunSentinel.com

By Ronald Reimer M.D., Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville
December 31, 2008

Dear Mayo Clinic: What do you think of acupuncture as a treatment for various ailments? How does it work?

Acupuncture, which has been used and studied throughout the world for more than 4,000 years, can be utilized to rebalance the flow of energy (Qi) in the body and effectively treat many conditions. At Mayo Clinic, acupuncture has been used successfully for pain management, postoperative nausea, anxiety relief, drug addiction, insomnia and headaches, to name a few.

Acupuncture is administered by inserting up to a dozen or more tiny needles into very precise locations (points) determined by symptoms. The needle insertion points are based on a series of points along meridians or channels that interconnect throughout the body, each with a different function. There are 12 principal meridians within the body, containing almost 400 acupuncture points.

Patients rarely have any discomfort with needle insertion. Needles remain in place for 15 to 45 minutes. During a treatment, the acupuncturist may gently stimulate the needles manually, apply heat with a ceramic lamp at a safe distance, or attach low-frequency electrical stimulation. The goal is to improve energy flow in the body, thus relieving pain and other symptoms, allowing people to improve their quality of life.

For some conditions, one treatment provides rapid relief. Other situations, such as chronic pain management, may require a series of treatments. In some cases, symptom relief is not always immediate and may require a period of two to three days for the positive effects to be noted. This is in part related to delayed secretion of endorphins. While some patients and providers remain skeptical of its therapeutic value, acupuncture is becoming more mainstream in Western medicine as a stand-alone treatment or as one element of a comprehensive treatment plan.
As a practicing neurosurgeon, I can cite several examples of acupuncture's beneficial effects. These stories from our patients illustrate the scope of acupuncture's benefits.

Post-surgery nausea

Nausea and vomiting after surgery can be a serious side effect of anesthesia for some patients. It can slow recovery and require some patients to remain in the hospital for weeks on IV fluids. Potential complications of extended bed rest include increased risk of pneumonia and blood clots. One acupuncture treatment can abate the nausea.
A colleague of mine needed neck surgery and had a history of postoperative nausea that resulted in prolonged hospital stays. We performed acupuncture within an hour of surgery. At that point, she was already developing nausea. Following one treatment, she didn't need anti-nausea medication, slept well and sailed through her recovery. She and her husband considered the benefit dramatic. We also have seen dramatic results in liver and heart transplant patients with relief of nausea and quicker recovery.

Tennis and golf elbow (epicondylitis)

Another patient, an avid tennis player, thought he was permanently sidelined because of elbow pain. Aggressive physical therapy and steroid injections hadn't helped. With one acupuncture session, his pain was eliminated, and several days later he played in a doubles match - and won. Studies have shown that, for this type of pain, acupuncture can be more effective than steroid injections or physical therapy alone.

Cancer recovery

Another patient had difficulty bouncing back after surgery - an esophagus resection to treat cancer. Like many patients, he had problems eating, lost weight and wasn't able to work or exercise. After he'd lost almost 50 pounds and nothing else helped, he tried a series of acupuncture treatments. He says the acupuncture gave him his life back. He has returned to work and more normal activities, has gained needed weight and works out regularly with a trainer.

Growing acceptance

Granted, these are anecdotes. Not everyone will experience similar results, nor might everyone even be a candidate for acupuncture. Acupuncture has an excellent safety profile, with negligible risk of infection or bleeding. It can safely be performed on patients who are on blood thinners, unlike many other pain management modalities. Patients should seek treatment by physicians who've received extensive training in the art and science of acupuncture.

*Please Note The majority of acupuncturists are not M.D.'s but are highly qualified to perform acupuncture. Most Acupuncturists have obtained a A Master's degree in Chinese Medicine from an accredited four year program and passed a National exam.

Overall, an ever-growing body of research confirms the benefits of acupuncture.

One treatment can cost from $100 to $200, and most insurance companies do not cover acupuncture.Coverage is slowly becoming more common, as insurers see that acupuncture can help reduce health-care costs when fewer pain medications are needed and patients can be discharged more quickly from the hospital.

Send questions to medicaledge@mayo.edu or Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic, c/o TMS, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. For more information, go to mayoclinic.org.

Tanuja's Addendum: At my office, I charge $80 for an hour-long appointment, $100 for a 90-minute appointment. I do not accept insurance, but I can give patients a Superbill which they may submit to their insurance company for a reimbursement.

And another post on health care reform...

2009-08-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

The health care fight has turned ugly, fast. And lies about reform are spreading via anonymous email chains. Here are the real facts that you need to know:

Top Five Health Care Reform Lies—and How to Fight Back (from MoveOn.org)

Lie #1: President Obama wants to euthanize your grandma!!!

The truth: These accusations—of "death panels" and forced euthanasia—are, of course, flatly untrue. As an article from the Associated Press puts it: "No 'death panel' in health care bill."1 What's the real deal? Reform legislation includes a provision, supported by the AARP, to offer senior citizens access to a professional medical counselor who will provide them with information on preparing a living will and other issues facing older Americans.2

If you'd like to read the actual section of the legislation that spawned these outrageous claims (Section 1233 of H.R. 3200) for yourself, here it is. It's pretty boring stuff, which is why the accusations that it creates "death panels" is so absurd. But don't take our word for it, read it yourself.

Lie #2: Democrats are going to outlaw private insurance and force you into a government plan!!!

The truth: With reform, choices will increase, not decrease. Obama's reform plans will create a health insurance exchange, a one-stop shopping marketplace for affordable, high-quality insurance options.3 Included in the exchange is the public health insurance option—a nationwide plan with a broad network of providers—that will operate alongside private insurance companies, injecting competition into the market to drive quality up and costs down.4 If you're happy with your coverage and doctors, you can keep them.5 But the new public plan will expand choices to millions of businesses or individuals who choose to opt into it, including many who simply can't afford health care now.

Lie #3: President Obama wants to implement Soviet-style rationing!!!

The truth: Health care reform will expand access to high-quality health insurance, and give individuals, families, and businesses more choices for coverage. Right now, big corporations decide whether to give you coverage, what doctors you get to see, and whether a particular procedure or medicine is covered—that is rationed care. And a big part of reform is to stop that.

Health care reform will do away with some of the most nefarious aspects of this rationing: discrimination for pre-existing conditions, insurers that cancel coverage when you get sick, gender discrimination, and lifetime and yearly limits on coverage.6 And outside of that, as noted above, reform will increase insurance options, not force anyone into a rationed situation.

Lie #4: Obama is secretly plotting to cut senior citizens' Medicare benefits!!!

The truth: Health care reform plans will not reduce Medicare benefits.7 Reform includes savings from Medicare that are unrelated to patient care—in fact, the savings comes from cutting billions of dollars in overpayments to insurance companies and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.8

Lie #5: Obama's health care plan will bankrupt America!!!

The truth: We need health care reform now in order to prevent bankruptcy—to control spiraling costs that affect individuals, families, small businesses, and the American economy. Right now, we spend more than $2 trillion dollars a year on health care.9 The average family premium is projected to rise to over $22,000 in the next decade10—and each year, nearly a million people face bankruptcy because of medical expenses.11 Reform, with an affordable, high-quality public option that can spur competition, is necessary to bring down skyrocketing costs. Also, President Obama's reform plans would be fully paid for over 10 years and not add a penny to the deficit.12

P.S. Want more? Check out this great new White House "Reality Check" website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/ or this excellent piece from Health Care for America Now on some of the most outrageous lies: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51729

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Do not fear, I will get back to discussing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, if people do not have access to affordable health care, my entire existence becomes futile. Even if I offer a sliding scale for my services. Even if I work in underserved communities. Everyone, meaning the insured and the uninsured, will continue to suffer if we do not pass some sensible health care reform. Period.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Major Health Care Reform Proposals

2009-08-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Seriously, check this out. Use it.
And come to your own conclusions.

Weighing in on Health Care Reform

2009-08-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

What is Comprehensive Health Care Reform?

from a great website!

Comprehensive health care reform will provide a guarantee of good, affordable health coverage to everyone and make health care more affordable for our families, our businesses, and our nation as a whole. HCAN has 10 principles for reform that have been endorsed by President Obama and more than 190 members of Congress:

A truly inclusive and accessible health care system in which no one is left out.
A choice of a private insurance plan, including keeping the insurance you have if you like it, or a public health insurance plan that guarantees affordable coverage without a private insurer middleman.
A standard for health benefits that covers what people need to keep healthy and to be treated when they are ill. Health care benefits should cover all necessary care including preventative services and treatment needed by those with serious and chronic diseases and conditions.
Health care coverage with out-of-pocket costs including premiums, co-pays, and deductibles that are based on a family’s ability to pay for health care and without limits on payments for covered services.
Equity in health care access, treatment, research and resources to people and communities of color, resulting in the elimination of racial disparities in health outcomes and real improvement in health and life expectancy for all.
Health coverage through the largest possible pools in order to achieve affordable, quality coverage for the entire population and to share risk fairly.
A watchdog role on all plans, to assure that risk is fairly spread among all health care payers and that insurers do not turn people away, raise rates, or drop coverage based on a person’s health history or wrongly delay or deny care.
A choice of doctors, health providers, and private and public health insurance plans, without gaps in coverage or access and a delivery system that meets the needs of at-risk populations.
Affordable and predictable health costs to businesses and employers. To the extent that employers contribute to the cost of health coverage, those payments should be related to employee wages rather than on a per-employee basis.
Effective cost controls that promote quality, lower administrative costs, and long term financial sustainability, including: standard claims forms, secure electronic medical records, using the public’s purchasing power to instill greater reliance on evidence-based protocols and lower drug and device prices, better management and treatment of chronic diseases, and a public role in deciding where money is invested in health care.

Check out their listing of local events/rallies you may attend. Or you may call your Congressperson today and let your voice be heard.

Creating access to health care requires the participation of all of us.

Welcome to Devi Health: the Blog!!

2009-08-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

At Acupuncture.com, Lawrence Howard, LAc, MSAc, submitted an article this month called The Mind of an Acupuncturist.

He writes, "The mind of an acupuncturist is complex. They listen to the Western complaint, convert it to TCM terminology, treat the patient, and then translate their findings back into Western terms in order to interact with Western-minded people. In summary, there’s a whole lot more going on in an acupuncturist’s mind than 'sticking a pin where it hurts.'"

Well said. The mind of an acupuncturist is complex...and then some. We also ask questions about a patient's overall health, her eating and sleeping habits, her emotional landscape, her exercise habits, her sexual habits, and then some - we observe a patient's posture, her facial expressions, her hand gestures, the sound of her voice, and then some - it all fits together to create a pattern, and that pattern is what we treat.

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I am grateful for the acupuncturists who made this profession legal, at least in Illinois where I practice, and who are continuing to make it more "mainstream" and widely accepted as a legitimate, complimentary mode of health care.

At the same time, acupuncture is not securely legal in every state, and in Chicago, where there is an abundance of acupuncture available, I often hear comments and questions from friends, family, and patients that indicate that even if we are present and abundant, we are still unknown (and in some cases, untrusted) by a sizable portion of the population.

Thus, we have the opportunity to take our presence to the next level, the level of not-just-legal-but-accepted-and-relied-on. In my opinion, we will accomplish this not "just" as practitioners of a health modality but as health educators.

We have to keep talking about what we do and why we do it, and not just in text-bookish, technical terms. We have to continue attempting to convey the meaning of and behind the work we do, what drives us, what makes us continually more and more relevant as health care providers. And then some.

So consider this blog an attempt to bring "and then some" to fruition.

Thanks for visiting, and let me know what you think!

Be well!