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

It is very good to breathe :)

Breathing: Three Exercises - Dr. Weil

"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

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.

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/

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.

From Yes! Magazine:

Health Care Reform Action Moves to the States

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!!!

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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

Check 'em out!

Thoughts on Racism

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!

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

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

SWOON!!

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

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

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

Best Banana Bread!

yum!

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!

More delicious inspiration!

This time it's healthy Indian cuisine!

Enjoy!

cashew seitan

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!!

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

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.

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!

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!