February 7, 2013 by Stacey Kaplan LAc, LMTFebruary 10th 2013 begins the year of the snake on the Chinese calendar. While the significance of this animal can be interpreted in different ways according to your individual birthday, the snakes attributes can inspire and guide us through the change from this year to next.
As we shift from the busy, active energy of the year of the dragon to a more focused, introspective year of the snake, here are some characteristics of the snake that may inspire you for the next twelve months.
A snake is quietly observant, plans thoughtfully and has the ability to read complicated situations quickly. We can use these tactics to prepare for opportunity as it arrives.
A snake sheds its skin to reveal a new, inner self. The year of the snake presents an opportunity for growth through introspection.
The snake is refined, collected and self reliant even when faced with adversity or instability.
The snake is a Yin sign, transitioning from the Yang sign of 2012. This means we are transitioning from a year of strong, creative, active, intellectual energy to a more intuitive, receiving, passive mode.
January 14, 2013 by Stacey Kaplan LAc, LMTCold and flu season is once again upon us. Though it's impossible to avoid being exposed to viruses and bacteria, there are steps we can take to boost our immune system so we are less susceptible to what's out there. These can also help minimize the severity of the colds we do get.
The man is not sick because he has an illness; he has an illness because he is sick. This is an old Chinese proverb that highlights the importance of keeping ourselves healthy in order to stave off illness. If we can keep our immune system functioning optimally and stress levels down, we can shift our focus from fighting off disease to staying healthy.
Here are a few simple, essential immune system boosting tips:
Cook with garlic in every meal.
Powerfully antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-parasitic and immune-stimulating, garlic is a strong defense against colds and flus.
Use garlic in every meal you cook.
Have a teaspoon of wildflower honey everyday.
Honey has numerous health benefits including antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and immune stimulating properties and is exceptionally effective with respiratory conditions. Chose a local, natural wildflower honey instead of clover or alfalfa honey to get true medicinal benefits.
Have a teaspoon of honey by itself or put it in your tea.
Eat ginger everyday.
Ginger is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, warming and can ease digestive discomfort. Incorporate ginger in your cooking, as a tea, with your sushi or however you like it.
I like Fresh Ginger Tea: A couple slices of peeled fresh ginger, lemon and honey in hot water.
Get lots of sleep.
During cold and flu season, our bodies are working overtime to fight off illness. Give your system the time it needs to recoup and restore its defenses so you can continue to ward off colds and flu everyday.
Use a humidifier at night.
Humidifiers can help soothe dryness, irritation and itchiness in the nose, nasal passages, sinuses, mouth, throat, eyes and skin.
Use a Neti pot daily.
Nasal irrigation helps flush out irritants in your sinuses before they have time to build up and cause infection. Saline solution, used in the Net pot, can help increase the speed and improve coordination of the cilia (which move mucous along smoothly) so they can more effectively remove allergens and irritants form your sinuses. Only use previously boiled and cooled water or distilled water in your Neti pot.
Get regular bodywork.
Stimulation of the skin and outer surface of your body helps boost your immune system. Ask me when I see you next about a simple health cultivating series of movements, called Dao Yin, that you can do everyday to keep your Qi moving smoothly and correctly.
November 20, 2012 by Stacey Kaplan LAc, LMTIt's that time of year again; we reflect on what we're thankful for, spend time with loved ones, and EAT. Sounds good to me!
Unfortunately, during this season it can be easy to over indulge. Overeating can leave us feeling heavy, fatigued and unable to enjoy or time with friends and family. Moderation is key. Eat what you like and what makes you feel good, but listen to your body when it's asking you to stop.
Here's a great Qi Gong exercise you can do after any meal to help stimulate your digestive enzymes for maximum absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste.
Sit in a chair with your back straight, feet flat on the floor and hands resting on your thighs.Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth, close your eyes or soften your gaze so your eyes are half closed. Take 3 deep breaths, filling up your lower abdomen with each inhale.Circle your tongue around the back of your upper teeth and lower teeth 9 times in a clockwise circle and 9 times in a counter-clockwise circle. This will stimulate saliva production which is filled with digestive enzymes.Swallow that saliva you've just produced in 3 sections. Swallow the 1st third, feeling it pass down your throat, chest, upper abdomen and settle into your stomach. Then swallow the 2nd third and then the last of your saliva the same way.Place one hand at your navel and your other hand on top of it. Gently rub around your navel in clockwise circles 36 times. This helps stimulate peristalsis.Settle your hands back onto your thighs and breath 3 more deep breaths.
This series can take anywhere from 2-8 minutes, depending on how quickly you move through these steps.
