Happy 2012!

Welcome 2012! If you are new to this site you will notice that I offer a wide variety of options for those looking to optimize their health and well-being.  Everything from one on one patient consultations, talks,classes, workshops and other special events. One thing is for sure, I am passionate about the work I do and have a message to spread out into the world. That message is that you are worth it and infinite possibilities exist.  I look forward to continuing to share the work in 2012. Stay tuned for more inspiration to come!

Are you Perplexed by What is Going on with Your Body?

Are you Perplexed by What is Going on with Your Body?

The Natural Solution for Children

I recently did a talk at Little House Tutoring school, sharing on topics such as how to manage stress and anxiety in children, how to improve focus and concentration in your kids, how to boost your child's immune system and how to keep your children lean and fit. The crowd was eager to learn more about how to manage their children's anxiety in particular.   I began the talk by informing parents that these topics are all actually connected to the other... that one part actually effects the whole.   Here are 4 tips to get your children moving in the right direction:

1. Behavior:  We are creatures of habit and children are no different- when we start asking why are our children anxious we also have to reflect on how we are when something stressful happens in our own lives. Thus can give a clue as to why our children are doing what they are doing.

2. Diet: Emphasize foods such as essential fatty acids, avoid carbohydate only meals and ensure protein rich food is added at each meal. 
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3. Deep breathing works!  Try it, do it when you are around your children and notice the calming effect it has on them.  

4. Get your children playing outside- its "natural" and gets them connected to nature and also reminds them of how good it feels to be outside and moving the body. This produces a longing for more.

For more tips and information, contact us at the office and we'd be happy to help!

Do you have an active mind? 5 dietary suggestion to help calm a busy mind

A simple diet with occasional light fasting can go a long way in creating deep, peaceful state of being.  One should avoid food habits that scatter the mind or overheat the body and this deplete yin fluids as known in hinese medicine.  Too many ingredients in meals, spicy and rich foods aswell as sugars, caffeine, large evening meals and late night eating contribute to having a busy mind. 

What you can eat to support a peaceful state:

1.  Oatstraw tea/Oat groat tea- contains silicon whihc improve calcium metabolism and strengthen nerve and heart tissue.

2.  Mulberries and lemons calm the mind aswell as Schisandra berries are considered in chinese medicine to calm the spirit and assist in insomnia nad memory recall and concentration. 

3.  Chia seeds have a sedative action.

4.  Dill and basil can be used in cooking to have a calming effect.

5.  Herbs of Chamomile, Catnip and Scullcap is helpful for the nervous person or one who has difficulty sleeping.

Try these suggestions and let me know how it goes!

Superfood/herb extraordinaire....5 health benefits of TUMERIC!

One of my favorite cooking additions is tumeric- a super anti-oxidant that shines bright yellow like the sun...
The active ingredient in tumeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for 2500 years in India. 

So what does tumeric do for you?

1.  It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2.   It is a liver detoxifier.
3.  It has potent anti-inflammatory effects.
4.  Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
5.  Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

So add more tumeric to your cooking and enjoy knowing you are supporting your body and many levels!

How to get more veggies into you...Eating Kale can be as easy as 1., 2, 3!!

So all the hype about Kale..well, the good news is that it is all that it is cracked up to be.  It contains pro-health nutrients including sulforaphane, an important chemical that helps boost the detoxification enzymes.  One of my favorite ways of eating kale is described in the recipe below...Enjoy and let me know how it goes :)

Kale Chips
1 bunch kale
2 tbsp olive oil

Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Remove the leaves from the stems.
3. Wash and dry with salad spinner or clean towels.
4. Tear or cut kale into bite sized pieces.
5. Drizzle olive oil on kale and sprinkle with a little pepper and minimal salt to taste.
6. Bake until the edges brown slightly but not burnt- about 10-15 minutes.
7. Sprinkle with some more pepper or your favorite spices.
Eat within a day- if you keep over night in the fridge it loses it's crisp, although still usable in salads etc.