Are you ready for Spring?

Are you ready for Spring? In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is a time for growth and renewing. Spring is associated with the Liver energy. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (or energy) in our bodies. Just as we take the time to do some Spring cleaning around the house and in our flower beds, Spring is also a great time for cleansing and renewing our own bodies with some healthy regimens that may have dwindled in the winter.

If you are interested in doing a springtime cleanse, consider coming in for a nutritional consultation. We have a great way you can cleanse your system while still eating. By doing a cleanse, it can remove the toxic buildup from over processed foods and consumption of sugar. You can regain your naturally energy and improve your sleep – in addition to shedding a few pounds.

To round out your Spring health tune-up, consider acupuncture. Acupuncture can assist in the overall health of your liver. If your liver energy flows properly, you are less likely to become irritable, and your energy restored. The liver is also in charge of tendons; just another reason to start back to walking, golfing or another.

Get ready for the first long walk of season and enjoy Spring!

GUNG HEI FAT CHOI

2017—Year of the Fire Rooster

Last year (the year of the monkey) was quite a dramatic year, full of unexpected turn of events. We can expect more challenges, but on a much less rocky rollercoaster ride.

Those born in the Year of the Rooster have many excellent characteristics, such as being loyal, highly motivated, dedicated – and often blunt. They like to be independent and don’t like to rely on others. Roosters also enjoy being the center of attention, making them great hosts and natural born leaders. Beneath their sometimes bossy exterior is a caring heart and deep love for family them keeps them grounded in what truly matters.

Its a good year to:

Start a family. Want an academic star? Many will choose this year to have children for that very reason. Family and love should also trend in 2017. It’s a year to clear up any misunderstandings and renew family relationships. Looking for love? Monkeys, Rats and Dragons are especially lucky.

Concentrate on your health. Want to lose weight or try alternative therapy? It’s a great time to be mindful of your physical, emotional and spiritual being.

Step up to the challenge. In 2017, no matter which Chinese animal you are – you can benefit by tapping into Rooster traits—have a clear purpose and step up to challenges.

2017, the Year of the Rooster could be summarized as the “wake up” year. Roosters wake up early in the morning to rouse everyone into action with their enthusiasm. We can already see plenty of rooster action in the US!

Mercury retrograde

During the year 2017, Mercury goes retrograde four times and during these times one should be careful:

Dec 19, 2016 to Jan 8, 2017 From earth sign Capricorn, to fire-sign Sagittarius.

April 9 to May 3, 2017 From earth sign Taurus, to fire-sign Aries.

August 12 to Sept 5, 2017 From earth sign Virgo, ends in fire-sign Leo

December 3 to December 22, 2017 During fire sign Sagittarius.

Sources: Lillian Bridges

https://lotusinstitute.com/blogs/news/year-of-the-red-rooster-2017

7 Steps to a Healthy Winter

The holidays are over. Many of us our over the sweet indulgences but the sugar addiction struggles are real. You might have the best of intentions to change everything. That can become overwhelming and you might not know where to start. Here are somethings I do to stay healthy and get back on track.

1) Sleep. Yep, you have heard it before. Getting a good amount and good quality sleep can do wonders for all sorts of issues. Tired= craving more sugar. Having sleeping issues? Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and craniosacral can help.

2) Stocking my medicine cabinet before trouble strikes. What do I take when feeling blah? You can boost your immune system with some nice mushrooms like Reishi or Cordyceps. I recommend Standard Process Immuplex, Echinacea Premium or Astragalus Complex. I also carry an herbal throat spray in my purse. Great during these below zero spells. Next I stock Congaplex and Andrographis Complex for when I haven’t caught the sniffles in time.

3) You are soaking in it. I take a detox bath once a week. 2 cups epsom salt, 1 cup baking soda, essential oils. Soak for 20 minutes. You know those large bags of epsom salts and baking soda at Costco? You ask yourself, who is buying those large quantities? Me.

4) Did I say essential oils? Yep I try to keep on hand Thieves, Purification, Peppermint, Lemongrass (great for pain) on hand. I love to diffuse Thieves in the house and office.

5) Drop the sugar. Sugar addiction is real. Trying to lose weight? Feeling sluggish? Insomnia? Want to change your habits? Try Standard Process 21 day Purification Program. I can’t speak highly enough of this program to get you on the right track.

6) Try something new. All the above might be new to you. What am I trying new this year? Beefing up my bone broth consumption. I should be drinking this daily. It’s great to have on hand when you are feeling ill. I don’t always have time to make and freeze my own. Ive heard great things about Kettle and Fire.

7) Regular self care. Besides exercising, what do you do for self care? Massage, acupuncture, yoga, meditation or a combination of each? Carve out some time for yourself.

Want to order find out more about Standard Process whole food based supplements, acupuncture or massage? Give us a call.