Acupuncture and Hearing Loss

New research shows that acupuncture can treat hearing loss! 

Pot a Plant

Use houseplants to freshen the  air you breathe at home. 

Indoor air pollution caused by chemicals in building materials, new carpets, paint, and household cleaners, to name just a few, might have more of an effect on our health than previously thought. 

According to NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, the following indoor plants are especially effective at purifying the air: bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, chrysanthemum, corn cane, dracaena, English ivy, gerbera, peace lily, snake plant, and philodendron. 

Find more indoor plant recommendations at www.zone10.com/tech/NASA/Fyh.htm.

Source: The Little Green Handbook by Ruth Cullen

Elbows with Arugula Recipe

Arugula, a delicate member of the mustard family, is often recommended by herbalists as a mild spring diuretic. 

Ingredients: 

2 cups arugula leaves 

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1/4 cup minced fresh basil 

Pinch of sea salt 

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 cups hot, cooked elbow pasta

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and toss well, about 30 times, until the arugula has just wilted. Serve warm as a lunch or dinner entrée. *

*If weather is damp, add cayenne to taste when tossing. If weather is dry, serve with lemonade as the beverage. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Herb of the Day: Onion

What plant is most often depicted in Egyptian tomb paintings? What plant did the Greeks and Romans come to have a love-hate relationship with, both praising its healing properties and condemning its rank odor? What plant did Alexander the Great feed to his troops to give them strength for battle? The humble onion. 

As a medicine, onions contain smaller doses of garlic's antibacterial and antifungal components. A paste of onions is said to prevent infection in wounds and burns. Other extracts inhibit blood clotting and seem to reduce cholesterol levels in people who eat high-fat diets. Experiments have shown that rats injected with an onion extract had lower blood pressure. And recent research suggests that onions increase the production of high-density lipoproteins, which in turn are believed to help clear the arteries of fatty deposits. 

Gardeners recommend planting onions with beets, cabbages, lettuce, and strawberries to enhance their growth. They'll also tell you to keep onions away from beans, peas, and sage. Reportedly, onions repel cabbage loopers, Colorado potato beetles, carrot flies, and imported cabbageworms. 

Source: Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs

Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia

Another amazing effect of acupuncture- the treatment of Pediatric Fibromyalgia. 

Fresh Strawberry Sherbet Recipe

Scientific researchers hold that eating strawberries may keep the heart healthy- the fruit contains a type of fiber that may help lower blood cholesterol levels. 

Ingredients: 

4 cups strawberries (pick up some organic strawberries at Green Meadows Farm!) 

2 egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks

Toss the berries into a food processor or blender and process until puréed. Scoop the berries into a bowl and fold in the whites. Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions. *

*If the weather is dry, top each serving with sliced strawberries. If the weather is damp, top each serving with a crunchy oat granola, or serve the sherbet atop waffles or in a crisp waffle cone. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Acupuncture and Morning Sickness

A recent study shows that acupuncture can help alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women.

Kill Weeds Kindly

The sight of unwelcome weeds in flower and vegetable gardens can provoke violent reactions in the most peaceful of gardeners. We yank weeds up by the roots and whack them into submission, but occasionally, we seek out something stronger. 

Fortunately, you can kill weeds kindly using a green thumb and nontoxic remedy. 

Pour scalding hot water directly onto your weeds, or choose from dozens of all-natural weed management products that do the job without any harsh chemicals. Ordinary white vinegar mixed with a pinch of salt and liquid dish soap, for example, zaps weeds without contaminating the environment, and it’s cheaper! 

Grilled Salmon with Mustard and Fennel Recipe

Try this dish after a spring day has left you frazzled- mustard and fennel are what herbalists call carminatives, substances that help soothe stressed digestion. 

Ingredients: 

12 ounces salmon filet 

2 tablespoons prepared mustard

1 tablespoon fennel seeds 

Prepare the grill or preheat the broiler. 

Spread the salmon flesh with the mustard, then sprinkle the fennel seeds. Grill or broil the salmon about 4 inches from the heat source until just cooked through, about 4 minutes on each side. Serve warm or at room temperature for a brunch, lunch, or dinner entrée. *

*If weather is damp, serve a side dish of steamed potatoes tossed with spicy salsa. If weather is dry, serve a side dish of steamed sugar snap peas tossed with sautéed mushrooms and fresh lemon juice. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons by Judith Benn Hurley

Herb of the Day: Ginseng

It’s hard to evaluate the medicinal qualities of a plant that has been said to help every human ailment. Perhaps the broadest health effect claimed for ginseng is that it is an “adaptogen,” a substance that protects against stress, physical and mental. Put another way, adaptogens help body functions return to normal more quickly than they would otherwise. 

This is a very simple ginseng tea recipe with the most minimum ingredients – ginseng, water and salt (optional). Ginseng with its cooling property is perfect for combating our hot weather, keeping the body balanced. It is also a drink which is touted to improve mental alertness, thus moms love to brew this for their children during exams period (for the same reason, you should avoid consuming this this drink too close to bedtime).

Ingredients: 

1 oz Ginseng “fibers” or “beards”

6 cups of water

A pinch of salt (optional)

Directions:

 1. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add ginseng and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Season with salt if desired. Take out the ginseng using a strainer and serve the drink at room temperature or chilled.

Walk-In Wednesdays

Our walk in wednesday hours are gaining in popularity, which is fantastic! That said, there still seems to be some confusion about what we do on Wednesday and how it is different than our private sessions. On Wednesdays you do not need an appointment and the cost is$25.00 per session. Patients are seated in comfortable reclining chairs that are separated with enough space to ensure that the treatments continue to be serene and peaceful. These sessions differ from our private sessions in that the patients are treated on one side and remain clothed throughout the session. However, even though the treatments themselves are done in a communal setting, the consultations continue to be done in private before going to the treatment space. 

A common misconception is that the chair treatments are less effective than a private session.These sessions are not mini treatments. We use meridian and channel theory to diagnose and treat the problem. What this means is that we do not need to needle the spot that is hurting. For instance, a common treatment area for low back pain is on the ankle. Many acupuncturists practice this method alone and it is very effective.

If you have any questions about our Walk in Wednesday program please feel free to call the clinic at (978) 922-4111, or better yet pop in and experience one yourself!

Rice Cakes with Spring Peas Recipe

These light, savory cakes make a rejuvinating spring repast, combining chives, parsley, and basil to entice your taste buds out of their winter doldrums. 

Ingredients: 

1 cup fresh green peas 

3 cups cooked short-grain rice, such as arborio, at room temperature

4 egg whites 

1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

1 tablespoon minced fresh basil

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese or soy Parmesan

About 1/2 cup fine whole wheat bread crumbs 

2 teaspoons olive oil 

Blanch the peas by placing them in a strainer and pouring boiling water over them for about 10 seconds. Combine the peas with the rice, egg whites, chives, parsley, basil, and Parmesan. Divide the mixture into sixths, forming each portion into a very firm ball, then into a little cake. Press each cake lightly on both sides in the bread crumbs, then brush each side lightly with the oil. 

Broil the cakes about 4 inches from the heat source until they are lightly browned about 2 minutes on each side. Serve warm as a lunch or dinner entrée in place of fatty, meat-based burgers.*

*If the weather is damp, serve the cakes with spicy salsa. If the weather is dry, serve the cakes with lemon wedges for drizzling. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons by Judith Benn Hurley

Knee Pain and Acupuncture Study

Is knee pain keeping you from enjoying your everyday life? Research shows that acupuncture can help boost knee function and relieve pain. 

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Keep air moving in the right direction by reversing  your indoor ceiling fans by the season. 

In the summer, the fan should draw cooler air upward, reducing the need for air-conditioning. In the winter, a ceiling fan should push warm air back downward. 

Since different manufacturers use different fan designs, the only way to tell which way to aim your fan blades is to turn your fan on high, stand under it, and decide which way is more comfortable. Then keep it that way for the season and reverse is for the other season. 

Green Beans in Garlic Marinade Recipe

Garlic contains immune-boosting compounds that, when consumed daily, may help prevent spring sinus trouble and allergies. 

Ingredients: 

3/4 pound green beans

2 carrots, julienned

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dark (toasted) sesame oil

2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons lemon juice 

1 teaspoon regular or reduced-sodium soy sauce 

1 Tablespoon minced fresh chives

Steam the green beans and carrots over boiling water until they’re brightly colored and just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. 

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. When the green beans and carrots are ready, pat them dry and add them to the bowl, tossing well to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Serve very slightly chilled as a lunch or dinner salad. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Herb of the Day: Eucalyptus

The Australian aborigines were probably the first to discover that eucalyptus oil, called eucalyptol, was very effective in certain medicinal applications. The most widely known medicinal use of eucalyptus is for respiratory ailments. Herbals recommend inhaling steam laced with the oil to relieve symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, croup, and the like. 

You can make a simple eucalyptus infusion at home by steeping a handful of fresh or dried leaves for 20 minutes in a quart of boiling water. Breathe in the vapors of the steaming tea. The infusion can be drunk or used in a vaporizer. 

Source: Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs

Chinese Herbs

If you are considering using Chinese herbs for the treatment of a specific illness, you should always consult with a herbalist trained in Chinese medicine.  Herbs are used much more often in traditional Chinese medicine, and are prescribed by complex formulas often tailored to a specific patient.

There are a number of herbs that can be used safely by most people, as a way of increasing general health, and promoting wellness.

Ginger is probably one of the most well-known, and it's used as a digestion aid, and nausea remedy.  It can be made into a very tasty tea, or even drunk as ginger beer, or ginger ale.

Cinnamon is a good aid to circulation, and also can be made into tea, or just added to food.

Ginseng's properties are pretty well known, too, and it is a good source of added energy.  Be careful not to take too much ginseng, especially if you are drinking coffee or consuming some other source of caffeine.

Leafy Greens Recipe

Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and chard are full of vitamins K and C, iron, and beta-carotene. Kale has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Particularly when chopped, kale contains a potent cancer fighting agent called sulforaphane. Eat generous helpings of leafy greens like kale and every cell in your body will thank you.

Ingredients:

    1 large bunch of kale, chard

    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

    fine grain sea salt

    5 cloves of garlic, crushed and chopped

    1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

    crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

To de-stem each leaf of chard/kale, grab the main stalk in one hand and strip the leaf from the stem all the way up with the other. I then tear the big leaves into bite-sized pieces, but you can use a knife for this task if you prefer. Wash the greens in a big bowl (or sink) full of clean water, rinsing and swishing to rinse away any stubborn grit and dirt. Drain, rinse again, and set aside.

Hold off cooking the greens until just before eating. Then, in a large skillet heat the olive oil. Add a couple big pinches of salt and the greens. They should hiss and spit a bit when they hit the pan. Stir continuously until their color gets bright green, and they just barely start to collapse - two, three, maybe four minutes, depending on how hot your pan is, and how much structure your greens have. Then, just thirty seconds before you anticipate pulling the skillet off of the heat, stir in the garlic. Saute a bit, remove the pan from the heat, stir in the Parmesan, and add a big pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Taste, add a bit of salt if needed, and serve immediately. 

Buy Local!

Buy food and goods produced by local vendors.  Did you know that a thriving local economy actually helps the environment? 

Buy supporting local organic farmers and companies by buying their goods, you reduce the need for other products to be shipped across the globe. This cuts back on all the energy and materials required to manufacture, distribute, and transport these goods to you. 

Buying locally produced goods not only encourages a sustainable way of life, but it saves natural resources and reduces carbon emissions as well. 

Source: The Little Green Handbook by Ruth Cullen

Ginger-Chive Decongestant Recipe

I'm sure we all know someone suffering from spring allergies. In Japan, herbalists recommend this bracing brew to soothe the symptoms of spring allergies and sinus congestion. 

Ingredients: 

4 slices gingerroot 

1 1/2 cups water 

1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

In a small saucepan, combine the ginger and water and bring to a boil. Continue to boil until the water has been reduced to about 1 cup, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, add the chives, cover, and let the brew steep for about 5 minutes. Then discard the ginger and chives and sip warm, up to 3 cups a day. *

*If the weather is damp, increase the gingerroot to 6 slices. If weather is dry, use 3/4 cup water and 3/4 cup orange juice when boiling the gingerroot. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley

Herb of the Day: Echinacea

Echinacea - The Purple Cone Flower

Going back to pre-Columbian times, Native Americans used Echinacea for pain relief, and to treat the symptoms of common ailments and injuries including snakebite.  It has often been prescribed as a cold remedy, and most commonly, to fight infections as an aid to the immune system.

Many other ailments treated by this herb include inflammation, coughing and bronchial distress, and sores or other skin conditions.

The use of this substance for the treatment of snakebite led to it being the active ingredient in snake-oil in the nineteenth century.  Much has been written about the reported effectiveness of this herb for many applications, and it's still one of the most common herbal treatments.

Fertility and Acupuncture

Fertility problems? Studies show that acupuncture can greatly improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization.

Acupuncture to treat Dementia

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of vascular dementia, a condition that is common after a stroke or multiple mini-strokes. 

Salmon Pâté with Shallot and Fresh Parsley Recipe

Those who experience “spring fever”, or lack of energy, may wish to add salmon to their diets. The high protein content of the fish helps the brain release dopamine, an energizing hormone. 

Ingredients:

8 ounces cooked salmon  

1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt or soy yogurt

1/4 cup nonfat cream cheese or creamy soy cheese

1 shallot, minced

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Pinch of salt

In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mash with a fork until the mixture is spreadable. Use as a sandwich spread; or serve as a snack or appetizer on cucumber rounds, crackers, or crusty bread. *

*If the weather is dry, add lemon juice to taste while mashing. If the weather is damp, add a minced fresh jalapeño while mashing. 

Source: Healing Secrets of the Seasons, Judith Benn Hurley