Green Apple Acupuncture

You know I love breakfast. You know I want you to love breakfast too! For those of you that have a hard time finding something quick and healthy to eat in the morning this breakfast pudding is just for you. My love affair with Chia seeds run deep. These seeds pack a walloping 6.9 grams of fiber (per 25grams) are a great source of Omega 3′s, as well as magnesium and copper. The gelatin that is created during the pudding process enables your digestive enzymes to more slowly convert the carbohydrates to sugar keeping blood sugar levels even and feeling more full throughout the morning. Easy and versatile – you can’t mess this up. Have fun and enjoy. And yay giving your body the gift of breakfast!

Recipe Base:

2 1/2 cups preferred beverage. Coconut or almond milk, etc.

1/2 Chia Seeds

1 Tbs. Honey – optional

Mix all ingredients in a glass jar and put in the fridge overnight shaking occasionally. The pudding will thicken to a tapioca like consistency. Top with fruit and nuts just as you would oatmeal. Endless possibilities! Hint Hint – really good with a couple of tbs of coco powder for dessert.

Remember when you scraped your knee playing outside? You ran inside, knee burning, dreading what was coming next -Mom coming at you with the Bactine. Me and my clumsy self became fast enemies with the likes of Bactine; it’s one of the standouts from my childhood. These days I’m still prone to taking a spill here and there and now I treat myself with the aid of my Home Herbal Medicine Cabinet, sans Bactine. Having your own personal pharmacy/first aid kit is a great way to save money and explore what suits your body best. I’ve put together a few of my favorite things that I like to keep on hand. **This is for in-home care and not intended to treat serious conditions** I know you know this already

Scrapes, burns, bites. Tis the season for all things itchy and scratchy. My go to is Calendula. I use Calendula from everything to scrapes and cuts to sunburns and bug bites. It’s my all time favorite herb and can be used to several different forms. Calendula is known to be anti-inflammatory and anti-viral in nature. It can be used in a tincture, infused oil or cream.

Lavender Oil: Same as above only I find this to be less potent. A couple drops of diluted lavender oil on scrapes is helpful and relaxing. Infused into bath water post beach day.

Witch Hazel: Antiseptic and astringent! Witch Hazel can the work horse of the first aid kit. Good for everything from bug bites to blisters to hemorrhoids. Not to be taken internally Witch Hazel can also be used to dilute other essential oils used topically.

Aloe Vera Gel: Sweet smelling and fast acting for burns and scrapes. Pure Aloe Vera juice and gel can be used internally and is good for digestion as well as mouth sores.

Headaches: Before you reach for those NSAIDS try a couple of drops of peppermint oil on your temples with some strong chamomile tea.

Bruises & Swelling: Arnica! Taken internally or as a topical application has been known to reduce inflammation reduce swelling. For swelling remember ice within the first 24 hours then move on to heat to promote circulation. And get some acupuncture within the first 24 hours to facilitate a quicker healing time!

Nausea and Vomiting: Dried ginger capsules can quell nausea and vomiting. Strong ginger tea made fresh from the root can ease digestion but can be warm for some people. In a pinch munching on some ginger candy can also do the trick.

This list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the awesomeness that can be at your finger tips. I always rotate the star players with the seasons. I.e. Digestive herbs during the holidays, sleep inducing herbs during Daylight Savings and calming essential oils during tax time. There’s a home remedy for almost all that ails you so don’t be shy to ask us how you can treat simple maladies yourself!

Menopause is a crossroad in which women can harness their true selves and set their bodies up to enjoy a healthy and happy life. This journey can be a difficult one to navigate; especially given our cultural dismissal of gynecological changes, ageist ideals, and fear of change. In this workshop we will explore how Chinese Medicine can ease this journey. We will talk about how nutrition, herbal support, acupuncture and knowledge can change your life. Please join us Thursday February 21st 6:00- 7:00pm. Workshop is $20.00. Cost includes ear acupuncture treatment. Only 5 spaces available. Must call to reserve space. 925-855-1645.

To know your parts is to love them.

Alright fellas, we’re talking ladybits this time around. Although you may feel the urge to run, I hope you stay! After all you may not have a vagina but someone you love does! There. I said it. Vagina! Now that we got that out of the way…

I work with ladies every single day. Young, old, mothers, grandmothers, babies, sisters, wives, business owners, thinkers, friends, you name it. What really strikes a cord with me when I work with all of these lovely ladies is how disconnected we, as a gender, can be from our parts. How they work, how they look and feel, how they age, etc. Knowing our bodies, more intimately than we might be comfortable with, can not only alter our lives but also ultimately save our lives.

The female body works in wondrous ways and is in a constant state of change. Every day there is some sort of physiological action happening. Ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause all are scenes in a grand play complete with a ton of behind the scenes action. Everyday there is a chance to learn something new. With so much happening aren’t you at least curious? Knowing your body and how it works can open your eyes and mind to a whole new world.

Take the menstrual cycle for example. This typically 28-day cycle is jam packed with busy hormones and cells working in synchronicity. Knowing your menstrual cycle can not only act family planning but also can clue you in on some pathological events that can be occurring. Heavy menses, cramping, PMS, bloating, etc aren’t always just a token gift from our “Monthly Visitor”. In fact in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) these are considered abnormal events in a monthly cycle. In TCM we look at the health of the menses cycle as a direct reflection of health in general. The root of these disturbances may not be dangerous for our overall health or longevity but that doesn’t mean that we should ignore these signs or take a pill to forget about them. It’s entirely possible to have a less painful and cranky period!

More often than not when there is a gynecological issue that comes up the birth control pill is the first thing that is thrown at “the problem”. Sure that is one easy way to mask the issue, but what if we took the time each month to fully understand our cycle and how that relates to the rest of our lives? Yes, this takes a ton of patience and a lot of time. Just ask any woman with fertility problems – these ladies could practically become gynecologists. But why should it take something like infertility to get our attention?

Culturally we are conditioned to keep our downstairs business to ourselves and just take it as it comes. We have cute names for our periods, ridiculous commercials hawking overpriced and often dangerous feminine “hygiene” products, and ever changing guidelines when it comes to annual women’s health exams. And while I don’t think we need our Facebook statuses to reflect our menstrual cycle I do think an empowered and dare I say it, celebratory, attitude is vital to gynecological health and well-being.

Really understanding your body and approaching gynecological health with an open and curious mind can save your life. It certainly saved mine. Years of really getting to know my body came in handy when I realized something wasn’t right. Even when countless doctors and tests told me the opposite, I knew my body well enough to know I had to continue finding an answer. My persistence and listening to my body’s warning signs, and finally finding the right doctor gave me an early cancer diagnosis. And while I consider myself supremely lucky to have my cancer caught so early, I take credit for getting myself that diagnosis in a timely manner. It was me that booked countless appointments, raised my voice when nobody would listen and it was me that paid attention to this body of mine.

Getting to know your self isn’t all hard work. It can be fun too! I encourage all of you to love your ladyparts! Or your lady’s parts! What fella doesn’t want to help out with monthly breast exams? Getting to know yourself in a deeper way can enrich your sex life, help you reach fertility goals or help to understand and possibly change your menopause experience. Ultimately, and I think more importantly, knowing your body gives you the power to make more informed health decisions. Women’s health is important and it starts with each and every one of us.

Few words can be more terrifying than, “You have cancer.”

Having heard those words myself I can attest to the looming horror that those words leave in the air. And while a cancer diagnosis can instantly change your life in a scary way, it can also be a gift. Cancer can be a catalyst for connecting the body and mind in a more authentic way than one ever thought possible. We are all guilty of running around like headless chickens not fully paying attention to how are bodies are trying to get our attention. Cancer halts the chicken dance as immediately you are forced to pay attention to your body, your mind and your spirit. Complimentary medical modalities, like acupuncture, in addition to standard medical care can help to bridge the gap between being just a patient and being a mindful patient in charge.

While modern medicine has made tremendous strides in cancer care and we have the survivorship to prove that, there can often be a crucial component missing to the standard approach to care. The patient. What most cancer patients want to do is live, what we need to start thinking about is how cancer patients live with a high quality of life.

To achieve a high quality of living through cancer treatment is both patient and doctor responsibility – it takes a village. Enter treatments like acupuncture, nutritional therapy, spiritual therapy and the like. These particular modalities can not only ease the stress from typical medical interventions like surgery, chemo and radiation; but they enhance the immune system, balance the nervous system and help prep the body for the intensity of fighting cancer. These treatments don’t need to be thought of as “alternative” or “fringe” they should automatically be put on the patient’s calendar right next to the chemo rounds.

Acupuncture is being recognized and used by Western doctors for the treatment of chemo related nausea and vomiting and chronic inflammatory pain. Some other lesser know symptoms that are treated with great results are hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, stress, and sleeping issues. And while reduction in physical symptoms is great, for me what’s more special about acupuncture and cancer care is the emotional growth that happens through physical changes during an acupuncture treatment.

Cancer can feel like the body’s ultimate betrayal. Acupuncture in particular can help the patient to connect more deeply to the emotional/physical response to a life threatening diseases. These moments of introspection can be very telling of the life we truly want to be living.

Being able to openly go into ones body not only allows a person to bear witness to the physiological changes happening inside of them, but also helps them to understand that there is no separation of body and mind. Each physiological reaction has an emotional component and vice a versa. The mechanisms behind acupuncture become acutely apparent during these quiet, nurturing and patient focused treatments.

Being able to understand your body, listen to your heart and feel supported in your cancer journey gives patients the power to become their own best healthcare advocate. There is, after all, nobody that knows your body the way you do. Listen to it.

The weather induced sniffles and the rapidly approaching holiday madness has inspired me to get together a Home Health Pack. This pack has got what you need to get you through cold and flu season as well as a few home health essentials. Limited quantity available so come and get ‘em soon! Here’s what I have for you.

Home Health Pack includes:

One box Yin Qiao San. (12 vials) – enough for whole family to use. This is indicated for common heat/type colds. Symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, sneezing, sore throat. To be taken at first sign of cold.

One Box Salonpas plasters(40 sheets) – external pain relieving patches good for arthritis, muscle aches and bruises.

One vial Ching Wan Hung (burn cream) – Or what I like to call “Magic Sauce”. This sesame based ointment treats all types of minor burns and skin issues. Perfect for cooking burns, insect bites, sunburn, etc. Seriously, magic.

One Bottle Bao He Wan teapills – Exactly what the Acupuncturist ordered for Holiday Feast madness. This herbal formula is used for indigestion and bloating due to over indulgence. Perfect to pass around the post turkey table.

One Large Bottle Lavender Bath Salts – Handmade oraganic bath salts. Lightly scented bath salts to warm you up and chill you out.

One trial size By Nieves Vitamin C Serum – the ultimate skin beautifier! Jam packed with nutrients this serum is the go to for many skin issues.

Each home health pack is $50.00. Spread the health!

It’s hard to believe that fall will be here on Friday. Seems like summer just got started here in the Bay Area! Yet there is a definite change in the light and leaves. With this seasonal change  often comes flu bugs, allergies, emotional changes, sleep disruptions and subtle hormonal shifts. These next coming weeks are the perfect time to come in and boost your qi and blood with acupuncture and moxibustion. At Green Apple we will be giving seasonal tune-ups for the next month. Get your immune system ready!

As well, it’s the perfect time to make my favorite fall dish. Pot Roast. Just like my mama used to make. This hearty stew will get your body and your soul ready for all that fall has to bring. Using high quality, grassfed beef can enhance your immunity, build your blood, enrich iron and mineral levels and give you a mega dose of vitamin b’s. Plus there is nothing better than coming home and smelling the slow cooking of an awesome stew. This is my mama’s recipe so nothing is exact but it sure is good. Enjoy and hope to see you in the next few weeks!

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 (3-pound) boneless chuck roast
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups coarsely chopped onion
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 cups water or homemade beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
• 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

Prep: Heat oil in large dutch oven. Brown meat over med-high on all sides about 5-8 minutes until nice and browned.  Remove meat. Add onions and saute for 5 mins, deglaze pan with either one cup red wine or water. Return meat to pan. Add thyme, garlic, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to boil then lower to simmer. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 – 2 hours until beef is nearly done. Add carrots and potatoes simmer additional hour or until veggies are tender. Shred meat and serves with veggies and cooking liquid. Yum.

August marks the first month in which Chef Christie Morisoli gives us a lesson in cooking with Chinese Herbs. Each month a medicinal herb will be featured in a super yummy and healthy recipe. This is just another way to incorporate health lifestyle choices into our everyday routines. Food  can taste great and be good for you. So go ahead and eat your medicine!

Mint: Cooling and spicy in nature mint has antibacterial properties, soothes the digestive tract and can be used externally to treat skin conditions like eczema.

Cucumber: Cooling and comprised of mostly water, cucumbers are great for edema and summer heat related issues. Also used often as a skin soother.

Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Mint

Yield 6 sides.

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 English cucumber
• ½ bunch fresh mint
• 6 oz. feta cheese
• 1 small shallot
• ½ Tbl. Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbl. red wine vinegar
• 3 Tbl. lemon juice (approx. 1 lemon)
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.  Place water and quinoa in a stock pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile peel, seed and cut cucumber into ½ inch dice.

3. Trim and thinly slice the fresh mint.

4. For the dressing, finely chop shallot and add to small mixing bowl. Combine Dijon, red wine vinegar and lemon juice to shallots. Gradually add olive oil whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

5.  Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool.  After it has cooled slightly, toss the quinoa with vinaigrette, cucumber, mint and feta cheese.

6. Season to taste with salt and peper and enjoy!

GAA is excited to announce our new In-Home Acupuncture Care for seniors and hospice populations. I have been enamored with seniors since I was child. There is nothing more enriching for me than to sit with a cup of tea, pour over vintage photos and recall golden years with a sassy old timer. While romancing the past may be a gift for the aged, often our “Golden Years” are tainted with major aches, pains, and the eventual reality of our bodies giving out. Chinese Medicine is a safe, non invasive and effective way to tackle the  hurdles of everyday living. The damage of our youth finally catching up with us, and the emotional roller coaster of confronting our mortality can take a major toll on our health and wellbeing. With our new in-home Senior Program & hospice care we address such issues and strive to help make these transitions peaceful.

It’s the second day of summer and the heat is on–even here in San Francisco!  A great and easy way to cool our jets is to incorporate some yummy summer foods into our diet. Watermelon gazpacho is an ideal summer meal giving you an instant cool down while rehydrating your system and tastes awesome.  Watermelon by nature is sweet and cooling. It has properties that release summer heat, influences the heart, bladder and stomach and can ease urinary difficulty, edema, and canker sores. Feel free to add energizing spices if the heat has you feeling sluggish. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add energy boost and some freshly grated ginger can help with any digestive issues the heat may have brought on. Here ya go!

• 1 large tomato, pureed
• 1/2 serrano chile
• 2 cups cubed fresh watermelon
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion
• 1/2 cucumber, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill (or basil), plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch ground cumin

Whirl together tomato, chile,  half of the watermelon and cucumber. Add onion, vinegar, oil–whirl again. Add rest of watermelon and herbs. Enjoy!!