Wellness Blog

Frozen Shoulder

In the last month we have seen a number of people complaining of chronic pain and limited range of motion in their shoulders.  This condition is often referred to as frozen shoulder.  The exact etiology is unclear, however risk factors can include; people over the age of 40, history of prolonged immobility or those who suffer with systemic diseases including thyroid conditions, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Acupuncture is a very effective therapy for this condition. Ancient Chinese medical texts mention this condition as early as 3, 000 years ago.  Back then it was referred to as fifties shoulder.  In most cases we see improvement after 2 – 4 treatments.  Acupuncture points on the affected shoulder help treat the joint inflammation and distal points needled bilaterally on the arms and legs help relieve pain and promote healing. The treatment is relatively painless and relaxing.   And the results are amazing.   Below is a testimonial we received from a new patient who found great relief in acupuncture.

For years I have been struggling with my shoulder.  I originally was told by my Physician that I stretched a muscle in my rotator cuff.  Physical therapy, rest and patience did not improve this condition.  For Read More

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An Amazing Red Sauce!

Another great recipe from Maggie Christopher, holistic nutrition counselor.

The Lady from Naples Red Sauce

You’ll feel like an authentic Italian cook when you serve this sauce. Consider making a double batch if you want plenty of leftovers. And I know ½ cup of olive oil sounds like a large amount, but it’s an important ingredient, so don’t skimp on it. Enjoy!

Ingredients

½ cup unrefined olive oil

½ large red onion, diced

2 large garlic cloves, minced or crushed

1 ½ tsp oregano

2 bay leaves

1 28-oz. can crushed Italian tomatoes

1 28-oz. can whole Italian tomatoes

1 cup red wine

2 TBS honey

A couple of grindings fresh black pepper

5-10 black Italian olives cut up (optional)

Salt to taste (you may not need any because the olives and canned tomatoes are salty enough)

¼ – ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn

Directions

1.     Add olive oil, onion, and garlic to a large heavy pot. Bring heat up to medium-high. Saute until onions are soft, being careful not to burn the garlic.

2.     Add oregano and bay leaves. Cook another minute or two.

3.     Add canned tomatoes, red wine, and honey. Stir.

4.     Add Read More

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Rest, Renewal and Winter

It is cold outside.  It has been cold outside, and it will continue to be cold outside.  I was talking with a client today about the weather.   Even though the beauty is all around us, it is hard to find when it feels too cold to go outdoors and we feel trapped by our surroundings. Fatigue and depression can be all too common in the winter months. The tendency to feel tired and sad or depressed occurs when we try to fight the natural rhythm of our environment. Chinese medicine looks at winter as a deep dark time of stillness and renewal.  It is the time to nurture our bodies through rest and warmth.  I encourage you to honor and listen to your body.  Make a cup of warm tea, stay home more often, and tuck into bed a little earlier.   Winter can be a time of great warmth and renewal. Read More

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Why are you looking at my tongue?

I must get asked this question at least once a day.  It seems so strange, doesn’t it?  When Chinese medicine developed, over 2000 years ago, they didn’t have the diagnostic imaging equipment that we have today.  They instead relied on an acute sense of observation, looking closely not only at what the main problem was, but also how it may be affecting the body as a whole.  At your own visit, you may have noticed that I ask a million questions that seem very unrelated, and then feel your pulse and look at your tongue.  All of these help me understand more specifically what is going on in your body, and puts together a picture of your health as a whole.

Let’s talk more about the tongue.  We look at the shape and color of the tongue and the quality of the tongue coating.  Divided into different areas, it is reflective of the internal workings of your body.  An ideal tongue is pale red, with a thin white coating. Pay attention to your own tongue and you will notice it can change depending on how you are feeling.  When getting a cold it is not uncommon to notice a redness Read More

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