As the season changes to Fall, you may have more awareness of aches and pains that were magically gone during the summer.  Colder weather, damp conditions, and wind can aggrevate muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments.  A few great ways to combat Fall and Winter pain are by eating warming foods (see recipes below), go to a Qi Gong or Tai Qi class regularly, and come in for a "tune-up" in our office.  Whether you need an invigorating session of Thai yoga, therapeutic massage or an acupuncture treatment, there is no doubt that your aches and pains will be alleviated!  We hope to see you soon!

Acupuncture for Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain 

Whether your low back pain is caused by muscle spasms, disc disease, nerve irritation, arthritis, or pregnancy, acupuncture and massage therapy are effective treatments to help manage your pain.  In many clinical studies, acupuncture has been shown to reduce local inflammation of muscle tissue, promote blood circulation and tissue repair to injured areas.  Acupuncture also induces your body into releasing natural opiods, or pain killers, to reduce pain.  Your acupuncture treatments and massage sessions will be customized to your specific needs depending on your condition.  Once your pain has been reduced, an exercise, strengthening and stretching program may be implemented.

Acupuncture Effective for Reducing Pain in Endometriosis

Pelvic pain, irregular and painful periods, and infertility, are some of the many symptoms that are associated with endometriosis.  A recent study in the European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology examined the effectivity of acupuncuture in the treatment of pain for endometriosis.  Women who used acupuncture as a adjunct treatment for their pain, compared to women who did not receive acupuncuture, had a significant reduction in pain intensity.  When receiving treatment in our office for endometriosis and infertility, an extensive medical and reproductive history is performed, as well as a specific treatment plan which may include acupuncture, fertility massage, fertility yoga and Chinese herbal medicine.  All therapies combined give a more comprehensive plan in treating endometriosis and our office will work directly with your doctor in creating an integrative program for you.

Acorn Squash.

Acorn and Kabocha Squash:

A healthy and exciting new take!

 
Acorn and Kabocha squash are part of the winter squash family.  There are many health-promoting nutrients in these foods, and the best part is that they are EASY to prepare and enjoy!  Don't let the strange size or colors fool you.  High in vitamin A, C, potassium, and dietary fiber, they are also a good source of folate and omega-3 fatty acids.  These nutrients are important in heart diease, blood-sugar regulation, and a diet rich in fiber helps prevent colon cancer. 

Roasted Acorn Squash: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

1. Cut squash in half lengthwise, spoon out seeds, place in baking dish with 1 inch of water.

2. In center of each half, add 2 tsps of olive oil, a dash of salt, fresh ground pepper, and 2 tsps of maple syrup.

3. Bake for 1-1.5 hours, until the squash is very fork tender, and a bit browned.

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Kabocha Squash:

Kabocha Squash

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

1. Deseed and cut squash into 1/4 inch slices.  Arrange on a lined baking sheet.

2. Lightly sprinkle squash slices with brown sugar, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, soy sauce, and a dash of cayenne pepper.

3. Spray with olive oil spray

4. Roast for approximately 30 minutes

Immune Boosting Fall Soup:

Lemon-Garlic-Spinach

One of my most cherished recipes, lemon-garlic-spinach soup incorporates plenty of garlic, an important food for heart health and the immune system.  Garlic has a high sulfer content, which is important for regulating blood pressure and lowering cholesterol, and protecting our red blood cells from unwanted fatty-plaque build up.  Garlic is also high in Vitamin C and selenium for immune boosting and fighting infection.   Remember, the Vitamin C from the garlic and lemon juice will help absorb the iron from the spinach!  

3 tbsp olive oil

8 cloves garlic, peeled

2 tsp Kosher salt

1 can chopped tomatoes with juice

4 slices peeled fresh ginger, quarter size

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 bay leaf 

2 tbsp fresh sqeezed lemon juice

1 (10 oz) bag washed baby spinach