THRIVE~
The Teal Center Newsletter
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Issue 10
Spring, 2010
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 Hooray, It's Spring!
Oh No! It's Allergy Season Again!
After a long, hard winter we're really happy to feel the warming sun and
see the blossoms return. For many of us warmer weather and longer days mean getting back to more
exercise after a winter of relative inactivity. In this newsletter we've included some tips to help you renew and rejuvenate. And, of course we want to remind you to come in for your seasonal tune up and let us help you prepare to spring into action.
As beautiful as they are, for many people here in the Washington area the blooming trees mean another uncomfortable season of allergies. In this issue of "Thrive" you will find some suggestions to help you feel better this allergy season.
Want to keep in touch with the latest happenings at The Teal Center and help us celebrate our 20th anniversary? Become a fan on Facebook. If we can get 2010 fans by the end of 2010 we'll have a drawing and one of our fans will win a free session. You can help us reach our goal by spreading the word!
We also have another challenge going on throughout 2010. Do you have six friends who would benefit by a session of massage therapy or acupuncture? Tell them about The Teal Center. When they come in for an appointment at either of our locations they just need to tell us you sent them. If you get six friends to come in before December 31, 2010, you will win a free session for yourself.
Enjoy,
Brenda
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Help for Spring Allergies
Enjoy the season again!
When Spring weather arrives, I love to open all the windows and let the
fresh breezes blow through the house. Then the sneezing begins! At The Teal Center we offer several approaches that can help.
Acupuncture is effective for many people who suffer with seasonal allergies. In addition to relieving the immediate symptoms, acupuncture nourishes and strengthens the system and will help you become less susceptible to the irritants in the air.
Craniosacral Therapy, a gentle technique that effectively relieves sinus pressure, is the treatment of choice for others who may have headaches and congestion due to allergies.
Reflexology, by working pressure points on the feet, stimulates and supports the functioning of all of the body's systems and can help relieve congestion.
Nasal irrigation with a mild saline solution using a squeeze bottle or neti pot is also very helpful. You might be interested to watch this helpful video for a clear explanation of how to do it.
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RENEW AND REJUVENATE ~
Spring Cleaning For Your Body
A gentle spring cleanse is the perfect way to celebrate this new season. Here are a few suggestions that will help you spring into action, support your immune system and enhance your body's ability to handle the irritation of springtime pollen.
- Dedicate a week or two to eating light and clean. Eliminate all processed foods, especially sugar, caffeine, white flour, white rice and alcohol.
- Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.
- Green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, asparagus, dandelion greens and arugula are great to include in the spring. They support and detoxify the liver which can become overburdened with the heavier eating of winter.
- Start the morning with the juice of half a
lemon in a cup of warm water.
- As the body is 2/3 water, it is important to supply it with plenty of pure water to support all its functions. Throughout the day drink 8 eight ounce glasses, or half your weight in ounces. If you weigh 150, drink 75 ounces. This will support the purifying work of your liver and kidneys and the optimal function of all your systems.
- Drink room temperature raw apple cider as
another gentle and enjoyable way to support your cleanse.
- Move your body. Stretch. Spend time outside in the fresh air. Walk at least 30 minutes every day. Go barefoot on the grass.
- Breathe deeply for two minutes, three times a day. You'll be amazed how refreshed you will feel. Breathe deeply from your belly, in through your nose to the count of eight and exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Use a natural bristle dry brush on your skin before showering to help slough off dead cells and encourage lymph circulation. Always brush toward the heart.
- Do yoga and meditate to help clear your mind as you cleanse your body.
- Get a full body massage or a session of reflexology to stimulate your circulation and support the cleansing process.
- Use a neti pot or squeeze bottle with a mild saline solution to irrigate your nose and cleanse your sinuses.
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 It's Time to Get Out There and Start Moving Again!
Easy Does It
- Start Slow. If you've been inactive through the winter, one key to staying injury free is to work into this more active season gradually.Take some extra time to stretch and breath before you venture out on that first hike or run. And take it at an easy pace for awhile.
- Don't Overdo. Get in a few short bike rides before you take off on an all day trek. Garden for just an hour the first few times rather than for an entire day. Give your body time to adjust.
- Get a tune up. Just like your car, your body
needs regular maintenance and
Spring is an
important time for a tune-up to prepare your body for increased
activity. Bodywork will help get your circulation going, lengthen tight muscles and erase trigger points to keep you injury free.
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Allison Tilluma
Massage Therapist &
Holistic Health Advisor
 Guided by her passion for all things growing, especially the wild ones, and for the healing possibilities that surround us, Allison offers Wise Woman Wisdom to guide her clients along their healing paths. With a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine from Everglades University she brings a broad knowledge of holistic therapies and a special interest in healing foods and herbs to her work as a massage therapist. In addition to Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, Allison is certified in Thai and pre and post natal techniques. She is also available for consultation as a holistic health advisor. Bring your questions to her. To make an appointment with Allison, please call our Randolph Towers office at 703-522-7637. |
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YOU MIGHT THINK THAT'S A WEED
But you should try it in a salad!
Growing in your garden patch  or in most any abandoned lot you will find in the Spring young tender dandelions and chickweed. Often these plants are seen as nuisances, and their nutritional value is overlooked. If you find some growing in a place that hasn't been contaminated with weed killer, harvest them now while they're young and tender. Both chickweed and dandelion are slightly bitter greens that are loaded with antioxidants and support and cleanse the liver and kidneys.
Steam these greens lightly and eat them with a splash of vinegar and salt. The salt will cut the bitterness. Or eat them raw, chopped and added to your mixed salad.
Here's a fun recipe for chickweed pesto!
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The information in this email is for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as medical advice and is not a replacement for professional medical care.
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