Body Literacy translating the language spoken by the body, sensation, into vocabulary and dialogue. 5-Stages: embryonic, creeping, crawling, squatting to walking. The foundational development of the nervous system in movement, emotion, security and physical well-being 52 Moves: Lower Body, Core, Upper Body Nia moves that lend somatic completion for the body/mind; also for ease of learning…
Healing Curry Spices Spices, like those in curry powder, have the power to heal your digestion, especially when consumed on a daily basis. Here are few benefits of the healing spices in curry: Coriander - Soothes upset stomach, aids digestion Cumin - Aids indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence Fennel - Reduces indigestion and flatulence Turmeric - Reduces inflammation, aids digestion, anti-infection, anti-oxidant, simulates bile…
Just gotta have your smoothie in winter? While cold foods are generally not advised for winter, deprivation is even worse. We want you to have your smoothie, and drink it too. The oils in the avocado provide warmth for your body and nerves. Spinach contains abundant flavonoids that act as antioxidants to keep cholesterol from…
Fall The season of Lung & Large Intestine Fall is a time of change on both in our bodies and our climate and environment. The air temperature has changed and the sun has made its shift into the coolness of fall and winter. When the air temperatures changes our lungs and respiratory system feel a…
Fall Detox Tip Keep a couple of sweet potatoes in your refrigerator, already baked, for a snack. Warm them up, with a little ghee, salt, cinnamon or cumin. Or, try the light Dijon dressing below. Enjoy the potent packed benefits of this potato powerhouse: Symptoms In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) a weak Spleen/Stomach channel (Late Summer) hinders the…
by Esther Moux, L.Ac. NATURAL FOOD REMEDY FOR HOT FLASHES - YIN DEFICIENCY Mashed Yam Recipe for Menopause / Yin deficiency 2 Tbs. ghee (clarified butter - melted butter let it start to cool and skim the fat globs off the top) 1 Chinese Yam Mash yam with ghee until soft. add salt to…
by Steve Sterling, L.Ac. In the West we typically refer to the 4 seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 5 Element theory there is a 5th season called the Late Summer. This season corresponds with the digestive energy when the Qi (life energy) of the Stomach & Spleen (speen &…
Chinese Herbal Medicine Mung Bean Tea to Beat the Summer heat Chinese Medicine has a stepped tradition of observing the body through the lens of nature; understanding the impact that the seasons and climate change can greatly effect our health. We are currently in the tail ends of the Season of Summer (please refer to…
SUMMER: Take It To Heart by Steve Sterling, L.Ac. TCM: ANCIENT TRADITION In keeping with the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) "5 Element" theme (see diagram) the Summer season corresponds with the primary organ of the Heart and the predominant environmental influence of "Summer-heat". In TCM sweat is the fluid of the heart. If Summer heat…
The 3rd season in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is late summer also known as Indian summer. This central season marks the shift from the outward (yang) expression of spring and summer to the inward (yin) attention of fall and winter. This short transitional time of late summer, from the third week in August until…
Pratyahara: Allowing the Senses to Recede In the 5th element of yoga, pratyahara, the senses take a respite from the world. The senses - eyes, ears, skin/face even taste - are often aggressively used tissues. This is true especially in Western cultures where we are trained to be consumers and producers, to focus on “going…
Autumn - the season of the lung and large intestine Fruits and vegetables fall ripe from the vine, reflecting to us the natural outcome of our own ability to come to maturity, to fullness, and to let go. Health during this season is reflected in the health and clarity of our skin and sinuses, and the ease…
Summer is the season of the heart-small intestine meridians in Chinese medicine. Rich in potassium (like bananas) avocado is a heart healthy super food that aids cardiovascular health by blocking the formation of bad choleterol (LDL), providing protection from possible heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Avocado is a fruit packed full of nutritious fats, oils, and vitamins…
8 Tips for Family Mindfulness If a baby’s brain is like a sponge waiting to absorb, then a child's brain is like a flower ready to bloom. Baby's brain triples in weight in the first year. Neuroscientists have found that the brain continues to be voracious about the growth of its power: between toddlerhood and puberty, brain metabolism,…
Spring is the number one best time of the year to release toxins from your body. Known in Ayurvedic medicine as "ama", toxins stored deep in the ice of snowcapped mountaintops roll down the mountainside into the valleys in the spring - the metaphor for fluids and mucus releasing waste from the body. If…
Orientation The instinct for safety Orientation is the natural response of animals to scan the environment to assess for safety. The body engages with the environment to register and map, is it safe? Can I settle here to eat, sleep, or hang out? Or will I need to run? The body's response to the environment…
In winter the cells of our skin and muscles naturally contract to preserve and produce warmth and circulation. To stay warm, we spend more time indoors and eat warming foods, including spices and meats. Our bodies can accumulate too much heat, which, paradoxically, can turn into colds and coughs. Chinese Medicine prescribes eating turnips…
Rosemary Essential Oil Headache Inhalant 1 drop Rosemary oil 1 drop Orange oil 1 drop Basil oil 1 drop Rose oil Mix together in palm of hand. Rub hands together briskly and cup over nose and mouth. Inhale deeply through nose 3 times. Wipe off excess oils on a tissue or cotton pad and place in baggie…
New Patterns for Thriving The Neuroscience of Nia® and Somatic Experiencing® If you a fan of somatic brain-body trainings, like Nia and Somatic Experiencing, you are a pioneer in the world of neuroscience and healing. Neuroscience is just now waking up to the profound somatic wisdom of programs like Nia and Somatic Experiencing. Brain-body healing…
Eating for the season will help your body to be high functioning each season. Winter squashes - acorn, butternut, pumpkins, spaghetti - all have a tough outer cover making them great for storage through the long winter months. From a TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) perspective, squashes tonify Qi, clear heat and drain dampness. This is just…