Yearly Archives: 2020

The Importance of Practicing Daily Meditation For many of us, the word meditation conjures up images of people sitting serenely on the floor, with hands neatly postured on the lap. Although some will argue there is a strict definition of what meditation is, there are many ways to achieve a meditative state- and not all of them require one to be seated or even have the eyes shut.Meditation engages the mind with the goal of transforming intrapersonal consciousness. It is more than sustained concentration, although that is an element. In a deep state of meditation, a person potentially enters into a state where mundane thoughts wither. The mind receives training to 'see things as they are.' This doesn't change the nature of physical reality, but meditation has the power to favorably influence reactions and responses to outside events, as well as to personal 'inner events.'Arriving at a thought-free, peaceful state is a tall order. It is OK if thoughts arise and quickly pass. The mind tends toward restless mental action. In these cases,…

Stress Busting Foods The foods that you eat play a crucial role in your overall well-being as well as your ability to handle stress. Over 1400 chemical changes occur as stress hormones, such as cortisone, sap important nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C and magnesium from the body. Here are three foods that can replenish your supply of these nutrients and enhance your ability to manage stress: Cauliflower*Cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale are chock full of stress-relieving B vitamins. Cauliflower is also one of the very best sources of vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid helps turn carbohydrates and fats into usable energy and improves your ability to respond to stress by supporting your adrenal glands. Fatigue, listlessness, numbness, and tingling or burning pain in the feet are all indications that you may need more vitamin B5 in your diet. Salmon*Salmon is a healthy and delicious way to get your dose of B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin B12 supports the production of red…

Maintaining Peace of Mind in the Time of COVID-19 It's been three weeks since the state of California issued *shelter in place* orders to its 40 million residents. Since then thirty-nine other states have followed suit, bringing the total number of states with stay at home orders to 40. It is estimated so far that 297,000 million US citizens have been ordered to stay in--a whopping 90 percent of the country*s population. The novel coronavirus pandemic has made the unimaginable, a reality, in a very short period of time. The experiences we are all sharing can only be described as novel, as in the adjective meaning new, interesting or unusual. This brings us to an old Chinese curse: may you live in interesting times. Who will argue these times are not interesting? As hundreds of millions of us in the US and more than a billion people across the globe remain largely confined to our homes for an extended period of time, we can develop new routines and strategies to maintain our peace of…

Diabetes is a complex disease which challenges the body in many ways. Explained in the simplest terms, diabetes is a metabolic disease that prevents your body from using sugar properly, causing blood sugar levels to remain high. A normal pancreas produces sufficient amounts of the hormone insulin, which is responsible for helping glucose, or blood sugar, to enter into cells. It is in this way that your body's cells receive the energy necessary to sustain life. When this process is blocked due to a deficiency of the pancreas or other reason, diabetes ensues bringing a host of signs and symptoms. Some common signs and symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, excessive eating, extreme fatigue, slow healing of cuts and wounds, infections, irritability, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and blurry vision.According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 4 people remain unaware that they live with diabetes. Sometimes the body will give warning signs that help your physician or acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioner make an early diagnosis. It is…

It is estimated that 25.8 million men, women, and children in the United States have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk for death is approximately twice that of persons of similar age without diabetes.The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. Complications of diabetes include heart disease, hypertension, eye problems, kidney disease, nervous system disease, periodontal disease, amputation, fatigue, depression, and complications during pregnancy.In order to manage diabetes, it is essential for people to make healthy lifestyle choices in diet, exercise, and other health habits. Another important factor when treating diabetes is creating a support team of health care professionals. This support team may include your primary doctor, an eye doctor, nurses, a dietitian, and a…

The most common type of nerve damage afflicting diabetes mellitus patients is called peripheral neuropathy. Although many things can cause peripheral nerve damage, such as injuries, infections and environmental toxins, when it occurs in a diabetic patient, it is due to high levels of sugar in the bloodstream.Neuropathy is defined as an abnormal state of the nervous system. The word Mellitus is a Latin word meaning sweet. Sweet blood may not sound like a bad thing but, in reality, it is a medical problem that can produce serious consequences. Nerve damage typically starts at the feet and legs and then progresses to the hands and arms. The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy affecting these parts of the body are: Numb, tingling, burning or painful sensations Inability to sense temperature changes Ultrasensitive to the point where light clothing and bedsheets can cause pain Muscle weakness Diminished reflexes Lack of balance and coordination Ulcers and serious infections, especially on the feetThese symptoms manifest due to high amounts of glucose circulating in the bloodstream eroding…

Yin refers to the qualities of nurturing, cooling and supporting. It is represented by the feminine aspects such as the moon, night-time, and winter. Yin is the natural complement to yang. Yang is an active, warming force represented by masculine qualities such as the sun, daytime, and summer. Both yin and yang metaphorically represent the two forces of constant change occurring in all things, at all times. When you engage in a yang activity, such as running, eventually the yin principles of contraction and rest take hold and you either take a rest or your body collapses.For diabetic patients, yang is represented by heat and dryness, which consumes the moisturizing and cooling yin. This dynamic particularly affects the lungs, stomach, spleen, and kidneys, which, with the exception of the stomach, are yin organs. Yin organs primarily store, produce and transform vital substances such as qi (energy), blood and body fluids. The yang organs primarily provide nutrients for the body. Some yang organs include the small and large intestines and the bladder. When lung…