Restorative Yoga and Acupuncture 6/28/12

Karen Giles Acupuncture invites you to:

10 Immune Boosting Foods

Anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies can tell you that this spring has been brutal.  To make matters worse, being run down has many allergy sufferers picking up viral or bacterial infections.  Karen Giles Acupuncture would like to help keep your body strong so you can enjoy the benefits the warm weather and this time of year has to offer.

A strong immune system can help ward off infection and help you feel bright and energized.  Here is a list of ten top immune boosting foods you can add into your diet to strengthen your immune system.

• Garlic - antimicrobial and stimulates the immune system

• Fish Oil - strengthen cell membranes

• Leafy Greens - high in B vitamins, minerals, and beta-carotene

• Berries - high in antioxidants

• Citrus - high in vitamin C

• Chicken Soup - Mom was right, nutrient rich!

• Ginger - antioxidant and antimicrobial

• Elderberry - high in antioxidants 

• Carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes - high in beta-carotene and other phytonutrients

• Mushrooms - high in immune boosting polysaccharides

Use these foods often in a variety of delicious recipes.  Add some sunshine and exercise for optimal immunity!

Military Finds Acupuncture Brings Relief

Acupuncture has been steadily gaining recognition as a viable treatment option for military veterans.  The Army Pain Management Task Force was created in 2009 to make recommendations for a comprehensive pain management strategy and includes acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Recent studies tell us that at least 40% of veterans entering the VA system are coping with pain. Pharmaceuticals can help reduce the pain, but if soldiers become reliant on high powered painkillers, the Department of Veterans Affairs may have to deal with the side effects for decades to come. 

Acupuncture is also offered to help veterans cope with PTSD. Here is a testimonial given to Acupuncturists Without Borders,

My name is Raul and I’d like to let you know how acupuncture has benefited me. First a little about myself, I served two tours in combat in Vietnam from 1968-1970. I suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I’m 100% disabled because of PTSD. My symptomology from PTSD is wide in range. I have high anxiety, easily angered. I have a hard time sleeping with nightmares and flashbacks and I’m always mind-racing. I had a hard time relaxing.

I was introduced to acupuncture from another combat friend of mine. The organization is Acupuncturists Without Borders. I’ve been receiving treatment once a week for about the last two and half months now.

I believe that because of the acupuncture treatments I have become calmer and my anxiety level has drastically come down. I’m able to sleep more restfully and longer and without nightmares or flashbacks. My mind-racing is definitely not as bad. I now feel that I can sit and kickback and relax without feeling anxious. I attribute my changes to the acupuncture treatments I’ve received. I can say that acupuncture works. It does for me. Thanks!

Raul Rojas     

In honor of Memorial Day, Karen Giles Acupuncture would like to thank all members of the military and their families for their dedicated service to our country.  We welcome the opportunity to serve you!

 

Being Flexible with Spring's Arrival

Elemental Wisdom

As an acupuncturist, I rely on the seasons and their “elements” in my work.  In the Five Element style of acupuncture, Spring is the season of the Wood element.  What does this mean to you?  The Wood element corresponds to muscles and tendons of the body.  It allows for physical movement, energy pushing up and out in the body like the plants and flowers push out and up from the ground.   And it needs flexibility so the “push” is smooth and efficient.
 
It has been interesting to observe the shift from Winter to Spring this year.  In mid-March, nature was pushing right past Spring and all was in bloom.  Then everything took a step back to cold and windy days.  Even the birds took notice and quieted in the midst of bursting trees and flowers.  What has the bumpy transition to Spring felt like to you?  Maybe you were enjoying the summer-like days in March and then felt a slump back into the colder weather.  Or perhaps you didn’t feel ready for such intense temperatures.   How flexible have you been with the swings in nature?
 
Regardless, nature will continue to move through its cycle.  Some ways you can support your movement through the transition is to be flexible.  As you keep in the rhythm of the transition and take on springtime activities, incorporate simple stretching, yoga or qi gong in your days.  Take time to open up at the hip and shoulder joints, where the flow of energy can get stuck or blocked.   Wood must be easy and flexible to maintain its strength.  And as it is in nature, it is within us.
 
Karen Giles Acupuncture wishes you all the gifts and new possibilities that spring has to offer!

Spring Renewal Workshop

 

 

Spring's Renewal Workshop
Friday, May 4th, 7pm-8:30pm

 
The cycles of nature offer us much about how to live life with more ease.  The transition through Spring this year continues to be one with large swings and changes in nature.  Have you been flexible with the big shifts in temperatures?  What are you noticing in yourself?
 
Come learn about the season of Spring through the Five Element philosophy.  A brief overview of acupuncture and the Five Elements will be followed by an in-depth discussion of Spring’s Wood element, its gifts and challenges, and how it relates to your body and life.  The workshop will conclude with a gentle acupuncture treatment to help anchor in your body your learning from the evening.
 
Registration for the workshop and acupuncture treatment is $25.  Please reserve your space with me by phone or email, as space will be limited.
 
Learning how to allow Spring its full expression in your body and life can help you prepare for the Summer ahead.
 

Restorative Yoga and Acupuncture Workshop