"Learn something new every day"

I remember, as a young boy, my father sharing that time tested piece of advise. Well, I've certainly taken it to heart. I've chosen a profession that not only requires, but inspires one to learn and relearn constantly. I easily learn 10 things or more every single day. Not only do I learn from my patients and yoga students, but I learn through active study.

Lately, I've been going even deeper into my study of human reproduction and fertility. Both women's and men's reproductive and hormonal systems are infinitely complex, and absolutely fascinating to me. Add to that the complexities of Chinese medicine and it's approach to treating these systems, and you've got enough to study for a lifetime or more. I also love learning more about the myofascial, neurologic system, and I especially love and am great at treating pain problems, but lately, my passion has really been drawn to hormonal function. It is so fascinating, and affected by everything from emotion, relationship and phermones, to the moon, light/dark, and the seasons. It's too complex to ever rationally "figure out", and that is where the beauty of Chinese and natural medicine comes in. It recognizes these relationships, and sees everything as part of the whole.

I could spend a lifetime studying the human body and the way it relates to nature and others without ever fully understanding it. Thankfully, this exploration is a passion of mine, and one that I will continue my entire life. I feel so grateful to have found a profession that I know will never bore me!

http://www.ebacupuncture.com

Ashwagandha-Goji-Oats... Nighttime Bliss!

Generally speaking, it is true that we don't want to go to sleep with a full belly. However, for those that feel ungrounded in the evening, or have a propensity towards restless nights, the right food in moderation, a half-hour or hour before bed can really help. This recipe won't be right for everyone, but for the yin-deficient, vata-disturbed types out there, it can really do the trick! And it only takes 5 minutes. Quick and easy.

Introducing, my favorite late-night recipe: Ashwagandha-Goji-Oats

Ingredients:
1. quick-cut baby oats
2. Ashwagandha powder (found online, at my clinic, or other herb shops)
3. Goji Berries (organic ones now in bulk at Whole Foods!)
4. spices (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, fennel powder, others? - choose 1-3, be creative!)
5. celtic sea salt (to taste)
6. honey (find the raw, unfiltered, really dark kind!! yum)
7. whole milk (grass-fed, raw - Clarevale Farms or Organic Pastures), or almond milk
8. optional: black sesame seeds or walnuts

Step 1 - Simmer 1 cup quick-cut baby oats, 1 tsp Ashwagandha, spices, goji berries, and salt in 3 cups water for a few minutes. The amount of water may need to be adjusted for the right consistency. Don't get hung up on amounts... be creative!

Step 2 - Add honey and milk to taste

Step 3 - Eat and Enjoy....

Step 4 - Sleep like a baby!

This food is medicine. From a Chinese medicine perspective, it nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin, and from an Ayurvedic perspective it reduces Vata. From a biomedical perspective the oats have a mild sedative effect, and the goji berries and ashwagandha are potent adaptogens, meaning (in part) they support and regulate adrenal function.

For more info about my practice please visit http://www.ebacupuncture.com

Tulsi Tea... Simply Divine

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is by far one of my favorite herbs. Its light flavor makes it an ideal tea to sip, hot or cold, throughout the day. The herb is much revered in India, and is known as one of the most sacred plants. It's energy is considered to be pure Sattva and it is said to open the heart and mind, and clear the aura.

Medicinally, Tulsi has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, for centuries, to support a healthy response to stress, promote longevity, nourish the mind, and elevate the spirit. And now, many modern studies support this use. Studies show tulsi does lower blood glucose levels. It also is a natural COX-2 enzyme modulator, which means it has an inflammatory-cascade normalizing action. Many studies now show it supports immune system health, and it is a potent anti-oxidant.

For those dealing with a lot of stress in their lives I recommend steeping a few tablespoons in a quart of water, and drinking room-temperature throughout the day. Or, my favorite, mix 1-part Tulsi, with 1-part Yerba Mate, and drink hot in the morning with almond milk. Tulsi can be found as a loose-leaf tea or in tea bags in most natural food stores. Enjoy!

For more tips likes this, sign up for my newsletter at http://www.ebacupuncture.com