Acupuncture

6 tips to fight the common cold

December 20, 2017 By Julie Shindler-Cohen 1 Comment

It’s inevitable. Seemingly everyone comes down with the common cold during the winter months. Conventional medicine has little to treat it and we all just suffer through the runny nose, sneezing, fatigue and “tickly” throat.

But I don’t have time for that this year.

In addition to having three small children at home, my “cold” last year turned into the flu and pneumonia. The mere thought of getting a cold is like striking a raw nerve. So, when I began to get that tickle in the back of my throat with body aches, I use EVERYTHING in the book (and then some) to fight back! [Read more…]

The perfect winter meal: Big Batch soup

December 20, 2017 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

This recipe from epicurious.com is one of our favorite winter soups – so much so that we often double it. We partially puree it with an immersion blender and freeze the leftovers.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups chopped onions or thinly sliced leeks (whites only)

1 cup thinly sliced celery

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Coarse salt and ground pepper

3 (14.5 ounce) cans reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice

1 tablespoon tomato paste

8 cups mixed fresh vegetables, such as carrots, corn, green beans, lima beans, peas, potatoes and zucchini (cut larger vegetables into smaller pieces)

PREPARATION

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions or leeks, celery and Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, 5 to 8 minutes.

Add broth, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste and 3 cups water; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered 20 minutes.

Add vegetables and return to a simmer. Cook uncovered until vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Pour remaining soup in small batches into bowl of a food processor; carefully puree until smooth and return to saucepan. Stir in cream; season with salt and pepper. Garnish with the reserved mushrooms, and serve hot. Yields 8 servings.

Amazing Acupuncture! Good for what ails you!

December 20, 2017 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

Imagine that someone tells you that there is a type of medicine that can proactively help support your body in healing itself. In addition, this type of medicine can prevent illness from occurring. Imagine being told that you will feel better and build a foundation of health and wellness for your body.

This medicine does not involve taking any chemicals or synthetic pills. There are no gimmicks or false claims. It’s not a quick fix or a “one-size-fits-all” prescription.

Imagine being able to achieve this while relaxing on a warm bed in a quiet room with soothing music and dimmed lights. Imagine coming out of this room feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, knowing you have done something good for yourself!

What if someone told you that there are many different health concerns this medicine can address? That it helps everything from subtle issues like insomnia, fatigue or anxiety to more chronic health concerns like inflammation, autoimmune issues and cancer?

Hey! What is this medicine, anyway?

It’s Traditional Chinese Medicine and its most respected tool: acupuncture.

[Read more…]

October 24: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Awareness Day!

October 17, 2017 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

Citing its “long and rich history as components of a comprehensive traditional medical system that has been used for thousands of years to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being,” Gov. Rick Snyder has proclaimed October 24 as “Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Awareness Day” in Michigan.

This is the fourth year the governor has recognized the importance of acupuncture and oriental medicine, noting that practitioners are “dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism and maintain these standards through education, credentialing and a personal commitment.” [Read more…]

Fabulous Fall Food: Root Vegetable Stew

October 11, 2017 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

Fabulous Fall Food: Root Vegetable Stew

Fall vegetables consist mainly of root vegetables, which require inventive ways of cooking and preparing. We love them roasted, and also combined in this delicious stew. Of course, you can always skip the meat and try this recipe vegetarian style.

[Read more…]

Should I get the flu shot?

October 9, 2017 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

Fall is always a time when there is increased promotion for the flu shot. TV commercials and signs at the local pharmacy highly recommend the flu vaccination for prevention. Although many people get the flu shot each year, not everyone chooses to.

Flu vaccines are designed to protect against the main flu viruses that are projected to be most common during the upcoming season. Two factors typically impact the effectiveness of the flu vaccine: The health and stamina of the person getting the vaccine, and the match between the flu virus that is circulating and that which the body is being protected against. There are no guarantees that getting the flu shot will prevent you from getting the flu! [Read more…]

To Everything, There is a Season

October 6, 2017 By Monica Mae Leibson Leave a Comment

During the fall, we are experiencing transition and change — a strong shift in weather, the changing of the leaves and preparing for the upcoming winter.

Chinese Medicine views autumn as a season of “letting go.” We encourage you to let go of things that are weighing on your mind that do not support your highest good. Release negative energy and thoughts, and allow yourself to be present to what is going on right in front of you.

Fall is also the beginning of yin cycle, or the shortening of the days. With shorter hours of sunlight (Daylight Savings Time ends on November 5) we begin to prepare for the winter months, or harvesting. Take the time now to enjoy the outdoors and the harvest that will soon no longer be available.

As we welcome the new season, here are some more tips for both physical and mental health:

Sustaining a proper sleep cycle is important during the beginning of the yin cycle of winter, as people’s schedules often change. Be sure you are nourishing your body with the proper amount of rest each night!
Eat and drink things that are lubricating and soothing to nourish your yin. These foods include coconut milk, almond milk, aduki beans, barley, spelt, walnut, eggs and mangos. Avoid drinking anything that is hot and drying such as alcohol or coffee.
Support your yin by allowing yourself to slow down. A busy, stressful lifestyle depletes your yin and leaves you fatigued over time. Adding short meditations and deep-breath sessions to your day can make a world of difference.
Coming in for a fall acupuncture session is another great way to balance the transition from the yang summer to the yin winter. We look forward to seeing you

To Sleep … Perchance to Dream

August 8, 2017 By Monica Mae Leibson Leave a Comment

Now’s the time to get your kids (and yourself!) back on a good sleep schedule to help ease the adjustment to the start of school. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

10-13 hours (including naps) for children ages 3-5
9-12 hours for children ages 6-12
8-10 hours for teens ages 13-18

Adequate sleep, say the pediatricians, leads to improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health. [Read more…]

Boost that Immune System

August 8, 2017 By Julie Shindler-Cohen Leave a Comment

Even the cleanest schools (and children) are germ factories, and back to school time seems to inevitably lead to increased colds and infections in our kids. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control says that elementary school children get up to 12 colds during the school year. Then they pass it onto their parents, who give it to their co-workers, who hand it off to the neighbors …

Help break that chain with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, each of which supports the body’s innate immune system in both children and adults. How? Click here to read all about it.

Ask a Practitioner

August 8, 2017 By Julie Silver Leave a Comment

There are still a few weeks left of summer. What’s your best tip for making the most of it

Our family recently moved to the West Bloomfield area and we’re enjoying our new neighborhood with lake access. I think the best tip I have is to get outside and enjoy our beautiful state!

Monica Mae Leibson, Acupuncturist

I like to take advantage of the late sunsets and extended daylight by taking walks later in the evening and going to watch the sunset. I like to look at the landscaping in yards and the array of hydrangeas, hostas and all the blooming flowers. We live in such a beautiful state. To beat the heat, I make cooling drinks like cucumber water or watermelon gazpacho.

Karen Siegel Propis, Acupuncturist

I try to enjoy EVERY SECOND of summer, but I really make sure to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Even if it’s just an evening walk around the neighborhood, I try to enjoy the scenery and beautiful environment before the colors change.

Julie Shindler Cohen, Acupuncturist

Our young family loves spending time near and in the water. Swimming, wading pool, splash parks, sprinklers … you name it, we’re there!

Jennifer Pillow White, CranioSacral Therapist

Find balance. Go outside, enjoy the fresh air, take a walk! Embrace each day as if it were the only one! Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude!

Julie Silver, Acupuncturist