Holiday 2016/2017 Newsletter
Winter is ruled by the water element, which is associated with the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands.
According to the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered the source of all energy (Qi) within the body.
During the winter months it is important to nurture and nourish our kidney Qi. It is the time where this energy can be most easily depleted. Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of winter – rest, reflection, conservation, and storage.
IF you tend to reduce your physical activity, then try to pick warm, nourishing food choices and reduce the amount of excess portions and reduce nutrient-poor foods.
Warming food suggestions:
Soups and Stews, Bone Broths
Root vegetables, Celery, Asparagus
Beans
Miso and Seaweed
Garlic and Ginger
Whole Grains, Quinoa, Amaranth, Millet
Adrenal Health
The adrenal glands are absolutely vital to your wellbeing. We each have two of them, and they play a hugely important role in producing the hormones that we need, particularly during times of stress.
The adrenals are located next to the kidneys. This is because they have a strong influence on your kidney function (as well as many other things) through the secretion of aldosterone (helps control blood pressure).
These glands produce hormones that help the body control blood sugar, metabolic functions, burn protein and fat, react to stressors like a major illness or injury, control the sleep/waking cycle, and regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular function. Some of the most important adrenal hormones you may recognize are DHEA, androgens, cortisol and aldosterone.
Dr. Hans Selye, sometimes called the father of the stress field, identified three phases of stress response in his general adaptation syndrome stress model.
People with adrenal insufficiency usually have many symptoms associated with upper respiratory problems. These are the ones who always have a cold, allergies, hives and usually anything that goes around.
Remember, immunity and digestion are also controlled/assisted with the glandular function.
It is very important to assist your adrenals, especially at holidays and winter seasons. Besides meditation, acupuncture, exercise (levels depending on range of adrenal fatigue), sleep, laughter,
NUTRITION is a Must-Do!!
Nutrition is usually overlooked in supporting the individual with weak adrenals. Nutrients can support adrenal function and structure, and strengthen physically and mentally.
Some wonderful adrenal products: Standard Process’ Drenamin, Mediherb’s Adrenal Complex, and Adrenal Dessicated; Apex Energetics’ Adaptocrine.
**As with all supplements, it is very important to get a consultation to access the PROPER nutria-food supplement for your specific need. (Your co-worker or the clerk at the health food store is not a degreed/licensed health professional. Please get proper assessment and advice.) Excerpts from Standard Process/MediHerb and TerryTalksNutrition.
GRATITUDE
Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has—as opposed to, for example, a consumer-driven emphasis on what one wants.
Practicing gratitude can help us get unstuck and stay unstuck. Gratitude helps us see our situation in a way that lessens panic and opens up our thinking to new solutions.
A new study suggests that even just an hour of focusing on gratitude might have long-lasting neurological effects.
“When I receive a gift I am acutely conscious of both the gift and the giver, and gratitude spreads through me. This gratitude coalesces into a wish to give something back.” By Trebbe Johnson
Thank you to all my friends, family, health and balance seekers!
Thank you for letting me share my knowledge and healing energies with you!
Thank you for incorporating healthy routines and thoughts!
Keep the Health!! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!!
Established patients, how about a “mini” acupuncture treatment to boost digestion or re-balance?
Check out acubalance list of services here: Acupuncture, Reiki, Vitamin B12 injections.
Happy & Healthy Holidays!!
Robin Arnold
