Health WellNews

If you suffer from headaches, you are not alone. Over 50 million of us experience some form of a severe headache at some point in our lives. Whether you experience minor head pain or severe migraines, headaches can take valuable time out of your day and your life, and leave you searching for relief.

Many seek relief by reaching for drugs and other medications. This may work temporarily and can help you get out of pain fast. Unfortunately, common headache medications do not address the root cause(s), and when used over long periods of time can cause unwanted side effects. continue reading »

What do you think would happen if you kept your car in park and the engine revving at 65 miles per hour?

You guessed it—after a short time your car would break down.  If you were lucky, a simple tune-up would fix the problem. If not, the engine might need to be replaced entirely.

Stress is a revving engine that, if left unchecked, can wear out the body and mind. Stress in our professional, personal, financial and social lives can lead to a variety of symptoms and signs of ill health. continue reading »

Now is the time of year when the sun becomes irresistible.  As tempting as it is to spend as much time as possible in the warmth of the sun, there are a few precautions to take to protect your skin from harmful rays.

Our skin is the largest organ in the body. It reflects our health and age. Today, there’s much concern about sunbathing leading to an increase in skin damage and skin cancer. continue reading »

Spring is not just a time to clean and refresh your home, but also a great opportunity to rejuvenate and cleanse your body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is associated with the Wood element, which refers to growth and nourishment in the human body.

Spring represents a new beginning and a time to refresh the mind and body.

TCM values the liver as one of the most important organs in the body. The main job of the liver is to spread and regulate QI (energy flow) throughout the rest of the body. This is why the liver is one of the organs emphasized for spring. The liver absorbs everything our body takes in and ingests, being the holder and detoxifier of blood that is circulated throughout the body.

Symptoms of an imbalance in the liver can include anger, depression, irritability, nausea, stiff muscles and bruising. Acupuncture and TCM can aid to restore the liver and body back into balance.

There are 14 acupuncture points for the liver that begin at the edge of the big toenail all the way up to just under the rib cage. When the liver is overloaded, toxins can build up and lead to a blockage in the Qi and blood flow throughout the body. Acupuncture can help to release this blockage and restore our bodies natural flow.

Spring is the perfect time to bring more self-awareness to your body and the toxins that are ingested on a daily basis. Paying closer attention to your diet and getting rid of processed foods and chemicals can help to detox your liver and diminish acute problems that may have formed.

Dietary suggestions for spring include eliminating alcohol, saturated fats, coffee, and chemical additives. On the other hand, natural and whole foods such as spinach, sesame seeds, strawberries and quinoa are encouraged and beneficial for the liver. These unrefined foods can improve the quality of our blood, therefore improving and strengthening the liver.

The liver is believed to be closely connected to the mind. Because of this, when your mind is at peace, your liver is able to function properly. Getting enough sleep on a regular basis and taking time to rest your mind can help your liver function at its best.

With the help of acupuncture, take the spring season to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Sources: “Staying Healthy with The Seasons”, by Elson M. Haas, M.D.,  “Body Wisdom: Chinese and Natural Medicine for Self-Healing”, by Jennifer Harper

Spring Body Cleaning Tips

1) Seek Acupuncture

We can’t talk about ways to cleanse the body this spring without mentioning acupuncture. From relieving seasonal allergies to reducing pain and inflammation, the benefits of this Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are endless.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

You can make a powerful, all-natural detoxifying beverage by mixing together one tablespoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the ‘Mother’), one tablespoon of honey, and 12 ounces of water. The vinegar works to stabilize your body’s internal pH level, while the honey works to regulate your blood sugar levels. When combined together, it offers a superb cleansing and detoxifying beverage that’s perfect for the spring season. Even the Greek philosopher Socrates prescribed apple cider vinegar to his patients.

3) Take Care of Your Eyes

Did you know that your eyes are connected to every organ in your body in some manner? With that said, the liver has the strongest connection to the eyes. When your eye health begins to decline, so does your liver. Take care of your eyes by limiting your time in front of electronic displays (e.g. computers and television) and have an eye exam performed by a licensed optometrist at least once every two years.

4) Chlorophyll

Consuming chlorophyll – the pigment responsible for giving all green plants their color – will strengthen your liver. Chlorophyll is known to exhibit antioxidant properties, fighting harmful chemicals within the body known as free radicals. Some excellent sources of chlorophyll include spinach, parsley, garden cress, green beans, green peppers, Brussels sprouts, green peas, asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, cucumbers, green apples, melon, honeydew and kiwi.

5) Get Outdoors

The blooming plant life and warming temperatures offers the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and exercise. Exercise and fresh outdoor air stimulate the body’s energy (Qi), keeping it moving and flowing throughout the body. When Qi becomes stagnant, it increases the risk of disease and illness. Something as simple as a 30-minute walk outside can make a world of difference in your health.

Spring is the time for your body to start anew and rid yourself of harmful toxins that may be affecting your daily life.

Everything from overeating, not resting enough and eating processed and refined foods can be putting your body out of balance.

Spring is the season to focus on your liver and gall bladder and return your body to balance and natural flow. Here are some recipes and suggestions that will cleanse your liver and give your body a reboot, ultimately improving your mood and ailments you may be facing.

Cleansing is an important part of restarting and bringing balance back to your body. This practice can include abstaining from solid foods for a short period of time and focusing on drinking fruits and vegetables or eliminating certain food groups from your diet. Having a liquid-based diet or removing certain foods from your diet can eliminate toxic buildup in your organs and allow for your body to be cleansed.

Master Cleanser

This common cleanse is easy to follow, cheap and has been largely popular in recent years.

The Master Cleanser is also known as the “lemonade diet” and consists of drinking a mixture of water, squeezed lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for ten days.

You are suggested to drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of the mixture throughout the day and whenever you feel hungry, as well as a laxative tea such as peppermint tea at night.

• 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons 100% maple syrup
• 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 ounces of spring water

Detox Diet

To the right is a list of foods that can be added to your diet to help eliminate toxins and help promote a healthy liver.

These natural foods include everything from antioxidants, diuretics and vitamin-rich nutrients. If you are looking for an alternative to a strict cleanse, add these superfoods to your daily diet to help cleanse your liver and improve overall body wellness!

17 Superfoods That Will Detox Your Liver

• Apples
• Asparagus
• Alternative grains: buckwheat, millet and quinoa
• Avocados
• Beetroot
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Citrus fruits
• Dandelion root
• Garlic
• Grapefruit
• Green tea
• Olive oil
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Turmeric
• Walnuts

Sources: “Staying Healthy with the Seasons” by Elson M. Haas, M.D., http://bit.ly/VjUfiJ