Spring Soup, a Gentle Cleanse

Here is the recipe for the spring soup we shared at the self care class at Trillium Yoga in Antioch. Its adapted from the spring vegetable minestrone soup in the Hearth edition of Taproot Magazine. I didn’t make the dandelion pesto but is a lovely addition to the soup and dandelion makes your liver happy (you’ll have to get the magazine to get that part of the recipe, you’ll be glad you did.) 🙂 I don’t have a picture of the soup but it is hearty and makes your belly feel happy. Green is the color of spring and green foods are especially cleansing and nourishing to the body. As the weather sways between warm and cold this helps boost your veggie intake and keep you warm until the warm weather stays and you can switch over to salads and other cooling foods.

What you need:

  • olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 leeks, white and pale parts, roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 potato diced
  • fresh thyme
  • salt
  • 1 can cannellini beans or 2 cups cooked cannellini beans
  • 7 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/2 bag chopped kale
  • 1/2 bag of sugar snap peas
  • bag of fresh English peas

What you do:

Add the olive oil, onion, leeks and garlic and cook until soft. Add potato, thyme to taste and salt and let cook for about 5 minutes. Add the beans and stock and bring to a boil then simmer until potatoes are soft. To finish the soup add kale and peas and cook until the kale is wilted (about 5 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Acupuncture and Pain

My family gathered together last week to celebrate a wedding. I was excited to see my brother who has kids around the same age as my own because the last time we saw them a little over 3 years ago they had so much fun together. When I first saw my brother he looked exhausted and he was uncharacteristically quiet. It took me awhile to realize it was because he was in quite a bit of pain. He did a pretty good job of pushing through and hiding it but I saw him wince several times. On the second to last day before he went home we got to talking about what was going on, a chronic pain that was at times very debilitating was affecting pretty much every aspect of his life. Many days he couldn’t even get his socks on without help and while he was skiing still it wasn’t much fun and many times he could hardly walk after. The pain had been going on for over 3 years. He was hesitant to go to a doctor and he didn’t really know what else to do. His wife was massaging the area and feeding him nutritious foods but it was barely taking the edge off and he had kind of resigned himself to this just being the way it was going to be.

I offered acupuncture, my mom in her gentle pushy manner basically told him to sit down and do it. He was nervous about the needles, even swabbing the points seemed to send him through an anticipatory roof. He howled in pain when I gently put the needles in, one point in particular was really intense for him. I chuckled trying to lighten the mood telling him that many people who do acupuncture regularly would have said to that intense point, “oh I must have really needed that one!” The humor was lost on him in the moment so I also explained the points closer to the hands and feet is where the nervous system changes from motor to sensory so by needling these points it signals to the brain to make a change faster than simply putting needles in to the affected area. . It wasn’t quite a relaxing environment, kids running around, people eating dinner etc. He called to have the one point adjusted and I did and he felt some relief. Twenty minutes later I took the needles out. His face didn’t look so tired and for the first time all weekend he was the chatterbox he usually is. “I don’t know what you did but my hip feels a lot looser.” and “That one point really hurt but I kind of want you to do it again.” His movements were a little more graceful and his posture had improved.

We saw him again the next day and he was feeling much better. He was apprehensive about doing another treatment because of the intensity of the day before. I explained that in Chinese Medicine pain is called an obstruction. The points felt so sensitive because they had been blocked for so long. That powerful sensation he felt is called “da qi” in Chinese. It means the arrival of qi. Basically energetically blood and qi flow were not moving which was causing a build up of heat and pain in the hip, low back and groin. When da qi happened it opened the blocked channels allowing the body to use its resources to heal bringing fresh blood flow to the area. Finally after a few hours he mustered up the courage for another treatment. It was very similar to the one before. He was bracing himself for that strong sensation again and he barely felt it. He was able to relax much more this treatment and when he went to leave it was the first time in I can’t even remember that he was able to stand up straight. His movements were fluid instead of guarded and cautious.

It was an incredible example of the healing power of acupuncture. Acupuncture is simple medicine, many times referred to as ‘barefoot medicine” (I was in my socks for both treatments). Our bodies are quite good at keeping us alive but many times the efficiency of this skill leaves us functioning less than optimally. Acupuncture is like a reset to say ok we don’t have to just get by we can tap into our healing reserves and thrive. This is why people notice a boost in energy, a better night’s sleep, better digestion, better mood etc after a treatment regardless of what their main complaint is.

I wanted to share this story because pain is especially isolating. Three years is a long time to barely get by, be exhausted by pain and not know what is wrong or where to go to not just get pain relief but allow for the body to heal and get back to an active lifestyle that he enjoys. The thing is, is that acupuncture is not an either/or. Acupuncture is a yes and medicine. You don’t have to choose between acupuncture and western medicine practices. You don’t even have to choose between acupuncture and other modalities like chiropractic, massage, etc. Many times incorporating acupuncture into your healing plan is the missing piece to get off whatever plateau you’ve been on in your healing. And its important to note that acupuncture was intended to be a medicine of prevention. You don’t have to wait for something to go wrong to benefit. Many people use acupuncture as a way to manage life’s stressors on a weekly, monthly or seasonal routine.

Has acupuncture helped you? I would love to hear your stories too. Share them here or on facebook. 🙂

Winter Wassail Recipe

Today is the winter seasonal self care class at OhmMother Yoga. When I posted asking what people would prefer for our seasonal treat many of you had never heard of wassail so I wanted to make sure to get the recipe up if you want to make some at home whether you made it to class or not. I used a recipe from a spicy perspective for a slow cooker wassail but there are so many variations. I halved the original recipe and added a little water so its not quite as sweet.

What you need:

64 oz spiced cider (I got mine from trader joes)

2 cups orange juice

5 cinnamon sticks

1/2 teaspoon whole cloves

2 bags of hibiscus tea

1 inch peeled and sliced fresh ginger

1 apple sliced

1 orange sliced

Add all ingredients to slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Add a few cups of water or to taste or not at all depending on your preference.

See you in a couple of hours!

Reflections on the Yoga Challenge

I wanted to follow up and see how you are feeling after last week and taking a minute for yourself to do constructive rest pose. Were you able to do it? How did it impact your days? I thought I would share my thoughts.

Constructive Rest Pose

I found it really hard to fit doing 1 minute of yoga into the middle of my day really hard because of kids and general running around. I found my groove at bath time. Bed time is the hardest part of my day because I’m just ready to check out for a minute after a busy day of running around. There are many nights I creep out of quiet bedrooms with regret knowing the last thing my kids heard was a rushed good night or go to sleep!

After stalling shaninigans. I found setting them up in the bath tub to play while I rested in constructive rest pose in the hall way while able to be at arms reach and hearing distance or having my husband do bath time helped me settle for the day and enjoy the joy filled banter coming from the bath tub. It gave me a recharge to mindfully work through the bed time routine without as much frustration and then when I could “clock out” for the evening I already felt settled and ready for it.

The one big insight I got from simply resting for a few moments in this way is that I could listen to my body. At first it was screaming at me that it needed more rest and I was able to get the message. The second big insight I got that has become my mantra is there is enough time to get done all I need to do. Its so easy to get overwhelmed by those long never ending do to lists but staying present and slowing down somehow creates MORE time. So if you haven’t been able to commit 1-3 minutes to yourself maybe this might help. Really find that time, I promise its worth it!

I’d love to know what your experience was like, share it here or on the facebook page and I’ll see you at the December Seasonal Self Care Class at OhmMother Yoga, there are 2 spots left. 😉

Winter Self Care Challenge

The winter seasonal self care class is approaching quickly (on December 17th at OhmMother Yoga) but that doesn’t mean we have to wait until then to take care of ourselves.

December can be a busy month for so many people so I wanted to invite you to s.l.o.w down with me. If you are coming to class consider it homework because I want to know about your experience.

Here’s the challenge.

Commit to yourself to do 1, 3, or 5 minutes of constructive rest pose every day. If you can do it sometime between 3-7 that is ideal but if that doesn’t work pick any time especially a time that you can make this challenge successful. Now go to the alarm app on your phone and set a self care alarm so you won’t forget! 😉

While you rest in this pose I want you to simply listen to what your body is telling you. Then when your time is up continue on your day and observe how you feel. Share your constructive rest pose pictures or check in when you practice your self care on facebook or IG with hashtag #selfcarewithsarah Here’s more info on constructive rest pose.

Constructive Rest Pose

Lay face up

Arms at your sides, hands far enough away that palms rest comfortably up

Feet shoulder width apart, toes turn in allowing knees and thighs to rest against each other

 

 

Fire Cider

I was inspired to give you a short video about ways you can take fire cider this fall but my ancient iPhone didn’t give much volume and you can’t really hear. It made me think- how do you best take in info? Do you prefer a blog post, a video, a podcast? Let me know!

As I was straining off my fire cider this morning it gave me lots of inspiration that I thought I would share with you. Here’s some quick down and dirty bullet points.

  • take 1 tablespoon a day to keep the sickies away (mix with honey if you prefer)
  • if you have chills and a fever add some honey and cayenne pepper and take every hour, take a nice hot bath and wrap yourself up in wooly socks and blankets until you sweat the yuck out
  • use as a marinade
  • make a “lemonade” to give to your kids, I do 1/2 of a lemon squeezed, 1 teaspoon of honey in 1 cup of warm water to dissolve the honey and a teaspoon of fire cider. You can add extra cold water if your kids don’t like warm drinks. The sweet helps to hide some of the sour of the vinegar.
  • take the strained off veggies and add to a pot of bones to make stock
  • add 2 tablespoons to stock when you start cooking to aid in getting more marrow out of the bones
  • add a tablespoon or 2 to soup right before you eat it for a tangy flavor

What do you think? How do you like your fire cider best?

Fall Self Care Package Recipes

Fire Cider
Fire Cider was originally developed by Rosemary Gladstar in the early 80s. This recipe does not contain cayenne pepper so its a little milder if giving to children. You can add it in if you want the extra heat.
You can take 1-3 Tablespoons a day as prevention or up to 1 tablespoon an hour if you are trying to ward off a cold. Dilute with a little water and add honey to taste.
To make more at home:
1 cup minced yellow onion
1/2 cup chopped horseradish (I got at miejer in the produce section)
15 cloves minced garlic
one small knob of ginger chopped
2-3 black peppercorns
1/2 lemon sliced thin
3 cups of apple cider vinegar with the mother
Add your ingredients to a glass jar and cover with vinegar. Stir well and let sit 2-3 weeks shaking the jar once a day for the first few days.
Strain out the vinegar, refrigerate and use within a year.
Your fire cider was mixed on Friday Oct 13 so you can strain in 2 or 3 weeks whenever you prefer. You can add honey to the vinegar or just add the honey when you use it. Add 1/4 c honey if you choose to add to vinegar.
Huang Qi Chai
Isn’t that fun to say? This is an immune boosting chair recipe with no caffeine created by Rosalee De la Foret. You can drink it as is, or add a black tea bag if you’re more traditional. I like mine with some coconut milk and honey and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Your tea bags have powdered ginger and you might like to add a few slices of fresh ginger when you brew yours at home.
10 small slices of astragalus root (huang qi) you can buy online or in herb shops
1 tablespoon dried orange peel
2 teaspoons minced or fresh ginger
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon chips (the sticks work too or even powdered)
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
3 cardamom pods (powder works too)
2 whole cloves
On stove top add all ingredients to pan with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes covered. Strain and add milk and honey as desired. Drink within 36 hours
Slow cooker method: Place all ingredients with water in a slow cooker on low heat overnight covered. If water looks low add more. Strain and drink how you like.
Dry brushing is great to do as a fall ritual. I like to do it right before a shower.
Here is some info for dry brushing as well. http://www.sarahcanga.com/2014/09/25/natural-remedy-for-dryness/

Seasonal Self Care for Fall: Lung and Large Intestine

The fall is the time when the lung and large intestine system is most active in Chinese Medicine. Fall is a time of beginning to turn inward, gathering and consolidating after all of the abundant energy available in summer. The Lung and Large intestine system relate to the color white, pungent flavor, the pathogen of dryness, the element of metal, skin and hair, the nose and the emotion of grief.

If we look to the environment we can see how the energy around us is consolidating. The plants in our gardens are turning yellow, drying up and becoming smaller. The leaves of the trees are starting to change color. For many trees the color change starts at the top of the tree and slowly moves down just like the energy of the season. We are moving from the abundance of yang energy of summer to the inner contemplation and rest of winter.

Natural Remedy for Dryness

Just like in Western medicine the lungs is related to respiration. The lungs take in oxygen and qi from the environment and expel waste from the interior of the body. This is known as “getting rid of the stale and taking in the fresh”.

Change Your Breath, Change Your Mood

The energy we take in from breathing is mixed with the food and water we consume to form the qi used for the functions of the body. Just like the quality of food and water you eat and drink is important so is the quality of air you breathe as well as how you breathe. The breath is one of the few processes in the body that is under both conscious and unconscious control. In yoga we breathe in through the nose and out through the nose as the body was anatomically designed for. To take the body out of fight or flight we can exhale longer than we inhale calming the nervous system.

The skin of the body is considered the first line of defense from external pathogens. The “wei qi” is the energy of the body that defends against those pathogens. This is achieved through the opening and closing of the pores. The lung is considered a delicate organ and is easily susceptible to attack. Dressing for the season is important and especially keeping the neck covered to prevent a wind attack which can quickly turn into a stiff neck, sore throat, runny nose etc. The skin has the job of distributing qi and controlling respiration as well.

The lung also assists in regulating the water passages and plays a role in the body’s ability to sweat. When imbalanced this can cause spontaneous sweating, or the inability to sweat.

The lung meridian passes through the throat affecting our speech either in the quality of voice or in the case of grief using our voice, expressing grief in a healthy way etc.

Fall Breathing 5 Minute Meditation

Grief

According to Paul Pitchford in Healing with Whole Foods the personality of those with strong lungs is influenced by this qi: they appear unified, hold onto their direction, create order, and are effective at what they do. How well we “hold on” and “let go” can be expressed in terms of emotional attachment. The large intestine is the yang organ paired with the lung and its obvious function is releasing what is no longer needed. In Chinese Medicine this is emotional and physical.

Grief that is expressed and resolved strengthens the internal basis of health, repressed grief causes long term contraction of the lungs. Lung and large intestine disharmonies regardless of source usually have a root cause of unresolved sadness that needs to be cleared.

Grief and the energy of fall is contracting in nature, if used constructively it can clear repression. This is an emotion and time of year that invites us to look within and identify unresolved pain. Mindfulness gives way to resolution. Using the breath especially long deep breathing helps to clear these emotions and thoughts. It is also interesting to note that lung and colon cancer are very prevelant in our culture.

A note on getting sick. Getting sick a couple times a year can actually be a way for your body to expel toxic build up in the body not a sign that you are unwell. Just like with grief if it important to be mindful of your body during times of illness. Take the time to rest and recover when you get sick to lessen the duration and severity of illness. (get some acupuncture to boost the immune system or just at the onset to assist in a quick resolution)

Meditation for Grief

A Ritual for Letting Go

Nutrition

Pungent is the flavor of fall and can be used for both cleansing and protection. Hot peppers and chiles are pungent in flavor and cause the body to sweat, a great example of how all the associations of the lung are tied together. White pungent foods are most specific to the lungs especially in the onion family and garlic. Turnip, ginger, horseradish, cabbage, radish, daikon radish and white peppercorn. Seaweeds, marshmallow root, flaxseed and fenugreek help to clear excess mucus and replace it with a healthy mucus lining in the body.

Foods high in beta carotene appear to protect the lungs and large intestine against cancer. Some examples include: carrot, winter squash, pumpkin, broccoli, parsley, kale, mustard greens, watercress, wheat or barely grass, common green, blue-green, or golden algae.

Green foods improve digestion of proteins and fats and inhibit viruses as well as aid the body in clearing residues of environmental pollution from fumes, coal dust, smoke etc. Many dark leafy greens look like lungs especially spinach and chard and are especially helpful. Greens also help to clear phlegm in the body.

Adding fiber to the diet is also beneficial in cleansing the lungs and large intestine. Apples, pears, cherries, carrots, oats help to clear cholesterol from the digestive tract. In the fall it is especially benefical to eat these foods cooked.

You will notice that the foods for the fall are also those that are also in season for the fall.

Recipes

Healthy Fall Dessert: Caramel Apple Crisp with Nuts

Perfect Breakfast Recipe for Fall: Oatmeal Waffles

Roasted Red Pepper Chili with Zucchini and Quinoa

 

Acupuncture

The points used for class are part of Miriam Lee’s Great 10 protocol. Miriam Lee was an important contributor to acupuncture in the United States and would treat up to 18 people an hour. She developed this protocol that could treat virtually any disharmony. Consequently the points we are using fall on the lung and large intestine channels and it is thought that the lung qi is the weakest in modern people.

Li4 also known as the headache point. It is the command point for the head and face meaning that it can be used for any issue involving the head and face eyes, ears, nose, mouth etc. It is also used to treat colds, excessive sweating, red eyes, toothache,  nosebleed, loss of voice, sore throat, amenorrhea, prolonged labor, rashes, pain in the body. One of my teachers would say this point is the body’s natural advil.

Li11 According to Insights of a Senoir Acupuncturist current research in China has found that stimulating this point increases white blood cells, this increasing immune function and providing antibiotic and antiinflammtory action. It is used to treat fever, sore throat, loss of voice, toothache, dizziness, hypertension, urticarial, rash, dry skin, shingles, abdomen pain, numbness of the arm, pain of the elbow and ankle.

Lu7 is used to treat chills and fever, nasal congestion, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, headache, stiff neck, hot or painful urination, poor memory, palpitations, weakness and pain of wrist, clears heaviness and oppression of the chest.

Seasonal Self Care for Late Summer Acupressure and Moxabustion

It seemed only fitting to use the 2 most tonifying points for the spleen/stomach system this season: Sp6 and St36. As we explored in class there are a variety of ways to stimulate these points to strengthen our center whether it be through pressure from seeds, our fingers, the heat of moxa or acupuncture needles. Here are some benefits of these points and a reminder on how to find them.

smokeless moxa over SP6 for premenstrual cramps

SP6 SANYINJAO “3 yin intersection”

This acu-point is named 3 yin intersection because the 3 yin channels of the leg (liver, spleen, and kidney) converge on this point. Because of this meeting place all three of these organs are stimulated when this point is used. This point is used for a variety of ailments and is considered a primary point for digestive, gynaecological, sexual, urinary and emotional disorders. Sp6 is considered to be one of the most important points to harmonize and cool the blood as well as to invigorate circulation. This point is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its ability to assist the body with labor both by encouraging efficient contractions and reducing the pain of said contractions.

To find this point rest your pinky on the highest point of the body protruburance on the inside of the ankle, find the tender spot where your index finger rests in the depression close to the tibia bone.

ST37 ZUSANLI “leg 3 miles”

This acu-point is named leg 3 miles because soldier would burn moxa over it to give them endurance to march 3 more miles. St36 is also the command point of the abdomen and so it is useful for anything relating to the stomach and digestion. Qin Cheng-zu of the song dynasty went a step further and said that with this point “all diseases can be treated.” This point is the most important point to stimulate the spleen and stomach to build qi and blood. St36 also works to harmonize the stomach, tonify the spleen, nourish blood and yin, clear fire, calm the spirit and resolve dampness.

You can find this point by placing your 4 fingers under the knee cap and then pressing in one finger breadth lateral to the tibia.

If using acupressure gently press into these points for 1-3 minutes on each side. If applying moxa hold the moxa stick above the point until you feel the warmth of the moxa on your skin. Use a pecking motion so the skin does not become too hot. When the point feels warm appx 5-10 minutes change sides. This is a great practice at the change of the seasons to keep the body strong.

When doing moxa make sure to be in an open or well ventilated space. The stick may be reused if stamped out without water after use. Store only after it has cooled and is no longer smoking.

Never do moxa without the guidance of a trained and licensed acupuncturist.

While acupressure is powerful it is important to make sure you are working with a licensed and trained medicine professional and is not a replacement for medical care.

Seasonal Self Care for Late Summer: Spleen, Damp, Worry and Transitions

Calendula

The spleen and stomach system relate to the season of late summer, approximately the last month of summer time as well as the last 18 days or so of each season when we are slowly but surely becoming the next season. Because of this and the other functions of the spleen system it is closely tied with transitions environmentally, energetically, emotionally, and physically. In class we explored the breath and the space between the inhalations and exhalations, the place where one becomes the next.

Here is the quick reference for the spleen system:

Element: Earth                    Color: Yellow

Taste: Sweet                         Emotion: Overthinking/Worry

Opens to: Mouth                 Manifests on: Lips                            Controls: Muscles and extremities

The main function of the Spleen system is to transport and transform the food we eat. When you think of the spleen/stomach it is easy to think about digestion. This system takes the food we consume and transforms it into usable energy then takes it where the body needs it so it can be used. Digestion and absorption is all about the spleen. The spleen also plays a role in overseeing the water in our bodies as well making sure it is where it needs to be and taking it away from where it doesn’t belong. The pathogen of the spleen is dampness. If you’ve ever been outside on a damp day you can feel it in your body in a distinct way. People who have spleen imbalance can be very sensitive to this kind of weather. Other examples of dampness in the body include pain that is worse in damp weather, heavy achy limbs, edema, diarrhea, phlegm, and retained fluid.

The spleen also controls the blood. While the heart pumps the blood throughout the body and the liver stores it at rest the spleen makes sure the blood is contained where it is supposed to be. When the spleen is weak you may experience bleeding because of this such as spotting in between periods, long or heavy periods, nose bleeds etc

The spleen also controls the muscles and limbs and containment is involved here as well. Healthy muscles are those that contract when used and relax at rest. When the spleen is weak the muscles will be weak and the skin flabby. Malnourishment or excessive consumption of processed foods can cause this weakness in the body as well. Energetically the spleen moves upwards, when this energy is weak it can cause issues with the muscles such as prolapse of the uterus, rectum or other internal organs.

The spleen manifests on the lips. When the lips are soft, red and full it indicates the health of the spleen energy. When pale, dry or thin this can indicate issues or depletion of the spleen energy.

The taste of the spleen is sweet but not the way you might associate this flavor with. Full sweet flavor comes from root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, yams, beets, wheat, sweet peppers, corn, squashes etc Because the spleen is essentially a part of all seasons as the space between one and the next you can think of spleen foods as the foundations of your diet. Many orange and yellow foods are great first foods for babies when introducing solids because they are easy to digest.

The color of the season is yellow and it is easy to see why. Look around outside and everywhere you look there is vibrant yellow. The fields are golden, the flowers are yellow and even some dried leaves are yellow in color. Eating foods that are yellow are also beneficial to the spleen system.

The emotion is worry or overthinking. I can imagine when we depended on growing our own food how this season could be a time of worry. Did the crops yield enough to sell and hold us over winter? Would the coming winter be a rough one? In modern times we damage our spleen energy with multi-tasking. The spleen has many jobs but it is important to take it one step at a time. One way to protect your spleen is to make meal time your one and only priority. Turn the television off, put your smart phone in another room and enjoy the aromas and delicious sight of your foods. Chew thoroughly before taking another bite, putting your fork down in between tastes and enjoy good company and conversation.

If you find yourself in a state of ruminating and can’t get your mind to get off the hamster wheel the best way to clear your mind is to do movement where your opposite hand moves with your opposite foot. Walking is a perfect example of this and even simply walking in place can help especially if your thoughts start up when you’re trying to sleep.

Here are some spleen recipes:

Golden Milk, a spleen tonic

Green Lentil Curry

Mindful Eating for Thanksgiving

Roasted Red Pepper Chili with Zucchini and Quinoa

Southwestern Stuffed Acorn Squash

Coconut Lime Butternut Squash Soup

Cheesy Pesto Chicken Lasagna Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

http://www.food.com/recipe/black-bean-and-sweet-potato-chili-vegetarian-408973

Savory Pumpkin and Feta Muffins

Butternut Squash Lasagna with Tomato Basil Chicken Sausage

The color of the season is yellow and it is easy to see why. Look around outside and everywhere you look there is vibrant yellow. The fields are golden, the flowers are yellow and even some dried leaves are yellow in color. Eating foods that are yellow are also beneficial to the spleen system.