“The study involving 1,685 middle-aged men and women over six months found those who kept such a diary just about every day lost about twice as much weight as those who did not.”

Click here for full article.

Often a HUGE trigger are these:

Nuts, especially peanuts.

Nightshade vegetables (peppers, eggplant and especially cooked tomato.)

Tropical fruits: Mango, papaya, kiwi, banana, avocado, and strawberries. (Better choice is watermelon, apples, pears, some berries, NOT strawberries.)

And for some people sensitivity to eggs, dairy, wheat, corn, soy, etc.

Other triggers:

Caffeine

Alcohol

Sugar

Smoking

Drugs

Always use caution when experimenting with what you are consuming.

Be careful to always wean yourself slowing.

Be careful not to burn self when turning pieces over, oil gets quite hot, use a sturdy pot.

Cut up celery, carrot, sweet potato (or yam), and onions or leeks.

After beef is browned add cut up veggies and already boiling water to the pot.

Bring to boil, reduce flame, simmer partially covered, until beef is tender (1-2 hours depending on your stove)

Add salt and pepper to taste.

If you want, at end of cook time add string beans, peas, or any other greens, cook for 10 minutes.

Freeze into smaller portions.

Eat 3x week.

“Studies by Dr. Peter Dorsher, a pain expert at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., indicate the acupuncture points of acupuncture are anatomically and clinically similar to the trigger points used in myofascial therapy and he recommends either therapy to help those seeking relief from musculoskeletal pain.”

Click here for full article.

First Trimester

3. Plan out an exercise routine. Adjust your current exercise plan so you can stick to it. Moderate exercise will help reduce your stress levels and keep your metabolism in check as the baby starts to demand more calories.

Second Trimester

6. Reach out to a community for support. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or a child birthing class, it’s important to begin to build a network of like-minded moms to help you through any difficult choices or situations that are new to you.

Third Trimester

10. Get everything ready for the baby’s arrival. In the last few weeks before your due date, be sure to buy diapers, wipes, clothes, bottles, and have them ready to go. When you get home from the hospital you want all your supplies unpacked and ready for use. You may seek a post-partum doula that can help with nursing, cooking and cleaning when you return home with the newborn. Take time now to line up that support so you have a plan for when you return with your new little baby!

Lungs and large intestine –> white (upper chest)

Kidneys and bladder –> blue/black (low back area)

Liver and gallbladder –> green (right side of abdomen)

Heart and small intestine –> red (center of chest)

Stomach and spleen –>  orange (left side of abdomen)

• Each time, breathe in the color and imagine painting the corresponding area of your body.
• With each exhale, fully relax and allow the tension of the day melt away. You can imagine your exhale as heavy with dark and cloudy color.
• This is a great meditation as part of a nighttime routine, and has also been shown to be helpful when you wake in the middle of the night. It helps settle the mind and relax the body back into sleep.

“The new study, unveiled at a conference in Berlin, follows similar claims that the ancient treatment can benefit those with arthritis, back pain, migraine and infertility. But is acupuncture really the miracle treatment it seems?”

Click here to read full article.

Click here to see full article.

Italian researchers found that regular treatments with “true” acupuncture helped improve symptoms in 32 patients whose migraines had been resistant to standard preventive medication.”

Click here for full article.

Click here for full article.

For full article click here.

To read article click here

Click here for full article.

To see Natalie Morales receiving acupuncture click here.

1. Acknowledge and reward your efforts in 2007. Make a list of your achievements and accomplishments in 2007 and then treat yourself to a something special for all of your hard work and effort.
2. Set a goal for 2008. Pick one area of your life that you would like to change for the better in 2008. Write your goal for 2008 in one simple sentence.
3. Create a plan. Choose 3 actions for the month of January that will move you closer to the goal you have selected.
4. Schedule a reward for your January efforts. If you have achieved the actions that you set for January, select a reward for your efforts.

My goal for 2008 is to return to working out and to run a 4 mile race in April.

Plan:

1. Each week I will run 2-3 times.  I will use one run to train for the 4 mile distance and the other runs to build up my pace.
2. In addition, I will stretch and begin to condition my core muscles.
3. I will be sure not to over do it and be gentle with my conditioning routine to avoid injuries.

If I can successfully accomplish these actions weekly in the month of January then my reward for my efforts will be to treat myself to a massage.

This simple formula for taking a goal and breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps is highly effective for all tasks that at first seem overwhelming. And remember to reward your successes.

Try this strategy with your goal for 2008, I promise you will be pleased with the results!!

Click here for full article.

Click here for full article.

“Almost half the patients treated with acupuncture needles felt relief that lasted months. In contrast, only about a quarter of the patients receiving medications and other Western medical treatments felt better.”

Click here to see full article. 

• Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
  Suzanne Connole 917.620.2790
  Steve Pang 917.617.8481

• Labor Doula Suzanne Connole 917.620.2790

• Postpartum Doula Lori Becker 917.612.0930

• Prenatal Yoga Jennifer Pettit 917.488.2638

• Prenatal Massage Anne Taylor 917.453.7221

Recommended Books

Gaskin, Ina May (2003). Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth. New York NY: Bantam Books.

Karp, Harvey (2002). The Happiest Baby on the Block. New York NY: Bantam Dell.

McClure, Vimala (2000). Infant Massage AHandbook for Loving Parents. New York NY: Bantam Books.

Read about how acupuncture helps with smoking cessation.

Click here.

Click here for full article.

When this young woman arrived in my office, she was distraught.  She felt hopeless and did not understand how something so serious could happen so quickly.   I reassured her that she had the best of both worlds working for her; a very clear medical diagnosis and all that Chinese Medicine had to offer.  I treated her with a few sessions of acupuncture, several weeks of herbal formulas, and over- the- counter supplements along with dietary changes.

In one month’s time, her menses returned and the hot flashes ceased!  How successfully and quickly the Eastern treatment approach addressed the Western diagnosis.  The patient is thrilled and has returned to her daily routine with a few adjustments in her diet and schedule.  She has completely stopped drinking coffee, reduced alcohol consumption and is learning how to eat in a balanced manner.  She has also slowed down the pace of her life and is very aware of her need to rest and rejuvenate.  For the first time in her life, she is cognizant of the need to nourish herself and prioritize her schedule to consider her health needs.  Congratulations to my patient on her self-discovery and in her commitment to seeking a life in balance!

In Chinese medicine we know of a condition called “plum-pit qi (mei he qi).”  This condition is experienced as a sensation in the throat of a foreign body that can be neither be swallowed nor ejected.

When researching the Western medical literature, I did find a diagnosis that represented my patient’s condition:  it is called “Globus Hystericus.”  Accordingly, this condition is described as a sensation of a lump in the throat causing difficulty swallowing when there is no physical cause.  It is noted that this is a Freudian diagnosis.  The most common cause according to the Western texts is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

All of my research was interesting but this patient had absolutely no signs of digestive distress.  I needed to stay with a treatment plan according to Chinese medicine and relieve the “plum-pit qi.”

Her treatment plan was targeted to create a smooth flow of emotions and to free up the area around the throat.  We began with four sessions of acupuncture and two weeks of herbal treatment.

At the end of the first month, the sensation of having something stuck in the throat had been present only twice.   Both times this sensation occurred during extremely stressful work-related situations.  I then taught the patient visualization and meditation techniques in order to manage internal stress and resume the free flow of energy.  At this point, we began to meet twice a month for acupuncture.  Herbs were used during times of increased stress.

After the second month, the patient was free from the sensation of having something stuck in her throat.  She has had no recurrence of these episodes in the past eight months.  Presently, we meet for acupuncture “tune-ups” approximately every three weeks, one week before the onset of her menses.  As many of the readers know, the week prior to the onset of the menstrual period can be a tense and often emotional time.  Giving treatment at this time of the cycle helps to keep everything moving freely and to ensure that the “plum-pit qi” does not return.

Congratulations to my patient for making all of the necessary lifestyle changes to support the course of treatment and her personal health success.  She has been able to manage her own stress levels by participating in yoga, meditation, and a slower paced lifestyle.  She has also improved her overall diet and energy level.  Nice work!!!!

1. Stop whatever you are doing. Close your eyes. Imagine the most beautiful person, place or thing. Try to breathe in that image deep into your lungs, and, as you exhale, feel your body sinking into the chair.
2. Get up from your seat. With your fists, hit your buttocks and down the backs of your legs with moderate force. Do this punching technique for 2 minutes. Sit back down. See how much better your lower body feels.
3. Change your routine. If you usually take the subway to work, walk instead. If you normally buy lunch, bring lunch. Shake it up!
4. Change your diet. Spring is a great time for “spring cleaning” the body. Try new fruits and vegetables. Experiment with new recipes. Your body will appreciate the variety.
5. Reach out to friends and family members. Plan fun social events that require you to do and experience new things.
6. Just like snakes shed their skin in times of renewal, you can renew yourself and help to exfoliate your skin by gently and briskly rubbing a wet washcloth with a little sea salt and olive oil on your body. This will increase circulation and leave you with a refreshed feeling.
7. Go somewhere you have never been. Is there a specific destination that you have wanted to visit but still have not gone? Well, now is the time! Set the date and time and GO!

“That’s what confronted Sue Fox when she began taking her graying, 12-½-year-old golden retriever, Quackers, to the VCA Animal Hospital in Kent about two years ago.”

Read more to learn how acupuncture helped Quackers! Click here.

A patient, a woman in her early 30’s, suddenly stopped having her menses and started to experience severe hot flashes several times per hour. Alarmed, she went to her OB/GYN doctor and received the diagnosis of Pre-Mature Ovarian Failure. She was stunned, upset and had many unanswered questions. Did this mean she could not have children? How was this “early menopause” going to affect the quality of her life? The OB/GYN doctor recommended that she visit an endocrinologist for further testing and return in one month for a follow up visit.

When this young woman arrived in my office, she was distraught. She felt hopeless and did not understand how something so serious could happen so quickly. I reassured her that she had the best of both worlds working for her; a very clear medical diagnosis and all that Chinese Medicine had to offer. I treated her with a few sessions of acupuncture, several weeks of herbal formulas, and over- the- counter supplements along with dietary changes.

In one month’s time, her menses returned and the hot flashes ceased! How successfully and quickly the Eastern treatment approach addressed the Western diagnosis. The patient is thrilled and has returned to her daily routine with a few adjustments in her diet and schedule. She has completely stopped drinking coffee, reduced alcohol consumption and is learning how to eat in a balanced manner. She has also slowed down the pace of her life and is very aware of her need to rest and rejuvenate. For the first time in her life, she is cognizant of the need to nourish herself and prioritize her schedule to consider her health needs.

Congratulations to my patient on her self-discovery and in her commitment to seeking a life in balance!

How to partner the benefits of Western and Eastern Medicine

• Schedule regular check ups with your primary physician.
• If abnormalities are found, obtain a good Western diagnosis.
• Listen carefully to the medical treatment plan for your disease.
• Research what Eastern medicine has to offer: Has acupuncture and/or herbs treated this condition? How long is the treatment plan? What effects can you expect?
• Decide whether you can benefit from the treatments of both Eastern and Western medicine.
• Set up a clear treatment plan with target dates for outcomes and ways to assess progress.

By blending the benefits of Western diagnosis with Eastern prevention and treatment, you can monitor your condition and determine whether your condition is improving in a timely manner.

If you have a specific question about how acupuncture and herbs can treat your condition, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at info@abbeyfromkin.com or call (917) 748-3718.

Remember, education is the foundation for a wise decision.

LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT WITH MORE ENERGY!

“Acupuncture has been shown in many studies to ease pain, and there’s growing evidence that it helps quell post-surgery nausea. Massage, meanwhile, has been shown in certain studies to aid cancer patients’ anxiety.”

Read all about it here.

“Each type of medicine has its advantages,” Casanova said. “The more you know and can draw from that, the better for your patient.”

To view full article click here.

“All the doctors told us he was going to die, or was going to be like a vegetable for the rest of his life,” recalled his father, Arturo Toirac.

See how acupuncture helped, click here.

Check it out.

“That night, her son slept soundly for the first time in weeks . . . ”

Read more about parents seeking holistic therapies.

Click here.

“Scientific research has shown acupuncture to be helpful in the following musculoskeletal conditions and ailments:”

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tennis elbow
• Other “pinched nerves”
• Other “chronic pain” situations

“A recent study published in the November 2006 issue of the medical journal Arthritis and Rheumatism also got my attention. It was a well-done study from Germany that looked at the role and effectiveness of acupuncture for individuals with chronic hip and knee pain related to arthritis.”

“A very large group of patients were treated with usual traditional medical care for their arthritis for three months. Following that time period, acupuncture was added as an additional therapeutic intervention for one portion of that patient group, while the others continued with medical care only (i.e. no acupuncture).”

“The results of the study revealed that those patients who had acupuncture added to their treatment regime had significant and persistent improvements in not only their arthritis symptoms, but also in their overall quality of life. They did much better than those patients receiving medical care only for the arthritis, without acupuncture.”

Click here.

Equal amounts of:

• Carrots
• Squash (orange inside)
• Onions
• Green cabbage

Cut all vegetables into fine pieces. Add 4 times the amount of water to a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce flame, simmer 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink 1-2 cups daily. Drink can be stored in refrigerator for several days. Simply bring to boil to reheat and enjoy!

The simple answer is balance.

You want balance in every meal.
Each and every meal should include protein, carbohydrate, fat and, don’t forget, flavor!

When deciding how much you should consume you can use this simple guideline:
Each meal should contain a portion of protein the size of the palm of your hand, approximately a cup of carbohydrates, and small amount of high quality fat.

Imagine a meal consisting of a portion of chicken, fish, or beef, a lovely display of leafy green vegetables and a piece of whole wheat bread with olive oil or a slice of avocado.
Sounds good doesn’t it?

But what if you have a very specific health goal, then how do you adjust your diet to support your intended lifestyle shift?

Here are a few ideas:

Health goal: to reduce your overall intake of caffeine.

1. Make sure to have protein at every meal. This will help equalize blood sugar levels and prevent weight gain as you reduce the caffeine in your diet.
2. Reduce caffeine intake GRADUALLY a 10% decrease each week. Do not stop “cold turkey,” trust me, you will feel miserable.
3. Replace the routine of sipping coffee with a healthier alternative. Try green tea or for even less caffeine Kukicha (twig) tea, or any tasty herbal tea with lemon ginger or peppermint. They sell sample packets so you can try a variety and decide which ones you like.
4. Keep a food diary and monitor your mood and energy level. This will help keep track of your progress and keep you on top of your health goal.

Health goal: to make better food choices when away from the kitchen.

1. Start with a food diary to see what you tend to eat when you are out. Analyze your choices, identify your unhealthy choices and slowly make an effort to replace them with more healthy foods.
2. Pack a lunch. If possible, try to pre-plan your lunch meal by bringing leftovers from the previous night’s dinner or a homemade sandwich.
3. Find a vendor near your workplace that prepares food in a healthy way. Look for fresh vegetables, high quality oils like olive and sunflower oils, and organic choices, if possible.
4. Continue to monitor your progress. Reward yourself for you efforts and make course corrections along the way if you fall off track.

What is YOUR specific health goal in regards to your food choices?
Send Abbey an email and let’s get going to a happier and healthier you!

“The £200,000 year-long trial will run in two health practices in Londonderry and Belfast. The main focus will be on anxiety and musculoskeletal problems.”

To see full article click here.

Now, doctors are prescribing acupuncture for those who need help with their diet and nutrition.”

“Studies show that acupuncture works for headaches, nausea, depression, stress, anxiety, addiction and more.”

To see full article click here.

Click here for full article.

“In a new study, researchers report that an active ingredient in the herb reduces hypertension in hamsters and appears to work by widening blood vessels.”

To see complete article click here.

Full Article

See full article, click here.

HRT article link 1

article link 2

link 3

Article link click here.

For full article click here.

Photo by Maureen Goss.