Summer Time & the Heart

Archive for June, 2011

Summer Time & the Heart

We finally had a nice sunny weekend; I went hiking in the Gorge!
Summer is the season of the Fire Element, which is associated
with the Heart. In Chinese Medicine the Heart
not only pumps the blood but also houses the mind (Shen). Dr
Dean Ornish MD, a heart specialist says “I think the mind is where
Heart disease begins for many people.” The Heart is associated
with the emotion Joy or lack of Joy as in the old phrase a broken
Heart. Some general symptoms of a Heart-Mind Imbalance include
depression, loss of memory, speech problems, poor circulation,
weak spirit and aversion to heat. Things we can do to Heal the Heart
are diet (whole foods have a calming effect), exercise (aerobic &
anaerobic), relaxation/meditation (being not always doing), a
positive attitude on life and the power of laughter and good relation-
ships.
Some dietary suggestions for calming the mind are to reduce or
eliminate alcohol, tobacco, coffee (all create heat), refined sugar
and eating large late meals. The following substances can reduce
nervousness, and help mental focus and insomnia. Oyster shell
good for insomnia and can be eaten in the form of oyster-shell
Calcium. Whole grains, wheat, brown rice and oats help calm the
mind. Try to buy organic and avoid pesticides. Mushrooms like

Ganoderma or Poria. Mulberries, lemons and Schisandra berries calm
the mind. Jujube seeds (Ziziphus) helps with insomnia. Ziziphus and
Schisandra can be found at Oriental grocery stores. Interestingly,
The color of the fire element is red and herbs that have an effect on
the Heart have a tendency to be red in color. Lastly, in the
Summer we can eat more fruit and water but remember to try not
to drink iced water as it can cause digestive problems. So, have fun
Get outside and enjoy, till next time
Steve

Endometriosis, infertility

“I suffered from chronic pain due to endometriosis for years before trying acupuncture and Chinese herbs. I suffered through various medical treatments including 2 surgeries, with no relief (I say ‘suffered’ since it seemed sometimes that the effects of treatment were almost as bad as the medical condition itself!). I had reached a stage where I was in constant pain and the condition was seriously affecting pretty much every aspect of my life. I was fairly skeptical of alternative medicine at the time, but eventually started going to East-West Acupuncture Clinic as years of almost constant pain will make you want to try anything! It was the best decision I ever made. Within a few months, on a combination treatment of herbs and acupuncture, I was feeling much better. Steve monitored me and adjusted the herbs and acupuncture to find the best combination at any time, which he is brilliant at. He also kept abreast of all the latest research in the field and incorporated it into the treatment regimen. Then when I decided it was time to start a family, I was having no luck, which is a typical problem for women with endometriosis. Steve changed the herbal treatments that I was on to add herbs that aid fertility. Within 2 months I was pregnant! That was four years ago and I’ve hardly looked back since. I can only imagine how different my life would have been over the last seven years had it not been for Steve, by remembering what it was like for the five years before that, which were dominated by pain. Thanks for giving me my life back Steve!!!” — Denise G

Sports training

“As a triathlete, I train practically every day. I recently found myself constantly in pain from over-training, but needing to continue running due to commitments at upcoming events. I’d had little experience with alternative medicine, but desperation drove me to see try something new and that’s when I found Steve. I wasn’t sure what results to expect; perhaps relaxation or slight pain relief. After one treatment, my pain had decreased considerably. After the second treatment, my pain had almost completely subsided. I continued treatment and was soon telling people I was cured. I was able to continue my training without intense pain. I look forward to letting my body heal in the near future and will continue to see Steve during that downtime to help with the healing process. And it’s great to know that his treatment will be there if I find myself in pain again. Thanks Steve!!” — Kris R

Quit Smoking

“I quit smoking at East-West Acupuncture Clinic. It was the most effective method I’ve tried and I highly recommend it to anyone.”— Jane S

Archive for June, 2011