Health is Wealth Tip, March 23, 2013, Year of the Snake:

One part of Chinese medicine is diet therapy. You really are what you eat. All food has certain properties, and can cause a reaction in the body. For example, peppermint can reduce your body's temperature. According to Chinese medicine, some foods are particular for calming the mind and nourishing your brain, helping you get a full night of restful sleep.

The foods include:
Lotus Root (pictured above, can be found at any Asian supermarket), Lotus Fruit and Seeds
Grapes
Longan Nuts (can be found at any Asian supermarket)
Dates
Licorice
Cooked Egg Yolk

Recipe: 15 longan nuts, 7 red dates, and 50 gm of rice in a saucepan. Add enough water till the level is 1 inch above the mixture. Boil until soft, and serve! You can add licorice if you want a sweeter flavor. Molasses makes a great sweetener as well, and great at nourishing the blood.

Have a peaceful day!
-Rachelle Lambert, L.Ac.

Health is Wealth Tip, February 27, 2013, Year of the Snake:

Lemon juice is very important to your health.
Lemon is used medicinally in almost all cultures.
Lemon is a natural preservative.
Lemon juice used internally can clear inflammation in the skin.
Lemon juice is soothing for the throat.
Lemon has the property of cleansing and stimulating the Liver's function.
Lemon is alkalizing for the body.
Lemon is stress relieving and great to soothe stress headaches.
Lemon juice reduces anger and depression.
Lemon juice supports your immune system.
Lemon is used in Chinese medicine to move Liver Qi.

Why not try a shot of lemon juice every morning? Is is very easy to incorporate to your routine, just add a squeeze to your water bottle before leaving your house every day.

Have a peaceful day!
-Rachelle Lambert, L.Ac.

Health is Wealth Tip, February 15, 2013, Year of the Snake:

Do you want to know a way toward happiness? Get rid of your toxic friends.

One study showed that energy positive friends increase your happiness quotient by 7%. Negative people and people who have a negative influence in your life decrease your happiness quotient by 9%.

We are just about to start spring cleaning. Maybe it's time to throw out those Negative Nancys!

Have a happy day!
-Rachelle Lambert, L.Ac.

Health is Wealth Tip, February 14, 2013, Year of the Snake:

Today is the day of love, also known as Valentine's day. We have all experienced love. That sparked a thought, "What is love, bio-chemically speaking?"

Love is related to the hormones and neurotransmitters of our body. Some clinical psychologists suggest there are 3 stages of love that your body experiences.

The first stage is "Lust". Boy do we all know that one, it gets us in trouble sometimes:-) Lust is fueled by hormones of testosterone and estrogen in both males and females.

The second stage is "Attraction". That is a common stage, we see it when people are in relationships. Attraction is fueled by adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. You feel adrenaline when you see or touch your lover and your heart races and your mouth is dry. Dopamine is your pleasure neurotransmitter, and the effects are increased energy, less hunger, less need for sleep, and focused attention. Serotonin is your "feel good" and "happy" neurotransmitter.

The third stage is "Attachment". We see this in long term relationships and marriages, when couples bond and become life partners. This is my favorite stage! Attachment is fueled by oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone. This hormone is released while having an orgasm, and deepens the feelings of attachment couples have right after sex. One theory states that the more sex a couple has, the deeper the bond goes. Another way oxytocin supports bonding is in mothers and their babies. This hormone is secreted during child birth. When a mother sees her baby, or hears her baby cry, the breast automatically releases milk.

“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.”
― Dalai Lama XIV

Have a loving day!
-Rachelle Lambert, L.Ac.