Fun Time, Summer Time
Summer generally creates a relaxed feeling in life – vacations, water activities like swimming, Marco Polo, skiing, or hanging out by the lake at a family BBQ, we all look forward to this season. Did we mention the produce in summer is fresh, juicy, mouth-watering and addictive?
Farmer’s markets and centers for sustainable agriculture abound to provide rich harvests of corn, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peaches and watermelon, to name a few.
Restaurants extend their baskets to capture their share of summer’s bounty, too. Check out local restaurants in your area to find those who support sustainable agriculture and serve organic fare. While studies continue to dis-agree on the nutritional value of organic vs. conventional food, no one can argue that the taste is great.
With a little extra preparation you can have a safe and healthy summer – remember sunscreen after 30 minutes of being outdoors (30 min for Vitamin D synthesis), plenty of non-caloric fluids to stay fresh and hydrated (and less fatigued), less meat (because it’s weighty) and lots more freshness through fruits, veggies and whole grains!
See you in September!
Shakuju: Acupuncture without needles
Yes, it’s true – acupuncture treatment can be done without needles! Shakuju is one such practice of acupuncture. This practice theorizes that all imbalances in the body originate from cold. Thus, the purpose of Shakuju is to move Qi (energy flow) and warm the body.
Shakuju uses your abdomen and reference points to diagnosis imbalance in the body. First, the practitioner will take the pulse and feel for certain qualities. Then he/she will palpate the lower legs for tender areas (indicating stagnant Qi from cold), clear the abdomen of superficial stagnation and cold, adjust the pulse, and then re-palpate the tender reference points.
After this, the practitioner diagnoses imbalance by palpating tender points/areas on the abdomen. The area that is tender will determine which pattern the practitioner will use for treatment. The rest of the treatment is performed on the patient’s back as the practitioner intentionally tries to move the Qi and warm his/her body.
Shakuju can be used for all types of imbalances. Just because a needle is not inserted does not mean that only certain conditions can be treated. Shakuju therapy can be used for ALL types of imbalances; fertility, pain, gynecological, inflammatory, migraines, gastrointestinal, etc. It is also very useful for people who are needle phobic or for children. It is a highly effective non-insertive type of acupuncture. Consult your local area for an acupuncturist who practices Shakuju.