May and June Acupuncture Hours Now Available + Spring Transition Tips & Updates!
Mar 11, 2024
Dear Community Acupuncture Ohana!
I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits as we approach
the transition from winter to spring.
Firstly, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your
ongoing commitment to your healing journey and for your steadfast support
of community acupuncture here on Kaua'i. Your dedication truly makes a
difference, not only for yourself but for our entire community.
As we welcome the arrival of spring, it's essential to
recognize that this transition can sometimes be challenging. The shift in
seasons can affect our bodies and energy levels, so I encourage you to
take
this time to be gentle with yourself and prioritize self-care.
To assist you during this transition, I'd like to offer
some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tips and recipes to support your
well-being:
Lung and Liver Cleansing Jook (Congee)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white jasmine rice (or any long-grain rice)
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (separate the white and green
parts)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: thinly sliced green onions, chopped cilantro,
toasted sesame seeds, fried shallots
Instructions:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the jasmine
rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set
aside.
- Cook the Rice: In a large pot,
combine the rinsed rice and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over
high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered,
stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 1 hour or until the
rice breaks down and becomes porridge-like in consistency. If the jook
becomes too thick, add more water or broth as needed.
- Add Aromatics: Once the rice has
reached the desired consistency, add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and
white parts of the green onions to the pot. Stir well to incorporate.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a
separate skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced
shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender
and golden brown.
- Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach
leaves to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Cook for an
additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the
sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the pot of jook. Stir in the soy
sauce or tamari, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an
additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the lung and liver
cleansing jook into serving bowls. Garnish with the remaining green parts
of the sliced green onions and any optional toppings of your choice, such
as thinly sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or
fried shallots.
- Enjoy: Serve the jook hot as a
nourishing and comforting meal that supports lung and liver health. Enjoy
its soothing properties and delicious flavors!
This lung and liver cleansing jook is gentle on the digestive system
and provides essential nutrients to support overall well-being.
Enjoy it as part of your cleansing routine or whenever
you're in need of a comforting and nourishing meal.
TCM Foods for Spring
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring is
associated with the Wood element and the Liver organ system.
It's a time of renewal, growth, and movement. To support the Liver Qi
and tonify the Spleen during the spring season, it's beneficial to
incorporate foods that are nourishing, fresh, and have a slightly sour or
bitter flavor.
Here are some TCM springtime foods to consider:
- Leafy Greens: Leafy greens such as
spinach, kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard are rich in chlorophyll and
antioxidants, making them excellent choices for supporting liver
detoxification and tonifying the Spleen.
- Sprouts: Sprouts like alfalfa, mung
bean, and broccoli sprouts are packed with enzymes, vitamins, and
minerals.
They are light and easy to digest, making them ideal for promoting liver
health and aiding digestion.
- Asparagus: Asparagus is known for
its diuretic properties and is beneficial for flushing out toxins from the
body. It also contains nutrients that support liver function and help
tonify the Spleen.
- Artichokes: Artichokes are a natural
liver cleanser and are rich in cynarin, a compound that stimulates bile
production and aids in digestion. They also contain prebiotic fibers that
nourish the gut microbiome, supporting Spleen health.
- Green Tea: Green tea is high in
antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to support liver
function and protect against oxidative stress. It also has a slightly
bitter taste, which stimulates digestion and helps move Liver Qi.
- Bitter Melon: Bitter melon is a
bitter-tasting vegetable that stimulates digestion, reduces inflammation,
and supports liver health. It's commonly used in TCM to clear heat and
dampness from the body.
- Lemon: Lemon is a sour citrus fruit
that helps to invigorate the Liver Qi and promote detoxification. Start
your day with a glass of warm water and lemon to cleanse the liver and aid
digestion.
- Fennel: Fennel has a slightly sweet
and licorice-like flavor and is excellent for supporting digestion and
soothing the liver. It can be added to salads, soups, or enjoyed as a
tea.
Incorporating these springtime foods into your diet can
help harmonize the Liver Qi, tonify the Spleen, and promote overall health
and vitality during the seasonal transition. Remember to listen to your
body's cues.
***
In other news, I wanted to inform you that James and I
will be embarking on a journey to Bali for the month of April. If you
require any herbal orders during our absence, please
kindly place them by March 22nd to
ensure
timely fulfillment.
Additionally, we're excited to announce that we'll be
revamping our website soon and would greatly appreciate your testimonials
to feature on our updated platform. Your feedback is invaluable and helps
us improve our services to better serve you.
Furthermore, we're in the process of planning
mini-classes
and would love to hear your input! Please take a moment to fill out our
survey, where you can share your thoughts on topics you'd like to learn
more about.
To book your acupuncture appointments for May and June,
please visit our website at www.leeacupuncture.biz.
Thank you again for your continued support and trust in our care.
Wishing you health, happiness, and vitality as we embrace
the beauty of spring!
Linda Ming Lee, L.Ac. MSOM
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