Utopia’s Spring Cleansing
Wow, it’s spring in no uncertain manner. The wind, the rapid change in temperature, the delicious sweet perfumes of spring blossom, the hay fever and allergies season at its best. I don’t remember last year being quiet so extreme. I’m excited about the workshop/seminar I have just attended and gathered a lot of information and am integrating it before I use it in clinic, so expect a different style of treatment over the coming months as I share this new knowledge with you. I know there has been a lot of change happening out there with you as you share stories with me; this is what spring is about as we move into the Wood Element, think green, growth and newness. Want more in-depth reading about wood click here
So you are in the mood to exercise more and clear up the heaviness of winter, remember to stretch the muscles as after the winter the ligament and tendon( these relate to the wood element) won’t be as flexible and need to be woken up and warmed up to prevent an injury. Shiatsu is another option to help stretch and a get your qi moving. And of course need I say, if you do injury yourself acupuncture is sure to be of benefit in a speedier recovery.
Think about a living clay bathes, and dry skin brushing to clear away the dead skin layer and move the lymphatic system. Both of these products are available in clinic. To read more on either of them follow the links. Click here for more info on Living Clay and Dry Skin Brushing
Warm water with lemon first thing in the morning can help to stimulate the digestive system and eliminations of toxin. One still needs to be careful and not under dress, just take a light jacket or even a shawl, so if the weather does suddenly change you won’t get a chill. And if you do get a chill and it’s within a 3 hr period often a really hot shower to warm up and reopen the pores will prevent a cold.
Allergies like hay fever are treated when they are present, and often need ongoing treatment to strengthen the immune system for the following seasons. Chinese herbal medicine is both beneficial in the acute and chronic phases and often if you come in when it is acute i.e. itchy eyes and running nose, acupuncture will ease the symptoms immediately. Remember to reduce the diary, wheat and sugar, rest from alcohol and eat more greens.
What to Eat in the SPRING months
MUNG BEAN SALAD
1 cup dried Mung beans soaked overnight and cooked for 20 mins
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1/4 almonds
2 tbsp Tahina
1/4 cup chopped parsley, onion, and chives
2 cloves garlic
Method:
Blend all the above ingredients.
Add 1/2 cup Bok Choy chopped.
1/2 cup Celery chopped.
BEETROOT DIP
Great for cleansing the system, high in Zinc, Vitamin C and Iron.
1 average size beetroot
1 cup toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds pinch of cayenne pepper
1 tsp mustard seeds
Juice of 2 lemons
½ cup of water
½ tsp Celtic salt.
Method:
Blend in food processor.
I would like to acknowledge the source of these recipes from ‘Digestive Solutions’ by Michéle Wolff.
Meditation is starting up in November Ilse will be running a 6- 8 week course on a Thursday evening, beginning November 14th at 7.30 spots are limited and filling fast, so call to confirm your spot. Follow link to learn more about Ilse.
"Do the little things in life well and with great love.”
With much Grace,
Team Utopia