And finals are done for the term

Hey there folks

Its been a few weeks since I have had a chance to post.  I wanted to post so let folks know that I am still here and will be updating some things on the blog over the next few weeks (that I have off, thankfully).  I have alot to share and I'm excited to share it all with you.  Until then, Happy Holidays and try to stay dry out there.

There was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do - determined to save the only life you could save.  - Mary Oliver

9000 needles

For those of you interested in a great story of health through acupuncture 9000 needles is showing at the St. Johns Mcmenamins theatre this Sunday at 6 pm.  Below is a bit of information about the movie...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSJLn7AKGY0

A short history of acupuncture's introduction to main stream American media

Though Acupuncture has been a part of medicine in China for over 2000 years, its introduction to mainstream American medicine and news occurred fairly recently.  In the 1972 during the Nixon era, the American government was making a great effort to build a working relationship with the Chinese government.  A number of American government officials including a political journalist by the name of James Reston Jr travelled to China.  While gathering information via diplomat interviews, Mr. Reston was diagnosed with Appendicitis.  He was treated in the Perking Union Medical College (which was created by the Rockefeller Foundation) having his appendix removed.  After the surgery he was treated with Acupuncture and Moxa (mugwart or wormwood) with great results.  He returned to the US and wrote an article in the New York Times.




James Reston

New York Times Article
http://www.acupuncture.com/testimonials/restonexp.htm

Original "Yumm Sauce" recipe

For my fellow vegetarians/ vegans out there, or anyone who likes a good sauce:

1/2 C. olive oil
1/2 C. almonds
1/3 C. brewers yeast
1/3 C. garbonzo beans
1/4 C. soybeans (1/2 C. Tofu is a good substitute)
1/2 C. water
1/2 C lemon juice
2 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp curry powder

Blend nuts, beans and oil in your food processor or blender. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.  This will keep in the fridge for quite awhile in a jar or other container.  This sauce is great on salads or sandwiches, wraps and warm foods too.  Enjoy!!

Step Up

As some of you may have heard, the Obama Healthcare Reform legislation has a component meant to expand coverage of Medicare to include acupuncture treatment.  With support from the public this could very likely pass (as both republicans and democrats support it) and will impact healthcare coverage across the board, not only will the elderly and underserved populations but medicare coverage expansion could likely impact the private sector as well.  Check out this link below and see what you think.  I would encourage you to take action, write to your Representatives and Senators if you use acupuncture or would like to and want medical coverage.

H.R. 646: Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2009

www.govtrack.us

Environmental working group

This is a great website!  Here is how it works..... so, many of the products we use in the home and especially on our body are full of things we shouldn't be coming in contact with, let alone covering our faces with.  This website below is a non invested 3rd party who rates all the products you can imagine on an environmentally safe (or not) scale.  Go to the link, half way down the left side of the page is a search box, put the name of any product you want in the box and its only a matter of time before you reconsider using it (or start using it more in rare cases:)  Enjoy!!


http://www.ewg.org/