Thursday, January 14, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
Where we're giving this morning. Tell Apotheca and win a beautiful organic lavender eye pillow (shipped anywhere in the US):
Where are you giving?
-------------------------------------------------
Khaled in Lebanon (Activity: Retail) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan
profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=161146&_te=ty
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Efua in Ghana (Activity: Cereals) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan profile
at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=164454&_te=ty
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jorge Luis Sáenz Medrano in Nicaragua (Activity: Personal Housing
Expenses) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=164135&_te=ty
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zee in Ghana (Activity: Used Clothing) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan
profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=164409&_te=ty
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walter Enrique Rodas Galo in Nicaragua (Activity: Personal Housing
Expenses) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=164134&_te=ty
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christiana in Ghana (Activity: Food Production/Sales) You Loaned:$100.00
View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=164446&_te=ty
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crecer Con Libertad Group in Chile (Activity: Retail) You Loaned:$200.00
View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=165009&_te=ty
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where are you giving?
Khaled in Lebanon (Activity: Retail) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan
profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?
------------------------------
Efua in Ghana (Activity: Cereals) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan profile
at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?
------------------------------
Jorge Luis Sáenz Medrano in Nicaragua (Activity: Personal Housing
Expenses) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?
------------------------------
Zee in Ghana (Activity: Used Clothing) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan
profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?
------------------------------
Walter Enrique Rodas Galo in Nicaragua (Activity: Personal Housing
Expenses) You Loaned:$100.00 View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?
------------------------------
Christiana in Ghana (Activity: Food Production/Sales) You Loaned:$100.00
View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?
------------------------------
Crecer Con Libertad Group in Chile (Activity: Retail) You Loaned:$200.00
View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?
------------------------------
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Deep Scalp Clean with Ingredients You Already Have
For a lot of people, a San Francisco winter's wild weather changes (the heater, the wind, the sun, the heater- it's like temperature schizophrenia out there) can result in dull, frizzy hair and a flaky scalp. Try this rejuvenating scalp treatment once a week to deep clean the skin on your head and leave your hair shiny and free of product residue.
This weekend I gave myself a scalp "facial" using this scrub and the Neem-based scalp treatment with essential oils that we use in Apotheca's Indian Head Massage treatments. My scalp feels so clean and my tired, dry locks look and feel so much better!
Deep-cleaning Scalp Scrub
Use enough baking soda and apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste
Add honey and cool water to make a consistency that is still a paste, but slippery enough to cover the scalp
Wet your hair and use the pads of your fingertips to work this mixture into your scalp.
Rinse, towel-dry, and just try to keep from running your fingers through your hair.
This weekend I gave myself a scalp "facial" using this scrub and the Neem-based scalp treatment with essential oils that we use in Apotheca's Indian Head Massage treatments. My scalp feels so clean and my tired, dry locks look and feel so much better!
Deep-cleaning Scalp Scrub
Use enough baking soda and apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste
Add honey and cool water to make a consistency that is still a paste, but slippery enough to cover the scalp
Wet your hair and use the pads of your fingertips to work this mixture into your scalp.
Rinse, towel-dry, and just try to keep from running your fingers through your hair.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Winter Wellness, the Swine Flu and You by Miles Peterken, LAc
The flu season here in the northern hemisphere has made for a lot of surprising headlines in the news this autumn...reports have come of H1N1 vaccine manufacturers being given contractual immunity from liability, shortages of the H1N1 vaccine, statistical reports from Canada suggesting that people given previous flu vaccines are more susceptible to H1N1, and Andrew Weil being taken to task by the FDA for promoting an alternative medicine (an herb used in Chinese medicine, astragalus) to boost the immune system to prevent H1N1 occurrences.
But to a more important discussion: what can you be doing to prevent common colds and, yes, the H1N1 too, this year? As an acupuncturist and herbalist, I have a preference for many of the traditional Chinese herb formulas that treat common colds and quickly eliminate them. I'd like to share with you the basic premise behind what each of these formulas do for an early stage common cold--the chills, the feverishness, the body aches, the sniffles, the sore throat, the headache etc.
Sweat. That's it. Well, there's slightly more to it...this is different from going to the gym and simply breaking a sweat.
It's all about cooking herbs in water (like a tea) and drinking. And then getting into a pair of comfy sweatpants, maybe a robe on top, and staying wrapped up. It's about promoting a sweat to knock out the cold. One will usually feel an immediate lessening of the body aches and chills, and the head will clear.
And this is nothing new. It's been done by many cultures over countless years. But it has been largely forgotten. Is it comfortable? While no one loves sweating in clothes when not being active, it's really not that bad if one sits still. Consider watching a TV or a movie while wrapped up. The sweating does not need to be prolonged--I often find 30 minutes can do the trick. But I promise you it is much better than being sick for days followed by that residual wet cough and fatigue for weeks!
There is some anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of the Chinese herb formulas in the face of pandemics. In the flu pandemic of 1918, many in Oregon relied on the herbal formulas of Ing "Doc" Hay, a Chinese doctor in John Day, Oregon. He was trusted more than western doctors by the men and women of that area, largely because he had already successfully treated the diseases that were fatal at the time (such as snakebites and infections from barbwire cuts). In the subsequent years 1919 and 1920, Ing Hay never lost a patient to the flu, including many construction workers building a highway through a bitterly cold winter. He brought vats of the bitter tasting brew to the workers.
When it comes to saving you from the prolonged process of feeling miserable from a cold, timing is important. There are a few things I would recommend to always keep on hand in your home, to take as soon as you suspect a cold coming on:
Fresh ginger: about four or five slices (the thickness of a quarter) in a hot tea can often be enough to create sweating about half an hour later. I often add more hot water as I drink (it's a good idea to replenish liquids when sweating). Another great thing to do with ginger is to put a handful into a hot bath, then get wrapped up after as I have mentioned. This will also create a very therapeutic sweat to expel the cold.
If you feel more heat in your body (flushing of the face, a particularly sore throat, but still some body chills and desire to keep covered), add a mint tea to the fresh ginger.
The next item I would highly recommend is the Gypsy Cold Care tea from Traditional Medicines. This is available widely in grocery stores. It has a combination of many of the herbs we use in traditional Chinese medicine, and I find I can often fight off a cold at its first signs with several cups of this. This alone can create a very mild sweat and a warming sensation (throw in a little fresh ginger), but it's important to stay bundled up!
I have been fortunate to have had conversations with nurses, MD's, and acupuncturists from around the US, some who have been treating H1N1 cases, and others who are wishing to help in its prevention. I have followed with a keen interest the formulas currently being used in China both for prevention and treatment. As mentioned in a previous blog, vitamin D is very important. There has also been recent research indicating an increase in antioxidants is particularly effective in combating H1N1.
Chinese medicine has very specific protocols for boosting the immune system when not sick, and treating the sickness quickly when it presents. I encourage anyone in the bay area to use these helpful tips when beginning to feel sick, and to consider traditional Chinese medicine as a very viable way to increase health and prevent colds this season.
But to a more important discussion: what can you be doing to prevent common colds and, yes, the H1N1 too, this year? As an acupuncturist and herbalist, I have a preference for many of the traditional Chinese herb formulas that treat common colds and quickly eliminate them. I'd like to share with you the basic premise behind what each of these formulas do for an early stage common cold--the chills, the feverishness, the body aches, the sniffles, the sore throat, the headache etc.
Sweat. That's it. Well, there's slightly more to it...this is different from going to the gym and simply breaking a sweat.
It's all about cooking herbs in water (like a tea) and drinking. And then getting into a pair of comfy sweatpants, maybe a robe on top, and staying wrapped up. It's about promoting a sweat to knock out the cold. One will usually feel an immediate lessening of the body aches and chills, and the head will clear.
And this is nothing new. It's been done by many cultures over countless years. But it has been largely forgotten. Is it comfortable? While no one loves sweating in clothes when not being active, it's really not that bad if one sits still. Consider watching a TV or a movie while wrapped up. The sweating does not need to be prolonged--I often find 30 minutes can do the trick. But I promise you it is much better than being sick for days followed by that residual wet cough and fatigue for weeks!
There is some anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of the Chinese herb formulas in the face of pandemics. In the flu pandemic of 1918, many in Oregon relied on the herbal formulas of Ing "Doc" Hay, a Chinese doctor in John Day, Oregon. He was trusted more than western doctors by the men and women of that area, largely because he had already successfully treated the diseases that were fatal at the time (such as snakebites and infections from barbwire cuts). In the subsequent years 1919 and 1920, Ing Hay never lost a patient to the flu, including many construction workers building a highway through a bitterly cold winter. He brought vats of the bitter tasting brew to the workers.
When it comes to saving you from the prolonged process of feeling miserable from a cold, timing is important. There are a few things I would recommend to always keep on hand in your home, to take as soon as you suspect a cold coming on:
Fresh ginger: about four or five slices (the thickness of a quarter) in a hot tea can often be enough to create sweating about half an hour later. I often add more hot water as I drink (it's a good idea to replenish liquids when sweating). Another great thing to do with ginger is to put a handful into a hot bath, then get wrapped up after as I have mentioned. This will also create a very therapeutic sweat to expel the cold.If you feel more heat in your body (flushing of the face, a particularly sore throat, but still some body chills and desire to keep covered), add a mint tea to the fresh ginger.
The next item I would highly recommend is the Gypsy Cold Care tea from Traditional Medicines. This is available widely in grocery stores. It has a combination of many of the herbs we use in traditional Chinese medicine, and I find I can often fight off a cold at its first signs with several cups of this. This alone can create a very mild sweat and a warming sensation (throw in a little fresh ginger), but it's important to stay bundled up!
I have been fortunate to have had conversations with nurses, MD's, and acupuncturists from around the US, some who have been treating H1N1 cases, and others who are wishing to help in its prevention. I have followed with a keen interest the formulas currently being used in China both for prevention and treatment. As mentioned in a previous blog, vitamin D is very important. There has also been recent research indicating an increase in antioxidants is particularly effective in combating H1N1.
Chinese medicine has very specific protocols for boosting the immune system when not sick, and treating the sickness quickly when it presents. I encourage anyone in the bay area to use these helpful tips when beginning to feel sick, and to consider traditional Chinese medicine as a very viable way to increase health and prevent colds this season.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
A Scary Halloween Story with a Sweet Ending
Scary? Well, maybe not. But who likes to move house? Or offices, for that matter. But that was what we did for Halloween. And while we didn't dig up any ghosts of Halloweens past, there was a lot of heavy lifting to be done when we could have been eating Sugar Babies in a fabulous costume somewhere.
The good news is, we are up and running in our cute new digs on the 6th floor of the Hobart Building. Still at 582 Market Street, now in Suites 612 and 613. For now, skincare and acupuncture appointments will be in Suite 612 and massage sessions will be in Suite 613.
Our sweet little outpost in Hayes Valley is no more.
We're open for business beginning November 2 and we're planning our real Grand Opening for later in the Fall.
Stay tuned for more.
Happy Autumn!
The good news is, we are up and running in our cute new digs on the 6th floor of the Hobart Building. Still at 582 Market Street, now in Suites 612 and 613. For now, skincare and acupuncture appointments will be in Suite 612 and massage sessions will be in Suite 613.
Our sweet little outpost in Hayes Valley is no more.
We're open for business beginning November 2 and we're planning our real Grand Opening for later in the Fall.
Stay tuned for more.
Happy Autumn!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Moving Sale- 20 - 50% off Tu'eL and PFB Products!
To celebrate the change of seasons and lighten our load as we move to Suite 612 of the Hobart Building, we're having a big sale on selected products.
Locally made, botanical cleansers, moisturizers, masks, treatment products and sunscreens will be 20-50% off from now through October 31.
Need something to make your skin happy? Send us a note and we'll help you select the right stuff for you-- cheap cheap cheap and shipped to your door! Free pick-up and free shipping on orders of $50+
Write kirstenqb@gmail.com for details and with requests.
Locally made, botanical cleansers, moisturizers, masks, treatment products and sunscreens will be 20-50% off from now through October 31.
Need something to make your skin happy? Send us a note and we'll help you select the right stuff for you-- cheap cheap cheap and shipped to your door! Free pick-up and free shipping on orders of $50+
Write kirstenqb@gmail.com for details and with requests.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Real Food Nutrition in the Bay Area
It is fantastic to see whole, organic, sustainable, REAL food experiencing such a renaissance in the Bay Area. Slow Food Nation was so fun and educational last summer. The Eat Real Festival was loads of fun this summer. We have so many amazing year-round local resources, my favorites being our gorgeous farmers markets (I like Alemeny best) and the truly wonderful Three Stone Hearth.
We have access to an abundance of great local food here in the Bay Area. There is also a wealth of education available. I want to share two resources with you.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a training with excellent local nutrition educator Julie Matthews of Healthful Living and Nourishing Our Children. Ms. Matthews' approach is built around traditional, unprocessed foods, because, as she writes on her web site, "organic whole foods, unprocessed dairy, traditional fermented foods, and other nutrient-dense foods are ideal ways to build nutrient reserves and support healing." Her areas of focus range from fertility and healthy children to autism, detoxification and emotional issues like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction and aggression. Her classes are fun and her manner is approachable and warm. I highly recommend taking a workshop with her, but if you can't do that you can catch up with her on her weekly radio show, "Reality Sandwich" that airs Thursdays @ Noon, on 89.5FM KPOO in San Francisco.
Next weekend is a fun and informative training with the good people over at Circle Community Acupuncture. They write, "Have you ever wondered how Chinese medicine views the Four Seasons? Have you ever wanted to learn how to use food as medicine? If so, join us at our upcoming workshop! The workshop will include some demonstration, recipes and a resource guide to take home, and (best of all) samples of nourishing foods to foster a healthy season. If you thought healthy food was boring and expensive, think again!The workshop will include some demonstration, recipes and a resource guide to take home, and (best of all) samples of nourishing foods to foster a healthy season. If you thought healthy food was boring and expensive, think again!"
The workshop is on Saturday, October 17 at 1:30pm. See their website for contact information.
Now that I'm writing I can't resist throwing in one more recommendation. I tell all my clients about Nina Planck's books, Real Food: What to Eat and Why; and for my pregnant skincare, massage, and doula clients, Real Food for Mother and Baby: The Fertility Diet, Eating for Two, and Baby's First Foods. Ms. Planck's books are readable, sensible, and full of great information that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired about your food choices. Great reads- check them out.
Nutrition is so important for holistic health. What we eat truly affects how we feel and how we look. What are your secrets to incorporating real, whole foods into a busy and active life? What challenges do you face? Has anyone out there transitioned from a processed, industrial diet to a real, whole foods diet? How did it make you feel?
We have access to an abundance of great local food here in the Bay Area. There is also a wealth of education available. I want to share two resources with you.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a training with excellent local nutrition educator Julie Matthews of Healthful Living and Nourishing Our Children. Ms. Matthews' approach is built around traditional, unprocessed foods, because, as she writes on her web site, "organic whole foods, unprocessed dairy, traditional fermented foods, and other nutrient-dense foods are ideal ways to build nutrient reserves and support healing." Her areas of focus range from fertility and healthy children to autism, detoxification and emotional issues like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction and aggression. Her classes are fun and her manner is approachable and warm. I highly recommend taking a workshop with her, but if you can't do that you can catch up with her on her weekly radio show, "Reality Sandwich" that airs Thursdays @ Noon, on 89.5FM KPOO in San Francisco.
Next weekend is a fun and informative training with the good people over at Circle Community Acupuncture. They write, "Have you ever wondered how Chinese medicine views the Four Seasons? Have you ever wanted to learn how to use food as medicine? If so, join us at our upcoming workshop! The workshop will include some demonstration, recipes and a resource guide to take home, and (best of all) samples of nourishing foods to foster a healthy season. If you thought healthy food was boring and expensive, think again!The workshop will include some demonstration, recipes and a resource guide to take home, and (best of all) samples of nourishing foods to foster a healthy season. If you thought healthy food was boring and expensive, think again!"
The workshop is on Saturday, October 17 at 1:30pm. See their website for contact information.
Now that I'm writing I can't resist throwing in one more recommendation. I tell all my clients about Nina Planck's books, Real Food: What to Eat and Why; and for my pregnant skincare, massage, and doula clients, Real Food for Mother and Baby: The Fertility Diet, Eating for Two, and Baby's First Foods. Ms. Planck's books are readable, sensible, and full of great information that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired about your food choices. Great reads- check them out.
Nutrition is so important for holistic health. What we eat truly affects how we feel and how we look. What are your secrets to incorporating real, whole foods into a busy and active life? What challenges do you face? Has anyone out there transitioned from a processed, industrial diet to a real, whole foods diet? How did it make you feel?
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