Jiva Health: Herb Store and Clinic for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Nourishing the Nervous System

Eti — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:24:13 +0000

The fall season brings with it dry weather and colder nights. According to Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, dryness, cold and extreme temperature differences between day and night can be tough on the nervous system. Some of the symptoms we may see are:

Fragile emotions and tendency to depression, frustration and sadness.
Increased stress
Headaches, constipation
Sinus congestion and allergies
Dry skin and hair

A few excellent home remedies to incorporate into your daily routines during the fall are:

Oiling the body with sesame oil before bathing or showering. The oil penetrates the body through the skin and pores and soothes the nervous system.
You can add essential oils to the sesame oil. Lavender, grapefruit and ylang-ylang are all soothing and relaxing.
Oil the nose with sesame oil or ghee (clarified butter). Put some sesame oil in a dropper bottle with a drop of lavender oil.
Oiling the nose provides a barrier against any viruses or bacteria, as well as soothing irritated mucus membranes. It is excellent for keeping the sinuses healthy and clear.
A great PMS remedy is oiling the scalp the day before the cycle is due. Soothing for the nervous system, restless mind and ungrounded emotions.

All you need is a bottle of good quality sesame oil (untoasted) and some lavender oil to get started.

Allergy relief with Chinese Medicine

Eti — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:42:02 +0000

Chinese medicine treats the various symptoms of allergies effectively. The beauty of Chinese medicine is that we treat the underlying issue that makes the internal environment susceptible. There are usually underlying reasons why a person has sensitivity to foods, dust, pollen or changes in climate and environment. During your visit, these imbalances will be ascertained and treated accordingly.

Humans interact with their environment daily, maintaining a delicate balance. When abrupt weather changes happen, for example, the Santa Ana weather pattern we experience here in San Diego in the fall, it creates a disharmony between our internal environment and the exterior. The result is a reaction of our defensive qi, which gives rise to “allergy” symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat and eyes. Our system is trying to balance against the sudden drop in atmospheric pressure ,dryness and wind.

Chinese herbs work wonders to alleviate allergy symptoms by harmonizing the exterior and interior and supporting the defensive qi. This works as well as any over the counter medication on the market, without side effects. Many of my patients have been amazed at how good they feel.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are great ways to boost your immune system and avoid having to take allergy medication on a regular basis.

Postpartum care with Chinese Medicine

Eti — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:55:10 +0000

The postpartum period is the period after childbirth. The woman’s condition is vulnerable, requiring rest and a good diet. During birth plenty of blood is lost, leading to a deficiency of blood. This leaves the mother’s system vulnerable to various diseases, and is a main cause of postpartum depression.

Not much information is available for care during the postpartum period, and unfortunately in the western world women tend to get out of bed soon after giving birth, without allowing proper time for recovering and replenishing lost qi and blood.

In China, women are accustomed from a young age to the idea that after childbirth, there is a period of a month during which the mother focuses only on resting and feeding her newborn child. Special foods are eaten, like black boned chicken and ox-tail soup, and the woman’s family helps with diapering, caring for other children, cleaning the house, laundry and cooking. The new mother doesn’t leave the house and rests completely. Demanding visitors are kept at bay. The baby sleeps next to the mother for at least the first 6 months before being moved to a separate bed.

The Chinese believe that newborns have a very sensitive soul that should not be unsettled. Here in the west, we try and do too much with the newborn baby too soon, and this is unsettling, which according to the Chinese, leads to unexplained infant death. In China, the new babies are not taken out of the house, as environments like shopping centers and restaurants, with their strong lights, noise and cold air conditioning can be too unsettling for the new soul. After the month settling period, things are introduced slowly in stages.

Women after Childbirth should be watched carefully for blood and qi depletion. Some signs to look for:

Fatigue
Depression/difficulty coping
Dizziness, light-headedness
Blurry vision
Pale, pasty complexion
Poor memory
Difficulty sleeping
Loose stools
Low milk production

When Qi and Blood are not supplemented it can lead to many health issues. These problems can either manifest early on or years later during following pregnancies or during menopause. Some good ways to replenish qi and blood are:

Chinese Herbs in the diet
Acupuncture
Moxibustion (warming of acupuncture points with Chinese mugwort)
Avoiding drafts and strong winds
Avoiding becoming cold/walking barefoot
Eating warm foods, lots of soups
Plenty of rest
Avoid rich, greasy, spicy food.

Admittedly, it is a far stretch for most western women to stay home and in bed for a full month. However, Birth is a demanding endeavor and women require rest and space to integrate and fully recover. The newborn baby requires time for its gradual transition from the womb into its new life. Taking some time during the beginning to honor the transition for mother and child benefits both and ensures a healthy strong start. When care is taken to restore the qi and blood of the mother, recovery from Childbirth is fast and easy.

The Natural Birth Project Presents: Acupuncture- Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Mom

Eti — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:54:54 +0000

Chinese medicine practitioners have been helping women for hundreds of years to reduce labor pain, strengthen their immune systems, turn breech babies and help increase milk supplies all using acupuncture and herbs!

We are very happy to have Eti Kodama, L.Ac. a licensed acupuncturist practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine, share her extensive knowledge and experience with us. Come and learn coveted Chinese secrets for birth preparation, labor support, and post-partum care. Participants will learn ancient, time-tested wisdom that they can utilize to prevent and resolve common conditions associated with pregnancy and postpartum.

Techniques include: acupressure points, nutritional tips, and herbal remedies. This engaging workshop will benefit birth professionals, as well as mothers-to-be.

Also, you will hear one of Eti’s patients share her experience with Chinese Medicine during pregnancy and postpartum.

Eti Kodama, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine. She acquired her Master degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2000. She has supervised at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Student Clinic, taught Herbology and Chinese Medicine theory classes at the School of healing Arts and Supervised students in the teaching Clinic at Mueller College of Holistic Studies. Eti enjoys her practice and loves helping her patients transform their lives and health through Chinese medicine. She utilizes acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat a wide variety of health conditions. Her practice includes treatment of internal medicine and chronic conditions including Insomnia, headaches, autoimmune diseases, infertility and Gynecology. For more about Eti Kodama, L.A.c and her practice visit www.jivahealth.com

Held at Yoganic Studio
1450 University Ave. #201
Hillcrest, SD 92103

Tickets are $10.00 with an advance rsvp to: registration@naturalbirthproject.com, or $15 at the door

Bring your curiosity, your questions and be ready to learn.

The Natural Birth Project educates, inspires and empowers parents to find their inner wisdom and strength to birth and support new life in this world in loving, holistic and vital ways.

www.naturalbirthproject.com

April 2009 Jiva Health News

Eti — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:04:43 +0000

Swine Flu Update: prevention and treatment

We have all heard by now of the Swine flu, threatening to become an epidemic of global proportions. The good news is that Chinese medicine is very effective in treating flu symptom and can be used safely and effectively. I am stocking up on my herbal remedies and am available to all of you for herbal consultations and Acupuncture treatments; I encourage you to contact me as soon as you start to feel any symptoms whatsoever. I can help you feel better and treat whatever arises.

Another great option is to keep herbs on hand. The effectiveness rate of Chinese herbs increases dramatically if the herbs are taken at the very first hint of feeling sick. Also, I have herbs on hand to support and strengthen your immune system. There is a saying in Chinese medicine: “If the doors and windows are closed, a thief cannot get in”. If we keep our immune systems strong utilizing herbs, acupuncture, plenty of sleep, water, exercise and good food, our system will not be susceptible to contracting an illness.

There are excellent herbal formulas to maintain a strong immune system and herbal formulations to keep on hand, in your bag or car, in case you get sick. I would especially recommend this if you travel or are undergoing a stressful period in your life.

Contact me for more details and to find a combination right for you.

Upcoming Seminars and Workshops

June 27th- A natural birth project event- I will be speaking on Birth preparation and postpartum care from a Chinese Medicine perspective. I will send out more event details closer to the time.

I am developing a number of workshops and seminars, and am very excited to share them with you. I am available for speaking engagements to groups of 10 or more.

Book on the Way!

It has been a very gratifying process to put my knowledge and experience into a book. I am writing on Pregnancy, Childbirth, postpartum and beyond with Chinese Medicine. So much is coming out that I may have 3-4 books in there, so for now, I am just getting the process down and allowing it to unfold. Being a clinician and a mother, I have my hands full, so who knows how long this will take…I have my goals, of course, so I will keep you posted.

The Natural Birth Project

I am very excited to be a part of the Natural birth project.
Their next event:

Yoga Therapy for the Pregnant Mama
Date: Sat 5/30/2009
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Description:
Are you pregnant and interested in having an easier pregnancy and delivery? Would you like to have your body in great shape and in proper alignment for a smooth birth? Would you to alleviate any back pain and tension in your body during pregnancy? In this workshop, Rachel Krentzman, PT, ERYT founder and director of Embody Yoga Therapy will discuss the benefits of physical therapy for proper alignment and support during pregnancy. Then join Arati Lane for a prenatal Yoga class using the “Yoga Wall” as a fun and effective tool for stretching and preparing the body for birth.
Cost: $30 (a portion of proceeds go to the Natural Birth Project)
Naturalbirthproject.com

Jiva Health News

Eti — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:16:34 +0000

This year we will continue creating a healing environment that will provide resources for our community and patients.

Here are some of the projects in the works:

Pregnancy Support group:
We are teaming with some of our practitioners to create a space for pregnant women to come and enjoy community, information about healthy nutrition, herbs and lifestyle choices. Hosted by Samantha Canterberry and several other holistic health professionals. Tune in for more info.

Professional Networking Mixer:
a social time combined with a healthy dose of networking! Come promote your business and meet other professionals in our community. A great resource.

Cooking classes:
I am in the process of developing a series of classes to teach cooking, shopping and meal planning.

Food Guide 2009 part 1- shopping guide

Eti — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:43:59 +0000

We are your partners in implementing your new health resolutions and goals. It’s the time of year to create new momentum for ourselves, apply the new disciplines we would like to start on and feel a lot better. Lets start with the basics- Eating right.

Eating healthy starts with having healthy foods on hand. Become familiar with your local market, know which produce is in season. Always prepare a list so you show up with a plan. Meal planning guide coming in February.

The seasons matter:
Produce that’s in season will be cheaper, fresher and better tasting. Changing your diet according to the season allows for creativity and variety in your diet.

Summer: Berries, melons, tomatoes, corn, avocado, beets, squash, peaches, greens and plums.

Fall: Acorn and Kabocha squash, apples, grapes, parsnips, Swiss chard, broccoli, cabbage

Winter: Grapefruit, Kale, collards, lemons, turnips, radishes

Spring: Apricots, mangoes, spinach, peas, new potatoes, chives, pineapple

Meat is Fine – Know What to Buy

Eti — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:11:13 +0000

Choose organic whenever possible – more eco-friendly, less exposed to pesticides, and more flavorful. Organically raised animals are usually treated much better as well.

Red meat: Choose organic grass fed over corn fed, to avoid exposure to pesticides, hormones and antibiotics. Always go for leanest cuts. Best bets, from lean to leanest- filet mignon, lean sirloin, buffalo, and eye of round.

Poultry: organic is far superior in taste and much less exposed to antibiotics and pesticides.

Seafood: wild is more nutritious than farmed. Mercury is an issue, linked to nervous system disorders, posing a risk to pregnant and nursing women and children. The smaller the fish, the better. Get the seafood watch guide from the Monterey bay aquarium (mbayaq.com) to learn which species to avoid.

Frozen is better than canned
Canned food can save you in a pinch, but they are too high in sodium and too low in qi to eat often. Instead, find a healthy frozen meal you like and keep some on hand to save you from ordering pizza when you don’t feel like coking.
I keep some frozen peas, corn and spinach around for fast meals. Frozen fish fillets defrost quickly and cook very fast on a skillet for a quick meal with minimal prep and coking.

Low fat Yogurt or Goat Yogurt:
Great for a meal or snack, it is a good smoothie foundation and has the carb-protien ratio of a recovery meal or drink. It delivers numerous vitamins, minerals and live bacteria that aid digestion.

Purge the Kitchen

Eti — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:10:14 +0000

Before you go shopping, rid your home of the following:

White foods:
White bread, white rice (with exception of white basmati rice), white pastas, skinless white potatoes, etc. These processed carbohydrates sources lead to insulin burnout, and is one of the main culprits of obesity on America.
Most have great natural alternatives….

Trans Fats:
These man made fats lower good cholesterol (HDL) and raise bad cholesterol (LDL), leading to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and Diabetes. Simply stated – they will kill you.

Corn Oil:
It’s not the worst oil you could cook with. But it’s not the best, either. IN terms of good fats, bad fats, and flavor, olive wins…

Energy Drinks:
True Red Bull and its like must go. They can jump start your metabolism, but they’ve also been linked to cardiovascular problems, and some brands have been banned in other countries. Also, a recent Australian study suggests they can increase risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke.

Artificial sweeteners:
Ongoing medical debate over the carcinogenicity of these products means the jury’s still out. In other words: The experts can’t tell you for sure these products won’t give you cancer. Use agave nectar instead.

Oils for Nutrition

Eti — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:09:03 +0000

Oils: How to apply what you know about good and bad fats to cooking oil.

Buy only these four:

Ghee: The queen of fats according to ayurveda. Clarified butter can be used for breads, baking and sautéing. Delicious on rice/quinoa or any other grain and on steamed vegetables.

Extra virgin olive oil: For salads, breads, cooking.

Sunflower oil: for baking

Grapeseed oil: for stir-frying.