"Oh, my back is killing me!" Sound familiar?
While top nutrition and being careful to avoid further strain and injury are excellent starting points for treating back pain, serious or persistent discomfort may need more attention. If you are one of the numerous souls suffering from back ... Views: 1266
When new patients come into my office, I consult with them at great length about what makes them unique, including their medical, emotional, nutritional, physical, immune, and allergic history. When the conversation turns to weight and self-image, it's as if a cloud has overtaken an otherwise ... Views: 1848
"You look like sisters" was a comment I heard many times last week from fellow guests at the fabulous vacation spot that I visited with my daughter. After a beautiful week of me- and us-time, I returned recharged, more toned, and ready for the summer season. I am also glowing from all those ... Views: 1337
Hanging on to a negative body image can limit our chance of success in weight loss as well as health and life in general. Here are three questions that, if you answer honestly, can help you blast past old, worn out, self-sabotaging ideas about your body.
Are you over-enrolled in celebrity ... Views: 1406
I am crazy about Dr. Mehmet Oz! A handsome heart surgeon, author, speaker, and the star of his own TV show, he has become the gold standard for accurate, trustworthy advice from the medical world.
Dr. Oz was one of the medical experts who spoke at the Integrative Health Symposium earlier this ... Views: 1696
Are you more active in the summer? Do you need a boost of energy to get you through the day?
I've got just the menu additions you need. The summer superfoods below are so easy to use that once you've tried them, you just might want to keep them on your grocery list all year long. Many are ... Views: 3365
When you hear "January," do you think of days cut short, clouds, and gloomy skies? Do you miss the excitement of the recent holidays and instead feel a little down, with flagging energy? Or perhaps this time of year, you kick yourself for having a hard time completing simple daily tasks. These ... Views: 1610
If you're ready to start on a journey to renewed mental and physical wellness, these questions are a great road map. Curious where this leads? Grab a paper and pen, and let's begin.
Question 1: What do you hate most about your body?
a) List the body part(s) that you wish you could ... Views: 1270
"Honor where you are." Chances are you've heard this guideline for wellness before. It's a concept common to eastern modalities such as yoga and is evidenced in western psychology as well.
But what exactly does it mean? Honoring where you are is about embracing the moment and what you ... Views: 969
You've heard the wisdom a thousand times: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."
There's a lot of truth in that saying. Fuel your body with a balanced, nutritious diet, and you're likely to avoid many a painful, inconvenient health concern. So it may come as no surprise that, like so many ... Views: 1100
By now many of spring's signature trees have shed those pretty but irritating blossoms--and the clouds of pollen that come with them. Perhaps the worst of the spring allergy season is behind us. (At least, we can hope so.)
Maybe now's a good time to give your home a thorough spring cleaning ... Views: 1660
Struggling with coffee dependence? Let's face it, old habits die hard. Many of us can trace our fondness for the aroma of coffee in the morning all the way back to childhood since our parents were hooked, too!
When you get past the nostalgia, there's a bigger picture to consider. Coffee has ... Views: 1322
As owner and practitioner of a fully-booked alternative wellness center in New York City, and as a weight and energy mentor for individuals across the country, I have the privilege of working with many people every week. Together with each patient, I use a combination of eastern and western ... Views: 1469
Fact: Approximately 8 out of 10 people have experienced back pain at some point in their lives.
Wow. With that many sufferers among us, it's no surprise that I often hear complaints of back trouble as an acupuncturist and alternative practitioner in my New York wellness center.
"Throwing ... Views: 1031
Dr. Oz--you know that name! The famous doctor was one of the medical experts who spoke at the recent Integrative Healthcare Symposium. I'd like to share some of his important presentation points with you--and some tips from my files for turning Dr. Oz's advice into a plan that works for you, for ... Views: 2045
The month of December, like any other time of year, can come with a different vibe for each of us.
- a time to be grateful and enjoy the company of friends and family
- a celebration season full of parties, laughter, and shopping for presents
- a period of anticipation, looking hopefully ... Views: 1644
What am I hearing most often these days from patients at my wellness center and coaching clients across the country? Food confusion!
Real information about what's nutritious and healthful gets lost in all the advertisements, false claims, and myths swirling in the media. Food fads come and ... Views: 1285
Sticking needles in someone to relieve problems? Really?
A technique with more than 3,000 years of success behind it, acupuncture is gaining such acceptance worldwide that even Western doctors have begun to realize how powerful its application can be.
1) What exactly is acupuncture, and ... Views: 1660
Everywhere you look these days, "green" is catching on! And no wonder. Green principles in action mean more conscientious, responsible, and healthful living.
What does it mean to "go green"? The goal of "going green" is to minimize harm to the Earth by maintaining its natural ecological ... Views: 1095
Neck pain is one of the most frequent reasons people give for coming in to my office. Persistent neck pain, if left unaddressed, is a problem that not only decreases productivity at work but cripples quality of life after-hours.
The causes of neck pain are many. Among my first ... Views: 1369
Confession time: It may be silly, but the way my hair is behaving (or misbehaving) can set my day on a path of unnecessary self-consciousness or undue wasted energy.
Vanity? Obsession? Call it what you will. I'm not alone, though. For many of us, hair is part of self-identity. It can affect ... Views: 1542
If you think a taste of chocolate, a glass of wine, and sleeping late on weekends are harmless vices, think again. Those innocent indulgences are just a few of the most common triggers of headaches.
But don't give up hope just yet. It's possible you may be able to enjoy your favorite things ... Views: 3491
Maybe you already know some of the symptoms and triggers of seasonal affective disorder ("SAD"). Maybe you recognize that your own winter-season negativity and inertia are, in fact, evidence that this condition is at work in you. That's good! The only way to begin aleviating SAD is to first ... Views: 686
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee signals the start of the day in many households. But too often, coffee consumption doesn't end with the cup in the morning. Drinking coffee--and all the caffeine it provides--is an American pastime and a popular social activity. Look around. Everywhere you see ... Views: 1056
Welcome to the Year of the Dragon!
In Chinese tradition, each year is dedicated to one of twelve specific animals--Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Rat, Boar, Rabbit, Dog, Rooster, Ox, Tiger, Snake, and Ram. Each of these animals is thought to bestow its characteristics specifically on the people born ... Views: 1158
Patients tell me a lack of energy makes the day feel long, difficult, and unproductive. Does this pattern sound familiar? First, lack of energy leads to a loss of sharpness in focus and memory. Then, especially in the late afternoon when blood sugar gets low, less than optimal mindset and mood ... Views: 1330
Think about the basic mechanics of your car. It has an engine that needs to run smoothly in order to keep all the other systems moving along. And most automotive hoses are designed to move fuel, air, wastes, and information in one direction only without blockages and mishaps.
Well, your body ... Views: 3179
So you've read my previous article about which foods are most likely to cause or aggravate your symptoms of acid reflux and IBS. You know the mechanics of your body's engine, your digestive system. And you know there are things you can do to take an active role in how your engine works. But ... Views: 1246
Sleep is a key component to health. Getting under 8 hours of sleep can lead to illness, obesity, and poor overall daytime performance.
Feeling trapped in a cycle of daily fatigue and nighttime wakefulness? Applying the 3Rs will give you some solutions from the integrative, holistic ... Views: 1269
What's so important about getting those zzzzzz's? Think about the last time you woke up after a really good night's sleep. Remember how energized and refreshed you felt? Your body's natural daily cycles of expansion, activity, and growth are taxing. Periods of nightly restorative rest and repair ... Views: 1011
How many times do you bend, stretch, lift, sit, stay up late, cut your exercise routine short (or skip it altogether), or worry in the average week?
What a ridiculous question! Of course no one keeps track of such details. But the fact is, many uncomfortable, limiting health conditions are ... Views: 1096
Vacations are all about "R and R," rest and relaxation. During my recent vacation, though, I learned they can also give us another "r"--renewal that lasts even after returning home. The fresh thinking I gained from this trip is too good not to pass along. Here are two great ideas I picked up ... Views: 660
My washing machine always gets a chuckle out of me (good thing when you're doing lots of laundry, right?). Take a look at the dial. There's a setting for "normal." Apparently the manufacturer assumes that we, as intelligent consumers, identify, understand, and collectively agree that a certain ... Views: 1241
Chances are, you share a special quality with Gwyneth, Jennifer, Demi, and Julianne--or for you men, make that Hugh, George, Johnny, and Brad. You, these stars, and I all belong to The Over-40 Alliance. We're bound together in the age category. (Not the body category, darn.) Unfortunately, many ... Views: 1160
You might see that title and ask, "What on earth can such an ancient philosophy do for me today?"
It's true that Chinese medicine has been around for over 3,000 years. But it's also true that in all that time, these ancient methods and philosophies have consistently served to support a ... Views: 1416
Sometimes, a problem that shows up in one part of the body may indicate a challenge elsewhere in the body, mind, or spirit. This reflects the Chinese understanding of balance, that idea that everything in life is connected. Make the right tweak in one area, and see positive changes affect other ... Views: 1541
Ah, spring is here.
While April brings an official welcome to a fresh, new season, experts predict this spring will be one of the most uncomfortable of all time when it comes to allergies.
The reason? We didn't have much of a winter. The mild conditions most of us experienced have brought ... Views: 1288
If my observations at coffee shops, airports, and checkout counters are accurate, many of us are wild about the flavor of chocolate. And yes, I'm one of them. If you are too, I have great news: You do not--do not!--have to swear off your favorite treat to remain committed to healthful eating. ... Views: 1064
Sniff! Itch! Wheeze!
The evidence is all around us lately. Even people whose allergy symptoms are normally mild to nonexistent are showing signs of allergic reaction this spring.
How are you holding up? If you're like many allergy sufferers, the 2012 season is shaping up to be one of the ... Views: 1140
When was the last time you found a piece of clothing marked "One-size-fits-all" that truly was a comfortable, flattering fit, the right color, the right fabric, and the right level of warmth for anyone who wore it? Right, me either. One-size-fits-all doesn't often work for clothing. And it ... Views: 1384
There isn't a day that passes when someone doesn't come into my office seeking solutions to neck pain. As an acupuncturist, I can attest that complaints about neck pain are among the most frequent reasons people seek help.
It's not only that the pain is so sharp or persistent. The greater ... Views: 1955
Chances are you've heard about detoxification in the media, in health food stores, or from people you know. "Going on detox" is all the rage. Consumers are bombarded with information and product marketing that make detoxification seem like a radical process.
Here's the truth: A healthful ... Views: 1120
It's probably no secret to you that bad computer habits can lead to neck pain. But when it comes to the workaday world, the truth is, computer usage is not the only pain in the neck. Even people who don't spend a lot of time with computers end up with neck stiffness and strain at the end of a ... Views: 2014
The problem: Constant high-level stress and worry can trigger too much cortisol production, making us age faster, gain unwanted stomach fat, and feel too fatigued to enjoy life.
The goal: Prevent adrenal burnout and all of these emotional and physical repercussions by reducing ... Views: 1132
More often than you may realize, a negative mindset makes the difference between achieving a goal--whether related to health, career, personal relationships, or any other area--and failing to reach it.
What is mindset? It's your pattern of thought. Think of mindset as that little voice in ... Views: 1188
"I'll have what she's having!"
Remember that famous order from "When Harry Met Sally"? Yes, I know nutritional supplements are not exactly what Meg Ryan's fellow diner was thinking of--wink--when she said "I'll have what she's having." Still, I think of that line and smile when my patients ... Views: 982
"Health is wealth."
You've heard the saying, but do you believe it? I absolutely do! Over and over again, I've seen my patients and coaching clients reap professional and financial benefits after adopting wise self-care practices.
It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Those who ... Views: 1212
Have you slipped into the tired--pun intended--thinking that the last few weeks of the year must, inevitably, be the most exhausting and energy-draining of all?
Don't beat yourself up if you have. It's true that what sets December apart are all the holiday commitments, visits, and special ... Views: 1177
You've heard about many of your body's systems--immune, nervous, digestive, excretory, skeletal, circulatory--before. But I wonder whether you're aware that there are other powerful systems working to keep you in healthy function every day. At least two hardworking vital systems, lymph and ... Views: 1549
Get healthier in one day.
Sound impossible? While you can't totally make over your health in 24 hours, taking one step today will make a huge difference in attaining so many goals: energy, focus, less pain, feeling youthful, and reaching a healthy weight, to name a few.
What's the catch? ... Views: 1115