FLOW ACUPUNCTURE'S SUMMER WELLNESS GUIDE FIRE ELEMENT | HEART HEALTH | ZERO-WASTE LIVING | RECIPES |
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Summertime is the season ruled by the HEART in Chinese Medicine. The HEART in Chinese Medicine is in charge of circulation of blood and qi through the vessels (similar to western medicine) but also rules over sweating, the tongue, and the emotion of joy. In addition, the heart houses our 'shen' (our spirit and mental health) and keeps our emotions in check. Joy is the primary emotion of the heart, and it is possible that the reason ‘summer romance’ is so powerful, passionate, and enrapturing is because of the major role the heart plays in dominating emotions this season. |
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We all should have some 'fire' in our hearts - but the key is having a balanced an appropriate amount. Below are signs that your fire element may be out of whack, and acupuncture can help put things back into balance. |
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If any of the above symptoms sound a bit too familiar, follow these tips for improving your HEART health and balancing your FIRE ELEMENT throughout the Summer season! If you're looking for a more potent way to REVIVE YOUR HEART QI, book an acupuncture session ASAP! |
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CHINESE MEDICINE FOR SUMMER HEALTH |
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ACUPUNCTURE FOR SLEEP Summertime can be the hardest time of year to battle sleep disturbances and insomnia. Some say its because they feel too hot at night or that the sun goes down too late, but in Chinese medicine the link between the heart (which is in charge of sleep) and summertime is the main culprit. One of the most common effects from acupuncture is improved sleep - and a systematic review of 3811 research participants shows that acupuncture improves quality and duration of sleep, and outperforms sleep medications for a number of patients in those studies! | | |
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HEART HEALTH: LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE WITH ACUPUNCTURE For anyone with moderately high blood pressure, or who can't take blood medications due to adverse side effects, acupuncture is effective at lowering blood pressure! Results are best after consistent treatments and regular monitoring of your blood pressure is recommended, but patients of Flow have been GREAT results from this treatment! | | |
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MULBERRIES: Chinese Medicinal Herbs that grow right here in Utah! Mulberries (called 'sang shen' in Chinese Medicine) are a powerhouse of nutrients and health benefits! They contain fibers, sugars, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals, and vitamins. Mulberries are rich in Vitamin K and C. Vitamin C increases tissue strength and boosts collagen synthesis. Vitamin K helps in bone tissue development and is an essential component for blood clotting. They also contain Riboflavin (also known as B-2), which protects your tissues from free radicals and helps in transferring oxygen throughout the body. They are an excellent source of protein and are also a rich source of iron and calcium. Mulberries are also a reservoir of antioxidants. An antioxidant called Resveratrol is found abundantly in mulberries. Used in Chinese medicine they are for boosting blood (energy, menstruation, memory, dizziness, anxiety, and sleep) and nourishing yin (menopause, insomnia, hot flashes) while also regulating bowel movements. Keep an eye out for trees full of these delicious berries here in Utah and enjoy some for yourself! |
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EXCITING NEWS FOR SLC'S WELLNESS & ZERO-WASTE COMMUNITIES! |
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TWO THINGS that made moving from Portland OR to SLC the most difficult was the lack of BULK products (food, body care, cleaning products) and almost NO access to bulk medicinal herbs. BUT TIMES THEY ARE A'CHANGIN' AND SLC IS MOVIN' ON UP! |
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WELCOME GREENTHREAD HERBS! Herbal medicine guru Josh Williams has been hard at work creating his very own COMPREHENSIVE HERBAL APOTHECARY! Greenthread herbs will carry bulk herbs, supplements, teas, and medicine-making supplies! They will have a wide range of herbs- from native plants, Ayurvedic, Eastern, Western, and tribal medicine. Their gorgeous new space will be located RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET from Flow Acupuncture in the Thyme and Place building! HOW COOL IS THAT?! We couldn't ask for a more perfect neighbor! | | |
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Visit GREENTHREAD HERBS for yourself at their GRAND OPENING PARTY! SATURDAY, JUNE 30TH 11AM-5PM 362 E 900 S, SLC UT (in the Thyme and Place building) |
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HelloBULK MARKET OPENS IN SLC! The opening of this shop finally put SLC on the map as a city that's progressive and conscious in its waste production and consumption! Not only is it CHEAPER to buy items in bulk, but it saves resources and creates less waste! My favorite things to refill are laundry & dish soap, Dr. Bronners soaps, shampoo & conditioner, herbs, spices, and cooking oils! Grab some bottles, jars, and bags from home and head on over to HelloBulk! ONCE YOU GO BULK, YOU'LL NEVER GO BACK! | | |
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THE HEART LOVES GARDEN GOODIES Its no coincidence that heart-supporting foods are popping up in the garden this time of year! Fresh is best and organic, locally-grown produce packs the best health benefits! If you don't have your own garden, check out local farmer's markets! |
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SUMMER HEART-HELPING RECIPES: |
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SPRING ROLL MANIA! Pretty much everyone knows that the major TCM Nutrition tip is to eat LESS raw veggies - but SUMMERTIME IS THE EXCEPTION! WOOHOO! My FAVORITE go-to Summer meal is making spring rolls, especially for lunch! The variations & combinations are endless so I never get bored of eating them! Ingredients: - Rice paper wraps
- Protein of your choice (plant or animal-based)
- Veggies & greens
- dipping sauce (peanut, sriracha, etc)
Here are recipes for 5 very different rolls - try them all or create your own! | | |
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ROSEMARY CHERRY BALSALMIC ROASTED CHICKEN A savory way to nourish heart qi that is paleo and gluten free! INGREDIENTS: - 1 whole chicken’s legs, wings, thighs and breasts
- 6 fresh sprigs of rosemary
- 2 cups pitted cherries
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- kosher salt
DIRECTIONS: - Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In the bottom of a heavy pan or cast iron skillet place all of the pieces of chicken, tucking the rosemary sprigs in amongst the chicken pieces.
- In a separate bowl place the cherries, garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Generously season them with kosher salt.
- Pour the contents of the bowl, the cherries and all of the juices, onto the chicken. Roast the chicken for 40 minutes or until the skin is golden and caramelized and the chicken breasts have cooked through.
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MULLBERRY BLISS BALLS A healthy sweet treat is the perfect way to enjoy mulberries! Great for hikes, camping, and other summertime adventures! INGREDIENTS: - 1 cup dried mulberries
- 1/2 cup oats
- 8-9 small dates
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- (for rolling: get creative with cinnamon, maqui powder, cocoa, matcha powder, shredded coconut, or powdered sugar)
DIRECTIONS: - Toss everything (except dates and vanilla extract) into a food processor for about 10 seconds.
- Add the dates and vanilla and blend again until dough holds together when you press between your fingers. It its too dry, add another date.
- Take 1 heaping tsp of dough and roll between your hands into a ball. (recipe makes about 15-20 balls)
- Finish by rolling balls in powder(s) of your choice. Store in refrigerator.
- Enjoy!
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MULBERRY, GOAT CHEESE & AVOCADO SALAD W/ Ginger Grapefruit Vinaigrette Dressing A tasty salad using some of the yummiest seasonal veggies and fruits! INGREDIENTS: - Mixed Greens
- Thinly sliced sweet onion (like Vidalia)
- Fresh Mulberries (or other fresh berries)
- Avocado slices, cut into pieces
- Goat cheese crumbles
- Toasted pinon (pine nuts)
- Garnish (optional): fresh organic violets and/or violas.
View the full recipes for the Ginger Grapefruit Vinaigrette (or use your favorite dressing) | | |
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YOUR HEART LOVES MOVEMENT Make your heart happy and encourage healthy circulation with yoga, qigong, cycling, and outdoor activities this summer! |
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MALLORY'S WOMEN'S HEALTH TIPS FOR SUMMER We asked our women's health specialist, Mallory, to provide seasonal tips for women's wellness. Her summer tip is a simple yoga pose with loads of health benefits! Bound Angle Pose, Baddha Konasana Try this pose to balance the fire element during the warm summer months! GETTING INTO THE POSE: Begin sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you. (For tighter hips, try sitting on a blanket to prop the pelvis.) Inhale, bend the knees and draw the feet towards the pelvis. As you exhale open the thigh bones to the side, keeping the outer edges of the feet connected with the floor. Hold either the big toes or ankles for support, and take another deep breath as you lengthen the spine, opening the front of the torso and relaxing the shoulders down the back. Take several deep breaths, holding the pose for 1-5 minutes. To get out of the pose, slowly lift the knees from the floor and extend the legs back in front of you. HEALTH BENEFITS: Heart health: simulates the heart organ system, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure. Mental Health: improves symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, increases energy. Urogenital Health: activates abdominal organs, especially the bladder and kidneys. Women’s health: regulates hormones, reduces menopausal symptoms, eases menstrual discomfort, stimulates ovaries. This is also a great prenatal pose, and can help prepare the hips for a healthy labor! | | |
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Our next COMMUNITY QIGONG CLASS with QiMaster Scott White will be Wednesday, June 27th at 6:30pm! We will be hosting this class OUTDOORS (as qigong was meant to be!) at Liberty Park! Please meet Scott at the entrance to Tracy Aviary just before 6:30pm! |
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As always, this class is DONATION BASED. Pay what you can afford! (suggested donation is $10) |
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GET ON YOUR BIKES AND RIDE! Cycling is a great way to get excercise and decrease emissions & pollution! Cycling is great cardiovascular excercise, in addition to being low impact on low back and knees! Perfect for any age or fitness level! Visit BikeUtah.org or BikeSLC.com for more bike resources! Utah is now home to the longest continuous bike trail (west of the Mississippi) called the Golden Spoke Trail! It connects trails from Ogden to Provo and all sorts of cities in between! If you're a bike enthusiast, check out this new route and enjoy the ride! | | |
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