Little Owl Medicine, in Portland, Oregon, specializes in needle free acupuncture for children.  Treating children and families is a passion and integrating care is a mission. Sign up for our newsletter here! 

Year of the Metal Rat

According to Chinese astrology, 2020 is the year of the Metal Rat, the first symbol of a new lunar cycle. The Rat brings luck and prosperity.  The Chinese say: "The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time" and that is the theme to work into your life in the year 2020. All decisions made during this year will influence the next 12 years. (No pressure, right?)

The year coming up is the first animal of the astrological signs. There are 12 animals in the system thus this first animal influences the entire 12 year cycle. 

For another in depth review of the new year cycle I love to read what Lillian Pearl Bridges has to say. CLICK HERE

Immunity and hot topics!

Cold and Flu season is in full swing with multiple reports of some unexpected nasty flu bugs.  Here are 2 soup recipes that help us to recover when we are down as well as build our immunity.  

Did you know…

Everyone is talking about the virulent viral strain called the coronavirus.  It is very contagious and certainly deserving of genuine respect and watching.

First, the concern – this is a legitimate outbreak of a new virus that causes pneumonia and is potentially fatal. This is now the 7th Coronavirus found to infect humans. Four strains cause essentially the common cold, a benign upper respiratory infection. Two previously discovered viruses cause more severe illness, the SARS and MERS viruses. The current coronavirus (Novel Coronavirus: 2019-nCov) outbreak is fast moving and is contagious, spreading via coughing and sneezing.  People sick with coronavirus suffer from common cold symptoms, cough, fever and breathing difficulties. It has a long incubation period (7-14 days) which can make it difficult to contain or track. People affected most by coronavirus, needing hospitalization or developing complications, are generally immunocompromised, elderly or very young, unable to fight the illness. 

A critical point of the virus appears to be the emergence of a fever.  If a fever develops, that is the point to start really paying attention to progression of the illness and take steps to provide support. 

Now, reality- As with many things, prevention is the best way (at this point) to not contract coronavirus.  Here are some tips from a Chinese medicine perspective on what to do.

This virus is considered to be rooted in “dampness” (think sticky, puffy, damp, slightly wet, heavy and humid).  Acupuncture and herbs can help with the various stages of this illness by first clearing the dampness (both with herbs and with acupuncture) and then the heat (think fevers).  Many, many people who partake in our standard American diet, drink alcohol, sit a lot, don’t sweat very regularly (or much at all), or have irregular stools and poor digestion, have dampness in their bodies and are at greater risk of contracting and fighting off this virus. 

Try incorporating these things to keep your family protected this season!

1.  Wash your hands and make sure your kids wash their hands.  Soap and water is just fine. 
2.  Stay home when you are sick. Keep your kids home when they are sick.
3.  Use a humidifier.  Studies have shown that dry air transmits illness more easily and increases infection rates.
4.  Sleep more.
5.  Walk more, exercise regularly and sweat more.  
6.  Use a sauna as often as you can. 
7.  Drink more water.  Yes.  Just plain water. 
8. Make sure your diet is full of as many fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables as possible.  
9.  See your acupuncturist (for you and your whole family) regularly and ask if they have herbs (or resources) to get the formulas to help with the various stages of this illness. 

Practitioner Spotlight!

For kids struggling with tantrums, fears, making friends or finding their voice, therapeutic play offers a way to explore and share how they make sense of the world. Children facing big family changes (divorce, adoption, moving, new sibling) or healing from trauma (emergency, abuse, grief) find comfort in art-making, building with miniatures, and animating puppets--the playroom is a place where they get to lead and build on their strengths, with guidance and support to try out new strategies. 

"Your child will need your support to change how they’re showing up and trying to get their needs met. Their current strategies might be clumsy or confusing, but they’re likely working with coping skills that were adaptive at some point.

Product Spotlight!

Hello!!

I am a local Oregonian mama with a passion for health! I started Wild Roots Pantry to share my love and recipes in elderberry form! Our products are made with all organic natural ingredients. I’m blessed and excited to be able to stay home with my littles while meeting other people who are looking for natural alternatives to stay healthy.

Elderberry syrup is a natural immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral food product that is jam-packed with antioxidants. Elderberries are high in Vitamins A,B, and C. The small berries are known for their ability to boost the immune system helping decrease the duration and severity of colds and flus.Elderberries have almost 5 times as many anthocyanins as blueberries, twice the overall antioxidant capability of cranberries and more potent antiviral effects than Echinacea.

Elderberries also have bioflavonoids that can calm inflammation and irritation and act as an expectorant to help clear out phlegm

In our pre-made syrup, we use raw, local honey that contains many enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that your body needs — and it can even help prevent seasonal allergies!

Just ONE spoonful of this sweet, spiced syrup activates your immune system and gives your body extra tools to fight off painful and frustrating symptoms.

Wild Roots Pantry prides itself on the simplicity of our recipe, as well as the quality of our organic ingredients. With only 5 simple ingredients and batches made fresh weekly,  I am excited to share my growing knowledge of natural alternatives and solutions to stay healthy. Feel free to contact us on FB, Instagram, e-mail, or swing by the Farmers Market and come chat with us in person! 
 

coming up next time!

Allergies • Seasonal recipes and more!

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