Gong Xi Fa Cai (Happy New Year!)

Year of the Fire Rooster: 2017

It is a Chinese tradition that each year is represented by an animal and an element.  Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after Winter Solstice, which happens to be January 28th this year.

The year of the Fire Rooster is said to be a year full of opportunities for rebirth and transformation.  Last year was the year of the Fire Monkey, which according to tradition, means it may have been a bit more draining on your health than other years.  This would make it especially important to put your health first this year!  This may mean eating healthier, getting in more physical activity, and making sure to take care of your mental wellbeing.  No need for drastic changes! Try adding a few more greens to your plate, take the stairs instead of an elevator, and do one thing everyday for yourself that makes you happy! 

In clinic, it is very obvious that most problems don't happen overnight; it's usually small issues that are neglected until they become big ones. Whatever your beliefs, it is never to late to start taking care of yourself!!! 

Wishing you health and happiness in 2017!

Frankincense Part II: Relieving stress and reducing anxiety.

As mentioned in the last segment, Frankincense is great for the skin and for promoting healing.  It is also well-known for its ability to induce relaxation.  Adding a few drops of oil to your bath water is great for relieving stress and reducing anxiety. 

A study published in 2008 found that a certain compound, incensole acetate (IA), found in Frankincense, elicits an anti-anxiety/anti-depressive response.  IA was shown to have influence on the limbic system, the area of the brain dealing with emotions and memories.  Common symptoms of anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure, respond by lowering, aiding in the body's ability to relax.

Frankincense oil is also beneficial to the respiratory tract and lungs, helping to alleviate congestion and reduce coughing.  Taking a frankincense-infused bath before bed will help to have you sleeping more soundly, especially while fighting a cold.  And a sound sleep is one of the best anti-aging practices of all.

Why you should add Frankincense to YOUR wish list.

Frankincense (Ru Xiang) is traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a very effective pain reliever with the ability to reduce swelling and promote healing. Frankincense can help reduce acne blemishes, scars, and stretchmarks, as well as prevent wrinkles, strengthen, lift and tighten skin, thereby naturally slowing the signs of aging.

Make sure to look for a 100% essential oil to ensure you are getting the highest quality, and to mix six drops of the Frankincense to one ounce of a carrier oil, like Argan oil for example, and apply directly to the skin.

Vitruvi is a local brand that sources its oils from all over the world.  Not only is their oil high quality, but I'm in love with the matte black packaging and label resembling the periodic table.  Appeals to both my minimalist and chem geek sides. ;)

*Frankincense is known to have blood thinning effects, therefore is contraindicated in pregnancy or for those with problems related to blood clotting.

Watch this space for more amazing benefits of this oil!

Warning: this post contains nuts.

Next on the list of anti-aging superfoods is the walnut! Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, walnuts help to promote glowing skin, lower and maintain proper cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, improve memory and prevent dementia.  (If you look close enough they kind of resemble brains, no?)  As we head into Autumn, it may be useful to note that walnuts are helpful in relieving cough and asthma because of their strengthening effect on the lung function.  Due their high fat and fiber content, they are also great for the moistening the intestinal tract and preventing constipation. 

Walnuts are also a food that we TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioners will suggest, along with acupuncture treatment, for incontinence.  Their sweet, slight bitterness has a warming and strengthening effect on our Kidney meridian, which in TCM has a very close relationship with our bladder.  Believe it or not, incontinence can be a problem that is not limited to old age.  Enjoy a small handful of walnuts a few times a week, sprinkled on oatmeal, on a salad, or on its own as a snack. 

p.s. If you are experiencing low energy, lower back pain, puffy/weak legs or knees, poor memory, ear ringing, insomnia, waking very early in the morning, lowered libido, and/or frequent urination both in the day and the night, acupuncture could be very effective for you!! Find a local Registered Acupuncturist (or a Licensed Acupuncturist if you live in the States), and be ready for a transformation.

Avocados, your brain, and anti-aging.

Another amazing brain food? Avocados! But what is the connection between our brains and anti-aging?

Our brains are constantly working, regulating thousands of biochemical, physiological, physical, and emotional processes throughout the day (and as we sleep!).   When something becomes unbalanced within any of those processes (i.e. hormone dysregulation), over time it may have a domino effect on our body, and can accelerate the aging process.  Our brains are made up of 60% fat, and even though it only takes up 2% (~3lbs) of our total body weight, this organ may need as much as 20% of our caloric intake to carry out the crazy list of brain duties.  Being the control center of a human body is a lot of work.

Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fats which prevents our blood vessels from hardening as we age, allowing for more efficient blood flow to the heart and brain.  They are a good source of potassium and Vitamin K as well, both of which prevent the risk of stroke. 

This nutrient-dense fruit (yes, fruit!) is also a great source of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, important for regulating blood pressure and inflammatory responses (and maintaining great skin!).  "Essential" denotes that we must obtain these fatty acids from the food we consume, as our body can not produce them on its own.  It is interesting to note that not enough good fats in the diet have been linked to depression, Alzheimer's, and dementia (emphasis on "good" fats). Another bonus to these fats is that they help the body absorb more nutrients, such as the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.  Alpha tocopherol, a type of Vitamin E found in avocados, supplies antioxidants to protect the brain and body from free radical damage, and is great for maintaining facial muscle tone. (See this post for more on free radicals)

Our brains also require a steady supply of glucose to work efficiently.  When I say glucose, I don't mean from refined sugar (which can have more of a damaging effect), but glucose derived from healthy carbohydrate sources in fruits, veggies and grains.  Avocado on toast is not only super delicious, but is also a perfect brain-boosting, anti-aging snack. (For anyone following a grain-free diet, avocados have plenty of carbs, protein, and fat even when eaten alone.)

Show your brain some gratitude for all its thankless work ...with an avocado!

p.s. So by now you get that anti-aging isn't just about how our skin looks, but how our body is functioning as a whole.  If you are not feeling 100% or would like to be pro-active with your health, see your local Registered Acupuncturist or Nutritionist to get a good head start!   

A delicious way to slow down aging and enhance your memory.

Forget where you left your sunglasses? Always losing your keys? Consider adding blueberries to your daily meal plan.

I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that the blueberry is an amazing superfood that contains tons of antioxidants.  You’ve probably even passed this information along at some point knowing that antioxidants are a “good thing”.  But what does this actually mean? Why should we care?

Every day we are exposed to a variety of different stressors: UV rays, pollution, additives in processed foods, emotional stress, etc.  All of these contribute to the overproduction of free radicals in the human body (keyword is overproduction, as our bodies already produce free radicals as a byproduct of certain metabolic processes).  Free radicals, simply put, are damaged molecules that are missing an electron.  These become a problem to us as they will damage healthy cells in the body trying to obtain their missing electron.  Elevated levels of free radicals may result in DNA mutation, neuron dysfunction, and destruction of cell structures, all of which promote aging.  They also increase the risk of brain dysfunction, cataracts, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Blueberries (and other dark berries) get their dark colour from the bioflavonoids anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin.  These are powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage and thereby slowing down the aging process.  

Blueberries also happen to be a source of the amino acids necessary for the body’s production of dopamine and norepinephrine, the neurotransmitters influential in cognitive function.  A proper balance of these neurotransmitters will improve concentration, enabling better focus and memory.  Moreover, they can help us stabilize our sleep cycles and boost motivation.

Blueberries may not be able to bring back everything you've ever misplaced, but they are definitely a delicious way to enhance your memory!

p.s. If you find that a decreased ability to concentrate is affecting your day-to-day activities, acupuncture may be an effective way to help you improve your focus.  Get in touch with a local Registered Acupuncturist!

Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement.

Summer has finally arrived! Before you hit the beach, make sure to have proper sun protection. Your eyes and the delicate skin around them are susceptible to accelerated aging due to excessive sun exposure. Wrinkles, cataracts, and age spots? No, thanks. 

When you put on a pair of shades, you'll notice that your iris widens and the pupils dilate to allow more light into the eye.  If your sunglasses do not have sufficient UV blockage, you are actually making your eyes more vulnerable to the harmful UVA and UVB rays.  Look for a label that confirms blockage of these rays; typically denoted as UV400 or 99-100% UV absorption. (Note that polarized lenses, while nice for a crisper view, don't necessarily mean that they protect from UV rays.)  

This does not mean that you must buy designer shades (you should check their labels too!), just be aware that your $5 deal might be costing you more than you thought.  

Notorious for losing your shades? Watch this space for memory boosting tips in a future post! 

p.s. Another great option is a wide-brimmed hat, protecting your eyes and your face.

DIY Anti-aging: Gogi & Chrysanthemum Tea

DIY Anti-aging: Gogi & Chrysanthemum tea

• 4-5 dried chrysanthemum flowers (rinse first)
• 1 tsp gogi berries (rinse first)
• 1 cup near-boiling water (can be infused 3 times - always leave a bit of water between infusions)

This tea helps relieve dry, tired eyes (too much screen time anyone?). In TCM, chrysanthemum is used to clear heat (through vasodilation), improve vision & brighten eyes. Gogi berries contain high levels of carotenoids, lutein & zeaxanthin specifically, that can help reduce your risk of macular degeneration & cataracts... Too many of us take our eyesight for granted. See your eye doctor regularly, and STOP SQUINTING! (it's giving you wrinkles 😄) Chrysanthemum tea from @cultivatetea and gogis from @theaugustmarket

#shoplocal #shopsmall #antiaging#eyehealth #acupuncture #kitsilano #kits #mountpleasant #herbaltea #alyssatheacupuncturist