January 11, 2019 It is simply part of our biology that we eat differently each season. The cooler air, less daylight hours, holiday parties, and less physical activity all have a significant effect on what and how much we eat.
Even though it is 2019, biologically we are programmed to fatten up to survive the elements, the way many other animals do.
Did you know that Winter actually makes you hungrier? Seasonal changes affects many hormones related to hunger and appetite - glucocorticoids, ghrelin, serotonin, and leptin - causing hunger, depression, a slower metabolism, and weight gain. So you are not only hungrier, but you crave carb heavy comfort foods. It's a lose/lose - or rather a gain/gain!
There is no need to suffer, however. Satisfy body and mind and eat stomach warming comfort foods that fill the void in your belly and heart.
Soup - A great way to get more fiber since you can toss just about anything into a soup pot — greens, beans, lentils, whole grains, and veggies. Add in some chicken, pork, lean beef, or fish for your daily dose of protein.
Citrus - They aren't just for Summer! We live in California where fresh fruits are in supply even in Winter. Sautéed or tossed in with lightly steamed winter greens, Swiss chard, chicory, or kale are a lovely pick me up in winter.
Veggies - Vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and winter squashes are incredibly good for you, and are great for roasting and throwing on top of some pasta, polenta, or simply as a side dish. Simply toss them with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and stick them in the oven or broiler until they start to brown.
Salmon - It is vital in winter to up your intake of vitamin D due to limited daylight hours, the change in the wavelength of the sun’s rays, and less time outdoors. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining mood. Salmon, which is a delicious and super healthy source of Vitamin D, also is rich in omega-3 fatty acids - another mood booster!
If you’re going to give in to a craving — and let's just agree you occasionally should give in — make healthful swaps. If you’re dying for a bowl of pasta and cheese, switch out regular enriched pasta for yam or zucchini noodles and add a few steamed vegetables for fiber.
And if you are dying for something sweet, go for a steaming mug of dark chocolate. Rich in flavanols, dark chocolate helps reduce the risk of heart disease, raises levels of healthy cholesterol, and is a delicious mood booster. Check out this link for some healthy brands of dark chocolate... https://healthyeater.com/dark-chocolate-best-and-worst.
January 11, 2019 Welcome 2019
The Year of the Earth Pig
And a year of fortune and luck!
Although it is not yet the Chinese New Year, we need all the encouragement we can get! So, despite the current state of the stock market, let's revel in the prospect that this new Pig year represents FORTUNE and LUCK! Mend wishes you all of these for 2019 and MUCH more.
January 24, 2018 Welcome to 2018
The Year of Life, Earth and the Dog!
Did you know that the number 18 is a spiritual number in Judaism? The word "Chai' translated from Hebrew to English means "Life." Within the Jewish faith, "Chai" possesses both numerical and symbolic meaning. The Hebrew word consists of two (2) letters in the alphabet: Chet (ח) and Yud (י). Together these letters form "Chai" – "LIFE"!
And according to the Chinese Zodiac, 2018 is the year of the Dog! Chinese New Year in 2018 is on Friday, the 16th of February and ends on February 4, 2019. In Chinese astrology each zodiac year (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig) is not just associated with an animal sign, but also with one of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earh. 2018 is the element of Earth – so 2018 is an Earth Dog Year.
Whatever your beliefs are, Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare wishes you JOY, HEALTH, and PROSPERITY in this year of the Brown Earth Dog! Be kind to yourself and trust that the world is filled with love.
September 6, 2017 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOMDid you know that there are actually 5 Seasons in Chinese Medicine. Late Summer begins at the end of August and runs to the first day of Fall. It is the Season of Earth.
Each Season in Chinese Medicine belongs to one of the 5 Elements – Earth (Late Summer), Metal (Fall), Water (Winter), Wood (Spring), and Fire (Summer). Earth being Late Spring, it is the Season of heat, fullness, full growth, bringing life down to a slower pace, and preparing for Metal (Fall). It is time to transition from Yang to Yin energy and turn inward to the coolness of Fall and Winter.
Each Element not only corresponds to a certain season, but also corresponds to a certain organ or energy system within the body. Earth (Late Summer) is the season associated with the stomach, spleen, and pancreas. Earth (Late Summer) also governs the muscles and is related to the mouth.
Here are some other characteristics of Earth – Color: Yellow, Nature: Yang to Yin, Organ: Stomach/Spleen, Emotion: Worry/Pensive, Taste: Sweet, Body Condition: Damp.
This is a brief season and is one of transition and relaxation. The crazy days of Summer are gone and we are now shoring up our energy sources for the cold to come. Your may be feeling more fatigued than a few weeks ago. This low energy is the effect of the exertion, full energy and emotional stress of Summer (Fire).
So these are the days to do whatever puts a smile on your face and reduces your stress level! Make sure you get lots of rest, gentle exercise, and please eat healthy foods to shore up your energy for the months to come.
Best and be well,
Stacy Lauren-Kon LAc MSOM
Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare
March 16, 2017 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOMAriel Leve is an excellent author and old friend. She recently wrote an article for The Guardian entitled, "How to survive gaslighting: when manipulation erases your reality"
This piece eloquently illustrates how the current administration is triggering old trauma and PTSD in so many people.
I've certainly noticed in my practice how so many patients are having a tough time with anxiety since the election. This article is comforting, validating, and helps put it all into perspective.
“We are living in a time where a lot of people are having a tough time deciding what’s real and feeling like they are being manipulated,” Stern says. “If they know something is true and somebody tells you it’s not true, holding on to your reality is essential. You can’t be gaslighted if you stay inside your own reality and recognize the manipulation when you see it.”
STAY STRONG!
Read Ariel Leve's article at the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/mar/16/gaslighting-manipulation-reality-coping-mechanisms-trump?CMP=share_btn_fb
For further reading buy her book!
https://www.amazon.com/Abbreviated-Life-Memoir-Ariel-Leve/dp/0062269453/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1489693511&sr=8-5&keywords=ariel+levy
February 3, 2017 
Happy New Year!
I know it feels like Winter to most people right now but according to Chinese Medicine, this is the beginning of Spring. Spring means growth and the start of Yang energy growing stronger in the world around us as well as within us. In a mere 6 weeks Yang and Yin will be more balanced during the vernal equinox and we will be emerging from the predominance of darkness (Yin) and move more into the light (Yang).
Winter is a time to look inward and now that Spring is sprouting it is time for physical outward regrowth. A great Qi Gong exercise is "Combing Therapy" or "Shu Fa". Combing therapy has been around for thousands of years and is found in many Eastern Medical Texts.
Traditionally, combs were made of either bone or wood. However, a more modern comb will suffice or you can simply comb your scalp with your finger pads/nails for an even more effective treatment – since the fingers actually contain Qi. Combing is a super simple "exercise" that can be done every morning or night at home to stimulate blood circulation of the scalp and promote hair regrowth and lessen tension headaches, as well.
This may seem silly, but by stimulating the scalp you are stimulating the most Yang area of the body. The scalp is also a microsystem of the entire body, so stimulating the channels on the scalp actually mobilizes Qi and Blood in the entire body.
Spring is also the time associated with the "Wood" phase of the year and the Liver. The Liver is a Yang viscera. At the beginning of Spring nourishing the Liver helps expel and rid yourself of disease and protect your health. Nutritional recommendations at the beginning of Spring are geared to nourish and support the Liver. Patients with chronic Liver Fire (anger issues) and Liver Qi Stagnation (PMS, body aches, depression, anxiety etc...) need to be aware of their diets during this critical season. As a general rule, eating mildly acrid and warm foods will accentuate and support this function. Great foods to eat this time of year include: scallions, leeks, chives, cilantro, ginger and garlic.
Here is a very simple recipe with leeks to warm and move the Liver Yang. Shred leeks and then stir-fry thin pork strips in cooking oil, adding soy sauce and pepper to taste. This recipe nourishes the Liver and protects the Yang.
Another traditional beginning of Spring recipe is Pork Bone Red Date Soup. Even before bone broth became the latest health craze in America it was considered an important food for health around the world. This dish builds blood, warms the interior without being drying, and can be taken to either prevent or treat an existing cold.
PORK BONE RED DATE SOUP
Ingredients:
Pork bone, about 3 lbs
Chinese dried red dates (Hong Zao, or Da Zao), about 6 pieces
Ginger
1 Large scallion white
Salt
Instructions:
Place washed pork bones into a slow cooker and add enough water to cover bones (about 2 quarts)
Cut ginger and scallion into large pieces, place in slow cooker with bones; add dates as well to slow cooker
Cook on low for 8 hours or more (the prep can be done in the evening and left to cook overnight); add salt to taste
Drink broth daily
Other vegetables or ingredients can be added to this soup as desired.
Happy Chinese New Year!!!!!
December 10, 2015 With the cooler California weather heading our way, our bodies require an internal flame to ignite the spirit, protect the organ systems, invigorate our blood and keep us warm. Acupuncture ignites your internal flame and helps stabilize your Winter doldrums.
For younger men and women, Acupuncture provides a way to conserve energy while it is still strong. For older men and women, Acupuncture provides a means to restore and rejuvenate their energy in your mid and late years.
Acupuncture can support your health and well being during these winter months no matter what stage of life you happen to be in.
