Amazing Healing; Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Body-Mind Health & More!

Contact the White House Tell Obama to Stop Factory Farms from Degrading Organic Dairy Standards

2010-01-26T19:57:00.002-05:00

Contact the White House
Tell Obama to Stop Factory Farms from Degrading Organic Dairy Standards

(I got this alert through the Organic Consumer's Association newsletter)

With so many people calling the White House on this issue and others right now, it's very hard to get through. Please call and leave a message, but if waiting on the phone is too frustrating, you can SEND AN E-MAIL instead. Thanks! CLICK HERE TO FIND THE PHONE NUMBER TO CALL.

Organic dairies that graze their cows on pasture produce food that is healthier, safer, and more nutritious than chemical or GMO food, while protecting the environment and removing dangerous greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

The USDA is finally coming out with new rules to better enforce the longstanding requirement that organic cows must graze on pasture, rather than be confined in feedlots. Only one last hurdle remains: the President's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review.

Straus Dairy (based in California) and Aurora Dairy (based in Colorado) are making a last-ditch effort to prevent the USDA from cracking down on their feedlot operations. They're making a determined effort to sway the Obama administration, utilizing "insider influence" gained through campaign contributions to Obama and politicians like Tom Vilsack, who now heads the USDA.

In order to prevent factory dairy farms from driving ethical organic farmers out of business, and stop special interest manipulation of organic standards, thousands of us need to pick up the phone today. Call the Obama administration and tell them you're furious that the USDA has never adequately enforced the pasture requirement for organic dairy farms. Tell them that you'll never forgive the President if he lets ties to political contributors destroy the strict standards that safeguard organic integrity.

Tell the President that you won't settle for less! If a farm's dairy cows are kept in confinement or aren't on pasture, then its milk and dairy products are not organic!

For a better understanding of the issue you can read the detailed backgrounder, prepared by the Cornucopia Institute, that was submitted during Cornucopia's meeting with the OMB Friday, January 22, 2010:

http://www.cornucopia.org/USDA/PastureLivestockRuleBackground.pdf

Urgent Call For Human Milk Donations for Haitian Infants

2010-01-26T19:51:00.001-05:00

Urgent Call for Human Milk Donations for Haiti Infants

Washington, DC--The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), International Lactation Consultant Association/United States Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA/USLCA), and La Leche League International (LLLI) are jointly issuing an urgent call for human milk donations for premature infants in Haiti, as well as sick and premature infants in the United States.

This week the first shipment of human milk from mothers in the United States will be shipped to the U.S. Navy ship Comfort stationed outside Haiti. Comfort is currently set up with a neonatal intensive care unit and medical personnel to provide urgent care to victims of the earthquake. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant stationed at the U.S. Navy base in Bethesda, MD is assisting with providing breast pump equipment and supplies to Comfort. Dr. Erika Beard-Irvine, pediatric neonatologist, is on board to coordinate distribution of the milk to infants in need. HMBANA, USBC, ILCA/USLCA, and LLLI are responding to requests to provide milk for both premature infants and at-risk mothers who have recently delivered babies on board the USNS Comfort, but an urgent need exists for additional donations.

At the current time, the infrastructure to deliver human milk to Haiti infants on land has not yet been established. As soon as that infrastructure is in place, additional donations will be provided to older infants.

Mothers who are willing to donate human milk should contact their regional Mothers' Milk Bank of HMBANA. A list of regional milk banks is available on the HMBANA Web site at (www.hmbana.org/index/locations).

Currently milk banks are already low on donor milk. New milk donations will be used for Haiti victims as well as to replenish donor supplies to continue to serve sick and premature infants in the United States. Donor milk provides unique protection for fragile preterm infants. Financial donations are also strongly encouraged to allow HMBANA, a nonprofit organization, to continue serving infants in need.

UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the Emergency Nutrition Network, and medical professionals all recommend that breastfeeding and human milk be used for infants in disasters or emergencies. Human milk is life-saving due to its disease prevention properties. It is safe, clean, and does not depend on water which is often unavailable or contaminated in an emergency. Relief workers, health care providers, and other volunteers are urged to provide support for breastfeeding mothers to enable them to continue breastfeeding, and to assist pregnant and postpartum women in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding.

For more information, contact HMBANA at 408-998-4550 (www.hmbana.org). Additional information can be provided from the United States Breastfeeding Committee at 202-367-1132 (www.usbreastfeeding.org), ILCA/USLCA at 800-452-2478 (www.ilca.org or www.uslca.org), or La Leche League at 847-519-7730 (www.llli.org).

United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC)
The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) is an independent nonprofit coalition of 41 nationally influential professional, educational, and governmental organizations. Representing over half a million concerned professionals and the families they serve, USBC and its member organizations share a common mission to improve the Nation's health by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. For more information about USBC, visitwww.usbreastfeeding.org.

The USBC is an organization of organizations. Opinions expressed by USBC are not necessarily the position of all member organizations and opinions expressed by USBC member organization representatives are not necessarily the position of USBC.

Now Open Monday

2010-01-25T09:01:00.003-05:00

Once again, due to demand, I have expanded my office hours.

As of Monday, February 1st, I am scheduling patients from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. which opens 7 more appointment slots each week. See you there!

Thank you all for choosing me as your health care practitioner and for referring your friends, family and co-workers.

FREE LGBT Health CE Course!!

2010-01-12T16:00:00.002-05:00

Now Available: Free Online Continuing Medical Education Course!

Studies over the last decade have consistently shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities are disproportionately impacted by tobacco use. These high smoking rates have been attributed to the stress of coming out, active targeting by the tobacco industry, and the vicious cycle of seeing peers smoke.

This free online course reviews the scientific literature on tobacco use and tobacco-related health disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations.

Feature-rich content and interactive exercises in this free online course help participants understand course materials, allowing them to apply principles learned in their clinical practices.

At the completion of this course, you should be able to:

· Describe key components of providing

healthcare to LGBT persons in a culturally
competent way

· Describe basic concepts related to LGBT health

· Apply evidence-based brief interventions for smoking cessation in clinical practice

To participate in this free online education program, go to www.glma.org/lgbttobacco.

GLMA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. GLMA designates this activity for a maximum of 2 credit hours in Category I of the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

This program was developed by the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and made possible by a generous grant from the American Legacy Foundation. The contents of this program do not necessarily represent the views of GLMA or the Foundation or that of their staffs or Boards of Directors.

GLMA Home | My GLMA | About GLMA | Membership | GLMA Annual Conference | GLMA on Facebook
GLMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on your support. If you would like to support our important work, please donate online. If you are a member, please accept our thanks.

Stress Reduction Classes NYC

2010-01-12T15:11:00.004-05:00

I recommended MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) classes on a regular basis to many of my patients. If you have a hard time dealing with the stress of work, family or other pressures this class will teach you the tools to deal with them as they come up.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
with Elaine Retholtz

Orientation Sessions (required):
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 or Thursday, January 21, 2010

This course is modeled after the renowned program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts 30 years ago. It includes instruction in mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, group dialogue and inquiry, and provides daily practice support materials. Research has shown that MBSR can bring lasting changes in physical and psychological symptoms, greater energy, improved self-esteem and increased ability to cope with pain and stress. Attendance is required at one of the orientation sessions.

Wednesdays, Nine Evening Sessions (Orientation + Eight Classes):
January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17
7-9:30pm

Thursdays, Nine Morning Sessions (Orientation + Eight Classes):
January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18
10am-12:30pm

Daylong Session: Sunday, March 7, 10am-5 pm

Fee: NYI/JCC members $325, nonmembers $375

Co-Sponsored With the Jewish Community Center
SPECIAL LOCATION: Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 76th Street), NYC

Elaine Retholtz was introduced to mindfulness practice in 1988. Elaine has been active in New York Insight from its inception, serving on the Steering Committee for many years as a practice leader, and now as an associate teacher. She completed the practicum in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as well as the Teacher Development Intensive at the Center for Mindfulness in Worcester, MA. She teaches MBSR in a variety of venues including at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, the Tri State College of Acupuncture, and at Rivington House Adult Health Care Facility, where she is the Coordinator of Complementary Care Services. She is a graduate of the third Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leaders Program.
Click here to register

Great NYC Yoga Classes, Yoga Retreats Jamaica, Italy and Upstate

2010-01-12T14:53:00.004-05:00

One of my most favorite yoga instructors, Michelle Barge, has an updated and expanded yoga teaching schedule this winter, to include lovely retreats in Italy, Jamaica and Upstate New York.

Michelle's training is Iyegar-based so her classes are focused on strength and alignment of body and mind. Her teaching style is out-going, encouraging and challenging. You should try it!

Learn more about Michelle here:

http://beyoumag.com/author/michelle-barge/
http://www.thefierceclub.com/MICHELLE.html
http://www.goldenbridgeyoganyc.com/
http://reflectionsyoga.com/index.php

CLASS SCHEDULE:
Mondays: Reflections -- 4pm and 5:25pm
Tuesdays: Golden Bridge -- 6:30pm (and we've been moved to the BIG room)
Wednesdays: Reflections -- 4pm
Thursdays: Golden Bridge -- 6:30pm NEW (BIG room, too!)
Saturdays: Golden Bridge -- 12:30pm; Fierce Club -- 5pm
Sundays: Exhale -- 9:30am Lvl 2/3 980 Madison NEW (back at Exhale by popular demand!)

RETREATS:

Ananda Ashram, Monroe NY Feb 20 - 21
It is my extreme pleasure to be co-teaching with Elias Lopez at Ananda Ashram. Many of you have asked about the Ashram and have wanted to experience it. So here's your chance. It is a beautiful, lovely, spiritual place. This is sure to be a lovely recharging weekend spiritually and physically plus FUN! Elias Lopez is a teacher's teacher and has the great skill of being able to get students newer to their practice to levels thought unimaginable. He's also a naturalist and environmentalist and knows his way around the Ashram's many beautiful acres. AND you can see the organic farm we've been working on and perhaps become a volunteer.
http://blog.anandaharvest.org/
Vegan and vegetarian diet. Super low price for an all inclusive weekend. Dormitory $ 190
Semiprivate $ 240
All you need to know on link below:
http://www.eliasyoga.com/winterretreatatananda.htm
There are limited spots, so if you are interested, PLEASE email me and we'll put you down.

Bromley Estate, Ocho Rios, JAMAICA
I want everyone to experience the beauty, charm and peace of Bromley in Jamaica, but know that schedules become a factor. We have 2 date options for Bromley:
first week in March OR push to April.
If you're interested in Jamaica and have a date option, please let me know. I can only book it with interest.

Cascina Buenosera, Asti, Italy May/June 2010
And just to entice you -- Italy in the spring awaits us. Let's just say it will be a yogic, wine and food filled celebration of life amongst the vineyards and the rose gardens...
This will also be brought to you by Pravassa Healthy Travel.
Let me know if you're even dreaming about it... Again, need interested parties to book the VILLA. YES, VILLA!
http://pravassa.com/

Postpartum Weight Loss For Nursing Mothers

2010-01-05T10:33:00.003-05:00

This article of mine was published by Chinese Medicine Times in the Summer of '09. Great for professional practitioners, and the lay reader.

"Over the past few years, there have been many published studies, articles and one book written on the effectiveness of acupuncture and Chinese herbs for weight loss and weight management. However, none have focused on post-partum weight loss. Now that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become extremely popular for fertility, gestational diseases, and labor induction; practitioners have the opportunity to follow-up with these same patients for post-partum healthcare.

Many pregnant and post-partum mothers are concerned about losing the “baby weight” as soon as possible. During pregnancy it is contraindicated to lose weight, but we can assist with weight management techniques to control weight gain during pregnancy if needed. In addition, we can educate mothers about how to safely and effectively lose weight after the baby is born. Many new mothers focus on losing weight as quickly as possible after her baby is born. However, as practitioner’s we ought to teach these mothers to lose weight healthfully and slowly for the sake of their personal health and the health of their nursling(s).

Weight Loss in the first six weeks Post-Partum

It is not advisable to begin any special weight loss dieting during the first eight weeks postpartum so that the mother can recover her energy and heal from the birth. Eating a healthy, balanced and varied diet is advisable. In fact, nursing mothers need to eat an extra 500 calories per day to support milk production. A nursing mother’s diet should be 1,800 calories per day and definitely not less then 1,500 calories per day. Most women can begin exercising at about six weeks post-partum.

Most women lose about ten pounds (4.5kg) during the birth: the baby, the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Nursing the baby helps the uterus to shrink which will also result in weight loss. Typically in the first few weeks after birth, the mother will spontaneously lose about 5 to 8 pounds of leftover fluid weight, without the need for special weight loss techniques. That water is commonly lost through urine and sweating. Post-partum sweating occurs frequently in the form of night sweats, day sweating, and sweating while nursing the infant. All of these types of sweating result in water weight loss and are such sweating is usually considered normal and is not classified in TCM as pathological fluid (Yin) loss.

Weight Loss after eight weeks

Weight loss after eight weeks postpartum should not exceed 2-4 pounds (1-2kg) per month. Loss of more then that may cause a drop in milk supply and therefore an inability to adequately provide nutrition to the nursling. It can also prove unhealthy for the mother because patients who lose weight quickly tend to regain the lost weight and then some, whereas patients who lose weight in a slow and steady manner tend to maintain their weight loss".

Be Healthy Active & Pain Free

2010-01-04T19:03:00.002-05:00

My regular readers know that I am a HUGE FAN of the MELT method and teacher Zoe Bostwick-Levine, because it/she helped me so much in my healing and recovery from a long three day labor and subsequent c-section. My body was a mess and I didn't discover this method until after a year of pain. I had chronic pelvic pain, low back pain, a severe diastasis. This was one of the methods I incorporated into my healing regimen and it was so releiving! So, if you are in NYC and have back pain, leg pain, foot pain, etc., check this out!!

Be Well- Juliette

Take Better Care Of Your Body in 2010

Introduction to "Hands Off" Bodywork: The MELT Method

For those of you that are still unsure about what exactly one does in a MELT class, just imagine that someone gives you a foam roller and a few little balls, and shows you how to use those simple tools to make your whole body feel healthy, vibrant, and pain free. You will do some rolling, lengthening, decompressing and mobilizing of the spine and joints. I'll even show you how to relax on the foam roller! If you are still unsure, you should just join us for one of these upcoming workshops. MELTing is not like anything you have ever done before!

So if your New Year's resolutions and desires are at all connected to your body feeling great, working well, or even looking great (MELT decreases cellulite!), then this workshop is a great place to start.

In this Introductory workshop I will show you 6 simple "do-it- yourself" secrets to feeling better now.

1. Rediscover your ideal alignment
2. Decompress the low back and neck
3. Decompress overworked joints
4. Rehydrate your connective tissue freeing up your joints and muscles
5. Reconnect to your core in a more effective way
6. Learn a hand and foot treatment you can take anywhere to treat the whole body

You'll come to class feeling, tight, maybe disconnected or even unaware of your body. Your body may feel stiff from sitting all day, or sore from yesterdays killer workout or dance class. Your shoulders might be shrugged up toward your ears (and perhaps they are even as you read this). No matter what draws you in, by the time you leave a MELT class you'll feel more grounded, long, and lean. You'll stand with a new kind of ease, without all that unnecessary tension in your neck, shoulders, and back. You'll feel like you have a little more space in all your joints. Most importantly you'll start to have a better understanding of how your body tends to get out of balance and how you can fix it yourself.

And this is how your new obsession with MELTing begins.

Tues Jan 5th 6:30-8pm
@ Conscious Body Studio 575 5th St. 2nd fl. (between 8th Ave and the Park - Brooklyn)
Thurs Jan 7th 3:45-5:15pm
@ Conscious Body Studio
Sunday Jan 10th 9-10:30am
@ Soulshine Family Wellness Center 917 8th ave (10th st)

Space is very limited. Please register in advance. Take $5 off if registering by 12/19!

$25 for class or,
$85 total with props (to keep for yourself)

1 Hand and Foot Treatment Kit ($50 value!)
1 MELT Roller ($40 value!)
This is a savings of $30 on the retail price of the props! It's like getting them at over 30% discount if you purchase them with this workshop.

You do not need to purchase props- this is just a special offer!

--
Zoe Bowick Levine
Everyday Balance NYC
917-309-5969
www.everydaybalancenyc.com
www.meltmethod.com
www.kinesisproject.com
www.fitnesscollective.com

2009-12-31T15:42:00.000-05:00

New Year’s Diet Resolution: No Deprivation Weight Loss Diets!

Throughout the holidays many people have consumed more rich, fatty, sugary foods than they should have in a matter of two weeks. To bring in the New Year, many people have resolved to go on yet another diet. Are you one of those people? Those extra holiday pounds added to the rest of the weight you want to lose could make dieting seem like an overwhelming task. Which diet will you chose: Vegetarian, Atkins, The Cookie Diet, Fit for Life, The Zone, Weight Watchers, Raw Foods, Juicing, or Cabbage Soup? READ MORE HERE...

Q&A w/ Juliette Aiyana: Chinese Herbalism Straight answers about the modern practice of Chinese herbal medicine

2009-12-29T18:00:00.003-05:00

Q&A with Juliette Aiyana:

Chinese Herbalism: Straight answers about the modern practice

of Chinese herbal medicine

Here is a link to an interview I did for InnerRewards.com E-Zine.

After you read my interview, surf the InnerRewards site for other interesting interviews and articles on

a variety of health and wellness topics.

In the interview, I answer such questions as:

-What are the common uses of Chinese herbs?

-Why use Chinese herbs instead of Western herbs?

-What makes herbs effective? Why do they work for some and not others?

And much more!! Read it HERE.

Old ideas are new again in cancer research

2009-12-29T12:29:00.002-05:00

The New York Times published a very interesting article called Forty Year's War- Old Ideas Spur New Approaches in Cancer Fight

This article shows that the majority of medical researcher's need to listen to the few, and, listen much sooner. It also delves deeper into the idea that cancer grows based on it's environment within the body. But what makes it grow within the body? The environment around us- that is chemicals in our food, drink, chemicals in the air that we use to clean our homes, work places and in the schools. This news is nothing new under the sun but, thankfully, the attention is.

Keep yourself healthy- use natural cleaners, eat pesticide free foods, eat whole, fresh, locally grown foods, (or at least frozen organic veggies if fresh is hard for you to find in your town) and avoid prepackaged/chemical rich foods like a, well, like a cancer.

Holiday Massage Special!

2009-12-17T14:44:00.002-05:00

The talented massage therapist, Patrick Harewood, is now renting space here at Aiyana Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs. This is exciting news because many of you ask me for referrals to local massage therapists.

To celebrate the holidays, he is offering a special rate of 15% off your first and second massage, if you book your appointment before December 31^st, 2009. (You must book before this date, but you can schedule the appointment for a later date in case you can’t make in during the busy holiday season. The rate cannot be applied to packages).

I have received a massage from Patrick about one month ago and felt deeply relaxed, not to mention pain-free. I loved all the assisted stretching that he incorporated into the treatment. His massage is wonderful gift to give to a loved-one, or for you to combat holiday stress.

Regular Rates:

60min: $100

90min: $140

Packages:

Series of 5 or more sessions: 10% off

Series of 10 or more: 15% off

Biography:

Patrick Harewood has been a licensed massage therapist since 2006 and has worked at numerous spas in the New York City area including the Great Jones Spa and Jumeriah Essex House's Spa. Patrick is an alumnus of the prestigious Swedish Institute in New York City. He left a successful twelve-year career as a news producer for CNN and CBS News in 2006 to become a full-time massage therapist.

He is a skilled and dynamic body worker with a passion for what he does. Patrick is trained in all major massage modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu and Sports Massage. Although he customizes each session to meet individual client needs, he incorporates stretching in almost all massages.

Stretching increases flexibility, helping you comfortably and fluidly perform life’s daily activities and help reduce the risk of muscle and, joint and tendon injuries. Stretching can help eliminate low back pain, and also increases circulation by stimulating blood flow to the muscles, bringing nourishment and getting rid of waste byproducts in muscle tissue. It can also shorten recovery time if you’ve had any muscle injuries. Stretching is a great stress reliever and simply feels good. “Most of us simply don’t stretch enough. So, I do it for you. Everyone seems to really like that part of the massage”.

“Massage allows me to help people feel good in their bodies. The reward is immediate. I get to make a difference in people’s lives in a very unique and personal way. The result is a wonderfully relaxing and therapeutic experience for whomever I am fortunate enough to have on my table. I love what I do. Being a massage therapist gives me a freedom and creative opportunity I could not find within the confines of traditional corporate environments.”

To schedule an appointment with Patrick contact him via email at Patharewood@gmail.com or call him at 646-326-3958.

Change is Freedom

2009-12-17T12:38:00.000-05:00

"When desire is replaced by equanimity, and awareness of all phenomena thus unfolds without reference to self, we gain the freedom to move along with change rather than setting ourselves against it.". -Andrew Olendski

FREE Prenatal Yoga in NYC

2009-12-10T16:22:00.002-05:00

YES! Free! New York's Prenatal Yoga Center is offering free classes taught by student's in the yoga teaching program. Here is the deal:

Free Prenatal Yoga Classes!

Our Fall 2009 teacher trainees will be teaching the following
class as part of their final examination:

Saturday, December 12 | 1:30-3pm
Monday, December 14 |12:15-1:45pm
Tuesday, December 15 | 4-5:30pm
Wednesday, December 16 | 3:15-4:45pm
Tuesday, January 5 | 4-5:30pm
Wednesday, January 6 | 3:15-4:45pm
SAturday, Janury 16 | 1:30-3pm

Each class is also supervised by Prenatal Yoga Center staff.
Admission is FREE, however we do ask that you sign up in advance, as classes are limited to 10 students each. Additionally, if you do reserve a spot, please make every effort to attend - or let us know well in advance so that we can fill that spot.

Please call 212-362-2985 for availability or to register!

Lotion and Cream Making Class- Online! Great holiday gifts!

2009-12-10T16:21:00.001-05:00

Learn to make lotions and creams in the comfort of your own home at a time that is convenient for you. Joan Morais is a Cosmetic Formulator, Certified Aromatherapist and Seasoned Instructor. She will show you how easy it is to make lotions and creams. Joan demonstrates how to make a tried, tested and favorite Moisturizing Body Lotion.

You will be able to watch the video as many times as you like so you can create successful lotions and creams. This is the next best thing to taking a class in person with Joan.

You will learn
~ An excellent formulation using emulsifying wax and palm stearic wax-never published before.
~ How to preserve lotions and creams.
~ Good Manufacturing Practices.
~ All about the best ingredients for natural lotions and creams.
~ How to use essential oils for scent and therapeutic value.
~ Packaging and labeling lotions and creams.
~ Resources for supplies; a great source for airless pump containers at a reasonable price.

~Plus lots more.

You will receive an INSTANT DOWNLOAD link for the e-video and the e-class handout. You can save the e-video and the e-handout to your computer.

Save money by not making the costly trial and error mistakes.

Cost: Special New Release Price for a Limited Time Only, Save $25

$150 includes e-video and e-handout

More Information

info@joanmorais.com

Call 707 426-9480

To Purchase click here>>

The Ultimate Swine Flu Survival Guide

2009-12-10T15:44:00.003-05:00

The Ultimate Swine Flu Survival Guide

A book review by Juliette Aiyana, L.Ac., Herbalist, Author

New York City doctor, Vincent M. Pedre III, wrote his 92-page primer published by Wellness Media in an effort to debunk Swine Flu (H1N1) myths, to provide straight facts about the vaccines and to offer integrative and natural solutions for the prevention and treatment of the flu. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about how to take charge of their health. It is available as a soft-cover book or as an E-book.

Dr. Pedre’s book is well written, straight forward and easy to understand. I read in it two hours during my short commute to and from work. The book gives easy to integrate strategies to treat and prevent the flu. And although it focuses on H1N1 flu, his advice could be used for any strain of flu during any flu season.

In my clinical experience, the tips he gives for natural prevention are sound such as; getting enough sleep, washing hands with soap and water, Vitamin D3 supplementation, eating well and more. I am, however, surprised that he does not mention supplementation with the commonly known Chinese herb, Astragalus root, because there have been many research studies supporting its’ use for the prevention of H1N1 and other viral strains. Chinese medicine uses this herb to boost immunity, to prevent and treat a variety of viral diseases. And speaking of Chinese medicine, as a CM practitioner, I disagree with Dr. Pedre's recommendation to juice raw vegetables and drink them daily. Chinese physicians view raw foods as cold and dampening which can create a more vulnerable environment in the body that can easily lead it contracting a cold or flu. Certainly vegetables provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which help boost the immune system. My personal choice would be to eat lots of whole, cooked or lightly steamed vegetables.

“The Ultimate Swine Flu Survival Guide” is chock full of helpful information. To order the Dr. Pedre’s book, log onto the website: http://www.theultimateswinefluguide.com/. This website also has an informative and regularly updated blog, and news updates, that you can check out.

And, if you are wondering which brand of vaccines contain do and do not mercury a.k.a. Thirmerosal (and other adjuvants) you can visit this FDA site which lists all the brands and ingredients.

Here are The Top 7 Prevention Tips from Dr. Pedre’s book:

Tip #1: Wash your hands regularly throughout the day.

Tip #2: Get plenty of rest, especially when feeling run-down.

Tip #3: Boost immunity with Dr. Pedre’s The Swine Flu Survival Diet.

Tip #4: Optimize your Vitamin D levels.

Tip #5: Take Black Elderberry daily.

Tip #6: Take a daily dose of Vitamin C.

Tip # 7: Take a daily dose of Zinc at the first sign of swine flu symptoms.

Don't forget that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years for the prevention and treatment of a variety of flu viruses.

Now Open Saturdays!

2009-11-23T19:51:00.000-05:00

Announcing New Winter Hours on Saturdays!

Due to popular demand I will be scheduling patient appointments on two Saturdays per month from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See you there!

Call 212-894-0767 to schedule your appointments.

Tell the FDA, We Don't Want No BPA

2009-11-23T11:46:00.002-05:00

Here is information from CREDO Action's website about the dangers of BPA's to our health.

You can sign a petition HERE urging the FDA to BAN BPA's in all food and drink packaging. The petition will be delivered this week because on Nov. 30th FDA will reveal their decision regarding the use of BPA's in food packaging.

Below info is from CredoAction.com

-----------------------

Did you know that a chemical that has been implicated in everything from miscarriages to cancer to sexual dysfunction can be found in your groceries? Bisphenol-A — BPA — is contained in a broad range of food packaging including baby bottles, water bottles, almost all soda can liners and many other types of packaging.

A potent endocrine disruptor, BPA is present in detectable levels in over 90% of Americans and is a key ingredient not just in food packaging but in plastics of all kinds from PVC plumbing to register receipts. Make no mistake, BPA gets into our food: Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group have both studied the issue and found BPA in many of the canned products they tested, including infant formula, vegetables, soda and soup.

Hundreds of studies have confirmed the dangers of even low-level doses of BPA. The risks are severe enough that the prestigious Endocrine Society, the world's "premier professional organization for basic and clinical endocrine research and the treatment of endocrine disorders," released a special statement last summer explicitly warning that low-level exposure to BPA can adversely affect male and female reproduction, thyroid function, metabolism, and could even increase obesity.

The FDA, which has a long history of allowing industry-funded studies to guide policy, has responded to this controversy by embarking on a broad review of BPA research. But disturbingly, the FDA is also allowing a new multi-year government-funded study of BPA to use rats that many scientists believe are insensitive to the chemical -- not a good sign.

We need you to tell FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg that enough is enough. There is already overwhelming evidence that BPA is dangerous to our health. It has no place in our food, even at the lowest levels. It's time for the FDA to invoke the precautionary principle and put people's safety above corporate profits. When the FDA releases its BPA review on Nov. 30, the agency should call for an immediate ban on the use of BPA in any and all food packaging, including can linings, and should further require companies to fully test and disclose the nature of all chemical ingredients used in food packaging and linings.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE.

Learn to Make Home-Made Body Butter

2009-11-19T18:14:00.001-05:00

When: December 03, 2009 Thursday
Where: Online, can be accessed from any computer
Time: 6pm-8pm Thursday
Cost: $200 includes e-video, e-book class handout and live Q & A.
More Information Call 707 426-9480 email: info@joanmorais.com
To register: Sign up online

Learn how to create superb body butters. You will receive a class e-book containing all the recipes and an e-video you can watch from your computer. You will also be part of a live online class on what you need to know to make successful basic lotions and creams.

Unrefined shea butter is one of the best butters for skin but has a very strong scent. I will share with you which carrier oils synergize with unrefined shea butter producing a beautiful scent. There are new ways to scent your body butters to keep them completely natural and organic. These scents are made from botanicals (not fragrance oil). Scents like Pear, Mango and Coconut. Learn about ingredients to add to butters for a less greasy feel.

Whipped Body Butter is a lighter butter. Learn how easy it is to make your own whipped body butter with natural ingredients that nourish, revitalize and moisturize the skin. Made with top quality and pure ingredients, including organic (as much as possible) and unrefined. This enables the vitamins and minerals to stay in the butter which helps to nourish the skin. No synthetic preservatives or ingredients are used. I will also cover body butters with emulsifiers.

Lotion Bar/Solid Body Butter Stick
Body Butter Sticks also call lotion bars are in a Push-Up or Twist-Up container. Body Butter Sticks are a convenient way to take a moisturizer with you on the go and whenever your skin needs some extra moisturizing. It can also be carried on a plane since it is in solid form. This is an all-body moisturizer and can be used on the lips, face and body.
Made with the best butters, herbs and oils for the skin. Provides rich moisture for skin. Also softens and protects skin. Learn a pure butter recipe and one with beeswax.

Shea butter raw and unrefined. Processed in the "Traditional Way" by the women in a village in Ghana who are paid fairly for their trade and then able to help provide clean water, schools and clinics to their community. Shea Butter is rich in vitamins and minerals that help to soothe and heal damaged skin. Used for centuries in Africa for its moisturizing and protective properties and for dry, damaged and cracked skin, eczema, rashes and stretch marks.

Kokum butter is prized for its regenerative properties and promotes elasticity to the skin.

Sal butter is highly moisturizing and known for its skin softening properties. It is a stable butter with a mild scent.

Mango butter is a great lubricant for the skin, soothes and softens skin.

Cocoa butter organic and unrefined softens, nourishes, soothes and protects the skin.

Organic or natural skin care carrier oils soften, soothe and protect the skin. Experience some of the best oils to combine with butters.

Essential Oils used are known for their skin-reparative properties.

Can't Make It To Class? Buy the informative manual used in my classes. click here>>

THE CHARTER FOR COMPASSION - 3 Translation(s) | dotSUB

2009-11-12T17:58:00.000-05:00

THE CHARTER FOR COMPASSION

- 3 Translation(s) | dotSUB

457 Chemicals in Household and Schoolhouse Cleaners.

2009-11-06T17:45:00.001-05:00

457 Chemicals in Household and Schoolhouse Cleaners.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an amazing organization which educates the community about how to avoid harmfully unhealthy chemicals in the enviornment and our food. In thier lastest newsletter they published some alarming information.

Here is a snippit from thier newletter.
___________________________________________________

Have you ever wondered whether cleaning supplies used in our homes and schools contain toxic chemicals? Are they safe for your family's health?
At EWG, we did. So, we tested some popular conventional and green cleaning supplies to see what's in them and whether those ingredients are safe.
Check out our report -- you'll learn more about the products we tested, the 457 chemicals they released into the air, and how you can limit your exposures.
What's the problem with cleaning supplies?The shocking truth is that nearly any chemical can legally be used in cleaners, and ingredient lists are not required on labels. Our health, and the health of our children, is at risk when we breathe air clouded with chemicals, including some that can cause asthma and are known or possible carcinogens.
Get EWG's tips for simple but effective things you can do at home and at school.
It's smart to make some basic changes to clear the air.

Get EWG's tips and tools to switch to greener cleaning:
Clean with greener products at home and use safer supplies and practices.

Find tools to help you work effectively with your child's school, including a fact sheet about certified green cleaners and a sample letter to get the conversation started.

Get answers in our FAQ: We answer common questions about chemicals in cleaning supplies and their possible effects on your health.

Read EWG's full report to learn more about the link between cleaning supplies and your health, to see our product test results, and to find out what you can do to make the air in classrooms and homes a whole lot cleaner.

Lively New Year's Yoga Retreat Miami Beach!

2009-11-06T17:20:00.000-05:00

Go to sunny Miami Beach for a yoga and meditation retreat. One my my favorite yoga teachers, Michelle Barge will be teaching there.

This retreat will be lively. You'll enjoy daily yoga classes, organic food, a New Year's Eve dinner and a music celebration all leading up to 2010. Sri Raj Narayan Ji will be accompanying the New Year's meditation on the sitar. Package includes:- 2 daily yoga class - including The Standard's famous Friday night h2O- OM- accommodations- breakfast and lunch- use of the Turkish Hamam, Steam Room, Cedar Sauna, Artic Plunge and Ozonated Pool, Roman Waterfall Hot Tub and Gym.- New Year's Eve Family Style dinner- New Year's Eve music celebration with mediation and kirtan.

Click here for more information.

REDUCED RENT: Holistic Treatment Rooms in Union Square NYC

2009-11-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

For Rent: Holistic Treatment Rooms, Union Square, NYC ***RECENTLY REDUCE RENT!***

This beautiful, peaceful space is a perfect fit for; acupuncturist, herbalist, osteopath, nurse practitioner, nutritionist, reflexologist, energy worker, LMT, midwife, doula.

Each treatment room is tastefully decorated, fully furnished, has a large window, air conditioning, and heat. Also includes use of treatment tables, table paper, pillows, bolsters, needle disposal, TDP lamps and more. Common area includes; a sink, desk, waiting chair, refrigerator, microwave. The building is accessible 24/7.

Available: Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.

Rent: $80 per day, per treatment room. Or $75 per day, per treatment room if you rent two or more days.

Call 212-894-0767 for more information and to see the space.

Be Well,

Juliette Aiyana, L.Ac., Author

Practically Free Pilates Classes in NYC

2009-11-03T13:03:00.002-05:00

Here is the deal if you buy TODAY through THIS LINK you can get a package of 10 pilates mat classes for only $45- that's $4.50/class! Locations in Midtown & Chealsea.

NYC New Year's Eve Meditation Retreat

2009-11-03T11:09:00.001-05:00

NYI: A New Year’s Residential Retreat

with Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia

Thursday, December 31, 2009 - Sunday, January 03, 2010

The end of every year carries with it an opportunity for quiet reflection of what has been, as well as thoughtful consideration of our hopes and aspirations for the coming year. New York Insight’s New Year’s retreat offers participants a unique opportunity for doing just that. Instruction and guidance during this New Year’s Retreat will focus on openhearted evaluation of the conditions of our lives as well as thoughtful consideration of our aspirations. Most importantly, however, instruction and guidance during this New Year’s Retreat will focus on the rudiments of the meditation practice with an emphasis on opening the heart to receive who we are and what is occurring in each moment.

Click here to register and for more information

NEW YORK INSIGHT MEDITATION CENTER
28 West 27th Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212-213-4802
Visit us online at http://www.nyimc.org
Email: nyinsight@earthlink.net