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A Los Angeles Acupuncturist's Point of View
Coconut Oil
I read today that women put a staggering 515 chemicals on their skin every day.
I'm shocked. Sort of. When I pick up beauty products in the pharmacy or even in high-end retail stores, I cannot identify most of the ingredients listed. And up until recently, I have trusted that that was okay.
I've recently started asking myself as I read health and beauty product labels, "what would happen if I ingested this?" If intuition tells me that I may end up in the emergency room, I put it back on the shelf. But who has time for this? And why should you have to read labels? I want to make it simple for you. I will do the investigative work for you.
So let's start with the skin, the largest organ of the body, known as the integumentary system, your first line of defense against toxins. Pass up all of the creams, lotions, and potions. Rather, head to the cooking oil section at your local grocery store. Pick up a jar of coconut oil. Read the label. One ingredient only: raw organic coconut oil. I have found that it is the best skin moisturizer on the market, it is very reasonably priced, and smells divine. It melts on contact with your skin and leaves your skin incredibly soft. You'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you don't have a single chemical seeping into your pores.
I'm shocked. Sort of. When I pick up beauty products in the pharmacy or even in high-end retail stores, I cannot identify most of the ingredients listed. And up until recently, I have trusted that that was okay.
I've recently started asking myself as I read health and beauty product labels, "what would happen if I ingested this?" If intuition tells me that I may end up in the emergency room, I put it back on the shelf. But who has time for this? And why should you have to read labels? I want to make it simple for you. I will do the investigative work for you.
So let's start with the skin, the largest organ of the body, known as the integumentary system, your first line of defense against toxins. Pass up all of the creams, lotions, and potions. Rather, head to the cooking oil section at your local grocery store. Pick up a jar of coconut oil. Read the label. One ingredient only: raw organic coconut oil. I have found that it is the best skin moisturizer on the market, it is very reasonably priced, and smells divine. It melts on contact with your skin and leaves your skin incredibly soft. You'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you don't have a single chemical seeping into your pores.
FREE YOGA
September is National Yoga Month. I am ecstatic that yoga gets a full month of recognition. I am even more ecstatic at the idea of practicing at a participating yoga studio for free for an entire week.
Please click here to download your yoga voucher to redeem at a participating yoga studio in your city.
Get bendy. Find inner peace. Namaste.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
Food, Inc.
"If you eat food, you should see Food, Inc. " --Tamara ZumMallen. THAT is my official review.
I sat down in the Nuart Theatre with my Mom because I like to be informed. Especially about food and food production. With a corporate soda in hand and legs folded under me in a comfortable sukhasana, I was eager to learn but not ready for what I was about to see. This country was built on the backs of farmers. I was choked up on several occasions while I listened to farmer after farmer talk about how they couldn't survive anymore due to legislature that forces them to farm in ways that will completely offset the delicate balance of our ecosystem.
I'm a midwesterner so the shots of rolling farmland really appealed to me. So beautiful. That's God's country, I tell you. Except it's not like I remember as a child. Genetically modified crops, over-crowded livestock farms, and private investigators from Monsanto now rule the land. How is this possible? How is this legal? In a culture where 1 in 3 people born after the year 2000 will have adult-onset diabetes, we must change. We simply must.
Please see Food, Inc. Then get back to me with your thoughts so that we may discuss it.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
p.s. In complete disgust at how corporations dictate what happens to our farmers and their farms, I did not finish my soda. Knowledge is power. Don't ever forget it.
Free Yoga on Beautiful Santa Monica Pier
What's better than yoga on the beautiful Pacific Ocean? FREE yoga with two of the best, most knowledgeable yoga instructors in Los Angeles. From now until the end of August, Lori Rischer and Joan Hyman are offering a free class every Saturday morning starting at 8:30 and ending at 9:30.
98.7 FM and Pre Probiotic Enhancer bring you this summer-long event. The girls trade off Saturdays, and having taken yoga with both, I'll tell you that you are in very good hands. Arrive a few minutes early with an ID to sign in. Have your mat, towel, and water in hand. Walk to the end of the pier and be prepared to move, sweat, take deep breaths, and feel at one with nature.
Really...is there a better way to start your weekend? You may take a look at the event announcement by clicking here. And you may also find Joan on the web here. Be sure to sign up for Joan's newsletter when you visit her site.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
Lotus Moon - Mindful Skincare
I am in possession of the best under eye gel a girl can get her hands on. And men too, for that matter. Everyone who knows me knows that I am a fanatic for good skincare, particularly eye creams, gels, and serums. And the more natural, the better. Enter Lotus Moon.
I have been using my Lotus Moon hydra firm eye and lip gel for two weeks. This little tube packs a lot of power. With just two weeks of use, the skin around my eyes is visibly firmer and brighter. My upper lip, which was starting to get ever-so-faint vertical lines looks ten years younger. I can't believe it!
I am telling everyone about Lotus Moon because not only are the products superior to anything I have tried in recent years, but because the company philosophy is one that I can totally stand by. Ms. Lake Louise Ziwa, Founder and President of Lotus Moon, combines her knowledge of research with her passion for holistic health and love of the planet. And for that, I love her.
I am looking forward to using more Lotus Moon products in the future. Why stop with eye and lip care when I can have cleanser, toner, moisture mist, peels, masques, and body care. You may learn more about Lotus moon by visiting their website: www.lotusmoon.biz, phoning 888-762-2667, or dropping an email to info@smbessentials.com.
Thank you, Ms. Ziwa for your vision. You'll be hearing from me soon!
5 Reasons You Should Hire Tamara ZumMallen, L.Ac. As Your Acupuncturist
I thought about posting my resume on this blog so that you could get to know me a little better. Then I thought.....how boring. How about if instead I tell you why you should hire me as your acupuncturist. I think this will be way more interesting than a boring list of educational and professional facts about me.
So here goes.......
The five top reasons to hire me as your acupuncturist are:
- Empowerment: Your acupuncture session may be one of your shorter appointments of the week. However, in our brief time together I will provide you with information you will need to care for yourself the rest of the week and beyond. I keep myself well-educated on what is new in wellness and preventative health. I readily pass this information along to you so that you will prevent re-injury and save yourself time and money in the long run.
- Accessibility: Healing Hands on Larchmont, the clinic in which I practice, is open seven days per week from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. It is simple to leave a message for me there or at my email address: Tamara@LAacupuncture.net.
- Consistency: I have been practicing acupuncture at Healing Hands since November 2003. For almost six years I have kept a consistent schedule of: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I have mentioned numerous times throughout this blog just how much I enjoy practicing at Healing Hands. I love this place. I'm not going anywhere!
- Results: Since acupuncture is a business of results, I will do all I can to make sure that you receive the best result possible. If I believe your case needs different attention, I will refer you to the appropriate medical professional.
- Affordability: It is the mission of Healing Hands to provide the community outstanding service at reasonable rates. Our rates are already lower than our competitors, but we have decided to offer an acupuncture special. While an initial acupuncture session is $125.00 and subsequent sessions are $80.00, we are offering the initial session for $80.00 from now until June 7, 2009. That is a savings of $45.00 off your first session. Also, you will receive a complimentary 30-minute massage from one of our world-class massage therapists, worth $35.00, with your initial acupuncture session. Acupuncture and massage in one stop translates into bliss for you.
If you have never visited Healing Hands and would like an introduction into what we are all about, please click here to watch a brief video, compliments of Citysearch.com.
Please call us at 323-461-7876 when you are ready to book your initial acupuncture session. I look forward to serving you.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
Ginger: The Best and Most Cost-Effective Herb For Nausea
Fresh ginger, or sheng jiang, has been known for thousands of years to ease nausea. It is definitely one of my favorite herbs in all of the Chinese medicinal herbs. Why? Because it is easy to find here in the West, very easy to prepare, and pleasant-tasting.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology is reporting the results of a federally-funded study that shows that chemotherapy patients who took ginger capsules for three days before treatment had significantly less post-chemo nausea than those who did not take ginger. You may read more about the study by clicking here.
While the article notes that the patients took their ginger supplements in capsule form, I recommend taking the herb in fresh, raw form. You may purchase fresh organic ginger root at any grocery store these days. You will not have to look far, I promise. If your regular grocery store does not carry fresh ginger, ask them to order some. Fresh ginger root looks like this. You will pay about $4.00 for a ginger root that fits into the palm of your hand. One fresh ginger root may yield up to 20 servings.
Dosage is 2 - 5 grams per serving. You may safely take 2 to 3 servings per day. To make a fresh ginger tea, slice 4 - 5 pieces the size of a quarter and steep them for 10 minutes in boiling water, like you would make a tea. You may also grate ginger and put it in yogurt, oatmeal, stir fry, and any other dish that may need a spicy kick.
Ginger also has antibacterial properties, tranquilizing, and anti-hypertensive effects. Please speak with your M.D. if you are pregnant and considering taking ginger.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
Rewarded For Healthy Habits? I Sure Hope So.
Finally...an idea that's time has come. I have been saying for years, well at least all of the years that I have been studying and practicing preventative health, that people should be rewarded for being proactive about their health and well-being.
Two Democratic senators, Max Baucus of Montana, and Tom Harkin of Iowa are at the helm of this initiative. The New York Times reports this today.
Like I always say, pay for year health on the front end. I will definitely be following this story every step of the way.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
Twisting
I really enjoyed this yoga class I taught this morning. I really enjoy teaching yoga in the spring in general. Why, you may ask? Because spring is all about renewal and rejuvenation in Chinese medicine. We care for and revitalize our livers at this time. With just a few more weeks to go until summer, I encourage you to keep twisting your torso in your yoga practice. Like a sponge, when you twist, you squeeze and wring out your organs flushing out toxins and then flood the organ with much-appreciated, clean blood. And with all of the deep breathing (pranayama) exercises throughout the yoga class, there is definitely an abundance of oxygenated blood to nourish your organs, particularly your liver.
Two very simple twists that any person can do are: ardha matsyendrasana and parivrtta trikonasana. Learn to take pleasure in twisting. All of your visceral organs and your spine will thank you for it.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
Stress
Stress. It's a catch-all term used to describe the physical and emotional state of a being when outside factors are not adding up leading a person to feel unwell inside. A relatively new term. And the reason for 60% of all doctor visits. I think this is a conservative estimate. I am quite sure that there is another huge percentage of people who do not seek medical attention for stress due to the cost of the doctor's visit. But that's a different blog entry for a different day.
As an acupuncturist, I would say that lately most of my cases are stress-related. Sure, I still get the sciatica, carpal tunnel, and tennis elbow cases and I am happy to serve these patients. But I am troubled by the number of stress cases that have turned into physical maladies. Insomnia, digestive problems, anxiety and depression, migraines, gynecological disorder, erectile dysfunction, and TMJ are just a few of the cases I have taken as of late due to stress. I have come so accustomed to working with stress that I have come up with a list of ideas that will help you take care of you, or as I like to say "control the controllables."
- Eat Right It sounds simple but I'm surprised when people tell me how much junk food into their bodies. And that is just what they'll admit to. Eat 5 - 10 servings of vegetables and fruits per day, eat healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocados, and have small amounts of lean protein. Flood your body with nutrition. You will feel great doing so.
- Limit Caffeine One caffeinated beverage early in the day is enough. Anything more may disrupt sleep. Sleep is essential for rest and repair of the body.
- Drink Water It is imperative to drink water to keep vital organs hydrated. A dehydrated person may suffer from headaches, digestive disorders and muscle fatigue. A good rule of thumb for water consumption is to drink half of your body weight in ounces. For example, a 150-lb. person would drink 75 ounces per day, every day.
- Do Aerobic Exercise You must elevate your heart rate at least 20 minutes per day in order to keep your cardiovascular system healthy. Also, creating an endorphin rush and balancing serotonin levels in the brain will help you reduce stress.
- Have A Confidante Do not keep your emotions inside. Get it off your chest. There is great therapy in "talking it out." I always let the patient have the first five minutes or so to talk. I just listen quietly and intently. After just a few minutes, I see their faces soften, their shoulders relax, a return to a normal breathing pattern, and finally a sense of calm. Know you are not alone. Stress happens to everyone.
- Get Acupuncture I am not saying this because I am an acupuncturist. I am saying this because I am an acupuncture patient. I will tell you with certainty that when I receive the points shenmen and yintang, I feel physical stress leave my body almost immediately.
- Get Massage I have the pleasure of working alongside of some of the most talented massage therapists in all of Los Angeles. I watch people walk out of Healing Hands on Larchmont all day long completely blissed out.
- Take a Television News Sabbatical The 24-hour news outlets routinely sensationalize news stories. I encourage you to not watch them but rather log onto the internet and read the news from a reputable news outlet for facts only. Without emotion. And without an "expert" telling you how you should feel. See the news for what it is and not worse than what it is. Limit your reading to 30 minutes per day so that you stay informed but do not feel manipulated.
I am sure that if you incorporate a few, if not all, of the above ideas into your life, you will feel better and that your stress will feel more manageable. And remember, you are not alone, stress happens to the best of us and whatever it is you are going through, this too shall pass.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
