Coffee built the foundation for my work ethic and professional enthusiasm when I accepted my first job as a barista and coffee-roaster at Dunn Bros Coffee in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Yep, that’s right, I was a coffee-roaster. You may not see these around most coffee shops, but Dunn Bros prides themselves on the sacks of raw beans from over a dozen countries that surround the giant roaster at each location (and admittedly, I take pride in knowing firsthand the process from harvest to brewed beans). Perhaps it was from witnessing the smooth-beige colored Ethiopian bean turn to a silky-rich-brown color as it cooked and crackled that molded my perception of coffee as more a ritual than drug (similar to the way the Chinese and Japanese view Tea).   

Coffee, itself, has been around forever and can be considered a “natural product.” However, as the coffee industry has grown over the centuries, the plants have become more and more laden with pesticides and the farmers more and more abused. For that reason, I always recommend buying organic or fair trade coffee when available to support sustainable resources – so that coffee will be around (along with our planet) for years to come.

The Health Controversy

The arguments against coffee are mostly due to its caffeine content, which is about three-times higher in an 8oz cup of coffee versus a shot of espresso, an 8oz cup of green or black tea or a 12oz soda. Even a cup of decaf-coffee can still contain up to 5mg of caffeine. The initial perils of coffee was the suspected link between caffeine and heart disease.  Current research has shown, however, that caffeine is not necessarily a direct contributor to heart diseaseand that coffee itself may have health benefits such as preventing Parkinson’s Disease, Type 2 Diabetes and Liver Cancer. Sodas and energy drinks pose a larger threat to heart disease than coffee or tea, for example, due to their high sugar content that escalates the inflammatory response. Caffeine, however, has shown to increase stress hormones in certain people, which can then lead to cardiovascular disease or emotional disturbances such as anxiety. It is important to discuss with your health care provider what is the most appropriate approach for your health. In general, I find that patients trying to get pregnant, or who are suffering from anxiety, sleep disorders or breast issues often benefit from weaning themselves off coffee. 

The Chinese Medicine Viewpoint

As I have discussed in previous posts, Chinese Food Therapy utilizes the energetic functions of foods to “treat” conditions of the body. Coffee is no stranger to these findings. Energetically, coffee is very yang, or moving. It causes things to “get-going” in the body, which can sometimes begin to deplete the body of its natural ability to ignite it’s own engines, so to speak. We say this directly affects the kidney energy, which can be likened to adrenal function in Western medicine. Also, it can lead to an excess of heat in the body, causing insomnia, heart palpitations, digestive upset or irritability. Since the body’s energy is moving more, people who come in for acupuncture after their morning coffee often are more sensitive to the treatment as their qi is more on the surface. 

On the flip side, the benefit of coffee is said to tonify the heart qi – giving a feeling of joy and calm in certain constitutional types. It can also facilitate healthy respiration before a big workout by circulating the lung energy. In general, however, coffee does not have many real clinical implications in Chinese medicine – but it does give us a baseline to work with in helping people on their journey to optimum health. Just like anything else, portion control can make all the difference (such as consuming 60oz of coffee per day vs. 8oz). Personally, I tend to come from the school of thought: “everything in moderation,” and if I firmly believe deleting coffee from a patients diet will drastically improve their health – I can sympathize because I know how much comfort and benefit can come from our ritual coffee.

Coffee Enthusiasts

This post was inspired by my friend, Tony Black, who is a real coffee enthusiast – so much so that he has created a blog dedicated to images of people with their morning cup. It is a fun site, and a true testament to the ritual we have created around coffee way beyond the Starbucks phenomenon. Check it out and see Borbayand my-self’s featured photos in this week’s edition.  

I offered complimentary Tongue & Pulse Readings with auricular acu-pressure for stress relief, along with herbal trailmix. Thanks to my handsome associate, Jason, we had a well-organized line formed throughout the night so that everyone could experience the benefits of Chinese medicine.

In the end, nearly 30 people came through our booth. I was delighted to see such an outright interest in our services and have the opportunity to connect with people about this healing modality. If you missed the event and would like more information about Chinese Medicine, please email me.

The lovely ladies hosting this event and enjoying the festivities: PURE’s General Manager, Laina Seplow and Regional Membership Manager, Elena Pezzo.

The central room in PURE’s lobby. As you can see, it is a beautiful space with a great turnout of yogi’s.

Plenty of room for learning about new modalities while sipping fresh squeezed juice from Monavie, enjoying Organic-Vegan Cookies and receiving a decadent chair massage from Equinox’s Spa.

Unfortunately, I was not able to get around and meet all the other practitioners formally, but Nicole Maggio of Biosyntonie and I had a chance to connect before the nights end. Biosyntonie, I learned, was founded by a French scientist and provides a non-invasive, powerful way to ignite the bodies own healing capabilities.

Here, a participant enjoys a relaxing Biosyntonie treatment. To learn more about this revolutionary healing method and set up a personal session with Nicole, please email her.

More Event Festivities.

Justin Schantz and friends made a special appearance for the event.

The beautiful PURE Waiting area.  Thanks again to everyone who made this night possible, and such a success!

In good health,

Erin

]]> http://www.erinhessel.com/2010/02/pure-wellness-event-a-great-success/feed/ 2 http://www.erinhessel.com/2010/02/a-night-of-health-wellness/ http://www.erinhessel.com/2010/02/a-night-of-health-wellness/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:56:10 +0000 Erin http://www.erinhessel.com/?p=509 I’d like to formally invite you to a Wellness Event hosted by PURE Yoga East tomorrow evening, Wednesday, February 24th 6:30-8:30pm. I will have a table at this event, offering complimentary herbal snacks, tongue and pulse readings, and ear acu-pressure for stress relief. Please stop by to learn more! If you already know the wonderful benefits of Chinese medicine, then come by to see the beautiful studio space PURE has to offer and meet other health practitioners. Yoga is a wonderful way to enhance the healing benefits of Chinese medicine, and I particularly endorse PURE for their variety and quantity of classes (over 100 classes per week, featuring 21 different styles of yoga).

This event is complimentary to both members and non-members alike, so please take advantage of this wonderful evening of health. For more information about taking a class at PURE, contact Shaun – one of PURE’s experienced Yoga Advisers (shaun.Bradley@pureyoga.com).

To RSVP for this event, please call 212.360. 1888.  To read more about this event, click here.

Hope to see you there!

Namaste,

Erin

PS: New Clinic Information for ESEMA Healing Arts at the Berkley Center Coming Soon!

This event is complimentary to both members and non-members alike, so please take advantage of this wonderful evening of health. For more information about taking a class at PURE, contact Shaun – one of PURE’s experienced Yoga Advisers (shaun.Bradley@pureyoga.com).

To RSVP for this event, please call 212.360. 1888.  To read more about this event, click here.

Hope to see you there!

Namaste,

Erin

PS: New Clinic Information for ESEMA Healing Arts at the Berkley Center Coming Soon!

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

The Western calendar date of February 14th 2010 marked the Chinese New Year 4708: The year of the Metal Tiger.  The Tiger represents the third year in the 12 year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac – preceded by the Ox and followed by the Rabbit – and has many auspicious things in store for people born under all signs of the Chinese zodiac. This year is also represented by the Metal element, which can be ascribed to gold or money, a sign that the year may be important in generating wealth and fortune.

In the spirit of Valentine’s day (a simultaneous celebration), Jason and I spent the day together enjoying different aspects of the city and our day began at the famous Canal Street - the heart of New York’s own Chinatown. There is no doubt of the importance of this holiday as the streets were packed with people. Vendors selling fresh oranges, New Years dragons and noisemakers; bakeries stocked with traditional Mooncake pastries; and music off in the distance ensured that festivities and performances were all around.

Symbolism of The Tiger

The tiger is one of the most dynamic signs of the Chinese zodiac, known for their dependability, unpredictability, fearlessness, and immense capaicty for love and tenderness. While Tiger’s in general keep to themselves, they are also known to quickly make bold changes and take big risks that one might not have seen coming.  The stripes of a tiger symbolize the balanced forces of yin and yang, an important notable fact. Although the year of the Tiger holds a year of great importance to all signs, it is said that those born under the year of the Tiger (and compatible signs) will enjoy particular good fortune this year: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010.

The Year of the Tiger

Traditionally, the year of the tiger is associated with massive changes and social upheaval. Therefore, it is likely that the year of the Tiger will be volatile both on the world scene and on a personal level. But, this is not meant to be alarming. With extreme change comes an enormous opportunity for growth and transformation. The results may yield a circumstance that was once thought unimaginable or even impossible. Those born under the year of the Tiger, Dragon and Horse will find the erratic circumstances ahead particularly inspiring and successful. For the rest of us, it is time to exercise our “flexibility muscles”, to stay nimble and open through the strong wind of change. In Chinese Medicine, we can look to the properties of bamboo for help: during strong winds or torrential storms, bamboo bends through it all – rarely breaking and never standing solidly erect against the natural forces. Yet, within its pliable nature, it continues to grow forward – reaching to the sky and fulfilling its destiny. Bamboo dances in the face of change, and so can we.

May the year of the Tiger, and 2010, bring you health, happiness, luck, and the resources needed to make all your dreams come true.

Ever thought that your morning muffin or stir-fry lunch contained not just sustenance, but healing properties? Ancient Chinese medical theory has ascribed certain energetics and functions to many common foods, that still remain true today. Such properties are very different from nutritional values (vitamins, calories, fats, fiber, etc), which came later in the evolution of the nature of food. Let’s take watermelon (Xi Gua) as an example of this idea: our analytical mind knows that this delicious fruit is sweet, refreshing and nutritious with its high water content and fiber. The energetics of this food according to Chinese theory are cooling and damp draining, and therefore can prevent heat stroke on a hot summer day and promote healthy water metabolism by ridding edema. A more relevant example for the winter season would be lamb (Yang Rou), which is warming to the system and promotes optimum functioning. 

Food therapy is considered to be the number one treatment in preventative care and healing therapy. In modern China, there are special restaurants where one can go to receive tailored medicinal meals. After a visit with the Chinese medicine doctor, a pattern diagnosis is ascribed which can then be brought to the chef at such a restaurant. Food will then be prepared in accordance with individual needs – to nourish, eliminate or course any given imbalance. This notion contradicts the idea that one particular diet is best for everyone, but rather tailors nutritional choices based on individual need. What may help one person lose weight and feel energetic, may not be the right fit for someone else. I had the fortune of experiencing this model for myself at the medicinal food restaurant across from the hospital during my one-year clinical rotation in Hangzhou, China.  

Chinese herbal medicine utilizes the combination of roots, barks, leaves, stems and berries to promote health and vitality.  It only makes sense that Chinese Herbal Medicine and Food Therapy often overlap, with many herbal ingredients ending up on typical supermarket shelves. The following is a delicious trailmix you can make at home, as your own “herbal formula prescription.” In addition to curbing hunger between meals, or giving an energy boost before a work-out, this mix is high in antioxidents, essential fatty acids and protein. From the Chinese perspective, it is nourishing to the kidneys; promotes mental clarity, memory function; improves libido, energy and digestion. Enjoy!

Herbal Trail Mix – Common Names with Chinese Names and Functions           

Goji Berries/Wolfberries                                    

Gou Qi Zi -Nourishes the kidney energy, enhances fertility, memory, and sexual function

Walnut Halves                                                          

Hu Tao Ren -Promotes brain function, mental clarity

 Black Sesame Seeds                                                      

Huo Ma Ren -Nourishes blood, improves vision and sluggish digestion.  Black sesame has the additional benefit of promoting lactation in breast-feeding women.

*I like Mrs. May’s Black Sesame Crunch Squares, they are slightly sweetened with honey that provides a great flavor and also aids digestion.

This post is a proud participant in the Kathleen Show’s Prevention Not Prescriptions Blog - a great place for other resources to stay healthy.

Choose Your Support

So, what to do?  First off, find the resources around you and seek help.  Consulting with a health care professional is an important catalyst in transforming your blues into bliss.  It can also help combat the isolation that often accompanies mood changes. It is my experience that with chronic or severe emotional distress, there is no “one” help and calling on a variety of resources yields stronger, more lasting results.  Here are some tools you may want to try:

• Implementing an appropriate exercise routine (which will vary for each individual)
• Tap into your creative expression (such as journal writing, art/music/dance therapy)
• Dietary and lifestyle changes (such as increasing essential fatty acid intake, vitamins and minerals and decreasing sugar and refined food)
• Consulting with a professional psychologist or psychiatrist
• Nourishing constitutional patterns and reducing stress with a holistic modality (acupuncture, herbal medicine, reiki)
• Reduce your stress (yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture)

How Acupuncture Can Help

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), does not treat “depression” per say, but rather the person who is experiencing depression. Different individuals can experience the discomforts of depression from a variety of causes – or, as we call them, patterns. In treating depression, your acupuncturist first must find your unique pattern diagnosis and from there, begin to strengthen your system and ease discomfort. Acupuncture can help to greatly reduce emotional and physical stress and the somatic pain that often accompanies emotional upset. Best of all, it will not interfere negatively with any other therapy or prescriptions you may be receiving, but complement them by tapping into the root of your constitutional nature.

Herbal remedies may also be a good option for occasional slumps or mood swings.  Unlike acupuncture, which must be administered by a licensed professional and usually done only 1-2 times per week, an herbal formula can follow you home and become a daily treatment.  When prescribed by a licensed practitioner, herbal formulas are completely safe, and can help the body harmonize from the inside out.

For more information on how to incorporate the benefits of acupuncture into your emotional wellness plan, please contact us.

(….and for the record, Borbay is a big fan of acupuncture!)

Press Release and Other Interesting Stuff

1.18.2010 | Huffington Post | Long Interview re: Art, Urbania, Life

1.19.2010 | TONY | Mention in “Own This City” – Slideshow of Work, launching 1.20.2010

1.18.2010 | Pieces Showcased | On my blog

1.16.2010 | Time Out New York | Print Mention on Page Four

12.18.2009 | Time Out New York | Voted Time Out New York’s Most Creative New Yorker

A Winter Wonderland From My Home in Minnesota

Dad & Me Toasting the Season with a Holiday Sambuca

The Newlyweds! My Sister Kelsey & her Husband Jason

Mom & Me: Ready for our Traditional Potato Soup Christmas Eve Dinner

Grandpa Jo & Grandma Cheryl Celebrating with Chocolate

Our NYC Apartment Tree 2009

Cookies: A Christmas Favorite

Jason & I Warming Up Inside on a Snowy Day

A gift from our good friend Justin

Wishing you joy, health and happiness this season and always.

In good health,

Erin

Winter, Water, Kidneys & You

In Chinese medicine, winter applies to the Water Element in 5-element theory. Although it comes in the form of snow and ice, water is truly an abundant part of the winter landscape. When transcribed to the human body, the kidneys and urinary bladder are responsible for water metabolism (both energetically and physically) and are a pivotal part of the Water element. Yin and Yang are interdependent forces prevalent in all aspects of life, but winter is rooted in a strong sense of yin. In this regard, yin can be understood through the cool and still nature of the season. A teacher of mine once explained the water element as the bottom bedrock on the ocean floor – the deep, dark, solid root of something so powerful and majestic. I like to translate this metaphor to the body, with representation to the powerful root to within each of us – our individual potential.

Aside from the physiologic function we know from Western medicine, the kidneys represent our root essence (genetic makeup) and the urinary bladder has relevance to the nervous system. Memory, brain function, reproductive function, bone growth, and systemic development are also important aspects of kidney energy in the body. The emotion of fear or fright is ascribed to the Water element, and is often a relative factor in someone with constitutional tendencies toward this element. The winter is a perfect time to strengthen and nourish these energetic organs.

Nourishing the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder

Nature gives us the tools we need for nourishing the ascribed element and organ systems, and the number one way to do this in the winter months is to hibernate. Rest, warmth, sleep. This is the time to slow down, and nature forces us to do that with the gifts of cold and snow. The weather change literally forces us to move inward – into our homes, into the warmth, into ourselves. It is a time for introspection, meditation, and conservation of resources.

During winter, the land is frozen and there is no growth or harvest. That which is leftover from the fall becomes nourishment for the winter. Canned vegetables, sauced apples, gourds, squashes and meats for hearty stews are important for building the root aspect in ourselves. There are plenty of herbs and teas for nourishing the kidneys during this time, and depending on individual constitution will depend on the formula focus. Even if you are feeling healthy, the beginning of winter can be a great to time for visiting your acupuncturist to help guide your body into the energetics of the season and promote tonification.

Enjoy the beautiful season of winter. Take a moment to listen to the quietude outside and reflect into the depths of yourself. Use the space provided to cultivate that which satisfies and nourishes you, regenerating the resources necessary for the coming spring and summer.