10 July 2010

Recipe: Dahl with Kumara & Tomato

By Kristie Ussher
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl




This is a great winter warmer using spices to warm the body and increase circulation.



Serves 4-6

1/3 cup yellow split peas
1/3 cup brown lentils
2 Tbs of vegetable oil (or ghee)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground cardamom seeds
1 tsp chilli powder
3 curry leaves (optional)
1 lge kumara, chopped
3 cups vegetable stock
1 Tbs tomato paste
4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup red lentils
4 Tbs of fresh coriander


To serve:
Freshly chopped coriander
Natural yoghurt



1. Place peas and brown lentils in a bowel and cover with water; stand for 1 hour.
2. Drain peas and lentils and rinse well.
3. Heat oil in a large pot, add onion and garlic and cook stirring until soft.
4. Add spices and stir until fragrant.
5. Add, paste, kumara, stock, peas and brown lentils, bring to the boil and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
6. Add tomato and red lentils and simmer covered for about 20 minutes or until lentils are soft.
7. Stir in the fresh coriander.
8. Serve with natural yoghurt and extra coriander if desired.


Serves 4-6.
NB. You may need to add more water if too dry and make sure it is on low when simmering because if you burn the bottom the whole thing will taste burnt!

Winter ~ Living in Harmony with the Seasons



By Kristie Ussher
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl



The ancient sages of China promoted the benefits of living in harmony with the five seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Late Summer, and Autumn.

Winter completes the cycle of the five seasons and is a time for nature to prepare for the birth and growth of new energy in the Spring.

The cold of winter contracts and drives us inwards as we seek refuge, warmth and comfort. Winter is a time to rest, reflect and rejuvenate so that our energy reserves can be replenished and consolidated ready for the outburst of Spring. It is a time to be thoughtful, reflective and introspective.




In Chinese Medicine, Winter is associated with the Water element and is related to the organs of the Kidney and Bladder, which govern the body’s water metabolism.

These organs are most vulnerable to developing imbalances during winter. However, problems may not manifest until later in the year. Conditions that are associated with an imbalance of the Water element may include:

- bone problems (such as arthritis)
- lower back pain, knee pain (that is worse in cold weather)
- hearing difficulty
- hair loss
- any problems relating to the urinary system
- premature ageing
- sexual and reproductive problems
- infertility
- excessive fear and insecurity.

Element: Water
Season: Winter
Organs: Kidneys & Bladder
Flavour: Salty
Emotion: Fear
Colour: Black

01 July 2010

Receive 50% off your next treatment!!!


Our referral program - Receive 50% off your next treatment!!!

At Ocean Acupuncture we mainly operate on a referral based system to get the word out there about our services.

To thank you for spreading the word and telling your family and friends, if you refer someone to your existing Ocean Acupuncture practitioner we would love to offer you 50% off your next visit *.




* Participating practitioners only:
Sonia Barton (Bowen),
Lois Nethery, Belinda Boylan & Kristie Ussher (Acupuncture)
Time limit applies

Four Ways to Use Acupuncture Therapy

By Kristie Ussher
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl





CONSTITUTIONAL TREATMENTS


We are all born with some inherited weaknesses. For example some of us may have had digestive problems since birth or may always have a tendency to hay fever. Acupuncture can be used to strengthen these weaknesses and to protect against developing further problems in the future.



SEASONAL TREATMENTS

Traditionally the great sages of Chinese Medicine used acupuncture to prevent illness and maintain optimum health.

As the seasons change so does the body’s energetic system. Acupuncture is a great alternative and can be used to harmonise the energetic systems of the body with the changing environmental energies, assisting to strengthen the immune system and thus prevent illness. It is best to undertake treatment at the beginning of each new season.









CRISIS CARE TREATMENTS

Acupuncture can be successfully used to treat many longstanding chronic conditions. It targets the underlying cause of disease as well as helping with symptomatic relief so that the body can reach full recovery. For acute conditions and flare-ups, seek immediate acupuncture treatment to hasten recovery and nourish the body's underlying energy reserves.



SPIRIT TREATMENTS

Chinese medicine views the body and mind as a whole. Physical illness can often be inter-related with emotional imbalance. As well as treating physical manifestations of disease, acupuncture can be great to assist with healing on both a spiritual and emotional level.

These treatments can also be very beneficial for those that are experiencing extreme emotional trauma such as grief, shock, depression, anxiety or those living with an addiction.




See our website for a full list of conditions that can be treated with acupuncture
http://www.oceanacupuncture.com.au/conditions_treated.htm



OR ~ Call Ocean Acupuncture for more information Ph: (02) 9938 2182

Tips to Keep your Water Energy Strong in Winter

By Kristie Ussher
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl





FOOD PREPARATION


Avoid eating too much cold food, including chilled drinks and raw fruits and vegetables, as these deplete the body’s energy.

Rather, try lightly steaming vegetables and stewing fruits. Even better is using slow cooking methods such as roasting, to increase the warming nature of food.


Warm hearty soups, whole grains and roasted nuts are very comforting and nourishing in the thick of winter.

Small but regular amounts of bitter and salty foods are also great in winter as they direct energy down and inwards. Examples of bitter foods include endive, watercress, rye, oats, quinoa, turnip, celery, alfalfa, lettuce. Examples of salty foods include seaweeds such as kombu, barley, miso and sea salt.(1)



KEEP WARM AND COVER UP

Protect yourself from the cold. Keep your neck covered and your lower back and feet warm.




SLEEP LONGER

More sleep is important in winter, go to bed earlier and rise later.




MEDITATION AND RELAXATION


Take this time to reflect, rest and contemplate.



GENTLE AND SLOW EXERCISE

Choose exercises that require little physical exertion. A morning or afternoon walk is great for some fresh air and to get your circulation going. Other practices such as Yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong help to consolidate our Qi and replenish our energy stores.



RECONNECT

Winter is a great time for intimate gatherings. Get together with close family and friends over a home cooked meal.



“The more we rest in winter, the greater the harvest will be in summer”
- Chinese medicine proverb.






References
(1) Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition (3rd Edition) North Atlantic Books, USA.