It's amazing how fast time can go.  As I am posting a little more on social media, I just noticed that after making some website changes, the Blog page is Empty.   

Creating Content is fun but it can also be a hit or miss in terms of knowing where to spend time and what may reach an intended audience so stay tuned for an initial blog and photo dump of drafts and cross posting from other platforms.    In the meantime here is a little video of one of my favorite herbs! 

Ai Ye (aka Mugwort) Artemisa Vulgaris   is  a versatile plant that can be used a variety of ways.  It is most commonly known and used in East Asian Medicine in a dried form used in Moxabustion  (Moxa Therapy). Moxa can be great for some types of arthritis pain, sports injuries and symptoms from common gynecological concerns.  As a spa treatment,  mugwort is sometimes incorporated into baths and steams and it can also be part of traditional herbal formulas or taken as a tea.  This plant is part of multiple cultural traditions and has a distinct aroma to it.   

According to research published by the National Institute of Health, Male Infertility occurs in 35% of couples struggling to conceive. This percentage is equal to women, yet fewer men actively initiate treatment support. When a woman in a heterosexual relationship comes in for fertility support, it is often advised that her husband get his sperm tested to check for motility  and morphology (speed, shape and overall quality).  

Stress and lifestyle factors (diet, recreational substance use) can easily be addressed through patient education and lifestyle coaching. Acupuncture can also help facilitate relaxation and reduce stress sensations. Herbal formulas can also be used to help with symptoms related to sperm quality. Many couples struggling with fertility benefit from coming for acupuncture together, and it can help both partners relax and be actively involved in the process. 

Infertility is typically diagnosed after a male and female have been unable to naturally conceive after one year of unprotected sex. (Six months for women over 35 or older). Full exams to look for physical causes are recommended in addition  to assisted options like IUI and IVF, and it is also a common time patients  look into acupuncture.  Once any physical conditions are treated, many couples are able to conceive naturally.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are also able to support the body while preparing for most procedures and help to support and enhance sperm quality (as well as egg quality). 

For more information and facts about male infertility, please visit the summary provided by the NIH here: 
www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menshealth/conditioninfo/infertility

When talking about plant-based diets, many people think of trendy organic restaurants, expensive health food stores and prep packaged meals.  The reality is that there are many affordable sources of essential  nutrients when looking into meatless meals.  As cliche as it may sound, grains and legumes have many benefits, and looking into the health benefits of types of rices and beans can provide a wide range of nutrients, as well as more variety then the basic pinto bean and white rice. Garbanzo beans, for example, are used in a variety of gluten free products (pasta, flours, cereals) and also have 150 milligrams of calcium per 3 1/2 ounce serving. This is more then an equally measured amount of yogurt! (121 milligrams of calcium per 3 1/2 ounce) .  Pinto Beans have 135 calcium milligrams per same size serving in addition to other nutrients. 


When looking at the cost of a can of beans (or 3) in comparison to high quality, grass fed piece of steak, the difference is much clearer then comparing to a typical fast food meal. However the nutritional benefits are much higher with the beans then the average convenient meal on the go.    Price wise, making tacos with a combination of rice, pinto beans, kidney beans, organic yellow corn shells, and organic greens can come out to $8 for 12 basic tacos (plus optional) or $.67 each. In comparison 12 crunchy tacos at a popular fast food chain comes out to $14.95 ($1.19 each) with fewer nutrients and more fat,  Adding fresh avocado, lime, and tomato brings the homemade taco cost up by approximately $4 so there is still some savings (and variety for meal prep fans).  

Now Seeing Patients at 2001 S Barrington Ave #118 Los Angeles, CA 90025. Office Hours are currently Monday and Saturday 8:00am-12pm and Thursday 2:00-8:00pm .

Let’s face it, eating and food rank are essential survival needs. Diet, nutririon and supplement information is searched for thousands if not millions of times per day online and it is one of the fastest growing wellness areas. With a few keywords, a search engine page pulls up a front page filled with sponsored listings for apps, nutrition certification programs, books, blogs and coaching.Not to mention, we’ve all encountered someone preaching the benefits of a fad.

But what happens when a desire to eat healthy becomes an obsession? A common pattern I have seen with patients with body image issues or in recovery from eating disorders (or other additions) is a preoccupation with long term restrictive regimes that may have negative effects on their health and relationships. While eating a healthy well balanced diet is important. Realistically we all encounter situations where the only option is what is in front of us and it is break a regular routine or go hungry.

In cases where the propcpatiion or obsessive nature of following a specific diet begins to create issues for an individual,, clinicians are recognizing patterns of what is defined as Orthorexia Nervosa. While note currently recogznied in the DSM-5 (The primary diagnostic manual used for mental health concerns), it is currently being researched for the relationship with other eating disorders as well as anxiety and depression.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine,  Diet and Nutrition are often connected to both the bodies unique needs to restore and retain balance and a diet factoring in seasonal and local produce.  As the seasons change, what we need to adapt to the
changing conditions is frequently related to what is growing locally and in season.  By adjusting our menus to the season,  the body is able to make the most of what we take in energetically.  This has a positive impact on digestion as well as being able to maintain a healthy, nutrient dense menu on a budget without spending extra on imported produce. Many seasonal foods will also be appropriate for helping the body stay in harmony with the effects of seasonal changes.

While the temperatures in Southern California have been remaining warm (and even hot on some days)  and dry throughout fall, the days are shorter and the nights are getting cooler. However, since it is fall and we are officially moving into the holiday season, here are some ideas for making the most out of the seasonal squashes currently available at most local grocery stores and farmers markets.   A few of my favorites include: Spaghetti Squash, Butternut Squash and my newest discovery Delicata Squash.  Happy Cooking!

 (all recipes link to there original posting site and are also shared via Facebook each Monday) photo: Delicata Sqaush

Roasted Delicate Squash with Tumeric by Gina Homolka
www.skinnytaste.com/roasted-delicata-squash-with-turmeric/

Easy Vegan Pumpkin or Squash Pie by Nava Atlas
www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/easy-vegan-pumpkin-or-squash-pie/

Coconut Curry Soup with Sweet Potato Noodles  by Taylor Kiser
www.foodfaithfitness.com/coconut-curry-soup-with-sweet-potato-noodles/

Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes with Sriracha Pumpkin Aioli by Jenn
peasandcrayons.com/2015/11/easy-oven-roasted-potatoes-with-sriracha-pumpkin-aioli.html

A key value that I was raised with is the importance of being of service in the community through the support of local organizations and education. Through initially working in social services after moving to the Los Angeles area, I have had an opportunity to become familiar with a wide variety of organizations, and actively volunteer when able to.   To provide information on both how to get involved, as well as resources that may be of assistance, I will be sharing information at www.facebook.com/balancefromwithin  every Saturday and include a monthly blog post with more in depth information on the organizations.  Remember, even if you are reading this and unable to contribute financially, time is always an appreciated gift and there are organizations to help and support many causes and connect with the community.   In gratitude and service

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve. " Albert Schweitzer