Updates

Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder that I will be taking off the days between Christmas and New Years, returning to work on Tuesday January 4th, 2011.
January tends to be a very busy time for my practice. With the new year, people are often wanting to make a shift in their lifestyle or just wanting to try something new and different (insert: acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine).
I urge my regulars to book way in advance to avoid disappointment! We have made so much progress together, let's keep the good Qi flowing! :)

I hope to see you soon...
Light & Love,
-Nicole

Momentum

"Momentum thrives on you.

It is the water, the earth, the wind and the fire of your being. It embodies the elements of a life lived fully and on your own terms. It can fill your heart, sooth your soul, propel your body forward and, if you let it, momentum just might make you feel like you can do anything – and then likely, you can and will."-Katie Tallo

Please, pretty please take the time and give this a read:

http://zenhabits.net/momentum/

every smile is a direct acheivement

Last weekend I became a certified Zumba instructor. For those of you who are not familiar- think of Jazzercise with a Latin flavor: instructors dressed in bright skittles-colored clothing dancing repetitive Latin moves to super fun worldly music. As soon as the course started, a goofy-grin spread across on my face, unfading... Zumba taught me not to take life so seriously (and really, I am not an overly serious person to start ;) to let loose, relax and just be happy in the moment.

Once the mind is relaxed, it can be creative in any way you choose.

Find a outlet in your life where you can be creative, free, and most importantly- smile.
Don't know where to start? Maybe Zumba is for you!!! Art classes, meditation, yoga, tai qi, dance classes, writing workshops, spiritual retreats, maybe something sports orientated (running for me feels like creative expression... well... some days...)

Creativity is maximized when you are living in the moment.


Food also makes me smile.
Ok, so I rave about the health benefits of KALE to many of you, if not allllll of you.
"will Nicole quit it with the kale!?!"
uhhh no, i will not. :)

Kale with Peanut Dressing

I bunch of organic kale, chopped

1 organic carrot, julienned

Peanut Dressing:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup filtered water

2 tablespoons tamari

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon agave nectar

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional but recommended!)

Steam kale and carrots lightly, top with dressing.

No excuses. Eat it!

Much love,

-Nicole

Vegan pumpkin cheesecake

Because I've been talking about it and now you want some too ;)

http://www.nourishingmeals.com/2009/10/gluten-free-pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe.html

thai fish cakes

Hey there! What a lovely October we are having. I had an awesome run this morning under the stars - so clear and fresh. Ended the run with the sun starting to poke its sleepy head up. It's gonna be a great day!!

So I rarely post any meat-inspired recipes, but since I just received this little jem from a patient yesterday, I thought I would share :) Haven't tried this one out yet, but just looking at it makes me salivate!

Thai Fish Cakes:
1/2 red pepper
1/3 c cilantro
1 garlic clove
1/2 inch slice ginger
2 tsp red curry paste
1 tsp grated lime zest
1 tsp agave nectar
1 1/2 lb fish of choice (salmon, halibut, tilapia, etc)

Pulse the above in a food processor and shap into 12 3in patties.
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a pan and cook for 1 min each side until brown.

Dip in a mixture of: 4 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp wheat-free tamari, 1 tbsp agave nectar, 1/4 red pepper flakes.

Enjoy them and let me know how these yummy cakes turn out!

Health & Happiness,
-Nicole

Fertility & TCM

10 Ways Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help Fertility

Studies consistently demonstrate acupuncture’s benefit for a range of fertility-related issues. In one landmark study, pregnancy rates were 43% with acupuncture and 26% without it.

1. Improves ovarian response – better egg production.

2. Increases ovarian and uterine blood flow – better ovarian response.

3. Helps prepare the uterine lining – increased implantation rates.

4. Improves sperm count, motility, and morphology.

5. Lessens the side effects of hormone treatments.

6. Regulates hormones of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonads.

7. Decreases reproductive immunologic reactions.

8. Decreases uterine contractility at implantation.

9. Resolves stress to promote relaxation.

10. Reduces the incidence of miscarriage.

Diet, lifestyle, emotional well-being, acupuncture and chinese herbal therapy are all methods TCM practitioners use to help couples with fertility.

In Health & Harmony,

-Nicole

kale chips

Hi all!
Here is a quick recipe for kale chips...mmmm... crunchy delicious greens....

Quick and Easy Kale Chips

2 heads kale washed and torn etc.

1/4 cup Tamari

3 tablespoons Olive Oil

2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast

Prepare kale and put in large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with tamari, olive oil and nutritional yeast. Massage in with hands and spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 200 degrees until crispy (takes a long while).
Enjoy!

-Nicole

Whole Life Nutrition Cookbooks back instock!

Due to popular demand and deliciousness - I have re-ordered a few cases of cookbooks.
The price is $30.00. Come on in (even if you don't have an appointment) and get your copy!!!

If you are not familiar with this book - check out the authors blog: www.nourishingmeals.com
Gluten free, dairy and egg free recipes. Simple and delicious recipes.
Your taste buds and body will be thrilled!

Wishing you all the best today,
-Nicole

getting off the antibiotic rollarcoaster

Here is a great article about TCM herbs and antibiotics:
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=32283

-Nicole

great book I need to buy!

Just found out about a book entitled "The End of Overeating" by David Kessler. Thanks goes out to Desiree for introducing it to me.
Check out this video intro to the book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/mEWVSEWYGEKK1

In the Globe and Mail

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/examining-acupuncture-one-needle-at-a-time/article1684520/

Thousands of years of proven results still has scientists out to prove TCM efficacy. I would love to see more studies completed that are better controlled.

watermelon

I was enjoying watermelon with my Mom at the lake 2 weekends ago, when she asked, "Nicole, don't you think there is basically no nutrition in watermelon?! It's just like eating.... well... water?!"

I did not know the answer. I believe that all fruits and vegetables have ample nutrition, but was unsure if watermelon had less nutrients than its cousins.

Today, I remembered this conversation and am happy to report that watermelon is loaded with nutrients and health benefits! Hooray! Just one cup of watermelon has 25% of our daily vitamin C needs, 10% of vitamin A and B6, 7% of B1, and about 5% of magnesium and potassium. It’s also loaded with the anti-oxidant lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to protect against cancers including: prostate, breast, colon, endometrial, and lung. It’s also been shown to reduce inflammation in asthma, and arthritis. Studies also show that eating at least three servings of fruit each day can protect against macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in adults.

On that note, why not make some watermelon sorbet???? uhhh - yeah!

4 to 5 cups frozen (seedless) watermelon chunks
the juice of one lime
1/3 cup agave nectar
1/8 teaspoon guar gum

Place all ingredients into a food processor fitted with the "s" blade and pulse. Continue to process then pulse until all of the chunks have become a smooth sorbet. Keep pulsing and adding more sweetener if desired.

You can serve it right away or freeze for a few hours in a container.

Well- Wahoo for Watermelon!
ENJOY!
-Nicole

Food Matters

Food rules. Not only is it delicious, it rules how you feel- emotionally, physically... spiritually? (I think so).

Choose more vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Get back to eating basic, simple foods. EAT YOUR VITAMINS!!! :D

ok, here is the recipe of the day from me:

1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed- blanched for 6 mins in boiling water, then quickly pop into cold water to stop them from cooking

1 cup toasted walnuts (400F for 10 mins)

2 to 4 tablespoons snipped fresh chives

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon Herbamare

freshly ground black pepper

put it all together and eat. simple.

Every time you pick up your fork - you are voting. Make sure you choose natural (no processed anything- right?!!? k good), local, and organic foods. Support our farmer's market whenever you can!!!

Health & Harmony,
-Nicole

more cabbage!

Hi everyone!
I have been having a love affair with all kinds of cabbage lately: savory, purple, green... its all so crunchy and refreshing! Not to mention cabbage aids in detoxification and is known for cancer prevention.

Here is the latest cabbage creation:

Wasabi-Orange Cabbage Salad

3 to 4 cups thinly sliced green cabbage

3 to 4 cups thinly sliced red cabbage

4 to 5 large carrots, peeled* or shredded

3 to 4 green onions, sliced into thin rounds

Dressing:

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or brown rice vinegar

1 to 2 tablespoons wasabi

1/2 teaspoon Herbamare or sea salt

ENJOY!
Health, Harmony & Happiness,
-Nicole xx

scary stuff!

Thanks for sharing this article Scott:
http://www.rense.com/general86/doct.htm

Another reason to watch what you fuel your precious body with.

Hugs to my lovely patients

Some days you wake up just feeling off.... I had one of these mornings. Lack of sunshine? Lack of sleep? Maybe just a minor imbalance in my Qi flow? Who knows...

I get to my office expecting a hard, long day as I take a look at my packed schedule this Friday.

But then I take a step back from it all and take a look at what I'm doing: socializing with these wonderful people I call, "patients," that I am able to help with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Immediately a smile cracks onto my face. I love what I do, and to make things even better I love that patients that I attract into my practice!!! The people I see day-to-day are the most caring, considerate, and open beings.

Thus, my day has turned around. With a smile on, I thank each and every one of you. You are the basis that keeps inspiring me to learn, grow and practice this great art of healing.

Health, Harmony & Hugs,
-Nicole

Remember- "This is all that matters. In this, there is everything."

Globe and Mail article

Thanks to Laura for sharing this wonderful article:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/acupuncture-trust-me-this-wont-hurt-a-bit/article1579495/

Just a note to remind all patients that I will be will away Friday May 14- Thursday May 20.
I will be back practicing Friday May 21st.
So I'm heading out to New York to celebrate my Mom's birthday :D
Can't wait to hit up some ultra-cool health-food stores, see a few broadway shows, run in central park, and shop my heart out.

In the meantime, here is another smoothie recipe to knock your socks off:
1 cup soaked raw almonds (soak overnight, rinse well in morning)
1 cup frozen berries
1.5 cups water
1 tsp honey
Blend, blend, blend, sip, sip, sip, SMILE!

Never thought I would write so much about food, but alas I love to eat....
Sending you an abundance of happy energy,
-Nicole

Addictive salad

ok, its been one week and I have been eating the same salad almost everyday!

Let me share with you:
3 to 4 cups sliced green cabbage
3 to 4 cups sliced red cabbage
2 to 3 carrots, grated
1 cup chopped green onion
½ to 1 cup toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, dried cranberries, etc (I like to make a huge batch of homemade toasted trail mix every week, then put a huge couple hand fulls into the salad)

Dressing - so outrageously delicious...beware
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 to 2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (the kind with the whole seeds is best!)
½ teaspoon Herbamare or sea salt

Put all Dressing ingredients into a jar, and shake. Pour over salad. mmmmmm!


Health & Harmony,
-Nicole

Fruits and vegetables provide only modest protection from cancer?

Fruits and vegetables provide only modest protection from cancer?

This is a great read.

Green power

Most people that know me well - know that I *love* running. Seriously- my water bottle even says so.
I just ran the Regina Police Service half marathon yesterday and had a wildly fun time. Before any race, or training I have the habit of making a green smoothie. Not only is a green smoothie full of rich anti-oxidants, it also is easily digestible and doesn't upset my stomach while running.

Here is a great basic green smoothie recipe. Use this as a base and experiment to find your own flavor combination. Let me know if you make a masterpiece, and share your concoction!

• 1 cup frozen berries
  
• 1 small slice ginger
• 1 banana
• half an orange or apple or pear... ok really any fruit that is on hand :)
• add some water (maybe 1 cup? add more for desired smoothie consistency)
• pack as much or as little spinach, kale, collard greens or whatever green into the top of the blender. you may need to do this in batches depending on how strong your blender is.

Pack into blender. Blend! Enjoy!

Happily resting my legs,
-Nicole

Green spring cleaning

Its about that time again - Spring time brings on cleansing time. As many of my patients know, I am not a huge advocate of harsh, leave you barely standing & weak cleanses, but rather mild modifications to your diet. Just do a little spring cleaning!! Cut out the bad, add some green, and bring on summertime. Sounds fantastic to me.

A simple test you can do to determine whether you would benefit from a cleansing is to eat a few leaves of a dark, leafy green vegetable such as kale or down a couple of shots of fresh wheatgrass juice. If you can get it down without cringing, then chances are your system is already alkaline. If however, these foods taste horribly bitter and nearly cause a gag reflex, you will certainly benefit from a cleanse.

Start by consuming lots of raw, alkaline forming fruits and vegetables. Eaten on a regular basis, these foods will start the natural transition process away from processed foods that cause the body to become acidic.

At first, however, the body will not naturally crave plant-based foods when it is accustomed to processed and refined foods. You have to simply begin by adding more raw natural plant-based foods to your diet but without subtracting anything. Over time, you will naturally and painlessly have less interest in eating the more processed foods and you will gravitate towards the least processed whole foods. I know this sounds overly simplistic but it is a scientific fact that when the body has all its nutritional needs fulfilled, cravings will dramatically decline.

Happy cleaning!
-Nicole

I am new to this...

In attempts to keep patients and friends updated in the realm of acupuncture, TCM and my practice, I have created this blog. Bear with me as I am learning this blogging thing!