Acupuncture: An Alternative to the Flu Shot?
 Every season there is much hype about getting a flu shot. But are they really effective? Are they even safe? And is there a better alternative?
In a report by Dr. Mercola it states that even the CDC (center for disease control) has said the flu vaccine can have “no or low effectiveness” against influenza or influenza-like illness. One of the reasons this is the case is because flu Vaccines also contain dangerous ingredients known to impair not only your immune system but can have detrimental side effects on other body systems as well. Below is a partial list of some of the additives and preservatives found in the flu vaccine (or any vaccine): * Thimerosal (mercury derivative and known neurotoxin) None of these additives are things you should be injecting into your body. And thankfully you don’t have to. You have other options that are far safer and more effective. Acupuncture can help prevent colds and flu by building up the immune system . This is done by inserting a few needles into key points along the energy pathways on the body. These points are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and for consolidating the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle so that germs and viruses cannot enter through them.Several clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (colds and flu’s). If you do get sick with the flu, start getting acupuncture treatments in the early stages. It may help eliminate pathogenic influences and lessen the severity and length of time your are sick. How many Acupuncture treatments does it take to strengthen the immune system? Generally speaking, about 4 acupuncture treatments are enough to strengthen your immune system. If you are already in very good health, don’t consume sugar or eat processed foods and eat lots of green veggies and plenty of fruits, one treatment may suffice. Otherwise we recommend a Fall tune up, coming in once a week for 4 weeks. Within those 4 weeks, you may also notice improved energy, better sleep, elevated mood and feel less stressed. Acupuncture has a long list of side effects…but thankfully they are all good ones! |
| Get Healthier with Green Smoothies |
 Green Smoothies are an excellent way to get more nutrients, greens and fiber into your diet in an easy and delicious way. They are fast and easy to make and you can consume them on the go!
Green smoothies provide you with sustained energy levels throughout the day, cut down on food cravings and fully nourish you on a cellular level improving many aspects of your health. Consuming a green smoothie every day is one of the easiest ways to get your daily serving of fruits and vegetables. You can whip these up yourself in your kitchen with a high powered blender or you can pick one up at your local juice and smoothie bar. The juice and smoothie bar in Whole Foods Market places are a great place to get green smoothies made with organic fruits and veggies. Green Smoothies are a great way to start your day, especially for those who prefer a light and easy breakfast. Green smoothies are considered a “predigested” food since many important minerals and other nutrients in greens are encased in the cell walls, and these need to be ruptured to extract the nutrients. Blending greens makes the full spectrum of nutrition readily available to the body without the body having to break it down. The nutrition in green smoothies begins to immediately absorb into the blood stream giving you an instant boost. There are many variations to green smoothies but the typical ratio is 60% fruit and 40% greens. The fruit balances the taste of the greens and adds a sweet flavor. There are countless ways to combine fruits and veggies to make a variety of different green smoothies. It’s a good idea to vary the greens and fruits you use each week to make sure you’re getting a variety of different vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. My favorite green smoothie at the moment is:
Blend until smooth and give it a taste test. For a sweeter taste add a few drops of liquid (or powdered) stevia. Adding stevia allows you to add more greens and less fruit but still have a sweet taste without the additional sugar. |
| Men’s Health Magazine is on board with Acupuncture! |
Check out this article, published in the December issue of Men’s Health magazine. It’s called The Five Ways Acupuncture Can Fix Your Health Problems and notes acupuncture’s effectiveness in the treatment of:
This is a great article with good information and mentions some good studies. A big credit to Men’s Health for getting the word out!
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