Tag: digestion

Acupuncture with Dr. Shannon Menestrina

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
Dr. Shannon Menestrina is one of our acupuncturists at Balanced You Clinic. In our interview with Shannon, she shares more about her style of acupuncture and unique aspects she aims to provide in each treatment. What can a person expect in an acupuncture session with you, Shannon?  Sessions with me utilize all of the modalities within Chinese Medicine to help optimize treatment goals for each person. My goal is to understand your whole health picture and create a safe, relaxing space for an individualized treatment experience. The initial intake is an opportunity for us to check in, discuss what the focus is for the session, and answer any questions. Treatments often weave together acupuncture and other adjunctive therapies such as...Read More

Fire Cider for Fall – Guest Post from Wabi Sabi Herbs + Lifestyle

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
Chinese medicine teaches that the Autumn season is governed by the lungs and large intestine. Lungs and large intestine love fire cider - why? Fire cider stokes the digestive fire and loosens mucous in the respiratory tract. Your digestion will be encouraged with this blend which includes onion, garlic, radishes, ginger, turmeric, orange, burdock, lemon, and tulsi leaves. The tulsi leaf herbal component adds a subtle sweeteness and softens the blend. Typically Fire Cider includes horseradish root although I left horseradish out of this batch so that it’s can be less irritating to those with conditions that cause digestive discomfort. This food-as-medicine blend is great as a morning tonic beverage as our mornings get colder. After breakfast, an ounce or...Read More

Food Therapy in the Fall Season

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
Fall is governed by the metal element – this season is associated with the lungs and large intestine. Both of these organs take in vital substances and then help with elimination of waste. Moving into the cooler months, we lean into more warming and hydrating foods to optimize digestion. Warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and chai are encouraged in both teas and meal preparation. Soups and stews are hydrating meals that can be prepared in diverse ways – this helps the large intestine regulate fluid content and bowels through the cooler months. Seasonal foods such as butternut squash, pumpkin, and root veggies strongly tonify digestive qi and are often utilized in fall recipes. Lastly, fruits such as pears, persimmons,...Read More

Dietary Therapy in the Fifth Season: Late Summer

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
Late Summer season is associated with the Earth element. The Earth element is associated with the Spleen and Stomach energies, two organs that play a major role in the function of our digestion and assimilation. Part of slowing down in this season is simplifying our diet. This means to prepare simple, whole food meals that aren’t too sweet or spicy, cold or hot. Stoking the digestive fire is an important part of preparation for cooler seasons as digestion can become damp and cool as the temperatures (and our activity level) reduce! - Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, and figs. These foods help to nourish the spleen and stomach and support digestion - Avoid greasy and fried foods...Read More