Los Angeles, CA Acupuncture, Parenting Blog Acumomma

Let us envision together a world of interdependence

2011-10-31T20:07:09Z

I will be performing with the Gong at an amazing event in 2 weeks:

Please join me! Student/Friends discount is $97 for the all day event.

A vision, A Gender Declaration of Interdependence, that offers unconditional support to Men and conceives a New Legacy for our Children

On November 16^th, 2011, at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles will be a special experience. The theme is the Feminine Light in the Middle East -- designed to examine who we are as women, appreciate our talents, value ourselves, find joy in our purpose and honor the men who honor us.

On this day, we want to show gratitude for our blessings and achievements and join with others to create a voice of tolerance, leading the way toward greater personal and global fulfillment. Together we can work toward harmony that finds balance between the feminine and the masculine, a healthy legacy for our children.

Today, we turn our faces toward the women in the Middle East and explore ways to support them in their security, self-worth and purpose.

This day is the official launching of the Institute of Women’s Enlightenment and we will give birth to an action plan for working together toward the common good of women everywhere. We will:

· Develop our consciousness with regard to the nature of our identity as women

· Promote an exchange of ideas that will live on after the event

· Create a vision of understanding and encouragement

· Find practical ways to support women in the Middle East

· Develop an action plan for ensuring that women’s and girl’s voices are heard

It will be a day of discovery, illumination, definition, and enlightenment.
You’ll enjoy music, soulful sounds, savory tastes and celebrations of the Star Rose Awards.

20th high school reunion

2011-10-03T06:13:03Z

38 years old - all attendees of the class of 1991 20th high school reunion. And here is my realization - we all fit into the following categories: married with kids, married without kids, single/divorced/widowed, working or not working.
That's it - all the cliches, all the "identifiers" - cheerleader, jock, hackey-sacker, junkie, drama geek, student body, what ever - all those identifiers can be grouped into middle aged column headings.
Not to be a debbie downer but for $130 a head (that was the sticker price) - mediocre food, a pricey bar, and reminiscing or not - I would have chosen something else to do with my time and money.
Like go with my husband to the school fundraiser - Vegas, Baby - casino night - he had great food, gambling - and walked away with the chip leader's prize - 4 nights in Mexican villa! Yay! have no idea where though - will get details tomarrow....

For free - uplifting video: http://www.mysticmamma.com/video-message-of-hopeintegrating-science-and-history/ click here - loved it!
Makes sense of the grand unrest being felt by many

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Birthdays/Deathdays - the cycle of life

2011-08-14T17:19:29Z

Today I was born - 38 years ago. A homebirth in Arizona - attended by my father and a midwife. My mother described the birth as "orgasmic" - I came out with the water with my eyes open and smiling - or so the legend and birth announcement goes...
This birthday is neither a big 0 or a middling 5 - those seem to be the big milestone birthdays -
But it is the first birthday since my mother died/passed/transitioned 3 months ago.
I feel her absence acutely, painfully so. It began yesturday and rather than feeling joy and excitement for this birth - day - I feel an acute sense of loss and grief.
She would not want it so - for my mom - life was about celebrating - birthdays, report cards, first days of school, everything was a reason for a celebration. Mother's day shouldn't be annual per the tradition and Hallmark cards - Mother's day should be celebrated daily!
Every birthday, I would wake up to a fruit plate - a lovely mandala of my favorite berries, exotic fruits - lovingly, and purposefully and artistically rendered by my mom - the faves - blue/black/straw/raspberries along with the exotic - pineapple, mango, papaya, kiwi, maybe guava/passionfruit. Each fruit was firm, not overly ripe - just like I like it.
I have tried to continue this tradition with my family and last year each daughter and hubbie made their version and presented to me in bed which was the pinacle - years of investment paying off! This year - hubbie is working all day, and the plate of cut up fruit on the plate put together before he ran to work - was maybe his best, but made me miss mom even more.
So how can I honor my mom? How do I stop crying? - Probably the first stop off this pity wagon is acceptance of what is and what isn't. Okay, now what?
I am going to go make my own fruit mandala - in honor of my birthday day and my mom's love and energy pushing me out 38 years ago.

Baby's digestion and colic

2011-07-25T06:19:15Z

In the hospital, the night nurse tried to get me to give Mishmish tylenol for pain. I told her I had no problem giving him tylenol but I as far as I could tell - he was in no discomfort despite his fall - he was smiling and all in all acting his usual self. She showed me the hospital's pain chart and pointed out that he was kicking his legs (a sign of pain), grunting and bringing his legs up to his chest (sign of pain) - I explained to her that in his 2 months of existance - that was normal behavior for him - "he is a grunter and farter" I told her - and he kicks alot - he is an active baby. Then she stated that his resting heart rate was high 150. I asked if sugar water would work. They had given me some sugar water to put on the pacifier to calm him when doctors came to inspect him. I know from research I have read that sugar is a natural pain-killer in infants - hence the grape juice prior to circumcision and lollipops after shots/vaccinations. She assurred me that it was not the same. She just wanted to make sure the "pain did not spiral out of control" - I was perplexed by that statement and while she typed away at the computer in the room. I tabbed the pacifier in the sugar water and stuck it in his mouth. He immediately began to suckle and his heart rate went down to 135. "That blows my theory out the window" the night nurse laughed.

On a side note - Mishmish has received acupuncture on Ren12, ST36 for the digestion - to strengthen his spleen/stomach and the Earth - to great effect.
Also Bao He Wan (used for food stagnation) by Blue Poppy - a pediatric line in tincture form - 1 dropperful - is great when he is grunting and working out a poo that is stubborn. Within 10-15 minutes he has a poo and seems happier.

Sleep Deprivation, Avoidable Mistakes, and Lessons Learned

2011-07-25T06:10:19Z

Little man aka Mishmish (apricot in hebrew) is now two months old, waking up twice at night - I am fine with the 3 1/2-4 1/2 hour blocks of sleep. Really I am. Throw into the mix a 5 year old coughing all night and you have a completely different story. After 3 nights of vigilant watch and care - the worst is when she looks at you at 3 in the morning and states "I have NEVER felt so bad in my Life!" - sleep deprivation causes worry and desperation to flood the psyche. After a day at work and a night of childcare - the only thing I knew was - I needed to get the girl something to eat - whatever she wanted, I was going to prepare. Salmon? no problem - coming right up. But what about the baby who lasts 3.8 minutes in any swing, seat, bouncer before breaking out in vocal protest? "I can't leave him on the floor, at least if he is up on the counter, I can talk to him while I chop" was the logical conclusion (yes, I am blaming sleep deprivation for the rationalization). I turned my head for a moment and crash!
I see little man on the floor, I pick him up, he is shocked for a second and begins to SCREAM! I comfort him and he settles down - I notice a large lump the size of a marble on the side of his head and immediately call the ped. She assures me that though it is probably nothing - babies are resiliant - take him to the ER. Salmon be damned - I grab my sick 5 year old, call my husband to meet me and take the girl- last thing I want is her in the hospital catching God Knows What. Cedars Sinai is 10 minutes away and I am rushed to the front of the line. As we are being admitted, he nurses - already I have been assured by the nurses that the fact that he did not lose conciousness, and he is nursing are good signs.
Long story short - after 6 hours in the ER, a CAT scan of the brain, and full body X-ray - Mishmish is fine - no brain damage/bleeding, a slight skull fracture, no concussion. He exhibited no change in his demenour except when someone dared touch his bump, which disappeared within 18 hours. We spent the night on the Pediatric floor for observation. Spontaneous Hemorrhage may occur within 24 hours so we were kept for observation. Luckily - Mishmish was fine and no procedures were necessary.
Important Lessons:
1. looking at pupil dilation or lack therof after a fall - is only for severe damage. You can have a problem a few hours or next day. So keep checking.
2. most important is the soft fontanel - it must remain soft and dented - if it bulges there is inflammation/bleeding - big problem
3. don't put seats on counters/tables/chairs/anything elevated!!!!!!
4. You have an accident and your child is under 1 year of age - be prepared - by law - you are going to have to talk to a social worker in the hospital, an emergency county social worker, a police officer, and then a county social worker will be assigned to your family and interview everyone in the family.
5. Mistakes happen and you can't beat yourself up about it and you must forgive yourself and treat yourself with compassion.
6. Mistakes are sometimes preventable - learn from them and pass on the info - so others don't do the same stupid thing!

Back in The Swing of Things...

2011-07-15T07:32:25Z

I cannot believe how time flies - and all you can do is grab on to Its coat tails and go for the ride! Little man is almost 2 months old and has increased his birth weight by 50%! He is doing exactly what he is supposed to do - eat, poop, sleep - and he does it well apparently. He is more alert - and if I can be genderist - he is already a true man - all he does all day is grunt and fart .
   For Colic/Stomach discomfort - There is a great chinese herbal tincture by blue poppy which is for kids (glycerine based) called Quiet Nites and is based on a popular "Food Stagnation" formula called Bao He Wan - I have used this - 1/2 a dropperful - when he seems uncomfortable - grunting away working on a b.m. and it really seems to help.
   Little Man seems to not appreciate caffeine - coffee/chocolate/ etc seems to upset his stomach when imbibed through breastmilk. The girls are adjusting - My eldest, turned 10 is an amazing helper and my almost 5 year old who "loves her brother!!!!" is going through the typical regression - talking like a baby and wanting to be the baby - good times. Too bad Patience isn't patented in a pill - I would buy some!
   I am back to work and while I seem to be helping my patients/clients - I am the first to admit to them/the world/anyone who will listen - that my brain is running on 70% - luckily, that seems to be enough. However, I am looking forward to the day when I have a full night's sleep - or at least a 6 hour block - and my cognition improves.
    Anyone enjoying "baby brain" out there? Astragalus (Huang Qi) seems to help a bit!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Acknowledgment

2011-05-04T19:08:00Z

Okay - I wouldn't tell you to do this if I wasn't doing it myself.
Last night was a new moon - and this is the exercise I invite you to do over the next 28 days:
Close your eyes. Reflect on the way you have been feeling or acting or re-acting over the past few weeks. Is it working for you? Are you feeling amazing and excited for spring? Is there anything you want to change?

9 months pregnant - I have been very focused on getting what I want - from life, from my partner/husband - and getting upset, resentful, angry and sad - because the of this "Yang/Masculine" energy of "trying to get things done" - and I have had resistance - and it isn't working for me.

So this new moon - I acknowledge myself as the divine feminine - receptive, practicing the path of least resistance, and I make space for the universe to open up and reveal it all - as it is and should be.

So back to you: is there something or someone or some way of being you want to acknowledge yourself as - and take that on for the next 28 days?

I acknowledge you as _____________________________!

Namaste!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Complaining, Whining - the root of unhappiness explored

2011-04-29T17:58:00Z

Came across this in a fax of all things!
"At the root of complaining is thinking that the situation could be better. At the root of satisfaction is being aware that the situation could be worse. In almost all instances things could be worse and they could be better. To master happiness a person needs to have a constant awareness that things are better than they could be". - Rabbi Pliskin (Gateway to Happiness)

Okay - so kvetching, compaining, whining - has led to serious dis-satisfaction in my household of late - apartment is too small, neighbor's dogs/puppies do not stop crying (seriously turning my animal loving family into dog haters - not generalized - just these specific chihuahua mixed breed hell-hounds), lack of funds to pay bills, slow work, the list goes on...

The pursuit of zen, the bible/torah - all the wisdom states - FOCUS ON GRATITUDE! Make a mental Gratitude list - One of my clients asked if this really works - Yes! It does!

I always start with a Gratitude list - what I am thankful for - and I do not compare myself not to my immediate neighbors, friends, clients - then I will surely see all that is lacking in my life. Where is my house with white picket fence or rather - a modern, green LEED certified abode?
NO, I compare myself with the other 85-90% of humans living on this planet - the ones without shelter or leaky roofs/shanties, no heat/fresh air, fresh/clean water, lack of food/variety, clothing/shoes, the ones in areas of peril/war/violence - and my life seems GREAT! I am full of awareness of the plenty and possible excess that exists in my life.

So Rabbi - I thank you for your reminder and my mantra today is: "I have no complaints whatsoever" - Shabbat Shalom!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Get Healthy, Stay Healthy - Be Well With Yaelle!

2011-04-09T01:02:00Z

I am close to 8 months pregnant and have started to spring clean the office. I have an overstock of herbal formulas - check out the link - I am offering the herbs at 30-40% off regular prices!
Spring Herbal Sale - for formulas for the following:
Men's Health (reproductive health - low sperm count, erectile disfunction (ED), impotence, tinnitus, etc)
Women's Health (post-partnum, qi tonics)
Immunity - herbal anti-virals, anti-biotics, common cold/flu, bronchitis, etc, kid's ear infections
Pain Management - neck'/shoulder, low back, bone spurs, etc
Supplementary Formulas: vision health, asthma, chemo/radiation, kidney health/nephritis, gastro-intesinal support, sports enhancement, etc.

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Who is this guy?

2011-03-25T05:00:00Z

Now at 30 weeks pregnant - feeling large, waddling a bit, incontinent a tad - and curious...Who is this guy joining our family? We are a clan of alpha extroverts - even our cat "Sami" is social. He runs to the door to greet guests (dog-like), comes into the room verbalizing at 7:30am like an alarm when we oversleep (like a rooster). "Izzy" - the tortoise knocks on his terrarium to be let out - only to run circuits around the apartment (slow and steady - like a tortoise!), "Lollypop" the parrotfish reorganizes the aquarium - super industrious - picking up a piece or two of gravel at a time and moving it from one side of the aquarium to the other to form ditches and hills. The girls are both social, outgoing, self-confident in very different ways. The four and a half-year old - Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde (or as she puts it "Happy Ellah" and "Mad Ellah") - ignites like a firecracker when perceiving injustice or disorder of how she feels things ought to be! The Almost 10 - is the oldest/the performer/the socialite. Daddy and Mommy are strong, stubborn and alpha-types. Who will this little guy be? How will he fit into the clan? The first baby in my womb felt like a soccer player, the second felt like a shimmying bellydancer, this one feels like a free-style swimmer or a tai chi master or capoiera (sp?) dancer - with his flutter kicks, high fives, and slow wide leg movements. Just a bit longer....curious.....

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Am I worthy of the life I want?

2011-03-24T16:50:00Z

Definitions of 'worthy' [wur-thee]

Dictionary.com - (Showing 1 definitions)

adjective 1. having merit or value 2. deserving

     Easy answer: Duh! Of course I am. BUT (there is always a but) - what is holding me back? What prevents me from achieving my dreams and goals? Using techniques of affirmations, "The Secret" tool/Feeling the abundance, manifesting - are all wonderful tools - if there is an underlying feeling of not being deserving/worthy - none of it will come to fruition. So where does the underlying lack of worthiness come from?
I walk in gratitude knowing that I have some much (healthy, happy children, loving partner, relatively dry roof over my head (a slight leak from the celing after the storm was patched by the apartment management company!), clothing, food. The basics are taken care of. I work in a fulfilling career facilitating health for others. I am happy and fulfilled (most of the time). Do I receive my feelings of worth from parenting, helping patients/clients? Um...Yes. I have been indoctrinated into the belief that in order to be happy - do good for others. There is even a website www.dothedeed.org ! (Do the Deed is about attitude and action. Becoming more aware. Intentionally doing good for those around you. This site exists to celebrate and inspire a movement fueled by simple acts of kindness. The smallest deed can change a life. Together we can bring joy to the world. One deed at a time.) I have always taken this for the truth. We cannot live an egocentric existence and be happy. We are all a part of the macrocosm - we all have responsibility for our actions/deeds, our caring for our home (the earth planet), each other. This is my story and I am sticking to it!
     BUT (and there is always a but) Why can I do this for others and Not myself? Or at least not with a good helping of guilt to go along with it. Does the guilt prevent me from treating myself as I treat others?
The 10 commandments teach the Golden Rule - Treat Others as you would like to be treated. Why can I not treat myself as I treat others? Hm...Is this a mother thing? Putting children and everyone else first? Is it a Jewish guilt thing? Is this why I cringe internally when I see egocentric/self-entitled behavior?
     So then is this the time to delve internal - design a new paradigm, "I am worthy of the life I want!" Does this ring true? How many times must I say it to feel it? If it does not ring true - what underlying thought/belief must be unearthed and expunged?
Your Thoughts?

Worried about Radiation?

2011-03-18T22:40:00Z

Okay - this radiation cloud may or may not hit us (West Coasters, that is) - supposedly if it is - it is happening today - thus far - the sacramento monitor registers minimal radiation particles. According to the news - people are buying Potassium Iodide to take to prevent Thyroid exposure. The Potassium Iodide binds with the receptors in the thyroid which blocks the harmful radiation (which can lead to increased incidences of thyroid cancer). The problem with this is - is your thyroid is fine - taking Iodine (which can be helpful for thyroid hypofunction) will mess up your thyroid!
What to do? What to do? Well TCM (traditional chinese medicine) practitioners and other holistic doctors will recommend a natural source of iodine such as Kelp (Kenshin has a good one) which has a similar effect of binding with thyroid receptors to block radiation - while reducing the potential side-effects of the iodine.
So if push comes to shove - and radiation arrives - the recommendation is 10 tablets of kelp, twice a day - no more, no less - according to the doctor at Kenshin.
For that matter- what about the radiation we get from Mammograms (alot!), Dental X-rays, Infra-scans, etc.?
Well, I for one take and give my family - a dose of kelp (kids half the amount) 2-3 hours prior to exposure (ex. annual dental x-rays) so that the receptors have been saturated and block the thyroid from longterm effects. As it is not a long-term treatment protocol - I am not afraid of potential side-effects of taking something like Iodine - that could throw off thyroid function (that is a whole other blog posting).
Think about it, do the research, and maybe this posting will alleviate a little bit of fear/anxiety some of you may have.
Of course what the radiation does to the rest of the body....

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

When you get the call...

2011-03-02T10:44:00Z

1:30am call - "Your mom isn't waking up." When you have a parent that is suffering from a long standing, chronic, degenerative disease (ALS and Parkinson's specifically) and you get the call. What do you do? Cry, Breathe, Pray. The ridiculous grudge you are holding on a friend who hurt your feelings seems pointless and you send her a text despite it being 2:15am. The dream you had 3 nights ago seems like a premonition (My mom's friend Carolyn who passed away earlier this year shows up at my door, looking 30-40 years old, slender, great blond bob, and walks in with some groceries and states,"I came to visit your mom." I look at my husband in the dream and whisper to him, "but she's dead!" and he looks at me at whispers back, "I know,") You put the kettle on - and look through the cupboard for the most nerve-soothing tea you have (Yogi Sleepytime with valerian, skullcap, passionflower, etc). And you journal/blog - because despite that fact that you should probably go back to bed (kids need to be cared for and taken to school in 4 hours, there is a PTO parent meeting at 8 am, work/clients await) you are on call (the doctor will make a house call, and your aunt will call you with updates in the morning) and you can't sleep.
The tea is honey sweet and soothing and may do the job. I had my aunt hold the phone to my mom's ear and I told her I loved her and to open her eyes if she heard. My aunt said she did. She is sleeping. My aunt thinks she should go into the hospital for observation despite the fact that my mom signed a living will that states that she does not want to be hooked up to machines. If she goes in, they will hook her up (IV for fluids/nutrition, meds) - that is not what she wanted. What can they do for her there, beyond prolong her life? Her neurologist stated she thinks my mom has another year. Another year of what? I think of our medicine today - we have the ability to prolong life - but should we?
I think of the animal kingdom - when an animal is old or dying - the instinct is to go away, lay down, stop eating/drinking and pass. My mom LOVES food. She didn't eat yesturday except for some soup. Today she took a few sips of water. She does not want to die in a hospital. Do you send her in? Is she finally ready to release her spirit from this "jail/prison" of a rigid/nonfunctioning body - to be set free? Her favorite dreams were always flying dreams. Is she ready to fly? Is she dreaming of flying right now?
The body she has does not work - the legs don't work, the lower body do not work, the voice doesn't work, the brain is not functioning 100%. Is it time? The last time I got a phone call kast May- she woke up in the afternoon (she had taken 2 sleeping pills at night and so the scare was false - not waking up in the morning was drug induced) My aunt says that she doesn't have any meds nearby. So I wait. And breathe. And pray - that G-d/The universe/"Carolyn/The Friend" indeed has come to visit my mom - and that she soon will be free.
I received this email today:

--- Concentrate on this Sentence

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'   Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear.

This is not a joke; someone will call you by phone or will speak to you about something that you were waiting to hear. Do not break!

Send it to a minimum of 3 people... Not before you read below
There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.
Give these flowers to everyone you don't want to lose in 2011
Including me, if that's what is in your heart.
Try to collect  8 ; it's not easy!

I love my mommy.

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

How to make herbal infused oil

2011-02-25T03:27:00Z

So excited!!! Conducting a Balm & Gong Workshop on Saturday from 10am-2pm in Pasadena! Making Balm is fun and easy. The time intensive part is if you want to make the balm really healing for the skin beyond the high quality butters (cocoa, shea, avocado, mango butter), and oils (evening primrose, jojoba, etc). Infusing oil is easy, but takes time. In a sterilized double boiler add the herbs you want to infuse (in this case I am using Calendula, St. John's Wort, Mullein, Plantain leaves) - Cover with oil (I am using extra virgin olive oil) - bring up to 120-140degree F and let "cook" for 4 hours. strain herbs either with cheese cloth or natural coffee filter. The infused oil is great for dry, irritated, itchy, skin. I will save most of the oil for Saturday's workshop but I will make a jar of salve for my family - adding a bit of bee's wax to the heated oil until melted, then taking off the heat and adding essential oils of lavender and roman chamomile. This salve is great for everything from kid's diaper rash/burning butt, to scrapes, rashes (eczema, allergic dermatitis), to vaginitis. Pretty much whereever there is need to soothe sore/painful/itchy skin.

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Battle "The Stubborn Bug" - Flu & Cold Season 2011

2011-02-24T08:14:00Z

Whereas last year seemed to be the Stomach virus/bug that never ended (everyone seemed to get bad 24 hour to 3 weeks worth of Stomach upsets throughout 2010), and the dreaded "swine flu" - this year - the nasty "Head Cold"/"Chest Cough"/"Achy/Chilly Flu" - has hit hard. People have been laid up for days/weeks and the first thing to remember - REST! SLEEP! REST! 2-3 DAYS IN BED WILL SAVE YOU 2-3 WEEKS OF MISSED WORK! HIT IT UPON ONSET - DON'T LET IT GET INTO YOUR CHEST - HIT IT WHEN FIRST SYMPTOMS BEGIN!!!!
Hit it with all it is worth and don't let up! Just watched "Flyboys" - great action movie set in 1917 WWI - keep firing on the enemy and don't give up!
YOUR ALLIES:
1. FRESH GARLIC:
is a potent antiviral/Antibiotic/Antifungal - use crushed/raw - it won't win you any friends but it is your ally.
Ex. JUICE (get yourself a juicer and give yourself infusions of potent vitamins/minerals - to ward off bugs:
Recipe: 4 carrots, 2-3 oranges, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 inch of fresh ginger - drink daily (it doesn't taste as bad as it sounds!)
Ex. SALAD DRESSING - crushed garlic in your home made salad dressing (I make this for supper on days when I am treating lots of sick people) - crushed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt/pepper, and a bit of dijon.
2. ECHINACHEA/GOLDENSEAL TINCTURE (antiviral/antibacterial) - for sore throat/swollen tonsils - mix 1-2 dropperful with oz. of water and gargle 30 seconds then swallow. Repeat every 4-6 hours. If you have the fortitude - you can apply directly to tonsils Warning: this stuff tastes aweful!
3. STEAM WITH TEA TREE OIL/EUCALYPTUS (tea tree is antiviral/fungal/antibacterial and eucalyptus opens up nasal passages and bronchials) - add a few drops to shower and breathe deeply, or add to bowl of water and steam under a towel. I actually put a drop of tea tree on a 1-tip and used in my nostrils - pretty drastic but worked. Also nice: chest r ubs
4. LOAD UP ON VITAMIN C - emergen-C, lozenges, chewables, fresh orange juice, too much can cause stomach upset - but I haven't reached that point yet
5-7.ZINC, ELDERBERRY, ISATIS ROOT - look for them in wellness formulas
8. STAY AWAY FROM SUGAR, DAIRY, SOY, WHEAT - causes mucus and will make you more congested and works against you. Allies include - stews/soups/veggies/fruit - easy to digest foods
9. HOMEOPATHIC FORMULAS - this is not my forte but sinusin and cold calm are used in my family as adjunct care.We love: OCCILLICOCCINIUM - 1 vial every 6 hours - when you start with chills/achyness.

OTHER IMPORTANT BATTLE STRATEGIES:
1. DISINFECT YOUR TOOTHBRUSHES OR BUY NEW ONES - You will continue to re-infect yourself and wonder why you can't kick the bug or why you keep catching "new" ones.
2. WASH HANDS OFTEN
3. SNEEZE/COUGH IN THE FOLD OF YOUR ELBOW (Teach your kids to do this too!)
4. CHIRO - A Cervial Chirpractic adjustment often helps if done at the beginning when you are just starting to feel run down - sneezing/runny nose/congestion/fatigue.
5. ACUPUNCTURE & HERBS- Acupuncture/BRT treatment is helpful as well.
6. CHINESE HERBAL FORMULAS THAT HAVE HELPED THIS SEASON - Evergreen Herbs: Respitrol Cold/Respitrol Heat, Pinellia XPT, Respitrol CF, Lonicera Complex, Herbal ABX, Magnolia Clear Sinus, Pueraria Clear Sinus (need to see licensed practioner for perscription)

***NOT RECOMMENDED: TO TAKE TONICS - you will "strengthen" the enemy. Save tonics for after active infection to boost system.

CAVEAT/NOTE: ALL THESE BATTLE STRATEGIES HAVE BEEN USED IN MY HOUSEHOLD BY MYSELF, MY HUSBAND, AND KIDS, AND HAVE BEEN PASSED ON WITH SUCCESS TO MY CLIENTS/PATIENTS. I OFFER THIS BLOG TO EMPOWER YOU, TO EDUCATE YOU ON ALTERNATIVES BEYOND CONVENTIONAL OVER-THE-COUNTER PANACEAS "COUGH SUPPRESSANTS"/"FEVER SUPPRESANTS", ETC. I BELIEVE IN TREATING THE CAUSE AND SYMPTOMS - NOT MASKING SYMPTOMS. MAKE SURE TO CHECK WITH YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH PRACTIONER/DOCTOR TO SEE WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU.

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH,
acumom

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Besides Kvetching - What Can I Do?

2011-02-16T06:49:00Z

So, am I the only one feeling like I am twirling in a circle and the world around me seems crazy? I see: lack of oourtesy, the demise of manners. The Golden Rule (Treat Others As You Would Want To Be Treated) seems to be on the verge of extinction - or at least an obsolete reminant of a time (wax nostalgic) where people knew their neighbors and were friendly and there were actually neighborhood businesses rather than violent/sexy billboards, corporations, franchises. Morality and good-will toward humankind existed and was deemed above more important than "the bottom line,"
Yes - this is kvetching (yiddush for complaining) - but what can I do?
I just watched "Corporation" a documentary (2005) and I must say - human beings seem to do a lousy job at regulating themselves - so much for my economics degree - deregulation/free market/supply and demand - the corporations have shifted the power structure in such a way that it is a sisyphian task for The People to shift the balance of powers. Not that it cannot be done - but whew!
Is it too much to ask - that every human being be given access to water, sanitation, sufficient food and safety?
Why is this not the bottom line?
Just rented "Plunder" from the library - I may have more kvetching to do after watching that documentary on the current financial crisis.
Despite my dismay of the current Alfalfa crisis and the current administration's TERRIBLE handling of this specific business - at least he didn't ax the schools today - I hope the current congress will remember that the children are the future and as the current generation strips our future of hope for a viable, healthy environment - may they at least remember to educate them!
Sorry if this rant is too much - had to be done. Remember, I am pregnant and the hormones are coursing - I have a zero bull-s..t tolerance - mode that occurs when preggo hormones kick in.
Actually....let's end on a high note....Breathe....Breathe...Oh yah -
I am open to the possibility - that everyone's eyes open and see beyond the short term gain of a few and unite to heal the planet : our earth's ailments, our humanity's ailments and cooperate - realizing that when you die, you can't take your plundered gains with you, and that each and every one of us is a part of the larger family of humans and that we have a long term interest for humanity's "family" - Amen!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Nope, I ain't Dolly Parton - My Breasts are Engorged!!! Breastfeeding/Lacation Part 3

2011-02-14T18:03:00Z

Painful Breasts - Oy Vey! Can be caused by blocked milk tubes/duct and will lead to swelling and acute pain. Mastitis is an infection and usually has symptoms of fever, redness, and acute tenderness. The infected breast becomes hard, lumpy and swollen. An oversupply of milk will also cause engorgement.
What is a poultice? Take a handful of herbs in a clean cotton diaper and tie with a rubber band, steep in simmering water for 10-15 minutes then apply the compress the breast with the hot, wet bundle.

Poultice/compresses and soaks are best general first aid. Hot Water is your friend! It stimulates circulation and eases the tension. Herbs are the superheroes - they increase the effectiveness (try hot compress of fresh or dried Parsley, OR of fresh or dried Comfrey Leaves). You want to apply frequently (4-5 times daily) and short periods 3-5 minutes. Be persistant and consistent for best results!
If there is infection - throw away the poulticing materials. If there isn't infections, you can reuse the brews and towels.
Soak Breasts in slippery and slimy Marshmallow root (draws out infections, soothes tissues, opens clogged ducts, helps inflamed breasts and sore nipples). Make an infusion of dried root bys teeping 2 oz in 1/2 gallon boiling water and leave overnight. Reheat infusion to near boiling then pour into sink/basin and soak until infusion cools.
A cold poulitce of grated raw potato draws out heat from inflammation/infection and unblocks tubes - grate raw potato and apply directly to breast covering with a clean cltoh. Remove or replace when dry.
If you've got blocked tubes/duct you want to continue nursing on breast. Go carefully and continue to nurse/pump every hour just enough to empty breast.
Before nursing, use any of the above warm comresses for 5-10 min.
GET PLENTY OF REST! BLOCKAGE WILL CLEAR - usually in a few hours or overnight.
Mastitis is often a sign of too little rest - take naps, relax, don't worry the breast infection won't make your infant sick - nuse as often and as long as possible on infected breast.
Other herbs to consider during Mastitis - echinacea (1/2 drop per pound of body weight as single dose up to 6 times a day until fever subsides. Then continue 2-3 times a day for 7 days until symptoms clear.* consult health practioner*

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

My Nipples Make Me Wanna Cry - Lactation/Breastfeeding Part 2

2011-02-14T17:51:00Z

Sore nipples can heal rapidly in a day or two but you are using them alot so it is easier to prevent them than to treat them. During last months of pregancy - incorporate in intimacy - get those babies used to being used! Post-partnum - if they are constantly sore or suddenly sore - may suspect thrush (other symptoms are pink, flaky skin and itchy nipples (Thrush is due to candida albicans and is the primary suspet if baby seems hungry but fusses instead of nursing - look inside mouth of baby. Are insides redder than normal? are there patches of white? - Check out Susan S. Weed's book mentioned in previous post for remedies to get rid of those pesky yeast).
For preventing sore nipples; expose breast to air, don't wear a bra all day/night. Wear nursing bra with flaps down as much as possible. Expose breast to sunlight or brief periods of ultraviolet light (max. 3 min.), rub olive oil, sweet almond oil, lanolin, comfrey root ointment into nipples throughout latter part of pregnancy and beginning weeks of nursing. Make sure baby is placed correctly and nipple is centered. Experiment with different nursing positions. Avoid washing nipples with soap which removes natural oils.
Remedies: crshed ice in wet cloth before nursing. Use comfrey root ointment (softens and strengthens nipples). Rinse off before nursing so baby can grasp properly. I have made comfrey and calendula ointments (take some dried herbs and good olive oil - heat on low 4 hours. I add a little bee's wax then pour into jars - great for cuts, scrapes, nipples, skin rashes, eczema, etc). Also good are yarrow leaf in poutices aor oinments to totaly reliev apin and heal rapidly. Vitamin E after nursing. Any poutlices for painful breast are good esp. comfrey and marshmallow. Clear gel from an aloe vera leaf (wash off, can taste bitter for baby). Avoid antibiotic ointment, steroids, and anesthetic drugs which are potentially harmful to you and baby.

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

I want Milk! Lacation/Breastfeeding Part 1

2011-02-14T17:49:00Z

This past week, I was presented with two different lactating issues and I thought - let's post the info - there are more of you out there!
I want milk! Need to get the milk flowing after the birth of your baby? Having trouble with breast feeding?
Traditional Medicinals offers two great teas: Organic Pregnancy Tea to support healthy pregnancy (raspberry leaf, strawberry leaf, nettle leaf, with some other good ones for digestions and taste), and Organic Mother's Milk to promote Healthy Lactation (bitter fennel fruit, aniseed, fenugreek, blessed thistle herb, coriander fruit, marshmellow, and some mint and lemongrass/verbena). These are great to drink 3-5 times daily (steep 5 minutes or more).
Other favorites of midwives, mamas and Wise Women are simple tea infusions of nourishing herbs such as comfrey, raspberry leaf, netles, alfalfa, or red clover to encourage a plentiful supply of breast milk and relaxed, healthy mama. These are mineral rich and prtoect mama from mineral loss during stress of nursing and caring for infant. You can rotate, using each one for a week, to derive the unique benefits of each.
Good foods: apricots, asparagus, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, pecans, and all leafy greens such as beet, parsley, watercress, and dandelion leaves are considered helpful in increasing and sustaining lactation.
1) Blessed Thistle is famed for its ability to increase milk supply (in the Mother's Milk tea mentioned above). You can also take as a tincture up to 20 drops, 2-4 times daily. It is said to remove suicidal feelings and lift depression as well. You see it in almost every West Coast garden.
2) 1/2 a cup of Borage leave infusion at each nursing insures abundant milk and acts as a mild laxative and soothes nerves.
3) Fennel/Barley Water - prepare by soakng 1/2 cup pearled (regular) barley in 3 cups cold water overnight or boiling for 25 minutes. Strain out barley and heat a cup or two of the barley water to boiling, store rest in frige. Pour 1 coup boiling barley water over 1 tsp fennel seeds and steep for no longer than 30 min. This combo increases breast milk, eases after-pains and settles digestion of mama and baby.
4) Hops flowers - old remedy formothers of twins who need lots more milk - suitable for nightime feedings as brings sleep along with increased milk flow. Beer is convenient (make sure you get the beer that is additive free, also can get alcohol free and chemical free versions).
5) Your TCM practitioner may prescribe Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan (I took this after my first pregnancy, when my milk seemed to dry up when I was under alot of stress - the formula calmed my nerves and brought back my milk).
1-4 came from a great resource: Susan S. Weed's Wise Woman herbal for the Childbearing Year

Ready to Gong and Make Balm!

2011-01-31T20:54:00Z

Now in my 23rd week with an expanding belly - I am almost out of the organic virgin coconut oil that I have been rubbing on my belly. Since I have yet to run across a balm as great as the ones I used to make circa 2001-2005 - I have decided to make up a new batch of the previously named: Golden Gong Belly Balm, aka Bust/Belly/Bum & Beyond Balm - and now it is simply called: THE BEST BALM! for bust/belly/bum & beyond! Easy name - right?
This Saturday, at Chez Moi - I will brew up a batch - and since I gong all products - I am making this into a social convergence aka a Fun, Relaxing, Informative 3 hour workshop/Adventure/Experience!
Have a cuppa tea and a slice o' cake - Learn to make a Customized All Natural Healing Balm (each participant will customize their jar ex. Valentine's Day/Passion/Intimacy, or for Pregnant Belly, or Baby Care, or Healing Skin Salve, etc.) Leave with a jar of the good stuff customized for your needs!
AND BLISS OUT! With a Gong Sound Bath Meditation Experience...!
(I gong all my handmade products to infuse the product with Reiki Healing Energy and Gong Sound Energy - so while the product is gonged - you are too!)
I am limiting Space to 8! - Call ASAP to save your spot! Yaelle 310 666 4983.
the cost?: $60 per person (tea/refreshments, 1 customized jar, Gong Bath Meditation, and workshop)
More product will be available for purchase (pre-order accepted if you cannot make the workshop) $30 for 5 oz. jar
(ingredients may include: shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado butter, mango butter, infused botanical herbal blend, essential oils, and natural vit.E preservative so if you are interested...
I will post results of this years vintage later....

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Time to Stop the Rhetoric With Kids

2010-12-26T22:42:00Z

According to wikipedia:   A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in the form of a question posed for its persuasive effect without the expectation of a reply (e.g.: "Why me?")^[1] Rhetorical questions encourage the listener to think about what the (often obvious) answer to the question must be. When a speaker states, "How much longer must our people endure this injustice?", no formal answer is expected. Rather, it is a device used by the speaker to assert or deny something.
   I held a family meeting. The theme - Manners/Etiquette and Common Courtesy. I began the meeting with the kids offering suggestions of what the theme included. They came up with: 1. using Please, Thank You, and I am sorry (excellent - 9 and 4 years of indocrination have had the desired result!) 2. No biting/kicking/ scratching/hiting/etc (this was offered by the 4 year old who still resorts to the afore mentioned actions when she is frustrated) - this led us to the Grand Picture - In essence - what she was saying was - FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE - "Treat Others, How You Want To Be Treated."
At this point in the meeting Ellah (4) was done and wanted to return to her movie. Lishai (9) wanted to know why she had to stay. "If all Ellah gets out of this family meeting was The Golden Rule - then that is enough, you are 9 and can comprehend and absorb more - so sit back down," was my response.
I then went on to include - ***Listening without interupting***, ***Allowing others to go first***, and ***Respecting Elders (aka no talking back)***.
   I asked her what the consequence would be if she broke the new family Etiquette rules and she stated: no tv/computer for a week. "Um, yah, No." I answered, "That doesn't work."
   Rather - a Rewind/Redo (an opportunity to address the behavior/words/actions and change the response) and if you chose not to have a Redo/Rewind - then you can write 100 times "I will not disrespect" or "I will not interrupt" - or "I will follow the Golden Rule". Good ole' fashioned school punishment inspired by the evil Ms. Umbridge from book 5 of the Harry Potter series sans the blood offering.
Lishai immediately freaked out ran out of the room screamed - I hate you! and threw herself on the bed and sobbed hysterically. After 5 minutes I went and said, "It is interesting to me that we are not talking about the present, rather something in the future - you haven't done anything yet and yet you seem to know that you will break the rules and then refuse the Redo and you are freaking out about a consequence (nice word for punishment) that hasn't arisen yet!
She calmed down and in the ensuing week, I have become aware of the way, we as parents talk. And I have come to a conclusion - Rhetorical speech to children leads to Frustration and undo consequences.
I noticed that my husband Always speaks to the girls in Rhetoric - and they Do Not Get It!
They think they need to answer the question and then he thinks they are talking back:
"Why are your clothes on the floor?" "Why haven't you picked up your toys?" "Why did you pick up the hot plate? Didn't you know you would spill it?" "It is time to clean up, okay?"
The Best Advice Ever - PARENTS - STOP IT! BE AWARE OF HOW YOU PHRASE YOUR WORDS.
WORDS ARE POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE - when used correctly. Teach your kids at the appropriate time 8-9 possibly what a rhetorical question is - but refrain from its usage - I am telling you - I am dropping serious wisdom here - heed it!
Happy New Year!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Acts of War

2010-12-03T19:23:00Z

I am pretty sure there is something in the Geneva Convention regarding cutting off one's sibling's favorite doll's hair which constitutes a deliberate act of war.
    Back in the Good Ole U.S. of A and in the midst of a marathon Latke (potato pancake) making session - Ellah comes in holding her lip and crying. Meanwhile I hear piercing, blood-curdling screaming from the girl's room. Lishai is sitting up in bed - crimson faced, shaking, shrieking - OMG! I think - broken limb, at the very least - a severed appendage - but no.
   The hysterionics are due to the fact that her evil, vindictive 4 year old sister has chopped off the hair of her precious, hard-earned favorite Barbie (the one she chose after finishing an 800 page Harry Potter book). Meanwhile the same 4 year old is holding her lip after having a book thrown at her (not condoning the behavior - but it was a paperback Geronimo Stilton).
   Who are these horrible, naughty children? Where have my loving daughters gone? Picking up my heart which dropped to the floor due to prior thoughts of ER visitation - I whisper to the 9 year old that this is a $10 fix (doll is on sale FYI).
   The girls have been crashing by 7:30pm and waking at 3am and attending school. This incident occurred at 7:15pm. They were asleep in 15 minutes after consequences of removal of all scissors from the guilty party's reach and assurances that this was an easy fix.
   Ellah (4 yrs old) is in her - "I will break all the rules knowingly and with impunity" phase which goes along with the "I will do what I like, when I like, so there!" phase. All consequences be damned - explaining the ramifications of her actions (hurt feelings, danger), timeouts, toy removal, spanking - nothing seems to break her resolve. If she wants to light a match to light a candle - she will do it. Was it explained to her that she can only light the candles with mommy or daddy? of course! So now scissors and matches have been put out of reach. She now after having been out of school for 3 weeks "hates school" - is it because school has RULES she must follow? The teachers assure me that she is wonderful at school - so lucky me - I get the rebel at home.
Advice?

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

I know I've gotta find...some kind of Peace of Mind...

2010-11-23T06:31:00Z

Okay - according to the song - What becomes of a broken heart? (BTW who sang that?) - there isn't really an answer - it is more of the process of finding...some kind of perspective so - I've got to find some kind of Peace of Mind, baby. But how? How to get there?
   Thank you to all who sent words of support. It feels very far away and yet there is comfort knowing that people somewhere out there are rooting for me to get through this. I know somewhere in my psyche there is a Tool Box to deal with this (I help my clients/patients daily at home with their challenges/struggles) - it is always harder to turn the mirror on one's self to psychoanalyze - so I've gotta find a way....
   The Way is blocked by Ghouls & Monsters who are really stinky and gross (they have inocuous names like "Hopelessness", "Anger", "Resentment", "Fear" but don't let that fool you - they are SCARY and DANGEROUS). I know there must be some Good Witches & Angels that if I was sensible and in my power I could call on (They are quite lovely and powerful and have superpowers to heal and comfort and they have names like "Joy", "Hope", "Peace") but all I really want to do is go home - to my comfortable bed (sofa bed is KILLING MY BACK), my one quiet cat (This little apartment holds 2 yappy dogs and a cat and the smell is overwhelming), and the comfort of schedule (kids at school 7 hours a day, work, routine, it sounds so sweet!), my partner/husband - to support the challenges of raising kids, feeding/clothing/mediating/disciplining/comforting). so here I go - tapping my red sparkly shoes together - "There's no place like home, there's no place like home..." But unfortunately 6 days and then a 21 journey home remain before that wish is granted.
   So back to the way....The yellow brick road to PEACE....I suppose the missing piece in this puzzle which I have not shared is that I am 13 weeks pregnant - so the hormones and this unforgiving superhuman sense of smell and sensitivity that causes bile and acid to rise to to verge of emesis from trails of cigarette smoke, car exhaust, gas, pollutions, chemicals, thai food smells (don't understand it), urine, etc. In anycase, my sensitivity may in part be due to hormones, to 9 days of sleep deprivation (yes, I am finally over the jet lag - took 10 days) - so right now - I make a stand - HELP!!!!!! Hope, Peace, Joy, Patience come to me!!!!!
will keep you updated.....

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

My heart is breaking into a thousand piecess...

2010-11-17T02:58:00Z

My heart is breaking into a thousand pieces and yet mostly, I just register fatigue, irritability, and impatience. The irritability and impatience is absorbed, magnified and then thrown into my face in the form of an irrescible four year old! I have brought both girls with me on the 21 hour journey from Los Angeles to Israel to visit my mother who was diagnosed with ALS in May 2010 (ontop of the Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis from 2002!). My mother has no wind in her vocals and any sound coming out is 98% unrecognizable so she has resorted to writing notes - comments/instructions on pieces of paper as the most efficient form of communication. The ALS has rendered the lower part of her body - immobile/unresponsive and yet what kills me like a sharp stabbing knife - over and over again in the chest is watching her attempt to eat - her arms and hands are still mobile so she can slowly lift the utensil to her mouth - however what is cute on a 1 year old is heart-wrenching on an elderly (not so elderly 64!) parent - the food drops and stains and thoroughly wets her shirt. The mouth has lost control and the saliva escapes in drool - so the hand perpetually is holding a tissue to attempt to assuage the fluids. I have to turn away - It is too much to see the woman who bore me, raised me, comforted me, cared for me, my "Supermom" - is in diapers and drooling.
    Her mind is there (most of the time) and she writes words of encouragement and continues to advance the cause of the optimist - "Positivity is my trademark" - she holds on to the possibility of joining a research study with stem cells which will get her walking in 6 months because she is motivated. And so - who am I then - the pessimist? The realist? I kick myself for not being able to immerse myself in the fantasy - it surely is a better mindset than the one I am in.
   The silver lining - and there always is one - is that I trust that everything is happening for a reason. That the lessons from this hardship can only make me stronger and better as a person. Right? Seeing my heartbreak reflected in my 9 year old's eyes - it isn't voiced - I just see how she looks at the lady that was her Grandma/Savta - giving her piggyback rides, taking her to the park, reading to her and putting her to bed everynight for the first 5 years of her life...She understands how I feel. So I turn to my 4 year old for the silver lining - the light in this dark tunnel - to show me the way.
   Ellah thinks the note writing is great! Though she cannot write or read yet save her name - she writes Savta notes. Though Savta has no wind to voice her thoughts - she has a microphone (a Britney Spears popstar headpiece that is supposed to help with her vocalizations) - and Ellah commandeers it to perform concerts - laying on Savta's hospital bed and enjoying Savta's undivided attention - she sings with the microphone and props a pillow against the bed rails - hides behind it and performs a puppetshow with her hand puppets. She is the lesson - of being in the Present - of Acceptance - of Being in the Now - and Enjoying Life. She holds no memory of the Healthy Savta - save for the verbal mythology of the older sister. But she is here, now, in acceptance.
    Yesturday - My mom checked out - maybe for 36 minutes - but she did not smile, stared vacantly at Ellah, at me - like we were strangers, with mouth ajar in an "O" she looked around from her armchair - not responding to conversation, not responding to questions. It was scary. Within an hour - she was back - with no recollection of the "blackout" - but rather than be amazed at the mystery of the human body and brain - it put me in a tail spin.
   So as the song goes - "What becomes of the broken hearted?" - I am open to suggestions...

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

The Omnivore's Dilemma

2010-11-04T17:11:00Z

Having just finished Michael Pollan's book: The Omnivore's Dilemma - I must say - buy or rent/borrow this book today! It is at your library or on the "Thought Provoking" table at Barnes and Noble!
Humans are omnivores - that is we are animals that will feed on any or many different kinds of food, including both plants and animals. Pollan follows each of the food chains that sustain us - industrial food, organic or alternative food and the food we forage ourselves (not that many of us do - but for the fisherman, hunters, gatherers out there...we still carry that in our DNA!) - to a final meal. His thoughtful narrative addresses the Iowa cornfields (6 billion taxpayer dollars subsidize the corn growing industry. We have too much corn - industry is trying to find new ways to use it all up - by using ethanol in the gas we use to drive our machines (even if it is not environmentally sound), as preservatives, and random products that you unknowingly consume or apply to your body (out of tthe 45,000 items in the average supermarket - 25% of them now contain corn. this includes toothpaste, cosmetics, disposable diapers, trash bags, cleansers, charcoal briquettes, matches, batteries) When you read about the amount of fossil fuels/petroleum it takes to fertilize and then grow/harvest/transport the corn - it is mindblowing.
Also - he takes you through food-science laboratories, feedlots or CAFOs (the ghetto/holocaust confinement centers for cattle), fast food restaurants, organic farms and huntinggrounds.
The answers Pollan offers have profound impact on our environment, our health, or politics and it behooves everyone to educate themselves - you will have new appreciation for your food and a heightened awareness of your power as a consumer to make an impact on our environment and our food industry system with your choices.
MUST READ!!!!!!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

New Moon, New Intention

2010-10-08T17:32:00Z

The women's new moon circle has been running now for 7 1/2 years. I was fortunate to join 5 1/2 years ago and I receive such fortification and support from this amazing group of compassionate, empathic, ambitious, empowering "sistas."! This was a lovely one which included kids (they happen once in a blue moon) so I was able to bring my girls. The format begins with a potluck style supper and then the ritual follows. A large bowl of sea salt is placed in the middle of the circle and flowers, essential oils and any natural items that persons bring to add to the bowl are included. There is a theme or intention and after a few stretching/breathing exercises, to bring down the party atmosphere - the directions/elements are called and we are invited to approach the bowl and offer our intention for the next 28 day moon cycle to the bowl. Everyone leaves with a jar of salts to bathe with on the full moon (14 days later). So you get a wonderful, fragrant, theraputic bath with all the blessings and intentions of the circle.
This is powerful stuff people! Ladies have conceived babies, found husbands/life partners - it is a powerful group energy that makes things happen. This moon was about what we have learned from the child within and what we take for the next 28 days from that inner child.

This one was hard - even as a child, I remember thinking like an adult. It has only been through having children that I re-explore the idea of the "inner child." But towards the end, after all these women and kids had approached the bowl. And after being inspired by my 9 year old who stated that she learned from her 1 year old friend, "To get up, when you fall and keep going," that her intention was to follow her inner leader. All the adults looked in wonder at this little lady. I approached the bowl. Having felt "stuck" and rather hopeless - mom's ALS is deteriorating very rapidly, I am in a state of loss/grieving - I embraced the inner child's ability to DREAM! That idea of HOPE in the face of any "reality" and the idea of potential and possibility - something that has always been easy for me but has drifted beyond my grasp over the last few months - I grab and embrace and so....Let the Inner Child Rule - let Dreams be the Goal and the let's fire the cynic (and stay away from the news and economic forcasts and impending forclosures and.....) and embrace the dreamer!
Namaste!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Freedom from the Shackles of My Mind

2010-08-28T18:00:00Z

Having enjoyed a beautiful, full moon - I reflect on the intentions I set on this past new moon.
The new moon women's circle question/intention this month was: What are you liberating yourself from? What gift are you gifting yourself this month?
I liberate myself From the Shackles of My Mind! Shouted the little divine voice in my heart. "I liberate myself from any limitations, the little defined box I have unconciously or conciously placed myself in. I gift myself with decluttering of mind and space!"
Do I hear a halleluyah? AMEN!
I them receive a mind blowing birthday week which includes a Lady Gaga concert (Thank you Sherry), a mind blowing delectable gastronomical experience (Thank you Michelle), a mind blowing (yes I know I used this term throughout this blog) Massage (Thank you Michael for the gift and Steve for the massage), and more! Thank you Dedi my awesome man, for gifting me TIME for all these experiences!

My 4 year old is my teacher (my inherited genes - yell out "What if... What if1 you will use this one day? But...But this still fits! But you LOVE That stuff animal! But I LOVE that dress on you! What? What? What?But! But But!!" - and she simply says decisively, without hesitation "Give It Away." As we go through her toys/beloved stuff animals/clothes. Or when she gets tired with the phrase, simply points to the growing "Give Away" pile (such a dictator!).
So I pause and reflect on my new moon intention and TRUST in the abundance of the universe and say THANK YOU to this wonderful, powerful little teacher who has been gifted to me...and the GIVE AWAY pile grows....

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Perseid Meteor Shower

2010-08-14T01:13:00Z

Spent the night on Mt. Pinos (rated best dark-viewing location in the nation) - looking up at the milky way and the vast expanse of stars - as streakers, fallers, and bugs (I had to name the different meteors) traversed the skies. I joined many others last night - some with large telescopes or cameras - but all with an affinity to the stars. Really, when we ponder our existence - the best way to really take stock of our worries/concerns/challenges/problems - is in the face of the reality that we are but tiny specks of dust in a much larger cosmos. And all is really - an illusion we live in - which perpetuates the ego-centric whirls of energy that are all-encompassing.
For all the challenges of the last few weeks - will get into it next time - it was nice to view the brilliant display that is the August Perseid Meteor Shower (always around my birthday - coincidently)!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

"Mom, Can we go now?"

2010-07-21T21:35:00Z

I have heard, over the last few hours - "Mom, can we go now?" "Mom, when are you done?" "Mom, can I have a playdate?"
I am at work. Seeing clients. My almost four year old is in preschool. The nine year old refuses day camp, insisting on playdates. Well, most moms work, and she's already exhausted her 2 stay-at-home mom/friend playdates. Now it's my turn to reciprocate - and so she must wait until a non-working day for it to happen at our house! Harry Potter interested her for 35 pages, the ipod and the "annoying orange" on youtube has kept her entertained for the last few hours (really, they are kind of amusing), but she is ansy. Ah well - I am here for another 4 hours (time to call dad and see if he will take her...)

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Horrendous Hormones and Adolescents on the Verge...

2010-07-19T21:18:00Z

My nine year old came home from 2 week-sleepaway camp. Tears of joy, a lovely lunch (despite the cranky almost 4 year old - yes, yes - adjusting, adjusting), and afternoon followed.
This morning - with no clear plans for the rest of the summer except for wanting "lots of playdates," We spent the morning calling friends and set something up for later in the day. I then explained that I had 1 hour to hike/exercise then go to work. She could run errands with dad or come hiking. Well, maybe the incline was too much - but I had a frowning, kvetching, arms crossed the chest adolescent trailing me up the steep incline of Runyon Canyon. I was furious! I explained to her I had 30 minutes to hike and then I had to get to the office. She had the choice to go with dad and she chose hiking with me. No explanation worked, she trailed behind (arms still crossed).
I lost it (I admit it) - I told her I loved her always but right now I hated her. She was wrapped up in her own selfish, ego-centered attitude and I stormed down the hill to the car. A last minute intuitive decision told me to veer to the left downhill to a different trail rather than back to the car. She cried to give her a second chance and I breathed and said yes (still trailing behind) I chose a less strenuous hike which led to a magical, isolated, shaded area and swing. I began to swing and waited for her to arrive. When she did, I gave her a turn and I stretched and did pushups on a log. So we had a lovely 15 minutes and when another family came over, we headed arm in arm home to quick shower. She stated that she was glad that she changed her attitude. I was glad that we were able to change the mood and experience but was left depleted and "down." I had to do some cleansing/affirmations in the shower to rinse of the residual "bad energy" and was able to get to work in a clear, complete way.
It is amazing to me how she can push my buttons the way no one else can. Anyone else dealing with peri-hormonal adolescents?

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

"You are not the _______ that I thought I would have" - The Transient Nature of Emotion

2010-07-18T16:55:51Z

"You are not the mother I thought I would have," declared the almost 4 year old child of mine between bites of breakfast cereal. I looked at this person sitting on my lap - a mini-version of me by everyone's observations and took a breath. 'Wow' has my thought. Calmly I answered, "How would you feel if I said to you, 'You are not the daughter I thought I would have'"?
"I wouldn't like it." she sullenly answered.
"What makes you say that?" I ask curiously.
"I don't know," was her response.
She went on to tell me that she had the best dad in the world and he had the best car in the world. Within the span of the next 12 hours - I was vilified, adored, admired - with sentiments ranging from, "You are so mean" to "You are the best mommy in the world" to "I love you so much."
As words have power - I started to look at how I was affected by the various declarations of this kid and everyone else I interact with on a daily basis and how to best respond (looked to Celestial Prophecy for indepth exploration of energy pulls/drains/creations). Intellectually I know that she is 3 3/4, authentic/without a filter, and living in the "Present." Also, as kid #2 - I've done this before. Also - I am in a very balanced state of being right now (eating regularly, getting great nightime quantities of sleep) - so I can approach life's stresses with a degree of ease.
But what happens when I am sleep-deprived, stressed, hormonal? Intellect goes out the window and "Reaction" becomes the norm.
So solution: self-love (eat regularly and well, exercise, sleep) - to deal with energy pulls from every direction.
Okay - that was easy.
And the reflection/observation: Everything is transient - thought/feeling - this too shall pass. Looking to see if there is a kernel of truth to statements others throw at you - and if so - rectifying behavior/action, or if it is their "stuff" being projected upon you - or in the case of an almost 4 year old - a "trying on" of expression/emotion/being.
In anycase - I was left with a bit of pride at her formulation of expression - I mean really, "You are not the mother I thought I would have" is pretty darn clever!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Feeling Safe in Troubled Waters

2010-07-15T00:12:00Z

I have a Zen book of quotes in the bathroom. The perfect quiet spot (sometimes) in a hectic household. Sometimes there is only time for a quote or two. Othertimes, I will read through whole sections. With everything that is occurring in these "troubled" times - BP - the end of everything from an earth fart (yes - I read that in one today in one of the Yahoo articles - they've discounted the world ending from a large methane bubble without actually showing any proof to why it isn't probable or possible or likely - which makes me think they are just trying to appease the masses), the probably collapse of the world economy, to the very personal - how to pay my bills this month. Yes "troubled" times. So when you are in trouble - how do you get out? Appologies? To self, to the government, to the banks, to the credit cards (so sorry - I can't pay you this month). Hmm -
So within the peace and trusting that all will work out. All of this is supposed to be happening. Breakdowns lead to Breakthroughs - and baby, this sure feels like a Big Breakdown on a personal, social, communal, cosmic level. I pray.
I wonder how many more people have turned to prayer to get them through the tough times. Not being particularly religious - I find this new communication with G-d/HigherPower/Divine Self/Universe a warm, fuzzy security blanket. Amen, so mote it be - and so it is. Yippy Ka-Yay!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Watched Food, Inc. and I am telling you now - go watch this film Today! sign petition too....

2010-07-13T22:03:00Z

You MUST watch the movie "Food, Inc." - TODAY! My husband (an avid fast food consumer, coke drinker, meat & potatoes kinda guy) and I (primarily vegetarian with some free-range/organic chicken or wild caught fish if need extra protein kinda gal) and we were shocked, appalled, informed, and enrolled - in the change that Must take place here in America - our basic rights of freedom of speech, of choice, of health - of everything are at stake! Geez! My husband was appalled and astonished by the fact that farmers are not allowed to reseed their crops (they will get sued or harassed due to the GMO patents of seeds of crops such as soybeans, corn, etc.) See this movie today and write in! We must exercise our power as consumers in the choices that we make. I am so proud (he bought water rather than coke today!).
Monsanto is the big company that patents and produces all the GMO seeds (they will investigate independent or organic farmers which are not using the GMO seeds and prosecute them if they reseed and their crops have been contaminated by GMO (very likely as the neighboring farms are primarily GMO now).
Watch the movie! Make good choices! Take action! Let's get our power back in the food we eat!
Please take a moment to click on the link and let the USDA Secretary Vilsack to maintain the ban on GMO alfalfa -
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/monsanto_alfalfa_vilsack/index2.html?rc=confemail&r_by=10008-2895872-pStVuPx

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Sunny Foot Massage - misnomer - Sunny Whole Body Massage - Heaven in the Urban Jungle

2010-07-09T21:52:00Z

Sunny Foot Massage www.sunnyfootmassage.com is located in the heart of Thai Town in an inconspicuous mini-strip mall next to a bridal cake shop, dentist, and liquor store. Walking into a room with 8 oversized pink armchairs, the large room is simply decorated with a large koi fish embelished gold fan and a foot reflexology poster. The friendly, quiet staff direct you to one of the cotton-candy colored plush chairs and you are efficiently reclined, your feet immersed in a warm wooden tub of water (lined in disposable plastic - hygiene 5 stars, eco/green - no stars), and the journey begins! Close your eyes, for the next 60 minutes you are transported. Amidst the rubbing, poking, sweeping, rolling, tapping, and even some slapping - your arms, hands, scalp, legs and feet are treated with expert hands to the ancient practices of shiatsu, acupressure and reflexology. The light, hypnotic electronic music and the babbling water feature lull you into deep relaxation. After 40 minutes, a warm towel is draped over your legs and feet and you are instructed to turn over. The armchair reclines and a headrest magically appears! Your neck, back, and glutes now join the shiatsu party! You arise from your pink cloud of heaven and are offered a cup of water. After paying $25 (for the 60 minutes of bodywork heaven) and adding a generous tip to your professional massage therapist, you are offered a frequent visitor card (10 visits and the 11th is free!) - and you know this wonderful experience is worth making a habit of AND that wellness and well-being are possible in the Urban Jungle. Namaste!
(Sunny food massage is open 7 days a week, from 11am-11pm and is located at 5169 W. Sunset Blvd, 90027
60 min/$25 (with free head, shoulder & back massage)
40min/$20

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Kids are Growing Up! Where has my baby gone?

2010-07-09T18:11:00Z

My nine year old celebrated her birthday yesturday at sleepaway camp. Camp is but 2 hours away, however we have no contact per camp request. That being said, I am friends with the director and was able to check in with her. I was appeased by her reassurances that Lishai had been sung to by 120 of her peers and resoundedly acknowledged and blessed and that she was not homesick! Despite this, I still felt a yearning for her that I hadn't felt for the last 4 days since her departure. The overwhelming feeling for most of this week was how much easier living/dealing/parenting one child (the almost 4 year old) was! So now, at work - missing my pre-pubescent baby - I am struck with the complexity of parenthood - the tugging and pulling - as children grow older and more independent - their needs/our needs as parents - to hold on/to let go.
My solution - to observe the emotions, feel the feelings, embrace the mystery - and breathe!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Insect bites, bee stings and tics - immediate treatmet tip

2010-06-22T17:26:03Z

Yesturday, I got a 4 year old client with a swollen, red, hot, foot from a bee sting. For severe allergic reactions - N.A.E.T. is great for food allergy, environmental allergies including animal, pet, air, etc. and also insect bites!
Most of us know to remove the stinger and then put in cold water or baking soda. A trick I learned at the Herbal Symposium when my daughter was 3 1/2 and got a tic - was to remove the offending creature, apply lavender essential oil (natura antiseptic) and then apply a paste of clay or mud to draw out the toxins.
In this season of travel, camping, etc. - thought this might be useful!

copyright Yaelle Shaphir,L.Ac Acumomma

Seweed recipes - Per Your Request!

2010-06-19T18:36:00Z

I wasn't going to make you wait too long!
Sea palm becomes a great green/black noodle when soaked for 20 minutes. Ad your favorite pesto (cilantro, garlic, etc) and serve! Yum!
Agar Agar - is great for desserts (it is vegetarian gelatine). You can make a coconut banana flan, a lemon verbena panno cotta, a mango jello - add 4 c. juice to 4 tbls agar - boil 5 minutes and then refrigerate.
Take almond mild + agave + agar - as it is setting, put in freezer and you will have gelato!
Other ideas for the Wild Devotion sisters include bladderwrack cheesecake and green tea/seaweed ice cream!
Prannie Rhatigans Irish Seaweed Cookbook is inspiration! www.prannie.com
/>Nori - has the most protein of the seaweeds - in nature it looks like a sculpture - not naturaly in flat squares!
Gomasio - is an amazing combo of 7 seaweeds, spirulina, sesame seeds - to sprinkle on salads, sides, entrees etc.
1/2 an avocado + gomasio, scrambled eggs + gomasio, rice/quinoa + you get the picture.
All seaweeds - soak for 30 minutes
An Idea - add 2 dried shitake mushrooms (medicinal) and 2 pieces of kombu - soak for 30 minutes. Add some red onions (cleansing lungs), yellow onions, garlic, and any veggies, some ginger and voila! (Add carrots at the end).
There is more coming... Enjoy!

Making Seaweed Sexy!

2010-06-19T18:24:44Z

Sea plants are amazing food and Medicine! I am here to convince you that Seaweed is Sexy!
Having returned last month from the Northern California Women's Herbal Symposium (www.womensherbalsymposium.org)

I am devoting the next few blog entries to the Amazingly Nutritive, Sustainable, Essential Incorporation of Sea Vegetables into our daily diet for Maximum Health and Wellness. (I hope from my exaggerated use of Capitalization, you are getting how Passionate I am about this!)
I had the opportunity to meet with two amazing sisters from the Wild DevoOcean Seaweed Collective: (www.wilddevoceanseaweed.com), up in Northern California - a collective Devoted to sustainable harvesting of this most precious commodity! These ladies are rockstars - to hear the stories about how they venture forth - a few days out of the year - to sustainably harvest seaweed - talk about Xtreme Sport! They are preserving the integrity of the plants and providing us with a food that is insanely high in essential trace minerals, protein, iron, and more!
So as background let's start with this: Hijiki, arame & wakame each contain more than 10 times! the calcium of milk, sea lettuce contains 25 times the iron of beef, and depending on when they are harvested, kelp, kombu, and arame contain 100-500 times the iodine of shellfish and 600-3000 times the iodine average of other marine fish! Whoah! Also Seaweeds are also one of the few sources of fluorine, which boosts the body's immune system and strengthens teeth and bones (better than that artificial fluoridated water some of you are buying for your kids - augh!). Sea plants contain 10-20 times the minerals of land plants as well as crazy amounts of vitamines and other elements for your metablism and wellbeing.
If this isn't enough to convince you - sewweeds have the amazing ability to detoxify the body - the "shlime" produced when you rehydrate dried seaweed (simply by soaking in water for 20 minutes) will bind with the heavy metals and radioactive elements in the body and convert them to harmless salts, which you will pee/poo out. Easy!
In Chinese medicine, the ancient texts state, "there is no swelling that is not relieved by seaweed." So sea plants are used to reat swellings, nodules, lumps, goiter, swollen lymph glands, edema, all skin diseases marked with redness, tumors, chronic cough with heat signs (yellow/green phlegm). Sea weed is very useful for fibroid tumors and cancer.
Seaweeds are useful for weightloss programs and for lowering cholesterol and fat in the blood. The mucilaginous gels (algin, carrageenan, and agar) specifically rejuvenate the lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
Convinced yet?
Those of you trying to get pregnant? The same "shlime" that is produced when you soak the seaweed - makes an excellent lubricant which seems to be an amazing facilitator to the conception process - I told you Seaweed was Sexy! So incorporate seaweed into your (hmmm....) baby-making activities!
You can bathe in seaweed- really fun in the tub, or eat it.
Ideally, you will use sea plants regularly in meals. Because they are so potent - 1/6-1/2 oz (5-15 grams) of dried seaweed (before soaking or cooking) daily is great. You can also supplement with some kelp tablets.
So the next question is - Where do I get it? How do I make it?
Check out the www.wilddevoceanseaweed.com website (For bathing - I love the turkish towel as a reusable facial/body exfoliator - I imagine myself a mermaid as I bathe among the kombu/kelp - my girls love it too!) or your local wholefoods/health store.
Now for some recipes - google to your heart's delight for wait breathless in anticipation for my next blog entry!

My Mother - Becoming the Parent of Your Parent

2010-06-11T18:54:00Z

My mother is a wonderful, optimistic, generous soul. She was a dancer and as a single mother, went back to school when I was in grade school to become a social worker. While in school, she worked with runaway teenagers. In the 80's - 90's, she worked the downtown, South Central, East L.A. area. When the case loads went from 30 children to over 60 and she found that she was not able to really make a difference in the children's lives, she transitioned to working and advocating for Elderly with Alzheimer's. In 2000, She began working with children/teenagers with Learning Disabilities at the Kayne-Eras Center in Culver City. In 2002, She was diagnosed with Parkinson's and shortly therafter had to stop working when it affected her vocal cords. With no savings or assets, she was unable to survive on the $800/month from SSI and moved to Israel in 2008. Last month after a huge shift in her health (she lost control of the lower part of body, including legs), she was hospitalized and diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig's disease) - a form of motor neuron disease that is a progressive, fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. Sheffy has lost the control of her legs and lower body and is currently in the a wheelchair. She is in need of aid - energetically, financially – for the full time care that she now requires. She does not want to return to the U.S., so as the only child, I am put in the position of honoring her wishes, raising an additional $500 for the full time care that she now requires. Whew! I am exploring new avenues for revenue.
It is a wake up call, having been living month-to-month with no savings, I realize that I need to change my life to prepare for my future, have a lot of kids to take care of me in my old age (this I say in jest), and make short term miracles happen to deal with the present.
85% of the time I am buddhist and calm and 15% I am crying - which I feel is a healthy ratio given the situation.
I See the Karmic patterns. No one asks for such horrific illnesses (esp. the two together!) But for someone to give unconditionally to the community all her life. I see the bigger picture. Now she needs my, our support. It is an opportunity for expansion, realization of our common web of existance. And the necessary need to stretch and reach out to each other. Together miracles happen.
I realize more than ever, the call to the community - for help. With no expectation, pure possibility - if her story, my story affects you - all contributions big and small are appreciated (checks can be mailed to Sheffy Eloul 7654 Fountain Ave #8, LA CA90046).

That being said - I am devoting The next 3 Gong Baths - June 13th, July 11th, and August TBA @Heaven and Earth 7122 N. Beverly Blvd, LA CA to funding my mom's care.

Also - I am doing a raffle, for those who can come and those who cannot. $5 for one, $20 for 5 - Please check out the link to see the wonderful prizes being offered!

INSTRUCTIONS: Please fill out Name & Contact (Tel # or Email).

If your ticket is picked, you will be notified by requested contact method. Please write legibly. Raffle drawing will take place July 30^th. Purchase of tickets can be done at Gong Baths on June 13^th , July 11^th , August (TBA) @Heaven on Earth or Mon, Wed. Fridays @Fairfax Wellness center (1042 N. Fairfax Ave.) or by sending in payment to Sheffy Eloul @ 7654 Fountain Ave #8, LA CA 90046 (Please enclose note that it is for raffle tickets). Winners will be notified by email/phone & posted @ www.gonghealing.com 9/1/10.

***FABULOUS PRIZES***

WELLNESS

BEAUTY

MISC. SERVICES

MERCHANDISE

New Patient Wellness Session (includes consultation, NAET allergy assessment, Acupuncture, & 20 minute hot stone massage or cupping

($225 retail value)

Consultation & Custom Haircut & Style by Hairstylist to the Stars “Dedi” in Beverly Hills ($180 retail value)

1 year Personal Tax-Return by Accounting Solutions Services, Inc.

($300 retail value)

A Box of Delectable Silvermoon Chocolates

($50 retail value)

) 1.25 hour custom massage by Yaelle @1042 N. Fairfax Ave, West Hollywood, CA

($125 retail value)

?????

More to come!

?????

?????

New Patient consultation & chiropractic adjustment by Dr. Michael Close, D.C. – West Hollywood ($80 retail value)

Embracing the Mystery

2010-05-16T15:20:00Z

Friday night, I entered Aleks' home for the last time (she is moving to a new abode in Venice, CA) for the monthly new moon gathering that I have been fortunate to be a part of for the last 6 years. Having missed the last 3, I was excited to join the ladies for a night of good eats, ritual, and intention. This month's theme was embracing the magic of our existence - within the mundane, day-to-day life - how can we enjoy the magic that is there around us?
My intention was to embrace the Mystery. Not discount it or call it 'Weird' or play into the coincidence of it all - just embrace the Mystery.
Ex. I have the oddest dream- outside b-b-quing with friends at my old teenage home, staring at the sky where these huge clouds and this fire ball where melting into each other, when all of a sudden the fire turned into a coming meteor and hit these huge sky high trees nearby. The trees started to fall and we all ran to get into a large park clearing. Everyone was safe and I was concerned about my daughters, but their schools evacuated to the park and we were reunited.
That same morning, a pregnant client came in and explained that she hadn't been in for a while due to this 80 foot tree falling on her property (mushing her car and falling on her house)! "That's So Weird!" I mused. This is the second time I have had a random dream before one of her visits that related to some situation that was occurring in her life.
SO - no more weirdness - just a surrender to the mystery that is this amazing life.
There is more...but it will wait for next time...Enjoy!

Judgment

2010-05-11T19:55:00Z

My epiphany in the Living Library BTW is that Judgement (admit it, we all do it!) is but a momentary Pleasure or momentary bit of Suffering. However, its power is that it keeps us in duality. Judgment keeps us separate and prevents us from the bliss of knowing the Truth - that all energy is One and we are but a part of the whole. AHA!!!

WELLNESS	BEAUTY	MISC. SERVICES	MERCHANDISE
New Patient Wellness Session (includes consultation, NAET allergy assessment, Acupuncture, & 20 minute hot stone massage or cupping ($225 retail value)	Consultation & Custom Haircut & Style by Hairstylist to the Stars “Dedi” in Beverly Hills ($180 retail value)	1 year Personal Tax-Return by Accounting Solutions Services, Inc. ($300 retail value)	A Box of Delectable Silvermoon Chocolates ($50 retail value)
) 1.25 hour custom massage by Yaelle @1042 N. Fairfax Ave, West Hollywood, CA ($125 retail value)	????? More to come!	?????	?????
New Patient consultation & chiropractic adjustment by Dr. Michael Close, D.C. – West Hollywood ($80 retail value)