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Here you will find answers to your questions about acupuncture as well as simple natural remedies.

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Festival of Sleep: A Good Excuse for $10 treatments

Have you ever heard of the Festival of Sleep? Its officially on Jan 3rd and although we are fairly certain its a made up holiday it sounded like a great excuse to catch up on sleep. We know the holidays can be a bit stressful with all the shopping, cooking, and merry making. It can be exhausting to have this much fun (or spend this much time with family). That's why we decided that NAP will be celebrating the the Festival of Sleep Jan 2nd - Jan 7th with $10 treatments! 


Schedule your regular acupuncture appointments for any time between Jan 2 - Jan 7 and let us know you are celebrating with a NAP and your treatment is just $10. (Special is only valid if you let us know you heard about it) Come in as often as you like Jan 2nd- Jan 7th $10 treatments are valid and unlimited the whole week but the party is over after that. Schedule your appointments today and don't forget to bring your friends and family!  



Happy New Year!

Sarah Canga-Arguelles

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St
Crystal Lake IL 60014
815.893.9825
www.clnap.com

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Benefits of Coconut Oil

You may have heard myself or Marguerite recommend coconut oil for a wide variety of ailments. I just came across this reference for many of coconut oils uses. Click the link or see below. I personally use coconut oil for rashes, moisturizer, shave cream/after shave, to keep stretch marks at bay on my baby bump (none so far) and its delicious in a stir fry! Right now due to the weather it will most likely be in a solid form when you go to use it. Either run the jar under warm water until it starts to soften or leave on a heat vent. 



December 20, 2011

80 Uses for Coconut Oil

coconut oil 80 Uses for Coconut Oil
So what’s the deal with coconut oil?
Offering a myriad of health benefits, coconut oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. I have completely fallen in love with coconut oil and use it for EVERYTHING. Literally. I buy it in 5 gallon increments and keep it all over my house. I even have some in the car. So here is a little information to inspire you to check out this amazing oil including 80 uses for it!
General information about Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil Is:
·       Anti-inflammatory
·       Antimicrobial
·       Antifungal
·       Antiviral
·       Improves nutrient absorption
Daily Dosage:
Here is a chart outlining the recommended daily dosage of virgin coconut oil for persons over the age of 12. Coconut oil may be consumed by children under 12 but it is advisable to check with a healthcare practitioner on the proper dosage. Any good naturopath will have the information at the ready.
Weight in pounds/kilograms
Number of tablespoons of coconut oil daily
175+/79+
4
150+ /68+
3 1/2
125+ / 57+
3
100+/ 45+
2 1/2
75+ / 34+
2
50+ / 23+
1 1/2
25+ / 11+
1
Type to use:
·       Expeller pressed coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell of taste.
·       Virgin coconut oil tastes coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor.
·       Food grade should always be used.
80 Uses for Coconut Oil
Personal Hygiene/Body
1.       Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face.
2.       Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.
3.       Preshave – coconut oil will prep skin for the pending damage caused by shaving.
4.       Aftershave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores.
5.       Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda!
6.       Hair Conditioner/Deep Treatment – use as a leave in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest! For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.
7.       Hair Gel/Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).
8.       Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.
9.       Make up remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!
10.   Chapstick – just rub a little into lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4 so you get a little protection!
11.   Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!
12.   Lubricant – it is an all natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant. Not compatible with latex!
13.   Sunscreen – see my post on natural sunscreen for more detailed information.
14.   Stretch Mark Cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help.
15.   Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore, or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.
16.   Diaper salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.
17.   Cradle cap – having issues with dry skin on your baby’s scalp? Coconut oil will not only nourish your baby’s skin, it also helps eliminate cradle cap. Just rub a teaspoon onto scalp daily.
18.   Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over! Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell.
19.   Healing – when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.
20.   Bug Bites – when applied directly to a bug bite, coconut oil can stop the itching and burning sensation as well as hasten the healing process.
21.   Skin problems – coconut oil relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
22.   Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.
General Health and Wellness

24.   Digestion – the saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.
25.   Fitness – coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle.
26.   Nose bleeds – coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme hotness and extreme coldness. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Coat your finger with coconut oil and then lie down and coat your finger inside your nose. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages. A Vitamin C supplement will also help prevent nose bleeding.
27.   For breastfeeding moms, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich your milk supply.
28.   Helps with weight loss & controlling cravings.
29.   Helps keep blood sugar levels stable and/or helps with cravings in those with diabetes.
Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when taken internally)
30.   Eczema – in addition to taking it internally, many have success applying it externally, some don’t
31.   Skin problems
32.   Toenail fungus
33.   Hot flashes
34.   Bleeding hemorrhoids (can also be applied externally twice a day)
35.   HIV
36.   Head lice
37.   Improvements in menstruation regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow
38.   Migraines (with regular use)
39.   Mononucleosis
40.   Parasites
41.   Thrush
42.   Relieve gallbladder pain
43.   Has helped some people improve symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, results have shown subsequent thyroid blood tests becoming normal
44.   Energy boost
45.   Flaky, dry skin
46.   May relieve acid reflux and indigestion when taken with each meal
47.   Adrenal fatigue
48.   Alzheimers
49.   H. pylori
50.   Candida albicans
51.   Asthma, even in children
52.   Autism
53.   Cholesterol – improves HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) to HDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) ratio in people with high cholesterol
54.   Chronic fatigue
55.   Circulation/feeling cold all the time
56.   Stronger immune system
57.   Mental Clarity
58.   Depression
59.   Helps with inflammation in Crohns
Health Problems (that coconut oil is known for aiding, relieving, or even curing when applied topically)
60.   Athletes foot
61.   Back pain/sore muscles
62.   Canker sores
63.   Acne
64.   Cellulite
65.   Herpes (applied topically and taken internally)
66.   Genital warts (through topical application over 6 weeks, and coconut oil enemas twice a day depending on the location of the warts)
67.   Circumcision healing – although I am personally against circumcision, I have read that coconut oil is a really great healer for this.
Cooking
68.   Use 1 cup to 1 cup ratio when replacing other oils/butter in recipes with coconut oil.
69.   Replacement for butter/lard/Crisco/PAM in it’s solid form – greasing pans, pie crusts, etc.
70.   Replacement for various oils in liquid form – baking, cooking, sautéing, etc.
71.   Nutritional supplement – melt and add to smoothies.
Other Uses
72.   Insect repellent – mix coconut oil with peppermint oil extract and rub it all over exposed skin. Keeps insects off better than anything with Deet! Tons safer too.
73.   Great for dogs and cats for general wellness. Just add a teaspoon to their water bowl daily.
74.   Goo Gone – just mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda into a paste. Apply to the “sticky” area and let it set for a minute. Then scrub off with an old toothbrush or the scrubby side of a sponge.
75.   Chewing Gum in Hair Remover – just rub some coconut oil over the stuck chewing gum, leave in for about 30 minutes, then roll the gum between your fingertip. Voila! It’s out!
76.   Polish Furniture – coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.
77.   Polishing Bronze – all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.
78.   Seasoning animal hide drums
79.   Seasoning cookware
80.   Moisturizing and cleaning leather products
Did I miss any? Do you use coconut oil for something not on my list? Please add it in the comments. I am always excited to find new ways to implement coconut oil!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Virgin Coconut Oil:
How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours!
BVCNOcover 80 Uses for Coconut Oil
freecoconutrecipes 80 Uses for Coconut Oil

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Placenta, a chinese herb

In many cultures after a woman gives birth the placenta is used as a ritual or as a medicinal for the mother. In Chinese Medicine the placenta is considered an herb that is believed to help the mother recover after child birth. Placenta has many benefits including stopping hemorrhaging after labor, increase general energy, preventing baby blues and post partum depression, increase production of milk, decrease likelihood of iron deficiency, decrease likelihood of insomnia or other sleep disorders, and allow a quicker return to health after birth.

While a woman is pregnant her pituitary gland and thyroid shut down and the placenta produces all of the hormones for the body. It takes the body several day after a baby is born to realize that the pituitary and thyroid glands need to get back to work and can be a large part of the baby blues and/or post partum depression.

Placenta Encapsulation Specialists can prepare your placenta for you so that you can take it as a supplement. The placenta is prepared and dehydrated then pulverized so that it can be put into a capsule. The placenta can last for a long time in this form if it is kept in the freezer. In fact, many women save their capsules to be used during menopause to avoid the common western symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats etc.

Erika Archer is a local Placenta Encapsulation Specialist. You can learn more about what she does here. 


For more information about placenta encapsulation watch this video or visit here.  


Sarah Canga-Arguelles (Zender)

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St
Crystal Lake IL 60014
815.893.9825
www.clnap.com


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

A healthy, delicious winter drink: Wassail

A healthy, delicious winter drink: Wassail


Wassail is an old English drink that is popular during the holiday season. Not only does it taste good, it has many health benefits. As you will see there are many reasons to drink Wassail as you celebrate and perhaps over indulge in the holiday season. Many of the spices used aid digestion and help to eliminate flatulence as well as regulating the blood sugar. 


Allspice has long been used as a GI stimulant and to aid in the relief of flatulence. Several studies have shown allspice to have antibacterial and antifungal activity which is why it is a common herb to help with colds. The nature of allspice is warming helping to keep the body warm during the winter months. 


Cloves have the highest antioxidant rating. The benefits of antioxidants include powerful protection against all types of degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, and many more. Cloves have analgesic properties that can be used for treatment of various dental problems like tooth aches. They also boost memory and blood circulation, and are beneficial for the heart, liver and stomach. Cloves can effectively cure many digestive problems like stomach ulcers, flatulence and dyspepsia, since they stimulate your body's enzymes and boost digestion. Because of the antiseptic and germicidal benefits of cloves, they help fight infections like cold, flu, bronchitis, arthritic pain and athlete’s foot. For more info on Cloves benefits and uses visit here.

Cinnamon: Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol and may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar. Another study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. Cinnamon is also a common herb used in Chinese Medicine to help fight off colds and can reduce pain in people suffering from arthritis. For more info on the benefits of cinnamon visit here. 


Here is an easy recipe to make at home.


Wassail


What you will need:


1 tablespoon allspice
1 tablespoon cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 lime
2 lemons
2 oranges
1 quart of water
1 gallon apple cider or apple juice (or mix 50/50)
sugar to taste if desired


Cut lemon, lime, and oranges in half and juice into a separate container. Leave juice aside for now. Bring water to a boil and add spices and fruit. Bring down to a simmer and add apple cider/juice. Let simmer for 1 hour. Add juice of fruit and sugar if needed. Enjoy hot! 




Join us tonight at the Running Depot for an evening of relaxing into the holiday season tonight at 7:05p at 30 Williams St in down town Crystal Lake. Complimentary mini acupuncture sessions, chair massage, and yoga will be offered as well as some Wassail! 


Sarah Canga-Arguelles LAc


Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St
Crystal Lake IL 60014
815.893.9825
www.clnap.com

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A Must-Have When Traveling

The first time I visited Guatemala I made two big mistakes: 1. I didn't bring any herbs with me and 2. I brushed my teeth with the water. By the second week of our trip I was spending so much time in the bathroom I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to leave and it took probably 2 months after returning home before my body recovered completely.

For our wedding in Guatemala I wanted to make sure I didn't make the same mistakes and more importantly, make sure my family didn't get sick either. There is alot to adjust to besides the water. Your body is on a new time schedule even if the clocks haven't changed. The food is prepared differently despite an abundance of U.S. chain restuarants everywhere. There is a whole new culture to acclimate to as well. Just being nervous about being in a new country can bring on tummy troubles.

The Chinese herbal formula Xiang Lian Wan or commonly referred to as Traveler's Aid is a very safe and effective remedy for upset stomach or food and/or water poisoning. The 2 herbs in this formula has an antibacterial affect and is calming to stomach cramping. There are few adverse side effects to taking this formula but it is important to note that this formula should not be taken long term and should be used only as needed.

It is highly recommended to take a bottle with you when traveling. I took maybe 2 or 3 doses while in Guatemala as prevention when I started to notice my stomach feeling a little off and sailed through the trip without any problems.

Sarah Canga-Arguelles (Zender)

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St
Crystal Lake IL 60014
www.clnap.com
815.893.9825

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Welcome Back Mrs. Sarah Canga-Arguelles (Zender)

Seeing that it is thanksgiving this week I just wanted to take this week's blog post to thank everyone for the warm wishes for our wedding on 11.11.11 in Guatemala. So many of you requested we take plenty of pictures of the big day and I thought it would be easiest to show a few here while we are waiting for our prints. Our photographer, Juan Miguel Carrillo made a wonderful slideshow of the highlights.

Don't forget starting this Friday you can purchase 3 gift certificates for your friends and family and get one 1 free!

Sarah Canga-Arguelles (Zender)

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)
230 Florence St
Crystal Lake IL 60014
www.clnap.com
815.893.9825

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Benefits of Raw Honey

There was an interesting article in Patch.com today about a local beekeeper and the benefits of raw, local honey.  Many of you have been coming in for seasonal allergy complaints. Adding local honey to your health routine may be a great way to supplement your acupuncture treatments. Read the article below and if allergies are an issue make sure to check out the link explaining how to use honey for allergies.


Beekeeper Labors for Sweet Success

Part of a series on local food and suburban farming.
&nbps;0 Comments
For Mark Leider beekeeping is a hobby, a business and an environmental mission.
The Libertyville resident says his primary motivation in beekeeping is to help the honeybees survive.
“Without the bees, we don’t have pollination, and that is what gives us most of our fruits and vegetables,” Leider said.
Our dependence on the honeybee as a pollinator has caused many environmentalists and scientists concern about colony collapse disorder, the mysterious and sudden loss of entire beehives.
Falling in Love With Beekeeping
Leider’s interest in bees started about seven years ago.
“I wasn’t getting a good yield with my fruit and veggies, so I thought I should try raising bees for pollination,” he said.
After spending more than three years researching beekeeping, Leider got his first beehive.
“I fell in love with beekeeping; one hive turned into 100,” he said.
Leider started out with hives in his own Libertyville backyard, but when a neighbor complained, he decided to move the hives. He said the village treats beehives as a nuisance; they aren’t a problem until someone complains.
Leider’s hives are located on 10 different properties in eastern Lake County.
Not Your Typical Hobby
Beekeeping is an expensive and time-consuming hobby, he said.
“You can’t just get bees,” Leider said. He said beekeeping requires a lot of knowledge and supplies. Getting started can cost well over $500 in the first year, he said.
Beehives ordered from a catalog can cost $200 to $300. Leider saves money by building his own hives. Beekeepers also need a smoker to drive the bees out of the hive for honey removal, protective gear and various equipment for extracting and preparing the honey.
“It’s like having a dog; you really don’t understand the cost until you get one,” Leider said.
Not only is beekeeping expensive, it also takes a lot of time. “It’s like having livestock. You’re constantly checking the hives to make sure the queen is alive,” he said. Even during the winter, Leider needs to check up on the hives.
From the caring for bees to the careful, slow preparation of the honey, Leider’s hobby takes a lot of his time. He said he spends about 25 percent of his time on his main business, spa repair, and 75 percent on beekeeping.
“It’s one of the most labor-intensive things I’ve ever done.”
Benefits of Raw Honey
Leider can be found at the Libertyville Farmers Market selling a number of products from his beehives, including beeswax candles, bee pollen, which has concentrated vitamins, minerals and amino acids, honeycomb, and two types of honey — spring and summer. The spring honey tastes like liquid candy, he said, while the summer honey has a more traditional, fruity honey flavor.
He tells customers about the health benefits of raw honey and warns to beware of store-bought honey. Chinese honey makers are laundering their products through other Asian nations, according to a Time Magazine article. The problem with the Chinese honey is that it may not be honey at all, but a mixture of honey with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. It also may be tainted with lead.
Local, raw honey is said to offer many health benefits.
“Pasteurization destroys all the good things in honey,” he said. Raw honey is a pure sweetener loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, and it also provides energy, Leider said.
Instead of pasteurization, Leider slowly dehydrates the honey to prevent fermentation and increase its shelf life.
Benefits of Local Honey
Local honey is said to reduce the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Since the bees ingest the same pollen that causes allergies, the honey is believed to act as an immune booster. Thomas Leo Ogren, author or Allergy-Free Gardening explains how to use raw honey for allergies.
“A lot of people say they have gotten off all their allergy medicines after taking local honey every day,” Leider said. He said local means the honey should come from no farther than 20 to 30 miles from home.
Leider eventually would like to turn beekeeping into his full-time job, because despite the significant time it requires, he still loves it.
“It’s good for the environment and it’s lots of fun,” Leider said.
Related Topics: Bees