Its Time To Do Some Spring Cleaning!

Happy first day of Spring! ​

Maybe you are like me and already have spring fever or are just itching for warmer weather to match the sunshine. I am going to use the next few blog posts to discuss spring cleaning the body, emotions and your environment. Today we will start with  spring cleaning ​your living space. 

Now is a great time to sweep away winter! What can you do?​

Open the windows! Get that stagnant winter air out of your house. If its cold out try opening just one or two windows at a time for 5 minutes or so. ​

Deep clean your house! I love using Thieves House Hold cleaner for cleaning the house. Its great on just about every surface and it smells lovely without any toxic chemicals.  Dust the base boards, ceiling fans, behind the refrigerator and other furniture and all those other places you often ignore.

I also like to use my diffuser to purify the air especially with all the sickness that has gone around this winter. ​For my spring cleaning I used Purification. Purification is an essential oil blend that contains citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, melaleuca, lavendin (hybrid lavender), and myrtle. It’s a great blend to use to purify the air and can also be used to relieve bug bites or as a natural bug repellant. If you don't have a diffuser you can put a couple of drops of Purification in a spray bottle of water and mist into the air.   

Clean out your closets! Start to put winter clothes away or to the back of your closet making room for spring clothes. Throw away anything you haven't worn in awhile or that no longer fits.​

Take inventory of your clutter! Donate or recycle things you aren't using or are broken. ​

Nurture your house plants and start your garden! Clear away any dried leaves, replenish the soil, compost any plants that may have died.  ​

You know what they say, "A clean house, a clean mind!" Happy Spring Cleaning! Stay tuned for our next blog about liver and gall bladder detoxification. 

Citrus For Depression

As the days are starting to become noticeably shorter more and more people are starting to think about seasonal depression.

Citrus Essential Oils have an uplifting aroma that are helpful in the winter months for keeping depression at bay especially if you don't have the time to come in for regular acupuncture treatments.

Here are a couple ways you can use them in your everyday routine.

* Refresh NAP @home bath salts first thing in the morning.

* Diffuse Lemon essential oil at home or in your office. NAP recently got a new diffuser and we have been diffusing lemon and citrus fresh. Take a deep breath the next time you stop in for a NAP.

* Place a few drops of your favorite citrus essential oil (orange, tangerine, lemon, grapefruit etc) on a cotton ball and put in the air vents of your car.

* Fill a spray bottle with water and 5-10 drops of your favorite citrus essential oils and spray around room.

* Place a drop of your favorite citrus oil in your water or tea. **make sure you are using therapeutic grade essential oils before taking internally.

Remember citrus oils are photosensitive! Just like when you put lemon juice in your hair for highlights in the summer as a kid citrus essential oils can cause skin sensitivities or burns if used in direct sun light.

Not sure which oil to choose? Info about oils is from www.youngliving.org If you'd like an oil I place an order every 2nd of the month.

Lemon: Lemon (Citrus limon) has a strong, purifying, citrus scent that is revitalizing and uplifting. Lemon consists of 68 percent dlimonene, a powerful antioxidant. It is delightfully refreshing in water and may be beneficial for the skin. Lemon may also be used to enhance the flavor of foods. Lemon essential oil is cold-pressed from the rinds of lemons. Jean Valnet MD estimated that it takes 3,000 lemons to produce one kilo of oil. In his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, Valnet wrote that lemon is a tonic for supporting the nervous and sympathetic nervous system.* 

Orange: Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil has a rich, fruity scent that lifts the spirit while providing a calming influence on the body. Orange brings peace and happiness to the mind. It is rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene and aids in maintaining normal cellular regeneration.

Tangerine: Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) is a calming essential oil with a sweet, tangy aroma, similar to orange. It helps with occasional nervous irritability. An excellent oil to help uplift the spirit and bring about a sense of security, tangerine is also rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene. 

Grapefruit: Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) has a fresh, citrus aroma that is energizing and uplifting. Rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene, it is nourishing to the skin. Like many coldpressed citrus oils, it is a popular oil to use in conjunction with weight management programs. Grapefruit may also be used to enhance the flavor of food and water.

Citrus Fresh (blend): Citrus Fresh™ is a relaxing, calming blend loved by children and adults alike. Rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene, it supports the immune system and overall health* while bringing about a sense of well-being, creativity, and feelings of joy. It also works as an air purifier. 




Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Dilution recommended for both topical and internal use. Dilute before using on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genital area, etc. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid using on infants and very small children. Citrus oils should not be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light within twelve hours. 

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sarah Canga-Arguelles

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

How Safe Are Your Cleaning Products

I just recently became aware of this article from the sun times about a cop who died after inhaling fumes of cleaning products at the police station. 

Often times we take for granted what exactly is in the household cleaners we use on a regular basis. I know recently we talked about what is in tooth paste and other personal care products here. Today I wanted to give you some options for safer house hold cleaning products. Above there is a video on how to make your own cleaning products at home based on the recipe of the Thieves essential oil. If you don't have the time or patience for a DIY project Young Living has an concentrated thieves cleaning product available for purchase as well. (Young Living orders go out the 2nd of each month)

If you are still looking for safer alternatives for personal care products and you live locally make sure to check out Turtle Bay Naturals a Hand Made Soap Company. You can check ingredients of their products right on their website.

Sarah Zender LAc

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

Acupuncture, Herbs, and The Flu

The kids are back and school and fall is starting to creep in with delightful sleeping weather. It also means for many that sinus infections are back as well as cold and flu attacks.

What can you do? 

* Recent studies show that acupuncture points have higher levels of white blood cells. Acupuncture by default boosts the immune system and has virtually no negative side effects.

Many patients comment on the lemon, cinnamon, evergreeny smell of the office. The scent comes from the essential oil blend called Thieves made by Young Living. Thieves got its name from a band of apothecaries during the Black Plague. They couldn't make a living selling their wares in the cities so they began stealing what valuables they could find from the dead bodies. The Kind of France finally caught up with them and offered not to kill them if they shared their secret in not getting sick. The apothecaries would take the herbs of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary and wear on their bodies and over a scarf covering their faces.

Studies conducted at Weber State University during 1997 demonstrated Thieves killing power against airborne microorganisms. One analysis showed a 90% reduction in the number of gram positive micrococcus luteus organisms after diffusing the oil for 12 minutes, after 20 minutes of diffusing the killing jumped to 99.3%. Another study against the gram negative pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a kill rate of 99.96% after just 12 minutes of diffusion.

So make sure to breathe deeply while resting during your treatment as the Thieves oils are diffusing in the air! Thieves is available for purchase at NAP also.

Check this article on how chinese herbal formulas have shown to be as promising on swine flu as tamiflu. The article cautions on how finding these formulas can be difficult in the U.S. Your neighborhood acupuncturist has them. :)

Sarah Zender LAc

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

3 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer with Peppermint

Its finally starting to feel real isn't it? The sun is peaking through the clouds more then its not and the temperature is starting to take hold to flip flop season. You might not be feeling as excited for the summer months if you have pain that gets worse when its hot out, get hot flashes, or generally are prone to sun stroke or just have a difficult time when the environment is warm.

Of course you know I'm going to tell you to get acupuncture, its kind of my job to be the cheerleader of acupuncture because I get to see it work all day long. I also know that as much as you might want to come in all the time for a treatment sometimes its just not feasible with your busy life. Enter peppermint.

Therapeutic grade Peppermint essential oil is cooling in nature and will make your skin feel tingly with a cool feeling. Read on for 3 great ways to use peppermint to keep your body temperature where you want it to be but first a bit about safety. (If you are familiar with aromatherapy skip over this next paragraph)

{Not all essential oils are created equal. I use essential oils from a company called Young Living and have been for the past 10 years. They process their high quality oils with standards used in Europe where aromatherapy use is more respected and prevalent. Most essential oils you will find in health food stores and bath stores have what are called cosmetic grade essential oils, this means that the oils smell pretty but don't have a therapeutic function. Just like anything you put in your body or on your skin (your body's largest organ) you want to read the label. An essential oil that is therapeutic grade will not have an expiration date on it and may have a nutrition facts label because they are safe to take internally. Cosmetic grade essential oils are sometimes grown in an environment where pesticides are used, extracted in ways that make them lose therapeutic status or are mixed with solvents or other scentless chemicals in order to use less of the oil to maximize profits. Usually it is these solvents that cause the headaches from scents or skin irritations not the essential oils themselves.}

#1: Peppermint and Acupressure

If you are feeling overwhelmed on a hot day or fed up with bouts of hot flashes apply peppermint on the following acupressure points.

Du14 is at the base of the neck near the 7th cervical vertebrae or in layman's terms near where your torso becomes your neck, by the most prominent bump if you hold your hand on the spine of your neck and look down. For more information and pictures of Du14 visit here.

UB40 is the hollow parts of the back of your knees. For more information and pictures of UB40 visit here. 

Tai Yang: otherwise known as your temples. For more information and pictures of Tai Yang visit here. 

#2 Cool Moist Compress

Take a wash cloth and wet with cool or cold water and apply to the acupressure points above after applying peppermint. The cool water helps to magnify the effect of the peppermint oil and the body's own ability to cool down with these points.

*** If for any reason your skin feels uncomfortable after you apply peppermint to the skin, get peppermint essential oil in your eyes or the effect is too intense do not mix with water! Oil and water do not mix and you will make your discomfort worse. Instead use a vegetable oil such as olive oil or coconut oil to "cut" the essential oil in the area the feels uncomfortable. It will take the discomfort away almost immediately. ***

#3 Peppermint Water

Place a drop of peppermint essential oil (therapeutic grade only) in a cup of water. Drink throughout the day to stay cool. You will feel that same tingly sensation internally when you drink the water and it will also freshen your breath. If you are having trouble concentrating or are feeling drowsy you can also apply a drop of peppermint neat into your mouth for an invigorating experience.

Other fun facts about peppermint:

Peppermint is anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, anti-parasitic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, digestive stimulant, pain relieving, and curbs appetite.

Can be used for rheumatism, respiratory infections, obesity, viral infections, fungal infections, digestive problems, headaches, nausea, skin conditions, scoliosis, lumbago, and back problems.

I am happy to place an order for essential oils on your behalf. Orders go out on the 2nd of every month. Peppermint essential oil from young living is appx $25 after tax and shipping. A 15 ml bottle if you are using daily for last 3-5 months.

Sarah Zender LAc

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

Recovering from Heart Surgery with Essential Oils

Many of you know what a huge fan I am of Young Living essential oils and that I have been using them for almost 10 years now. Below is a story from another Young Living user and her story using the oils to help heal her scars from heart surgery. My sister had abdominal surgery a few years back and used the oils to help heal her scars as well, her doctors were amazed at her quick recovering time (half the time her doctors anticipated). Take a look at the pictures below. 

Heartfelt Thanks to Joy Linsley for Sharing Her Personal Recovery from Heart Surgery! 

from her Feb. 7, 2011 newsletter... 

SINCE IT IS THE MONTH OF THE HEART...

I decided (actually it was suggested by my son, Todd) to post before and after photos of my open heart surgery of February '09 - exactly two years ago yesterday - because

he has been so impressed with how my scars healed with the use of our oils.

I have not shared this until now because it is so very personal - and a bit more revealing than my comfort zone allows - but Todd, who took the first two photos - encouraged me to do so to show how beautifully the oils heal, and with the intention that it may help someone else (oh, what we do in the name of love!). I just saw a Barbara Walters Special a couple of nights ago where she interviewed famous people who recently had this same procedure - although for different reasons:  Robin Williams, David Letterman, Bill Clinton, and herself. So it is - unfortunately - a frequently performed procedure.

As many of you may recall, thankfully this procedure was not done because of "disease," but because I was born with a defective (bi-cuspid) aortic valve, that finally had decided

it had worked hard enough and long enough - against all odds.

                                   

The first photo was taken shortly after I arrived home from the hospital - about Day 6 or 7. The large scar at the bottom is where they begin the process to go in to saw the ribcage open and pull it apart to get to the heart, and the two under that are where tubes were inserted to drain fluids.

 

                                    

The second photo is a couple of months later.

 

                                   

And the third is after a year, although the healing did not take the full year.  

 

The result was accomplished with diligent application of our YLEOs, plus applications at various times of Squalene (shark liver oil), aloe, and Vitamin E. 

I used several oils: Frankincense, Helichrysum, Gentle Baby, Myrrh, and Melrose , and also made up a bottle of Nancy Sanderson's Scar-B-Gone Recipe:

10 Helichrysum,

  6 Lavender,

  8 Lemongrass,

  4 Patchouly

  5 Myrrh

  1 oz. V-6

In the beginning, because of all the tape, I could only apply it around the outer edges of the tape. Then when that came off, I still applied around the perimeter of the scars, and also "dropped" a little of the mixtures onto the scar. Many of the oils I chose were for "healing and rebuilding" the tissue, but the Melrose was important to me to prevent infection. Definitely didn't want to go there!!

I still place orders on the 2nd of every month if you need anything or ask me how to set you up with your own account. 

Sarah Zender LAc

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)

230 Florence St

Crystal Lake IL 60014

www.CLNAP.com

815.893.9825

Big Bite Relief with Acupuncture and Aromatherapy

Its the season of the great outdoors and with it comes bugs. Many patients have recently come in complaining of itchy bug bites. The good news, of course, is that acupuncture or acupressure might offer some relief.

Baichongwu "hundred insect burrow" is an acupuncture point on the leg that helps to alleviate itching. According to A Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman this point was first discussed in theGreat Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and is an important point for the treatment of skin diseases especially when it comes to alleviating severe itching.

The picture above shows where Baichongwu is located above the knee on the inner thigh as a red dot.

Aromatherapy can also be quite helpful with keeping insects away or as relief when they do nibble on you because the essential oil is actually the defense mechanism of the plant and is exactly what the plant uses to keep bugs away as well. Make sure that if you are going to use aromatherapy that your essential oils are specifically therapeutic grade. I can't say enough about the quality of Young Living Essential Oils.

For insect repellent that is natural and safe for your body mix:

6 drops of peppermint

6 drops tea tree

9 drops eucalyptus radiata

These oils all have a cooling affect on the body so if you have sensitive skin and it feels too intense mix these oils with a smidge of olive or coconut oil.

Purification Essential Oil is a blend that is great for relief from bug bites as well and contains citronella, lemongrass, lavandin, rosemary, melaleuca, and myrtle. I put a drop or two of this oil on my plants whenever little bugs or mold happen to show up. It has properties that are antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, immune supporting as well as beneficial to the skin, just to name a few.

If you're itching place a drop of purification essential oil on the area of discomfort and/or on top of Baichongwu and massage the area until it feels achey or turns slightly red and warm.

I'm curious, what are your natural remedies for bug bites and insect repellents?

Sarah Zender LAc

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)

230 Florence St

Crystal Lake IL 60014

815.983.9825

www.clnap.com 

What is Lavender Essential Oil?

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is a scent that many associate with a calm, soothing environment. Images of bubble baths, candles and massage might also come to mind.

Rene Gattefosse a french scientist working in a cosmetic laboratory was the first to discover the benefits of lavender to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound recovery after he burned his arm in a laboratory accident.

Lavender is a highly versatile essential oil and is considered to be an adaptogen. While lavender is known for its calming properties it also has the ability to boost stamina and energy should that be the body's greater need. Therapeutic-grade lavender can be used for a variety of skin conditions as well, from keeping the skin soft and supple to soothing and cleaning small cuts and bruises. My personal favorite in the summer time is to use lavender for minor sun burns also.

University researchers in Japan found that diffusing lavender in office environments improved mental accuracy and concentration and resulted in 20% fewer errors.

University of Miami researchers found that inhalation of lavender oil increased beta waves in the brain, suggesting heightened relaxation. It also reduced depression and improved cognitive performance.

Be careful: true lavender is often extended with hybrid lavender or synthetic linalol and linalyl acetate which strips the potency and purity of the lavender. If the oil you are using says do not apply directly to skin or take internally it is not a therapeutic grade essential oil.

Young Living Essential Oils is one of the few companies in the US that is a therapeutic grade oil company.

Sarah Zender LAc

Neighborhood Acupuncture Place (NAP)

230 Florence St

Crystal Lake IL 60014

815.893.9825

www.clnap.com