Chinese medicine offers a steady and balanced way to regain mental and physical equilibrium.  The disease, which is a disharmony to the body/mind, took years to form.  The treatment will also take time, and requires careful tending and adjusting.  The tools of Chinese medicine: acupuncture, herbal medicine and diet therapy, are effective and useful.

A large portion of my patients suffer from depression, anxiety or bi-polar mood disorder in various degrees.  There is a direct correlation between these conditions and various patterns that can be identified clearly and easily within Chinese medicine’s diagnostic capacities.

When treating emotional disorders, many of my patients at first expect that my treatment and my herbs will have the same effects they have experienced in the past from antidepressants, mood stabilizers or other western medications they have been prescribed by psychiatrists.  Many are already on these medications, and while they have some relief, they still do not find the mental focus and calm they seek. The medication’s side effects may be causing them discomforts.  While some have to remain on their medications, others would love to gradually wean off them.  The variances are great.   All can be helped and treated.

The main things they all have in common are the yearning for balance and equanimity.  To feel good, positive.  Happy and content.

When we meet every few weeks, the patient checks in with me.  We feel the pulses.  We discuss how they are doing, and we make necessary adjustments to the herbal prescription.  The changes are gradual and slow over time, and eventually the shifts happen.  Sometimes changes have to happen on other levels too, diet, exercise, spiritual guidance in whatever path the person may be on.  And we keep working together, in deep support and attention to the spirit.

Each person is unique, and in treating emotional and mood disorders, making lasting changes over time is an important principle.  The journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step.

In health,

Eti

Hello Friends,

I am in beautiful Portland, attending a seminar with my teacher, Arnaud Versluys, and his teacher, Dr Zeng Rongxiu. Dr Zeng is coming on his 87th year -and still teaching! what an inspiration. I am so grateful for the opportunity to study with these masters and continue to hone my own skills of diagnosis.

I regret to reschedule this week’s lecture at my office. I am starting to teach a new class at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, which will unfortunately take me away from teaching classes at my office until September. I will be resuming my monthly “nourishing Life” lecture series in the fall.

Enjoying the energy of the spring, I wanted to give you a recipe for a nourishing spring dish to enhance your cooking experience and provide you with easy meals. This is an easy way to integrate lots of vegetables into the diet and it makes lots of food, so you can have a few meals with little preparation. The trick to a good stir fry is in the timing. Cooking vegetables according to their density and hardness makes for stir fry that tastes fresh, with the vegetables retaining their crispness and color.

chop things first and in increments. stick all the ones from same category in mixing bowls, together. Trader joes or fresh and easy have a big selection of precut veggies that are ready to use. or, in a pinch, frozen vegetables are good too.

chop onion and leeks first.

garlic and ginger second.

then hard things: carrots, radish (daikon), squash, yams, sweet potato, potato

then medium: zucchini, cabbage, napa cabbage, green beans, bell peppers, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, mushrooms

frozen peas go with medium veggies, they are nice because they add protien. or edamame is great too.

then leafy stuff: chard, kale, collards, spinach, dandelion greens, mizuna, cilantro, parsley, dill.

last to go in is celery.

You need a wok or skillet. The reason to chop things first is that you use high heat and it doesnt take long, so chopping most things first means you can stir and pay attention to your dish – asy ou get more experienced you will get better at the timing of things and not burn your food. But for starters- chop first.

saute onion and leek, on high heat, stirring constantly.

when start to turn translucent, add ginger and garlic and stir until you can smell the garlic. add hard ingredients, stir and cover. lower heat a bit. stir frequently

when veggies change color add medium ingredients. stir. cover and let cook a few minutes, stir often

then when things are almost done and still bright colored, add leafy greens, stir and cover.. let cook a few more minutes. greens will turn bright green. add celery. stir. turn off heat and let steam, covered for 2 more minutes.

voila.

I hope you enjoy in good health,

Eti

Hi Friends!
I hope this beautiful spring day finds you in good health. I am excitedly at work planning tomorrow’s class on Chinese medicine and seasonal cleansing. Traditionally, Chinese medicine has no concept of “cleansing”, since the body is not viewed as “dirty” in any way. Various organs are charged with the tasks of cleansing and detoxification, and when their function is impaired, treatment is administered in the form of dietetics, acupuncture/moxibustion and herbal medicine. We fine tune and improve the organ system function and our body naturally detoxifies and cleanses itself, which it was meant to do.
Join me in class this Wednesday, April 6th, at 6:30 pm.

we will cover:
-When should one cleanse.
-Appropriate times of year to cleanse/detoxify.
-Various methods of cleansing and how to choose the right one for you.

This class is perfect for you if:
-You are curious about cleansing and want to learn how.
-Have tried cleansing and would like to learn more.
-Feel like your body is not in optimal health and you would like to improve your absorption and elimination.

warmly,

Eti

Happy holidays!

I hope your holiday season is filled with joy and love. The holiday season can be intense for many of us, and we are reminded to maintain our self care routines and keep our immune system strong.

Here a few tips for maintaining a healthy immune system:

Sleep-
make sure you get adequate rest. Sleep deprivation and stress induced insomnia is one of the main reasons why people get sick during holidays.

Stay warm-
it’s been cold in Southern California. Please make sure and cover up properly over that pretty but strapless holiday dress. Wear a hat and scarf.

Take supplements and herbs-
zinc and Ultima replenisher are helpful in keeping us hydrated and healthy. It’s easy to get dehydrated when we are stressed and busy. We also tend to increase our caffeine and alcohol intake during this season, which further dehydrates us.

Stock up on herbal formulas, such as the two below, to have handy in case of a sore throat or runny nose. Catching a cold at it’s very onset can get rid of it in a few hours.  Having these remedies in your cabinet may make all the difference and is simple and inexpensive.

Minor bupleurum or cold quell- best for sore throat
Cinnamon twig decoction- best for clear and runny nose

(I have those on hand and can ship them to you if needed)

Keep moving- 20 minutes of mild exercise daily will keep your immune system healthy and strong. A short walk can do the trick. Keep your qi circulating which will keep your mind and emotions clear and your body healthy.

My monthly class series, “Nourishing Life” will start in the new year.  It will focus on preventing disease through lifestyle, herbal medicine and nutrition.  Please feel free to share and invite your friends and family who could benefit from the information.

Warmly,

Eti

Nourishing Life: A monthly lecture series by Eti Domb, L.Ac.

Time:
Wednesday nights once a month 630-8
see below for a list of dates and topics.

Location:
4054 centre st #1, San Diego, CA 92103

Please RSVP as class size is limited to 14.

Cost:
$20 per class or $180 for the year.

January 12- stress relief and maintaining a strong and healthy immune system with chinese medicine

February 9- Nutrition Priniciples I- Diet and seasonal influences

March 9th- Nutrition Principles II-
cooking, food combining and meal planning

April 6th- Chinese medicine and seasonal cleansing

May 4th- Prevention and treatment of digestive disorders

June 1st- staying healthy and maintaining optimal fertility with chinese medicine

June 29th-prevention and treatment of arthritis and joint disorders

August 24th-treatment and prevention of allergies and hayfever with chinese medicine

September 21st-treatment and prevention of colds/flus with Chinese medicine

October 19th- healthy sleep with chinese medicine- prevention and treatment of insomnia

November 16th- weight loss with chinese medicine

December 14th- holiday party!

Swine Flu Update: prevention and treatment

We have all heard by now of the Swine flu, threatening to become an epidemic of global proportions. The good news is that Chinese medicine is very effective in treating flu symptom and can be used safely and effectively. I am stocking up on my herbal remedies and am available to all of you for herbal consultations and Acupuncture treatments; I encourage you to contact me as soon as you start to feel any symptoms whatsoever. I can help you feel better and treat whatever arises.

Another great option is to keep herbs on hand. The effectiveness rate of Chinese herbs increases dramatically if the herbs are taken at the very first hint of feeling sick. Also, I have herbs on hand to support and strengthen your immune system. There is a saying in Chinese medicine: “If the doors and windows are closed, a thief cannot get in”. If we keep our immune systems strong utilizing herbs, acupuncture, plenty of sleep, water, exercise and good food, our system will not be susceptible to contracting an illness.

There are excellent herbal formulas to maintain a strong immune system and herbal formulations to keep on hand, in your bag or car, in case you get sick. I would especially recommend this if you travel or are undergoing a stressful period in your life.

Contact me for more details and to find a combination right for you.

Upcoming Seminars and Workshops

June 27th- A natural birth project event- I will be speaking on Birth preparation and postpartum care from a Chinese Medicine perspective. I will send out more event details closer to the time.

I am developing a number of workshops and seminars, and am very excited to share them with you. I am available for speaking engagements to groups of 10 or more.

Book on the Way!

It has been a very gratifying process to put my knowledge and experience into a book. I am writing on Pregnancy, Childbirth, postpartum and beyond with Chinese Medicine. So much is coming out that I may have 3-4 books in there, so for now, I am just getting the process down and allowing it to unfold. Being a clinician and a mother, I have my hands full, so who knows how long this will take…I have my goals, of course, so I will keep you posted.

The Natural Birth Project

I am very excited to be a part of the Natural birth project.
Their next event:

Yoga Therapy for the Pregnant Mama
Date: Sat 5/30/2009
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Description:
Are you pregnant and interested in having an easier pregnancy and delivery? Would you like to have your body in great shape and in proper alignment for a smooth birth? Would you to alleviate any back pain and tension in your body during pregnancy? In this workshop, Rachel Krentzman, PT, ERYT founder and director of Embody Yoga Therapy will discuss the benefits of physical therapy for proper alignment and support during pregnancy. Then join Arati Lane for a prenatal Yoga class using the “Yoga Wall” as a fun and effective tool for stretching and preparing the body for birth.
Cost: $30 (a portion of proceeds go to the Natural Birth Project)
Naturalbirthproject.com

This year we  will continue creating a healing environment that will provide resources for our community and patients.

Here are some of the projects in the works:

Pregnancy Support group:
We are teaming with some of our practitioners to create a space for pregnant women to come and enjoy community, information about healthy nutrition, herbs and lifestyle choices.  Hosted by Samantha Canterberry and several other holistic health professionals.  Tune in for more info.

Professional Networking Mixer:
a social time combined with a healthy dose of networking!  Come promote your business and meet other professionals in our community.  A great resource.

Cooking classes:
I am in the process of developing a series of classes to teach cooking, shopping and meal planning.