Port Moody & Coquitlam Acupuncture - Acupuncture Port Moody | Coquitlam Acupuncture | Acupuncturist

The only 2 Causes of Aging

10/18/2015

According to Chinese medicine, there are only 2 causes of aging. Pre-birth and Post-birth.

1- Pre-Birth
The way we age is determined by our genes, our DNA and our family medical history. Our predisposition for certain diseases.

2- Post-Birth

- Our lifestyles: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, substance abuse all can contribute to aging if not balanced.
- Trauma: physical or emotional

Check out this short video for a quick but easy to understand explanation, and what can be done to age gracefully.
Clara
Registered Acupuncturist in Port Moody
Healing Cedar Wellness

Summer Smoothies!

5/20/2015

Summer is almost here! Time for smoothies.
I just made these 2 in my Vitamix and though I'd share the recipes with you, so you can taste how yummy they are.

- Breakfast: 1 cup of almond milk, 1 tbsp raw cacao, 1/2 banana, 1tbsp almond butter, 2 ice cubes.
- Afternoon snack: 1 cup of coconut milk, 1/2 avocado, 1 cup of raw spinach, 1 cup of fresh strawberries, 2 ice cubes
Bon Appetit!

Clara
Registered Acupuncturist in Port Moody

Pregnancy acupuncture

3 Ways to Make 2014 Your Best Year Ever!

12/31/2013

Starting an exercise program, eating whole foods, and sleeping longer are all great ways to feel better, and are often included among peoples' New Year's resolutions. But wouldn't it be easier to stick to these, if you worked on being happier overall? So here are 3 ways to make 2014 your best year ever!

Go play outside

Be kind to others:
Babysit your friends' kids, cook for a neighbor, hug people for no reason, smile at strangers, open doors, tip more or volunteer. Write a recommendation on LinkedIn for your co-workers, a Google review for a small business you really enjoy, a testimony for your teachers, massage therapist or acupuncturist :)

Be kind to yourself:
Book a massage and take charge of your health. Sink in a bubble bath weekly. Learn something new, or register for a course. Plan a weekend getaway. Take time to read, sing, laugh and dance, even if it's in your living room and by yourself :)

Reassess:
What hasn't been working for you in the past year? It's time to make some changes and find solutions to problems. Do you deserve a raise? Then just ask! Communicate your needs to others, learn to say no, and ask for help. Basically implement new ways to make your life easier.

Remember what makes you happy and DO IT OFTEN!
One of my patients told me, years ago she sang in a choir and hadn't done so for years. It used to bring her immense joy, so this year she vowed to get her voice back and sing again.

Being kind to others will bring you joy, being kind to yourself will bring you peace, and reassessing your priority will make you whole.
Here's to a great year filled with health, happiness and kindness!

Clara Cohen
Registered Acupuncturist in Port Moody
Owner of Healing Cedar Wellness

How to figure out YOUR perfect diet

11/6/2013

Your best friend is raving about her new raw diet, so you decide to give it a try. But it doesn't work for you. Maybe it made you tired, or gain weight, or more health issues showed up suddenly. Why is that? Because your friend and you are completely different individuals.
Or perhaps, what worked for you in the past ten years, suddenly isn't. Why? Because each of us evolve, our body changes, our lifestyle changes, our jobs, or our location even. All of this plays a major role on our health and our body needs for nutrients.

So here's what you need to consider when it comes to YOUR diet:

What is your ethnic background?
Are you always cold? or always too hot?
Do you produce a lot of mucus and have greasy skin or hair? Or are you more on the dry side?
Where do you live? A damp place or a cold dry one?
What is your lifestyle? Do you exercise, or you sitting at work all day?
How is your health in general? Is your immune system okay?

Depending on your age, by now, you hopefully have figured out a few things that work, when it comes to your digestive system. Maybe you know certain foods give you heart burns, or diarrhea, or headaches. But you're still searching for a healthy diet that works for you. Try to aim for a diet that makes you feel energetic, clear minded and prevent you from getting sick. No matter what, the basic rule is to eat a wholesome real food diet, to buy local and in season.

Now, let's figure out YOUR best diet:

Your ethnic background will determine what foods suit you best. If you're from an asian descent, dairies will probably not agree with you, as the asian diet does not contain dairy. If you're from a danish or german descent, very spicy foods may not agree with your system. So look at your ancestors diet and stay close to it, for the most part.
Are you often cold, when others are just fine, do you live in a cold place? Avoid icy drinks and raw foods, add more warming foods instead. Are you hot all the time? Maybe menopause is playing havoc with your body, then avoid alcohol, and spicy dishes, add cooling foods instead.
If you're someone who has tendency to have excess mucus (nasal drip, stuffy nose, greasy scalp & skin, yeast infections, stuffy chest, cysts…), you may need to avoid all mucus forming foods for a while (i.e.: dairy, wheat, sugar). Add clear broth soups, lost of greens, asparagus, and kale. On the other hand, if you're dry (skin, stools, hair, dry mouth especially at night), then you may need watery foods such as cucumber, watermelon, apples, pears, and lubricating foods such as nuts and seeds, fatty fish (Salmon, halibut), and avocado.
Your lifestyle also can dictate what diet suits your body. For sedentary people (desk job, students, bus driver), eating small meals throughout the day is best. But if you're on your feet all the time (landscaper, hairdresser, delivery person), then have 3 sitting down meals/day.
And finally, look at your overall health, are you tired, do you get sick often, are headaches plaguing you daily? If your body is out of balance, you may need the help of a professional to get you back into optimum health. Talk to your acupuncturist, naturopath, chiropractor, massage therapist or family doctor. You may need to tweak your diet, add supplements, and/or therapy in order to feel at your best again.

Life is a constant ebb and flow cycle. Adapting to change and listening to our bodies, will in the end benefit us tremendously. If you have any questions regarding this article, feel free to contact Healing Cedar Wellness or Clara via e-mail or phone.

Clara Cohen
Registered Acupuncturist, DTCM

College Freshman 15: Be Gone!

9/6/2013

Going back to school? Or College? We all know about the freshman 15, and all the weight gain that occurs during the college years. Here's a graphic from TheBestColleges.org on including exercise as part of a weekly routine. Eating a balanced diet and implementing an exercise regime, while in college, will help each student perform better, be more alert and pave the road to success!

Clara Cohen
Registered Acupuncturist in Port Moody

Please include attribution to TheBestColleges.org with this graphic.

I had WHEAT in France and I felt great!

8/9/2013

About 2 years ago, I decided to check out the gluten free diet, to see what all the fuss was about. I don't have Celiac, I just wanted to experiment. The results surprised me (Read about it here) and I continued on the journey to healthy eating without gluten. Then June 22th this year, my husband and I flew to France for a 3 weeks well deserved holiday! My friends, my patients and my hubby kept asking me how I was going to survive being gluten free in the country of my ancestors. I mean, we're talking croissants, baguette, pastries, all gluten, all the time!

My decision was to enjoy everything, including the food, so I knew I would have to eventually experience lots of bloating, foggy head, headache, bowel issues, cystic acne and fatigue. I kept waiting for these symptoms to occur, but after 4 days, still nothing. After 2 weeks, no acne, no headache, no bloating, no fatigue. Our days consisted of croissants, fruits and coffee for breakfast, baguette and cheese with a salad for lunch, some hiking, walking, biking, kayaking or sitting by the water, and then afternoon pastries. We usually finished the day with a great dinner with bread, wine and more desserts!

www.HungryForChange.TV

What is going on here? Why is it that wheat in France didn't affect me as it does in Canada? I have talked to people about it and started researching the reason behind this mystery. Apparently Europe standards on GMOs and food additives are different than our North Americans. I found many articles like the one below, and finally shed a light on why so many people in north america have food sensitivities.

http://topinfopost.com/2013/07/10/10-american-foods-that-are-banned-in-other-countries

We need to demand better standards for ourselves and for our future generations. Eating organic and a wholesome diet may also help. Avoiding processed food at all cost, buying from local farmer's market, growing our own garden, and cooking our meals may, at least, keep us from some illnesses.
If you have any comments, feel free to share.

Clara Cohen
Registered Acupuncturist in Port Moody
Healing Cedar Wellness

Delicious Summer Salad

5/30/2013

Coquitlam acupuncture

This is an easy to make salad, perfect for summer.
It is full of nutrient dense vegetables, and can be enjoyed by meat or fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike. It is gluten free and dairy free. I always make a big batch as it keeps for a week in the fridge. Your family will love it!

Makes 5 servings as a complete meal

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup of cooked and drained chickpeas
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- 1 red pepper cubed
- 1 orange pepper cubed
- 2 cup of white mushrooms sliced
- 1 bunch of cilantro chopped
- Olive oil
- Fig Balsamic vinegar (or regular balsamic vinegar)
- Sea salt
- Choice of the following depending on your preferences: 2 chicken breast, or 6 oz of salmon, or 8 oz of tempeh, cut to bite size.

Directions:
Steam the asparagus until tender, then cut into bite size.
Sauté the mushrooms, asparagus, and the meat, fish or tempeh, until tender with 2 tbsp of olive oil and 2 tbsp of fig balsamic vinegar.
In a salad bowl, toss the red & orange pepper, the chickpeas, the cilantro, a dash of sea salt, and 1 tbsp each of olive oil & fig balsamic vinegar. Add the sautéed mixture and toss again. Voila!

Clara Cohen
Registered Acupuncturist at Healing Cedar Wellness in Port Moody

Asparagus & Salmon Quinoa (Gluten Free & Dairy Free)

4/21/2013

I love Quinoa and what can be done with it. You can have it for breakfast with almond milk, walnuts and a dash of maple syrup or cinnamon (great on a cold winter morning), or for lunch as a salad. This recipe is easy, and I usually make a big batch on Sunday evening, so my husband and I can take it to work a couple of times a week. For the olive oil, I use our local supplier Tri-Cities tasters because their products are amazing, but if you don't live around Port Moody, then shop locally in your area for an infused chipotle oil.

Serve 4

Quinoa: 1 1/4 cup dried
Asparagus: 1 bunch diced
Mushrooms: 2 cups sliced
Red pepper: 1 diced
Green pepper: 1 of diced
Wild Salmon: 6 oz

Tri-Cities Tasters Chipotle Olive oil
Chili powder: a couple of pinches
Sea Salt: a couple of pinches

Directions:
- Cook the quinoa in 2 1/2 cups of boiling water (always rinse before cooking), until the water is gone (about 15 minutes).
- Bake the salmon for 15 minutes at 425 degree. Then flake it into pieces.
- Sauté the asparagus, mushrooms and peppers with 2 tbsp of chipotle olive oil until tender, add the chill powder and cook for 2 more minutes.

Once everything is cooked, baked and sautéed, mix it all together, add the sea salt and 2 tbsp of chipotle olive oil. Voila!
Serve warm and enjoy!

Clara Cohen
Registered Acupuncturist
Healing Cedar Wellness

3 Tips To Healthy Meal Planning (With recipes)

3/2/2013

I assume you know what a nutritious diet consist of, so I won't talk about healthy nutrition. We are all aware of what's good and what's bad for us in terms of food (at least, I hope so). All we need is to be prepared.

Here are 3 tips to help you be prepared:

1- Meal Planning: this is the hardest one for people, but it pays off tremendously in the end. My husband and I spend our Sunday evenings cooking for the week (okay I cook, he keeps me company). We drink a glass of wine and have great conversations, our bonding time if you will. For about 2 hours, I cook our weekly meals. I make 3 to 4 different dishes (see below for ideas) and put them in containers. I hard boil eggs. I cook meat and fish which can be paired with a salad as a quick meal. We both bring our food with us to work. We eat real, nutritious food, and also save money!

2- Keep snacks handy: if you're hungry and you're away from home, the easiest thing to do is stop somewhere and grab food. Unfortunately, there aren't many healthy options around. Keep water with you at all times; have nuts or seeds handy (they make a quick, healthy and fulfilling snack, and don't need a fridge); and make your own trail mix, ensuring you keep a bag in your car or purse.

3- Eating out: you need to be mentally prepared for this one. There are healthy choices at most restaurants and coffee places. Not perfect choices, but at least options. Order foods that are wholesome, such as grilled and sautéed meat or fish, with vegetables, and with the least amount of sauce. No bread, no dessert, but enjoy a glass of wine if you wish. Remember, you're there to enjoy the people you're with. At the coffee shop, have a tea, coffee or any natural beverage, no food unless you brought some nuts to munch on. At the convenience store, fresh fruits and unsealed nuts or seeds are probably your only healthy options.

Here are some healthy menu planning ideas:

Breakfast:

2 Brown Rice Cakes with almond butter, 1 apple & Green tea (this one is for people that just need a light start to their day);
1 Cup of cooked quinoa, with 1/4 cup of almond milk, chopped walnut, cinnamon & chia seeds (this is for people that have tendency to feel cold easily);
Smoothie with one avocado, an apple, 1 juice of a lemon, kale, spinach and celery with ground flax seeds (this is for people who have tendency to feel warm often);
1 omelete made of 2 eggs & 2 egg whites, chopped mushrooms & grilled asparagus, sea salt and pepper & green tea (for those who like some savory food upon waking).

Lunch & dinner:

Thai Coconut Chili
Cooked quinoa with sautéed veggies (asparagus, garlic,mushroom, red & yellow peppers all chopped), add sea salt, paprika and olive oil. Option to add cooked chopped chicken or salmon
Grilled meat or fish, with a big salad (mixed greens, sliced tomato, sprinkle goat cheese, sunflower seeds, olive oil & lemon juice)
Ratatouille Gluten free lasagna
Salad as a meal: arugula, chickpeas, tomato, red & yellow peppers, walnuts, add chopped grilled tofu, meat or fish to it, dressing (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and Italian seasonings).

Snack:

Handful of nuts or seeds with a fruit
2 hard boiled eggs with cucumber slices (perfect for a warm summer day)
Almond butter on apple slices
Plain goat yogurt with berries
A glass of wine with a piece of dark chocolate (great evening snack)
Mashed yam with cinnamon & nutmeg & cashews (great for the cool winters)
Smoothie: parsley, beets, strawberries, and almond milk.

You've heard it before: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Once you start being prepared for most of your meals, eating healthy won't be that difficult.
To health!

Clara Cohen
Registered Acupuncturist at Healing Cedar Wellness in Port Moody

9 Ways to stay healthy and prevent illnesses

2/1/2013

Achieving balance in life is not always easy but it should be what we all thrive for. We all know what can impact our health, and what to avoid (i.e.: drugs, smoking, stress...), in order to stay grounded. Let's focus on what we can DO to prevent chronic illnesses and live a long happy life.
Defining health:
- Eating a wholesome non processed diet that suits you need.
- Go play outside, get some fresh air daily no matter what the weather is like.
- Exercise: whatever you enjoy, hiking, swimming, playing sports, yoga, tai chi.
- Get some sleep, go to bed every night at the same time, practice deep breathing and
let your body relax.
- Having family and/or friends support is crucial to your wellbeing.
- Do you have a purpose, a goal, a vision? Work on it daily.
- Listen to your favorite music, dance, sing and fill your soul with harmony.
- What are you passionate about? what makes you happy? what makes feel alive?
- Use natural therapies for preventive measures: get massages, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments regularly, talk to a Naturopathic doctor, use infrared saunas, talk to a counsellor...

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Clara's Blog

"I love my job!
My patients keep me humble daily, and helping them reach their health goals is the best reward of all. And every morning I cannot wait to go teach and inspire students to love Acupuncture as much as I do. If I can make a difference in someone's life on a daily basis, I feel I have reached my own goal."

Acupuncturist Coquitlam

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"I feel blessed to a have supporting husband, a loyal dog, amazing friends and to live in beautiful Port Moody, BC"

Coquitlam Acupuncture

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