The Travel Issue

August 2013

Greetings

The summer is flying by!  Wherever your summer may be taking you, I hope you are enjoying every minute of it. 

With one month left and vacations or weekend getaways still on the horizon, I decided to dedicate this issue of Malibu Acupuncture & Herbs Online to travel. It doesn’t take much to be health conscious while traveling, and the benefits have a huge pay off. Check out Travel Well:6 Tips For a Healthy Journey for ideas on how to prepare and support yourself and your travel companions while traveling.  And don’t miss one of my favorite travel recipes, No Bake Granola Bars.  

Happy Trails!

With Love,

Malibu Acupuncture & Herbs

Herb of the Month

Walnuts (Hu Tao Ren)

This travel-friendly herb (yes- herb!) is a superfood well worth snacking on. Walnuts contain one of the highest levels of disease preventing antioxidants– more than blueberries and raspberries.  They are also the only nut with significantly high levels of inflammation- reducing Omega 3s, also known as Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA).  

In Chinese Medicine there is an expression: Like Treats Like.  If you’ve ever looked closely at a whole walnut, you may have noticed that they resemble parts of the human anatomy, particularly the brain and lungs. Indeed, research has proven that walnuts benefit the brain by protecting against Alzheimer’s and Dementia, as well as the respiratory system for those with asthma.  

Chopped walnuts are delicious atop a salad, or as a crunchy add-on with green beans or any leafy greens. They also love to be eaten raw and pared with an apple for a yummy, healthy snack. 

Special Points

Travel Well
6 Tips For a Healthy Journey

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Water is one of the main keys to offsetting jet lag and comfortably enduring long car rides. It also helps with fatigue, dizziness, mental clarity,  and immunity. A good rule of thumb for flying is drink at least .5 liters every 2 hours you are aboard the plane. 

2.  Let go, Let it flow
This is an essential mantra for travel.  Travel really teaches us that all we can do is plan, the rest is up to the universe. If you find yourself stuck in a less than desirable situation that is beyond your control, remember this too is part of the journey.  Your positive attitude is sure to affect those traveling with you, making for a more fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

3. Turn off your cell phone
Want to make the most of your time off?  Give your cell phone a break. We don’t have to be available for everyone all the time. This is your vacation after all. Cell phones take us out of the present and are a major source of stress. 

4.  Keep moving (even a little)
Movement keeps the lymphatic system online, which becomes sluggish when sedentary for long periods. It also helps with leg cramps, tight muscles and lower backs. Whether traveling by car or plane, take stretching and movement breaks. Check out Airplane Yoga here.  

5.  Pack a snack
Fast food on the road or plane food is high in sodium, fats, preservatives, and chemicals- who needs it?  With just a little time and organization you can ensure a few healthy snacks for yourself. Try a bag of trailmix, nuts and fruit or cheese and crackers. When you don’t have to eat something that’s bad for you just because you’re hungry, you’ll be so happy you came prepared. 

6.  Protect your health
Plane rides are a haven for germs. Be proactive! I recommend a travel- well cocktail including Probiotics, Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Reishi, Astragalus, and Cordyceps. For details on dosages and suggested brands stop by or call the office.

Recommendations

Meher Mount, Ojai Valley

Just 1 hour from Malibu, in the Ojai Valley lies a great hidden treasure- Meher Mount. 

Breathtaking 360 degree views, peace and serenity can be found in this spectacular 172 acre universal spiritual center. The grounds are beautifully lined with footpaths and large trees. Visitors can bring a picnic, a book, a journal or just come to sit quietly and enjoy the stillness.  

On my last visit to Meher Mount I met a woman from Santa Barbara who told me that she likes visit regularly to clear her head, connect to her heart, and bring things back into perspective. I couldn’t agree more. Being there, it’s as if all of your worries are magically swept away by the landscape, leaving you lighter and with a breath of fresh air.    

Meher Mount is free and open to the public.  For hours and details visit here.

Recipe of the Month

No Bake Granola Bars for Kids (and Adults! )

By Heather Pace, The Adventures of Raw Food Desert Chef

There’s nothing better than a homemade granola bar on the road. Supermarket bought granola bars are usually candy bars in disguise loaded with carbohydrates and sugars.  This granola bar is vegan, gluten free (if using gluten free oats) and semi raw. It’s loaded with healthy fats and complex carbohydrates to keep you going for the long haul. Plus it’s super fast and easy to make, and travels well so long as you keep it cool and out of the heat.

Ingredients
 1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup quinoa flakes
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup chopped nuts
1/3 cup dark mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
4 tablespoons ground flax seeds
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 cup coconut or agave nectar

Stir dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Stir wet ingredients together in a separate bowl.  Combine the two mixtures together.  Press into a parchment paper lined 8 x 8 pan. Chill in the fridge for at least four hours.

Enjoy!