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March 2014

Greetings
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Long time no see! I just returned from a fabulous journey to India and Paris. My annual silent mediation retreat in India was such a precious time- the opportunity to go inwards, completely undistracted by everyday life is rare and so necessary! Paris was a blast– full of art, music and out-of-this-world pastries. I feel rejuvenated from the inside out and am looking forward to seeing you!

Thursday March 20th is the first day of spring! Spring is like the sweetest kiss from Mother Nature. Witnessing the first leaves growing on bare tree branches or the plethora of yellow, pink and purple wildflowers blooming in the hills– we are truly blessed.

This issue of Malibu Acupuncture & Herbs Online focuses on one of the many blessings of Spring– Transformation!  Check out 3 Ways to Dance in the Blessings of Spring for tips on how to embrace the theme of transformation this season. There’s lots of other spring goodies in this issue too!  

Enjoy!

With Love,

Malibu Acupuncture & Herbs

News
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NewsAcupuncture Fights Depression- A New Study

Acupuncture has long been known to be an effective treatment for depression.  Many studies have been conducted to date, but a new study released last month uncover exact mechanisms in which acupuncture exerts its antidepressent effects.

Researchers discovered that acupuncture has regulatory effects on specific brain cells in the hippocampus known as neural progenitor cells (NPs). NPs are damaged during chronic unpredictable stress and regulating these cells helps to alleviate depressive and anxiety-like behaviors.  Read more here.

Special Points
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Special Points3 Ways to Dance in the Blessings of Spring


Behold, my friends, the spring has come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love! ~ Sitting Bull

Spring is the magic of creation. It is the time where the yin (feminine) energy, having receded deep into earth for restoration all winter, explodes into a breathtaking array of life. Life and death are a cycle of nature.  Just like everything dies in winter to be reborn in spring, we too must allow for a natural shedding of our “stuff”, in order to bloom into the most beautiful flowers we can be.     

Welcome transformation. It’s that easy. As human beings, we have a tendency to want to hold onto and control everything. Generally we resist change. Try doing the opposite: let go. Open the door for something new to come in. It’s almost always a hundred times better than you ever imagined it could be. Here’s some tips to help guide you on your journey:

Cleanse your home The energy of your environment plays a big role in all aspects of your life. Freeing up space in your home will allow more space for movement and transformation in your life. If the idea of cleansing your home is overwhelming, start with your closet. Look at every item and get rid of anything you no longer want or need. Pass it to a friend or donate it to charity.

If you want to go further, after working in your own room, move onto the rest of the house. First open all the windows and doors in your home. Next, take an overview and make notes on things you would like to change. It doesn’t have to all take place today. Even just the intention will get things moving in the right direction.  

Create A Spring Ritual Take some time in the next week or so to create a little ritual. No big deal. Just 30 minutes that you set aside for YOU. You can light a candle and burn incense or sage to express the sacredness of the moment. Begin with 5-10 minutes of meditation or deep breathing to help you get clear and centered. When ready, take out your journal and do some writing. Write in free flow form, whatever comes to mind, and once it feels like you’ve finished your flow, focus on these questions:

1.  What emotion/pain/belief am I holding onto that is self-limiting, not allowing me to reach my goals or is simply a load I no longer want to carry? 

2.  What would I like to change in my life?

3.  What is the one action step I can take to achieving this?

4.  What am I grateful for?

Be Present in Nature Really take in the gifts this time of year has to offer. Whether it’s on a hiking trail or by the ocean, while you’re out there, practice being present. Ditch your smart for a little while (it’s the worst distraction there is!).  Don’t let your mind wander into plans for dinner, problems to solve at work or with your kids. Instead, listen to the sounds of the ocean, smell the fragance of the trees, allow your entire being to be totally captivated by mother nature’s beauty.  

Recommendations
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Recommendations When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron

If there ever was a book that could help guide you through the tides of everchanging life, this would surely be one. Pema Chodron is a a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, nun and mother.  Her words speak on multiple levels, and yet are grounded in the ordinary world where we can all relate. 

In life things do fall apart. Whether it’s the loss of a job, a relationship, a loved one, a belief system, a lifestyle, or a component of identity, we are constantly ebbing and flowing in the waves of change. This book will help you gain wisdom, understanding, and clarity to help you move gracefully through the process.  

Recipe of the Month
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RecommendationsRaw Walnut Basil Pesto
Makes 11/2 cup pesto.

Who doesn’t love pesto? Surely one of God’s gifts to our taste buds, pesto makes any dish delectable.

Most pesto is made with cheese and other unhealthy ingredients. Not this one! Eat as much pesto as you desire because this version is raw, vegan and made with plenty of healthy fats.

One of the neatest things about pesto is the number of ways you can eat it.  For a yummy, satisfying spring dish try pesto atop grilled veggies on a salad or with raw zucchini noodles (super easy if you have the right tools). Pesto also makes the perfect protein addition to crackers or veggies as a snack. However you choose, enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup olive oil
3-4 cloves garlic
squeeze of lemon juice

1. Place garlic in a running food processor or vitamix.

2. Add basil and walnuts with machine stopped.  Pulse until well chopped.

3. Add olive oil and lemon juice and pulse until well combined.

Notes 
* Pesto connoisseurs- feel free to try adding spinach and arugula.  It’s delish!
* To freeze- place in ice cube trays in freezer. 
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Malibu Acupuncture & Herbs: 23410 Civic Center Way , Malibu, California 90265

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