Enjoy the Sun (And Leave Harmful Sunscreens Behind)

Enjoy the Sun (and Leave Harmful Sunscreens Behind) by David Sokulski, L.Ac. The sun has many health benefits, and most sunscreens contain chemicals that are extremely damaging to your health. The benefits of sunlight are many, including: Supplies the body with vitamin D, which promotes the absorption of Calcium and transfers Calcium across cell membranes, thus strengthening the bones Lowers blood cholesterol Prevents infections from bacteria, mold, and viruses Increases white blood cell count and gamma globulin count, thus enhancing the immune system Strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system. Sunlight aids in preventing: Seasonal Affective Disorder Osteoporosis Depression and Anxiety Type 2 Diabetes Cancers of the bladder, breast, cervix, ovaries, colon, prostate and stomach. However, you don't want to get too much sun, and avoid getting burned. Be careful to do this naturally, though, and avoid using commercial sunscreens, which are loaded with harmful chemicals that are not approved by the FDA (but don't have to be, since they are applied to the skin.) One such chemical is called oxybenzone, which has been linked in studies to allergies, hormone disruption, cell damage, and low birth weight in girls whose moms were exposed during pregnancy. Oxybenzone is actually a penetration enhancer, which means it aids in helping get itself and other chemicals into your body through your skin. The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database web site lists 1270 sunscreens for use by adults, children and even babies which contain oxybenzone. Among the worst on the list are sunscreens specifically made for babies, so please check this list out. (This article has full details about oxybenzone and where to go for a list of safe sunscreens.) Sunscreens, even organic sunscreens, may also contain titanium oxide, which can cause heavy metal poisoning and cell damage, especially in young children. Things you can do to stay protected from sunburns but enjoy the sun's amazing rays and health benefits are: Do not eat deep fried foods and fast foods. Unhealthy fats in our system enhance likelihood of sunburn. Eat healthy oils, like coconut oil and omega three oils such as flax oil. Avoid being out in the sun during the hottest times of the day. If out and you feel you are getting too much sun, cover up with a long sleeved shirt and a hat. Use a pure oil on the skin, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. This keeps the skin from drying out and jojoba has a natural SPF of 15. Be smart in the sun, but please enjoy this gift of summer (and all seasons), and learn to avoid putting toxic chemicals on your skin. It's better for you, your children, those around you, and the environment. Here, again, is list of helpful references and links: Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database Article: Is Your Child's Sunscreen Causing More Harm Than Good? Article: The Health Benefits of Sunlight iherb.com: where you can purchase healthy oils, and enjoy $5 off your first order by using coupon code MEL526 at checkout. Also, please visit our blog for the latest links and information. Thanks! David Sokulski. L.Ac. Birch Center for Health

Kombucha

Tonight we bottled our first batch of kombucha!

We've made it before, but had since lost our SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) which ferments the black tea and sugar into the ancient Chinese elixir known as kombucha.

This time, since we had no starter SCOBY, we bought a bottle of plain, organic live kombucha, and poured it into a half gallon of cooled black tea (using and removing 4 organic black tea bags) and 1 cup organic sugar. (This was last Monday, April 27, 2009.)



We covered the 1/2 gallon jar with a paper towel and rubber band. We watched day by day, waiting to see if our SCOBY would form. It did! A thin-looking film appeared on top of the tea. When we poured it off today, it looked like this:



Here it is, poured into bottles, which will sit out at room temperature for a few more days, to ferment further and build up fizz (though it is pretty fizzy now):



Meanwhile, we are cooling a gallon of black tea (8 tea bags, steeped, removed) and 1 1/2 cups sugar, When it is room temperature or just above, we'll add the SCOBY and a couple cups of the kombucha from this batch to start the next one.

According to the bottle of Synergy (TM) organic, raw kombucha, kombucha supports digestion, metabolism, immune system, appetite control, weight control, liver function, body alkalinity, anti-aging, cell integrity, and healthy skin and hair.

Here's our little kombucha lover enjoying today's batch!



*Kombucha is a lightly fermented, non-alcoholic beverage that is regularly sold in health food stores, and can also be made safely at home.

Cheers! To your health,

Melissa and Dave Sokulski, L.Ac
Birch Center for Health

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www.BirchCenter.com

Wellness Wednesday: Oh no, Enoki recall!

Well, an alert reader of the blog let me know that there was recently a recall on Enoki Mushrooms! Here is all the information, so if you went out and bought the delicious enokimaki nori rolls from Monday's post, please check to make sure your package was not recalled.

Thank you!

Much love,
Melissa

Please sign up for our monthly newsletter! We have raw recipes, information about Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and overall wellness information. Thank you!

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Wellness Wednesday: Specials at the Birch Center

At the Birch Center for Health, we've put together some special treatments at discounted prices to help you get through the winter healthfully and comfortably!

In February and March, acupuncturist and massage therapist Melissa Sokulski is offering Spa Thursdays!

On Thursdays from 2 pm until 5:45 pm, you'll receive:

• hot tea
  
• aromatherapy foot bath
  
• your choice of either Balancing acupuncture treatment* or foot reflexology
  

all for just $55!

You can also opt to combine both the balancing acupuncture treatment and the reflexology (at the same treatment) for just $95 (regularly $115.)

You can come in once or as many times as you like, through March 31, but call to reserve your appointment: (412) 381-0116.

*Balancing Acupuncture Treatment - is a wonderful treatment put together by acupuncturist Melissa Sokulski. It utilizes Japanese 5-phase treatment, in which the pulse is taken and points chosen based on which five phase pattern is found. Points on the midline are added to balance the chakras. The treatment is deeply healing, relaxing, and grounding.

Moxibustion Treatments

Acupuncturist David Sokulski is offering the warming, healing moxibustion treatments though March 31.

Moxibustion is a treatment in itself, without needles, to allow a person to fully experience the balancing and healthful effects of Chinese medicine, even if wary of needles.

Moxibustion, or the warming of a healing herb Artemisia vulgaris, on or above specific points and areas of the body, can be used to treat:

• arthritis
  
• pain
  
• injuries
  
• digestive disturbances
  
• infertility
  
• breech baby
  
• menstrual pain
  
• fatigue
  
• insomnia
  
• colds and flu
  
• asthma and allergies
  
• many other symptoms!
  

These special treatments are being offered for just $40, please call to reserve your space today: (412) 381-0116.

Thanks and be well!
~ Melissa and David Sokulski

Please sign up for our monthly newsletter! We have raw recipes, information about Acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and overall wellness information. Thank you!

www.BirchCenter.com

Wellness Wednesday: Rawkathon

There's a free online health event coming up that some of you may be interested in...



It's called Rawkathon, put together by Kevin Gianni (who did Raw Summit a year ago.) Rawkathon consists of one-on-one VIDEO interviews with 15 of the best known raw and living food pioneers, and they'll be broadcast for us all to watch or listen to in a few short weeks, starting on October the 19th.

If you are interested in signing up or getting more information, you can sign up for free here.

Here is a list of who will be interviewed:

• Matt Monarch ~ A Candid Look into the Life of a Raw Foodist
  
  
• Dr. Gabriel Cousens ~ How to Heal your Body and Transform your consciousness with raw and living foods
  
  
• Victoria Boutenko ~ Simple Ways to Transform your Diet and Stay Raw
  
  
• Dr. Doug Graham ~ Key Elements to Optimal Health
  
  
• David Wolfe ~ Superfoods to Regenerate, Rebuild and Reenergize your body
  
  
• Mike Adams ~ Cut through the media hype to get and stay healthy
  
  
• Viktoras Kulvinskas ~ Overcoming Obstacles to Reach Your Health and Wellness Goals
  
  
• Nomi Shannon ~ Cleansing Lessons
  
  
• Raw Food Chef Cherie Soria ~ how to Raw-food-ize your kitchen
  
  
• David Rainoshek ~ Why People fail on raw and vegan and how to ultimately succeed
  
  
• Frederic Patenaude ~ Real Life Experiences and how to deal with falling off the plan
  
  
• Rick Dina ~ The Science behind Why raw food works
  
  
• Karen Knowler ~ How to transition from cooked to raw
  
  
• Jameth Sheriden ~ Quality Raw food health products
  
  
• Happy Oasis ~ Tribal Experiences from around the world.
  

Be part of this amazing event...all at no cost! Sign up today, it starts October 19!

Wellness Wednesday - Fresh Juices

So, many of you know that I am embarking on a juice feast, which means I am feasting (not fasting!) on the juices of fruits and veggies and lots and lots of greens and nothing else. Why? Well, I did put lots of the personal reasons in the blog Melissa's Juice Journal, but mainly so the body can rehydrate, alkalize, cleanse and rebuild.

At first I thought I'd mainly be drinking carrot, apple, beet juice, which was my favorite juice. But now...that's way too sweet for me. Right now I am drinking Tabouli Juice: tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, carrot, orange bell pepper, onion, garlic, lemon, mint, parsley and greens. It's only day 12 and my tastes have changed that much!

One question that sometimes comes up is: how do you get enough protein?

Here is the answer given by David and Katrina Rainoshek, of www.juicefeasting.com: (I put in bold the main things I am using for protein)

"Protein is made from amino acids as building blocks, and amino acids are in everything. Our best protein sources on the Juice Feast are: the 2 lbs of leafy greens which are approximately 30 percent protein; Blue-Green Algaes such as Chlorella, E3Live AFA, and Spirulina (65% protein); Green Superfood Powder Concentrates such as Vitamineral Green and Pure Synergy; and bee pollen. The World Health Organization estimates that we need around 35 grams of protein each day, and we meet or exceed these protein requirements on a Juice Feast. In fact, I (David) have done weight training and muscle building while Juice Feasting, which would have been impossible with any lack of protein. John Rose, my mentor, has done this for years during long Juice Feasts. Finally, It is commonly known among the world of Plant-Based eaters that if you are consuming enough calories in a day, it is impossible to be protein deficient."

Bee pollen is actually really interesting...Paul Pitchford wrote about it in Healing With Whole Foods, and I actually quoted it in my blog on Day 1, April 26.

I've been keeping track of my juices in the blog, and there are links to other people's juice journeys as well.

Dandelion Greens!

Hooray for spring!

It's the time of year that we can start harvesting wild edibles again. I'm extremely excited about this, as last year I really began picking and using wild edibles in a big way.

Yesterday as I crept out to our garden to take some early chives for a recipe I was making, the dandelion greens called to me. People often say this, and I've really never known what it meant until now. On my way to the garden, I saw little clusters of dandelion leaves coming up. They caught my eye, but I stepped over them to get to the chives. Then back to the house I walked by the greens again...here and there little clusters of them popped out at me, so I knew what I must do. I took a few leaves and chopped them with the chives into my recipe (a mock tuna salad from the book RAWvolution: Gourmet Living Cuisine.)

This is the best time of year for dandelion greens: before they flower. Once the bright yellow flower pops out, the leaves become too bitter to eat. Now they are just right. And an excellent spring tonic as well. Great for the liver, skin and eyes. Do an internet search and you will be amazed at the healing power of these little "weeds" that grow everywhere.

Enjoy the spring!

Talk Tonight

If you get the chance, come hear Dave Sokulski, L.Ac. of the Birch Center for Health speak tonight at the Carnegie Library in Oakland (PA.) He'll be at the main branch of the library at 6 pm speaking about acupuncture and answering questions. The talk is free, so come by if you can!

If you can't make it tonight, he will be speaking again on Wednesday, April 9 at the East End Food Coop at 7pm. His talk is entitled "Acupuncture De-Mystified." That talk is free and open to all as well. Just call the Coop to register: (412) 242-3598.

See you soon!

Wellness Wednesday: Mantra of Love

I was speaking to a friend of mine yesterday. She is a yoga teacher, and she was talking about how she completely transformed her life when she noticed what she called her "mantra of hate" -- self talk that told her she wasn't good enough. She was a smoker -- two packs a day, and was quite overweight.

I was shocked to hear this because as long as I've known her (less than a year) she has radiated light, vibrant life and health. She said she was already teaching yoga when she first noticed her mantra of hate. She discussed it with her yoga teacher, and began to let go of it, and replace it with thoughts and feelings of love, life and gratitude. She began to meditate more and breathe more. One day she realized she couldn't remember when she had her last cigarette. (!) Once she noticed this she asked herself "do I really want one now?" and she decided she did not. Her teacher also helped her to see that she was so much more than her body -- everyone is. She began to feel and appreciate her body as an incredible gift, to really experience life.

It's amazing to realize these little voices that play messages (over and over) that keep us from reaching our potential. The voices tell us that we are separate, not good enough, that there isn't enough, and they keep us in judgment of ourself and others. I really appreciated my friend's story, and that is why I am sharing it here. I hope we can all realize our mantras of hate, and replace them with mantras of love. If that is too much of a step (sometimes it's hard to say "I love myself" or "I am so beautiful" and mean it, especially if we have been telling ourselves otherwise for years and years!) then at least to notice and let go into the silence. Let go, and then appreciate what we have, this beautiful life, our wonderful bodies. Even if we are in pain or not functioning our best, we can appreciate that our body is talking to us, giving us signals, telling us what may not work, what we need to pay attention to and change, if only we would listen.

Wellness Wednesday: The Moon

There is a full lunar eclipse tonight! However, we now have lots of cloud cover again, so I don't know if we're going to see it. I love lunar eclipses...and I love the moon.

It's empowering to know about the moon's cycle. It's also great for your health to get out in the night for moonlight on your skin. Sleeping under the moon regularly would be divine...it is said that one way to help regulate your menstrual cycle is to get as much moonlight as possible.

As there is a Sun Salutation in yoga, there is also a moon salutation (Chandra Namaskara.) Actually, I have seen quite a few different versions of it, but the one I initially learned is the one I enjoy the most. It was created by women at Kripalu in the 1980's, and consists of a series of sidebends and standing poses, going into the five-point star, down through the squat and up the other side. This website contains good visuals of the asanas.

I hope wherever you are, you enjoy the moon!

Wellness Wednesday: Space and Peace

I am taking the new basic class from Energy Mirrors this week. Mirroring is about being present (getting your head where your feet are), and connecting to the one Field. We are not separate...much of the session we state -- in our head -- "We are all the Whole One Field," then drop to our breath, connecting to the SPACE rather than the energy.

Space is where all potential is. Look around: what makes up the room you are in? Did you focus on the stuff in the room: the books, pictures, papers, electronics? What about all the space that fills the room? Without space, you couldn't have the room. Space is where the potential is. If your room is already filled up with stuff, where is the potential there? Think about the potential of an empty room. It's the same with our own bodies and energy fields. And mostly it's the mind, generating energy from chronic nonstop thinking, filling our fields with stuff.

Everything is mostly space. Our bodies are made of cells, which are made of atoms (everything physical is made up of atoms). An atom consists of protons, neutrons and electrons -- tiny little particles. If you take those particles and compare them with the amount of space in the atom: there is 99% space! Look around the room; look outside. The trees, the grass, the houses...and notice at all the space. Up to the sky, and as far as you can see: space. Between the leaves on the tree, between the branches and blades of grass.

Think about our planet, the sun, stars, milky way, all the galaxies...but what about all the space between everything? Vast amounts of space. Without that space, nothing could have form. Everything would be mushed on top of everything. Maybe that's how it was before the Big Bang. There is so little matter compared to space, it was all just on top of itself with no differentiation, no form. But then suddenly BOOM: space, an expanding universe. Physical existence as we know it depends on space.

In energy mirroring, we mirror by connecting with space (potential); that is what allows the energy to reorganize, and allows us to heal. Today, throughout the day, put your focus on the space, and feel how different that is.

I was making myself a cup of yogi tea (Chai redbush...mmmm) to drink during my class, and I notice the tea bag said, "May this day bring you peace, tranquility, and harmony." Sweet. But what if this day does not bring me that? Do I not get to experience peace, tranquility and harmony?

Perhaps it would be nice to say: May you bring to this day peace, tranquility and harmony. That feels more empowering, more peaceful, even. Bringing peace from within to the earth. Suddenly I can feel the peace. Within me. Around me. Expanding the space.

Wellness Wednesday: Hydration; Water and Beyond

We think about hydration a lot in summer; but it is just as important to remember to stay hydrated in the winter. Signs of dehydration can include headache, cracks on the fingers and feet/heels, fatigue and irritability.

Of course, you've all heard about drinking water. It's important, especially if you are thirsty. Also especially if you eat a lot of cooked foods, salty or processed foods, or drink coffee, tea, wine or other alcohol. I saw a college friend over the holidays who I haven't seen in years, and she told me a funny story. Apparently her mother does not like water. She cranks the heat up in the house in winter to unbearable (to most) temperatures and drinks pots of coffee and glasses of wine. My friend and her sister call her home The Center for Advanced Dehydration.

Many people say it's important to drink a certain number of glasses of water a day. There are also formulas based on weight for how much water you need. While these are good generalizations, it is really more specific than that.

If you eat a diet high in raw fruits and vegetables, especially including smoothies or freshly made (not store-bought pasteurized) juices, you get hydrated. Fresh raw fruits and veggies carry lots of water, in clean (especially if you are eating organic) usable form. Plain water is still important, but eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables certainly helps people stay hydrated!

Another important and overlooked factor in dehydration is not getting enough essential fatty acids. The average American diet is especially low in omega 3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil or plant sources such as flax seeds.

The media buzz is that low (or even no) fat is better, but when we eat healthy fats, especially from nuts and seeds and vegetable sources like avocados and olives and olive oil, that is not necessarily the case. Our brain and cell membranes are made up predominately of fat, and we need good healthy fats to function at a high level. The picture here is of golden flax seeds, which I love, but the darker reddish ones are great, too. If you have a dehydrator, I have included a recipe for raw flax crackers below, but other ways to eat them is to grind the raw unsoaked seeds in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on salads, or make salad dressing out of flax oil. (There is a recipe for Omega-Rich Honey Mustard salad dressing below.) There is a product called Udo's oil which has a balanced blend of omega 3's and 6's that I like very much. Just remember never to heat these oils: they break down easily. Also keep them refrigerated and don't go past their expiration date, as they can also go rancid quickly.

Enjoy the recipes!

Omega-Rich Honey Mustard Salad Dressing

2 Tbsp Flax Oil or Udo's Oil
juice of 1/2 lemon (or to taste)
salt or bit of nama shoyu or tamari
1 tsp - 1 Tbsp honey or to taste
1 tsp - 1 Tbsp (or amount equal to amount of honey) of mustard
water, if you like thinner dressing

I usually make this in a mug or glass jar. I mix by hand with a fork. Mix equal parts of honey and mustard. Add oil and mix, then add other ingredients. Adjust amounts by taste. Can also add herbs like basil, thyme, etc. For creamy dressing, can add yogurt or mayonnaise or tahini.


Dehydrated Flax Crackers.

Soak a cup of raw, whole flax seed in 1 1/2 cups of water for a few hours. (the flax seeds will soak up the water and the whole thing will turn to a gel. You can use more water if you need. I sometimes soak them during the day, and put them in the dehydrator overnight.)

To the soaked flax seeds, add:
the juice of one lemon
finely chopped garlic
salt or a bit of nama shoyu or tamari
optional spice like curry powder.
more water if necessary, it shouldn't be overly wet, just mixable.

Spread thinly (one or two flax seeds thick) onto the teflex sheet of a dehydrator tray. Dehydrate at 105 for about 4 hours, flip and peel off teflex and dehydrate another 4 hours, or until crispy.

You can play with the spices (can even make them sweet with cinnamon!) and can add other nuts and seeds to them as well.

I just noticed I included a "dehydrated" recipe in an article about staying hydrated! Yikes! Make sure you drink water or eat fresh fruit and veggies as well as enjoying these crackers!

Be Well!
~ Melissa