Friday, October 17, 2008

Fall Wellness Recipe

Roasted Root Vegetables

In Asian medicine, root vegetables are an important food for fall. Root vegetable have warming qualities that get us ready for upcoming cold weather. Carrots, parsnips, turnips, and cabbage all grow in temperate-to-cold climates. When we eat these vegetables regularly, we take on their properties and are also able to thrive despite the cold weather.


Ingredients
8 to 12 slender carrots, peeled and trimmed
8 to 12 baby turnips, peeled
6 to 8 fingerling potatoes, scrubbed and cut lengthwise in halves
1 or 2 large parsnips, peeled, trimmed, and cut diagonally into 1-inch-thick slices
1 or 2 medium onions, trimmed, peeled and halved, each 1/2 cut into quarters
1 or 2 large beets, peeled and cut into thick wedges
1 or 2 kohlrabi bulbs, peeled and cut into thick wedges
1 celery root, trimmed and halved, halves cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices
1 whole head garlic, separated into cloves, unpeeled
2 or 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme
Salt and Freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Put all the vegetables and the herb sprigs in a large baking dish. Season well with salt and black pepper, drizzle generously with olive oil, and toss them with your hands to coat them evenly.
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook, stirring the vegetables occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Serve the vegetables from their baking dish or transfer them to a platter to accompany a roasted main course.

Recipe excerpt from foodnetwork.com

recipe excerpt from the foodnetwork.com

Are You Ready for Flu Season?

Preventative Measures to Keep You Healthy

by Nicole Maniez, MAOM, LicAc


As the weather shifts from warm summer days to cooler weather, our bodies need to adjust in order to stay healthy. There are some simple things we can do to stay well, such as layering our clothing to meet the changing temperature needs and washing our hands frequently. Holistic health practices can aid the body in adjusting to the new season.

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Prevention
Acupuncture and Asian medicine help build the bodies immune system. Acupuncture will bring the body into balance by gently affecting the meridians and energy pathways. Certain acupuncture points regulate the energy and blood flowing through the body, consolidating the outer defense layers of your skin so that germs and viruses can not enter. Acupuncture also helps with relaxation during stressful times, further helping your body cope with life's surprises.

Herbal Medicine works similarly by not only fortifying the exterior against wind borne viruses and bacteria, but also by strengthening your digestive system. Many studies have shown that a healthy digestive system translates into a healthy immune system. The herbal formulas that are used today have grown out of thousands of years of clinical use and are a safe alternative to over-the-counter pharmaceuticals - even for kids. Always speak to a trained herbalist before taking any herbal formulas.

Get Well Quick
Asian medicine is a great remedy after colds or the flu has hit. Acupuncture treatments and herbal medicine can reduce the severity of your illness and expedite your recovery time. Not only will you feel better sooner, but you will have the opportunity to return to school or work sooner.

If you have questions on how acupuncture and herbal medicine can benefit your life or treat a particular condition, please give us a call at 617.840.9868 or visit our website: www.thefamilyacupuncture.com

Nicole Maniez, MAOM, Lic Ac, is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who is happy to answer any questions you may have. She practices acupuncture and herbal medicine in Brighton, MA (617.840.8968) on Mondays and Wednesdays and at the Lane Center (781.741.8800) on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.