Inhale The Good, Exhale The Bad

Please note: This post is from the archives of Samantha Schamel’s newsletter from 2016 and was edited slightly for AgeLess SPA.

It almost feels as though it should be a holiday to do something good for yourself, right? So go for it! Maybe it’s that skinny latte or massage you’ve been meaning to get.

Onward to our organ system!

This article is all about the lungs or the metal element. In Chinese medicine it is said that the lung ‘open’ to the nose (hello, sinuses and bronchitis), the health of your lungs is reflected in your skin, grief/sadness is the emotion, and white is the color. If there is phlegm -due to poor diet or too much dairy- in the body the lungs are the receptical. Two diseases of the lungs that are most common are dryness and phlegm.

Lung Dryness due to yin (substance) deficiency: dry chronic cough to the point of coughing up blood, shortness of breath, sore throat, dry skin, hot palms and soles, frequent thirst, flushed cheeks, periodic fever and could be due to chronic infection or inflammation of the lungs.

Foods to nourish the lungs: PEARS 🍐! Particularly steamed Asian pears with a little honey. This works so well with anyone who has a dry cough! Also, oranges, peaches, tofu, tempeh, flaxseed, butter and other dairy, eggs, oysters, clams and pork.

Phlegm in the lungs (typically a repletion that is possibly due to a deficiency: I mean think phlegm, thick or thin, productive to unproductive coughs, wheezing, asthma, shortness of breath if you have thick greasy tongue coating – you got phlegm!

Food to help transform phlegm: fennel, fenugreek, cayenne, watercress, horseradish, garlic, fresh ginger, radish, and herb base the mullein leaf. Typically avoiding foods such as dairy, meats, tofu, tempeh, soy and all sweeteners.

Another fun fact is the lungs and the large intestine are closely connected. So the next time you are bound up, try giving your nose a blow and see what happens!

Peace, love and a bear hug,
Samantha

Acupuncture, What Is It Good For? Absolutely Everything!

Please note: This post is from the archives of Samantha Schamel’s newsletter from 2016 and was edited slightly for AgeLess SPA.

Hey y’all! I am officially done with school and fully excited about the next big journey before me. I can finally say I am an acupuncturist and a herbalist. I have been practicing part-time with AgeLess Integrative Medical Spa in Horseheads and have been overwhelmed by the response in the community and so excited to be growing into a full-time gig.

However, I am here to tell you the wonderful things about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where acupuncture and herbal medicine are only two parts to this 5 part health system. Yes, acupuncture can treat a lot, from digestive issues to your everyday aches and pains, the acute situations to the chronic, common colds, flu, headaches, arthritis, dermatology (i.e. eczema, psoriasis, acne), labor preparation to anxiety and stress. Herbal medicine is great for all those things too and does a better job of nourishing and strengthening the body as well as battling some evils you have going on inside. Also, as a TCM practitioner, we also deal with diets, Qi Gong (I prefer my yoga), and bodywork.

TCM was originally developed to be a preventative medicine and in the classics, they say a person with no disease should have acupuncture four times a year when the seasons change so your body can remain healthy. Typically patients come to see me for pain or when a disease has set in the body and then my job is to create balance within the disharmony – and at times that is challenging depending on how long the patient has suffered with it.

If you have never tried acupuncture or afraid of looking like a porcupine, I promise it’s not bad at all! Many of my patients fall asleep on the warm bed and don’t even realize the needles are in. So if you have been curious or wanting to give it a shot, give the medical side of AgeLess SPA a call (607.846.3962).

As always, peace, love and a giant bear hug,
Samantha

Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Bites Recipe from the Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine at AgeLess Integrative Medical Spa

Ever hit the middle of the afternoon with a hankering for something sweet, but yet will satisfy you until dinner?

These energy bites have the sweetness and the natural source of protein to fill you up. Cinnamon and ginger will help regulate blood sugar so you don’t feel the crash you typically do after a candy bar or baked good.

These little energy bites are also great from a Traditional Chinese Medical perspective as well and particularly going into the winter season.

Dates are neutral and sweet. They help to nourish our bodies by strengthening our blood, helps with coughs, diarrhea, night sweats, weak digestion, and overall weakness. Black dates are also slightly warming which is great during the long winter months. Moderation is important because they can also create too much mucus in the body.

Almonds/almond butter are neutral and sweet. They help to relieve a cough, transform phlegm and lubricate the intestines. Almonds with the dates are a great combination to make sure the dates do not create congestion in the body.

Carob powder is warm and sweet. This is an excellent substitute for chocolate. Carob is naturally caffeine free and is great for soothing and calming the mind.

Cinnamon is hot, pungent and sweet. This spice is great for strengthening the stomach, warms any coldness internally, and helps stop pain. Cinnamon helps with the common cold, cold abdomen, and low back pain. Use in moderation when pregnant.

Ginger is warm and pungent. Ginger is excellent for the lungs and stomach and great for expelling common colds and coughs with clear mucus. Also, ginger is a great remedy for nausea and vomiting.

See how all these ingredients below can come together to make the ultimate energy bite!

Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Bites

Ingredients
1 cup pitted dates
½ cup almonds
¾ cup almond butter
2 Tbsp of carob powder or cacao powder
1 Tbsp of cinnamon
1 Tbsp of ginger

Directions
Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender
Blend until ingredients stick together
Energy bites can be formed into bite-size balls or spread onto a nonstick pan to make bars
Place in fridge or enjoy immediately!

If you want to make your energy bites anti-inflammatory try adding 1 Tbsp of Turmeric powder and ½ Tbsp of cayenne pepper instead of the cinnamon or ginger.

Want to learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture? Set up an appointment by requesting an appointment HERE.

– Samantha Schamel, Practitioner of Chinese Medicine

Take some time to relax! Here are our top tips to help you destress during your busy schedule

Take some time to relax!

Here’s our top tips to help you destress during your busy schedule

April is Stress Awareness Month, and we have the top tips to help you destress from your busy schedule. Sometimes the best thing you can do when you’re stressed is to try something new to take your mind off of the stressful events life brings us.

Start a journal

Man writing in a journal

Studies show that writing down your thoughts helps decrease stress levels. It also helps you focus on your goals and keeps you accountable, so get writing!

Practice yoga

Woman Practicing Yoga

Yoga is a great way to start and/or end your day. It can decrease stress by making you focus on your breathing and balance. The more focused you are during yoga practice, the less focused you are on the things that are stressing you out. You can practice it at home by following videos on Youtube, like this one, or check out a local studio near you.

Stretch at least twice a day

Man stretching

It’s time to loosen up! Start and end your day by stretching. Stretch your arms, legs, and bend forward to stretch your back out. It will help clear your mind and make you feel refreshed. You can find more benefits of stretching here.

Do the “Wonder Woman” pose

Super Hero Pose

Have a big meeting or presentation coming up? Studies like this one from social psychologist, Amy Cuddy, show that standing in this pose gives you confidence. Simply plant your feet, put your hands on your hips, and open your shoulders. By doing this, it will help you regain the confidence you need. The more confident you are, the less stressed you are. Also, regardless of the name, men can practice this, too. (But for their sake, we’ll call it the “Superman” pose.)

Meditate (or at least close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths)

Person in meditation posture

Sometimes all you need to do is remind yourself to close your eyes and breathe. Meditating in the morning can help you gather your thoughts, think about your intentions, and keep you centered for the day.

If you’re not ready to try meditating yet, try closing your eyes and taking three long, deep breaths. Make sure you are breathing with your belly for effective results.

Think positive thoughts

Hands in contemplative posture

For every negative thought or comment, turn it around with two positive thoughts or remarks. If you keep doing it, then it will become a habit, and you’ll be in a more positive state in no time. The more positive you are, the less stressed you are.

Schedule “me time”

Sometimes all you need is to take time for yourself if you’re surrounded by people all day. “Me time” can range from a visit to AgeLess SPA for a much needed and pampering Massage or Facial, or even taking 15 – 20 minutes to read a magazine or book that you’ve been meaning to start. Let’s be honest, to take the “me time” we need, we have to literally schedule the time to do it. It’s like making a date with ourselves! #MeTime

Use essential oils

Essential Oils picture

At AgeLess SPA, we love essential oils and the benefits that come with them! From aromatherapy to applying it topically, essential oils can help you destress and calm you down. Some of our favorite oils to help destress are lavender, peppermint, bergamot, and eucalyptus.

One way to use them is diffusing these oils in an essential oil diffuser. A really great diffuser recipe we like to use is a drop (or two) of lavender, peppermint, and lemon. It will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. You can also ask your massage therapist to use peppermint or lavender or even both during your massage for all day calm results.

Eat dark chocolate

picture of dark chocolate

Studies show dark chocolate has positive effects on your mood and can lift your spirits. Keep bite sized pieces on your desk and grab one (just one, remember you don’t want to overindulge), to lower stress levels. Ummm, yes, please!

Try acupuncture

Acupuncture isn’t just for physical pain. It’s been proven to help reduce stress. According to our acupuncturist, Samantha, you don’t have to worry about looking like a porcupine, and many of her clients fall asleep on the heated bed (definitely a favorite at the spa).
See our Acupuncture page.

Go for a walk or run

picture of woman running

The days are getting longer, and the weather will be getting warmer (hopefully). Take advantage of Mother Nature’s beautiful days by getting out and going for a walk or run. It allows you to stretch your legs and burn some calories (bonus!)

Call a friend

Time flies by, and we can get really caught up in our work. The next time you feel stressed, call the friend that always makes you laugh. Sometimes all you need is to vent and have a good laugh.

Workout

Kettle Bells

Working out releases endorphins, which are proven to make you happy. By rising with the sun and carving out time to workout before you head off to work, you’ll have a post workout glow to you all day. Don’t have a lot of time to workout? Check out this HIIT workout you can do in less than 15 minutes which is equivalent to a long workout at the gym!

Treat yourself

picture of sweets

Take a little time to treat yourself to something you like. Whether it’s that new lipstick you’ve had your eyes on, enjoying a glass of red wine, a new book, a new top or shoes, or even a cupcake, the possibilities are endless. (have you checked out bareMinerals Pop of Passion tinted lip balm yet? It’s the perfect spring accessory, and you can find it at our Horseheads, NY location). #YouDeserveIt

Get dressed up

woman putting on makeup

Put on your favorite shoes, pick out an outfit that makes you feel good, and do your hair and makeup the way you like it. You may notice halfway through getting ready, your mood will start to lift. When you look good, you feel good!

Whether you need some time to gather your thoughts, carve out some “me time”, or get all glammed up, AgeLess SPA is here for you to help you feel your best.

– Rebecca Howe, AgeLess SPA, Marketing Specialist

Have You Heard of AgeLess BlueMED?

Have you head of AgeLess BlueMED yet?

(Courtesy of The Elmira Telegram)

According to a study released in 2012, The Epidemiology of Cancer among Police Officers (link opens in new tab), police work is associated with exposure to a variety of carcinogens, lifestyles, and other risk factors. According to the study, evidence suggests that police officers may be subject to increased overall risks for cancer, particularly Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma, and bladder or testicular cancer. In addition, the study found that a variety of other factors, including shift work, stress, and sleep disruption have a negative impact and effect on those who work in law enforcement.

That study, and the current tension for many in the law enforcement community, inspired Dr. Cilip come up with a program geared at helping those who spend their lives helping others. AgeLess Integrative Medical Spa in Horseheads has begun a new program called AgeLess BlueMed, a program designed to serve both active and retired law enforcement officers.

Dr. Cilip recognized that these are difficult times for law enforcement agencies across the nation and came up with the idea after reading the study describing the medical conditions unique to law enforcement. “With very little effort, we can treat, manage, and overcome these conditions specifically,” he said.

Dr. Cilip says the goal of AgeLess BlueMed is to offer access to rapid and attentive medical care, focused on the needs of law enforcement. For example, if an officer is getting off shift and needs to be seen but can’t get to their primary care doctor, they can be seen by the medical staff at AgeLess quickly that same day.

“In their profession, when the world calls, police respond. However when they require the same level of urgency and attention, it is not always reciprocated. At AgeLess, we believe that by offering a different level of service we can not only help in a more timely fashion for immediate results. Additionally, we can take the opportunity to address and monitor long term health concerns unique to law enforcement.”

Dr. Cilip notes that those participating in the program do not have to give up their own family doctor. Medical care is billed through insurance as usual and there is no extra charge for AgeLess BlueMed. As Dr. Cilip put it, “They pay the bill in full for this level of care every day they go to work.”

While AgeLess BlueMed is currently being offered to law enforcement right now, the program is still in its early stages and he anticipates expanding the service to other emergency professionals.

Law enforcement officers interested in taking part in the program can contact the office by calling (607) 846-3960 or by emailing appointments@agelessllc.com