How Pure Is Your Water?

Probably not as clean as you would expect.  The Environmental Working Group has identified more than 300 chemicals in water systems nationwide, most of which aren't even regulated.  Contaminants vary with each water system.  Luckily, the EWG has created a user-friendly database, which allows you to search your city and view its detailed report.  It also provides information on filter options based on the contaminants found.  If you live in an old house and you're not at least using a BRITA filter (or its equivalent), it's time to get one-especially if you have children.  Even small amounts of lead have been shown to effect IQ levels.  

Can't Sleep? Acupuncture Can Help

A recent review of 46 randomized controlled trials involving 3,811 acupuncture patients revealed what acupuncturists, and most acupuncture patients, already know: acupuncture can help you sleep better. The results showed that acupuncture was superior to medications regarding the number of patients with a greater than three hour increase in sleep duration. In addition, herbs with the addition of acupuncture was found to be superior to herbs alone for increased sleep rates.

Because acupuncture is part of a holistic medicine that treats not only the symptom, but the root of imbalance, patients who are treated for insomnia usually see improvement in their overall health. Another bonus: better sleep without the side effects or addictive nature of medication. If you are suffering from insomnia, I encourage you to give acupuncture a try.

GOOP: On Meditation

GOOP, the lifestyle blog developed by Gwyneth Paltrow, asked three longtime meditators  for their views on how to achieve bliss through meditation.  Their responses were thoughtful and practical.  I particularly liked Mark Epstein's interpretation of Tibetan Buddhist meditation, and the idea that meditation is like "setting up spy-consciousness in the corner of the mind, eavesdropping on whatever is going on."  It's true.  Meditation trains your mind to act as a silent observer, watching the emotions around you, and within you, in a spirit of non-judgment.  Read all three interviews here, and and embark on your journey within!  

Cupping: What Is It?

Cupping is a method of treatment that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It has the function of warming and promoting the free flow of energy along the meridians. It's used to dispel cold dampness and has the effect of diminishing pain, such as back, shoulder and leg pain. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, lung issues such as coughing and asthma, and the common cold.

You may have seen the telltale cupping marks on Gwyneth Paltrow a few years ago, or on the back of a Chinese swimmer at the 2008 summer olympics. These circular bruises are the result of a partial vacuum that is created with glass jars via either heat or manual suction. The most common method of cupping is "fire cupping." An alcohol soaked cotton swab is lit, and the flame is held under the jar for a moment before placing the jar on the skin, creating a partial vacuum. The tissue is pulled up into the jar, creating local stagnation, and drawing "old blood" and toxins to the surface. When the jar is removed, smooth energy flow is returned to the meridians. Cupping can be used locally, on specific acupuncture points and sore muscles, or the cups can be moved along meridians while maintaing a vacuum.

While the circular marks left by cupping are visible for several days, cupping is not painful. Most people feel only a slight tug on the skin, and the heat used in fire cupping is not felt at all. It is similar to a very deep tissue massage, which improves circulation and breaks up stagnation. Cupping can be used alone or in conjunction with an acupuncture treatment and can improve healing time.