Summer, sunshine and roses.  What a delight they are to have in the garden with the variety of colors, blossom shapes and fragrances. Long a symbol of love, war, politics and beauty, roses have worked their way into our hearts and into our cuisine.

A little history first.   Fossil evidence date roses back nearly 35 million years, with cultivation beginning nearly 5,000 years ago–likely in China.  Now there are 100-150 estimated species of Rosa growing wild or cultivated on nearly every continent. The Romans and Middle Eastern cultures used roses for medicinal purposes, celebrations, perfume, as confetti at celebrations or to honor royalty. Well, who doesn’t want to walk on a path sprinkled with roses?

Rose oil and water was considered legal tender for trade and payments during the 7th and 8th centuries–not quite as crazed a trend as the Dutch tulips bulbs. And there was the famous “War of the Roses” in the 15th century– the red rose symbolized Lancaster and the white rose was the symbol of York.

In the early 1800′s botanically illustrator Pierre Joseph Redoute’s completed “Les Rose,” a collection of watercolor paintings from the roses in Napoleon and Josephine’s gardens at Chateau de Malmaison.  This work is still considered one of the finest botanical records of roses.

Personally, roses hold a dear place in my heart. My grandfather was a master gardener and cared for several public rose gardens as well as his own.  Grandma would harvest the petals for potpourri and jellies.  And my parents kept a very neat rose garden right outside the front door. Pretty magical to be able to loose yourself under an enormous Austrian Copper rose bush for a nap, to fill vases with roses, to be able to identify each rose just by fragrance.

Enough history and sentimentality…

Western nutritional highlights
From a western nutritional perspective, roses don’t hold significant levels of minerals and vitamins except for vitamin c, which is most abundant in rose hips rather than the petals. Where roses shine is in their energetics.

Rose’s Eastern nutritional energetics and highlights.

	Clears heat, cools the blood and stops bleeding Rose has a very clearing, cooling and calm nature.  Patterns of blood heat include rashes, fever, nose bleeds.  Doesn’t matter which organ has the heat (liver fire=constipation, stomach fire=mouth sores, etc) rose will help cool heat patterns.
	Harmonizes menstruation, strengthens and harmonizes reproductive qi That’s right, roses are wonderful for treating reproductive disharmonies including: irregular or painful menses, PMS, low self-esteem, excessive bleeding, impotence, infertility and low libido.  But don’t just keep it to the ladies. Roses help to increase sperm count and resolve sperm incontinence.
	Clears Liver qi congestion and promotes bile flow  Liver qi stagnation?  In Chinese medicine the Liver is responsible for ‘free and easy flow’–meaning the qi, blood and fluids in the body are moving easily. Liver qi stagnation appears as depression, mood swings, mid back pain, pms, constipation, flank pain, nausea and headaches. If you have angst, anger, irritability or frustration you have some liver qi stagnation.
	Nourishes the Heart, settles Shen and lifts depression Very simply put, Shen is the spirit that is housed in the Heart. When the Heart’s Blood and Qi are harmonious, Shen is nourished and we responds appropriately to the environment.  We can build meaningful relationships and can experience joy and laughter.  When it is not nourished or unsettled we see patterns of insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, and inappropriate relationships (too close or too far). In extreme conditions we can see hysteria, irrational behavior and delirium.
	Clears toxins, reduces swellings and inflammation Think boils, furuncles, carbuncles, abscesses and shingles.  It clears toxic damp heat in the colon that causes painful diarrhea too.
	Heals and repairs the skin Use it internally and/or externally, rose is useful for eczema, ulcers, sprains, red irritated skin, wrinkles and spider veins.

Seven ways to use roses

• A cup of tea– There are several varieties of rose tea available at local stores, or simply get some dried organic rose blossoms and petals and have make your own.  I often mix my with other flavors–last night raspberry leaf, nettle, and rose. To further cool the day down, I dropped in a few frozen blackberries.
• Eat rose petals–dash them over salads, top berries or cakes with them.
• Use as rose water or rose oil–use the water to flavor teas or as a refreshing facial rinse. Drop oil into a calming bath or use as an essential oil…a few drops a day under the tongue can go a long way. Rose water.
• Make up a vinegar–use for everything from sun burns and bug bites to an unusual salad dressing. Rose vinegar.

Be well!
April

reposted with permission from aprilcrowell.com

Pulse Holistic Health

Pulse proudly presents our Brown Bag Lunch Series.

On the first Tuesday of each month we will offer a free talk on a specific topic.  Bring your lunch and your questions and find out what we have to offer.  We will start with the basics of Chinese Medicine then move into topics including arthritis, herbal first kits, asthma, allergies, insomnia….you get the idea.

Understanding Acupuncture–May 7th, 12:15-1:00

Have you ever wondered if acupuncture would help you?  Come meet Nedda Greer LAc,  Pulse’s licensed acupuncturist and find out the answers to your questions.

All About Amma Therapy–June 4th, 12:15-1:00

“What is this Amma Therapy stuff you do?”  Nate and April will bring to light the wonders of this ancient form of bodywork.

A Holistic Approach to Nutrition–July 2nd, 12:15-1:00

Confused by all the latest reports about the benefits of this food, or the dangers of that food? Come and learn the basics of how to approach nutrition from a balanced perspective.

We hope to see you there!

Pulse Holistic Health

Peas 

Seems that people either love them or hate them, but there is really nothing like the taste of peas plucked straight off the vine.  Their sweetness comes from the natural sugars that begin to break down into starches the moment you pick them.   We think of  as an early food crop, but with little planning, you can harvest them in most regions from late spring to late autumn.

Vegetable or Legume?

Both–peas are eaten both dry and fresh (green).  Native to India, there are more than 50 varieties of peas and Idaho is one of the largest producersof peas in the US.  Much of the world eat peas in their dry form, especially in the Middle East and Asia.  Americans, however, eat most of their peas in the fresh form.    Dry or fresh, their nutritional and energetic values change a little, but these little legumes make an wonderful addition to any diet.

Western nutritional take on peas

Excellent source of protein, vitamins A and B and minerals including calcium, sulfur, potassium and iron.  Dried peas are a great source of fiber.  Green peas (fresh or frozen) have vitamin C, K and carotenes, that are lost in the dried form.  Like other legumes and lentils, peas lower cholesterol, especially in their dried form.

Eastern energetics of peas
Peas have neutral temperature and very sweet flavor.  They enter the Spleen and pancreas, the Stomach and Heart (relaxing).  Peas help to calm down the Liver when it is overly taxed and burdened with toxins.  They reduce ‘rebellious qi’, a condition when the qi is moving the opposite direction that it should.  For example, rebellious Stomach qi appears as acid reflux, gerd, hiccups, belching and coughing when eating.  Peas also have a mild laxative and draining (diuretic) effect.  Beans, overall, help us adapt and become tolerant to life changes and challenges. Dry peas have a drying nature and should be avoided in conditions where the body is very dry and thin.  Need a reminder on energetics? Click here.

A tip on growing
Want to have fresh peas all season long? Not a problem, you will have to step away from the commercial varieties that have been raised to have a singular harvest time.  Plant ‘first ealies’ like “Feltham First” in late-autumn for a spring harvest.  In late winter to early spring, plant varieties such as “Onward” and “Alderman” for main crop harvest.  Check with your local organic nursery for heirloom varieties and their planting and harvest time.

Using peas fresh
Eat both shelling and pod varieties straight from the vines. Use peas to liven up green salads, or toss them in a stir fry or simple grain salad with a light vinaigrette. Peas are wonderful plain as a simple snack and split pods and stuff them with an herbed goat cheese for a summer picnic.  Minted pea soup is one of my spring favorites.

Using peas dried
Dried peas are used widely in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.  Because they are dried and have a drying nature (sop up wet, sagging conditions) they are often used in dishes with oils or to help counter oil meat dishes, like lamb.  Dry peas do not require soaking and cook up quickly.  Use them in recipes that would call for lent

ils in grain dishes or soups–think of masalas.   Snack on dried plain or herbed dried peas–great for hikes. You can also sprout peas.  As a general rule, sprouts contain all the energetic and nutrient potential of the plant activated all at once and readily available for digestion–yum!

Peas and rice–completing the protein
Lentils and legumes are excellent protein sources and a wonderful way to reduce your animal protein intake.  However, there is a bit of a problem–they lack all the amino acids, making them an incomplete protein.  By combining beans with a particular grain, the problem is solved.  In the case of peas, use them with rice and your amino acid profile is complete.  Classically, peas and lentil soups are served with a rice or grain in them or as a side.

Making dried peas more digestible

Of all the beans, peas are among some of the easiest to digest.  If they are new to your diet sometimes people may encounter difficulties in digesting them. Try using herbs like fennel, mint or oregano or curry spice to aid in digestion.  Use kombu or kelp when cooking them to aid their absorption.  Chew thoroughly. Consider using charcoal tablets and digestive teas until your body get used to digesting them.

Eat well!

April
reposted with permission from aprilcrowell.com

Pulse Holistic Health

This Mother’s Day give Mom the gift of health.  Buy a gift certificate online and save $15 on Acupuncture, Amma therapy or Holstic Nutrition with Nedda, April or Nate.

Type in promo code Momsday to get your discount.

Pulse Holistic Health

Space for Bodyworkers

Pulse currently has space available for certified or licensed practitioners to rent by the hour!

Available seven days a week:  $15/hour.

Excellent opportunity for those with budding practices or part-timers who just need a space to treat in every now and then.   Great for a Reiki, Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Amma, Massage, Craniosacral,  Rolfing, Thai Massage,  Alexander Technique or other health practitioner.

Pulse Holistic Health is a well-established therapy center in Boise’s North-End.  We have a bright, clean and peaceful office space for a massage therapist or other bodyworker.  Enjoy a spacious office in the heart of Boise’s Historic North End with quick access to downtown and the connector. Space features fully furnished room, reception area, large meeting space and kitchen space.

Opportunities for referrals and access to experienced practitioners and teachers. Renters must provide current licensure/certification and insurance. Future opportunity to join the Pulse Cooperative.  We have 4 rooms with varying availability.

Need more time?  Ask us about monthly rental possibilities.

Rent includes:

• All utilities paid
• Linens and linen service
• Fully furnished bodywork rooms
• WiFi
• Handicap access
• Off street parking
• Reception & conference space
• Kitchen space
• Fabulous downtown location
• Well-known established business
• Referral opportunities
• Credit card processing (small fee)

About Pulse Holistic Health–

Inspiring vitality and well-being through lifestyle education and holistic medicine. 

Pulse currently offers Acupuncture, Amma Therapy, Massage Therapy, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Holistic Nutrition, and Dietary Planning and we are open to other modalities joining us.  If you’d like to find out more about joining the Pulse team click here or call us at 955-8272

Pulse Holistic Health

Rhubarb has a long medicinal history.  Its use spans Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to Galenic and Islamic medicine.  Indeed this powerful little purgative (meaning it moves the bowels) is not an herb that is likely to disappear.  Today, rhubarb’s rhizome (root) or Da Huang (big yellow) is still used extensively in classical and newer Chinese formulas to move the bowels and release excess heat and damp conditions in the liver.

But enough of the roots, we going to talk about the stalk or stem.

Though rhubarb’s broad leaves are toxic, the stem offers a surprising array of vitamins and minerals.  The stems vary in color from deep red, pink, white to green and have a similar shape to celery stalks. Like celery, rhubarb is a vegetable despite the fact that it ends up in many desserts.  Let’s take a closer look at what rhubarb has to offer besides a very tart flavor.

Calcium–Rhubarb is loaded with silicon an important component in the absorption of calcium.  And it’s packed with calcium itself, boasting about 30-35% of the RDA based on a 2,000 calorie diet–wonderful for your bones, teeth and heart without building up a bunch of phlegm.

Vitamin K, A, C & E-Vitamin K is essential to helping blood clot and aids your body in the absorption of vitamin D and many other nutrients.  Rhubarb rocks nearly 60% of your  RDA of K  in a single cup.  It also sports a healthy amount of vitamins A, C and E–the antioxidants that clear the body of disease and free radicals. Sounds kind of liver oriented, doesn’t it Chinese medicine practitioners?

The B-Vitamins- Small amounts of the B’s are present in rhubarb, but its enough to take note of these include thiamine, riboflavin and folate, niacin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid.

Other nutrients and trace minerals-A single cup of rhubarb provides small amounts of magnesium which plays a role in utilizing calcium, vitamin D and potassium.  Potassium in rhubarb helps to balance out fluid and minerals–out with gout.  And the phosphorus helps to keep teeth and bones strong. Rhubarb offers some iron, supporting blood health.  And trace amounts of copper, slenium, manganese and zinc appear as well.

Now that we’ve fractionalized the poor rhubarb–let’s look at it from a whole, Chinese energetic perspective.

Rhubarb is cold energetically, it drains downward and removes excess heat and damp from the Liver, Stomach, Heart and Intestines and promotes bowel movements.  The sour flavor specifically enters the Liver, moving out congestion and dampness.

Shall I simplify?

Heat in the Liver-  What this looks like is liver qi congestion, anger, frustration, digestive stagnation, pms, ringing in the ears, –check out  Liver yang rising.  Patterns like Hep C, mono and high cholesterol are damp heat in the liver and gall bladder.

Heat in the Stomach-We see burning sensation in the stomach, acid reflux, GERD, bleeding gums, excessive thirst and bad breath.  This can also be a component in constipation caused by heat.  Yep, there is more than one pattern that can cause constipation.

Heat in the Heart-Anxiety, palpitations, nervousness, thirst, anxious and excessive speech and dream disturbed sleep.  You might actually have a burning sensation on the very tip of your tongue.

Heat in the Intestine-Heat anywhere will dry up the fluids in the system, making you thirsty.  With lack of fluids in the intestines the body cannot properly move the bowels aka, constipation.

Wonderful– Put this all together and rhubarb is a fantastic food to help purge out excess heat from the system, especially if you indulge in too many animal proteins which are hot!  Great for spring cleaning.  But before you go noshing on your plant, there are a few contraindications.

A note of caution–rhubarb is a laxative, avoid use if you are nursing, have diarrhea,  loose stools, or are very deficient.

Be well,

April

reposted with permission from aprilcrowell.com

Pulse Holistic Health

Who is here when?  

The practitioners of Pulse are available by appointment.  Although we have set schedules, occasionally we may be out of the office.

We recommend that you call ahead if you need herbs.

Thank you.

April Crowell

Monday: 9-12 & 3-6
Tuesday: 10-6pm
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 10-6pm
Friday: 9-12pm
Saturdays 2x a month.  Upcoming dates: April 27th, May 4th & May 25

Nedda Greer, LAc

• Monday: 10-7pm   (Starting back up again April 22nd)
• Tuesday: 10-7pm
• Wednesday: 10-7pm
• Thursday: 10-7pm
• Friday: 10-6pm

Nathan Mandigo

Sunday: 12-5pm
Monday: 10-2pm
Tuesday: 10-6pm
Wednesday: 10-5pm
Thursday: 12-6pm

Anna Rydman

Tuesday: 6-8:30pm
Book appointments online here or give us a call at 955-8272.

Pulse Holistic Health

Pulse Holistic Health

Do you toss and turn all night long or wake of refreshed and energized?  Sleepless nights have plagued all of us at some time or another, however with more than 60 million Americans suffering from insomnia or regular sleep deprivation it’s not a topic to be taken lightly.

Temporary sleep disturbances are not  something to be overly concerned with, but if the pattern continues for more than 3 weeks it is considered chronic and overall health is compromised.  The senses dull, healing slows, immunity weakens, moods shift, depression sets in–the list goes on.  

A good night’s sleep is important and you should feel rested and revitalized when you awake. 

What is happening? Why are so many people suffering from insomnia or restless night.  Why are millions of prescriptions for sleep aids like Ambien written every year?  Each person’s pattern is different and each pattern can be improved on.  I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I do have some insights.

First, some brief details about sleep.

How much sleep do we need?

Most studies and experts agree that the ideal amount of sleep is about 7 1/2 to 8 hours of sleep a night. On average, Americans are clocking in at 6.9 hours–not too bad, but when you take into account that some people get 10 hours of sleep a night while others only clock in  3 or 4 hours, it starts to look bleak for millions.

What happens when we sleep?

EEG machines that track brain wave activity help us to break sleep into two broad categories. Quiet Sleep (Non-REM-rapid eye movement) and Active  Sleep (REM).

Quiet Sleep or Non-REM Sleep 

Quiet sleep is the state when we become less active and responsive.  This falls into four different stages based on what is happening in the body and the brain. In the deepest stages (3 & 4) healing and renewal.  Yes, please, I’ll have that.

• Stage 1–You begin to drift into sleep–about the first 5-15 minutes from being awake to light sleep.  Brain waves are still fairly active.  The body temperature begins to drop, the eyes may shift slowly from side to side.  During this stage you can be easily startled or jarred awake.
• Stage 2- This is the start of established sleep, about 10-20 minutes into sleep. The eyes become still, the breathing rate slows and stabilizes and the heart rate slows.  During this stage the brain is still a bit active and there are brief bursts of fast activity about every 2 minutes.  On an EEG machine, you will see a spike of activity if you call the sleeping person’s name at this time–but they aren’t going to pop up startled.
• Stage 3 and 4–Deep sleep finally arrives.  There are fewer processing centers running in the brain.  Breathing becomes slow and regular, body temperature is still cooler, blood pressure drops by as much as 25% (something to note for those of you with high blood pressure).  You become less responsive to external stimulus–might have to yell your name to even cause a stir.  During this stage, less blood in the brain means the body can work on renewing itself.  The Pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate cell regeneration, healing, growth and even immunity.  Who couldn’t use extra time here?

Insight from Chinese Medicine on Insomnia and sleeplessness

Let’s start with the very simple and profound concept of Yin and Yang.  One of the founding principles of Chinese medicine Yin and Yang can be used to identify anything–all phenomenon in nature, pathology, personality and treatment.  Everything can be broken into Yin and Yang.  They are opposites that describe each other and identify each other.

Yang–literally the sunny side of the mountain–refers to anything that has characteristics of activity, work, growth, movement, warmth, summer, morning and daytime, building, and transforming.  Yang is represented in the white part of the symbol to the left.

Yin–literally the shady side of the mountain–refers to anything that has characteristics of inactivity or rest, renewal, coolness, replenishing, evening and nighttime, winter,  storing and fluids. Yin is represented in the black part of the symbol.

Confusing? The concepts are different from western logic and Aristotelian thought– Yin and Yang are opposite but complimentary qualities. Each thing or phenomenon can be its self or its contrary.  Once you understand the general qualities of what makes something Yin or Yang the rest all comes down to comparison. Where the sun is Yang (active, hot, warm) the moon is Yin (cool, dark, quiescent).  Fire is Yang, water is Yin.  Just look to opposites or the continuum of which has more characteristics than another.  Campfire or a raging forest fire? Campfire, although hot is Yin by comparison to an active raging forest fire.

Back to sleep.  

Sleep is a Yin quality–something that replenishes and nourishes the body, allowing us to recharge. Without Yin, there is no oil to fuel the fire of our Yang activity.  If you constantly go and never recharge, you will eventually break down in some way.

This is a hard concept for some of my clients.  The idea of slowing down and resting is construed by some as doing nothing–a non productive time.  It’s not, you are recharging…which you must do to be able to keep going.  Just coming to terms with giving yourself permission to rest works wonders.

In Chinese medicine there a many patterns that can lead to insomnia.  Remember: Chinese medicine looks at the functional energetic properties of organs, having a Heart pattern in CM doesn’t necessarily mean anything would show up on western tests.

• Blood deficiency: Lack of blood to adequately nourish and settle the Shen (spirit) these patterns will have a pale tongue and weak pulse.  The person may be anemic and startle easily, anxious yet tired.
• Heart Fire: Too much heat often from emotional issues agitates and creates restlessness. Red tongue, rapid pulse, slurring of speech, agitation.
• Heart Blood deficiency: Being able to identify where the blood deficiency is specifically allows for concise more effective treatment. Very pale tongue, cold hands and feet, weak feeble pulse
• Phlegm Fire Obstructing the Mind: Accumulation of phlegm clouds the orifices and the unsettles the mind. Think ADD, ADHD and mania type patterns. Red tongue, thick yellow coating, surging pulse.
• Liver Qi Stagnation: Liver’s function of ‘free and easy flow’ is compromised and qi and blood stagnate leading to frustration, pms, anxiety. The sides of the tongue become red and the pulse tight.

And there are many more….

With just the few patterns listed above  you can see how many different patterns can lead to insomnia, and how their treatment would be different.  It’s the practitioner’s job to find out which pattern a client fits and then specialize the treatment to that client.

Pulse Holistic Health

We’ve made some changes to the online booking system!

For those of you who have used the online booking, this will help you understand the changes and new amenities available. If you’ve never used the online booking, we encourage you to sign up and try it out.

New Features

• Book online at any time of day
• Manage your profile and contact information
• Prepay for appointments
• Buy prepaid packages and track your credit
• Purchase gift certificates for friends and family
• View and manage your appointments
• Payments are processed through Authorize.net, one of the largest and most secure online credit card processing companies.

Let’s take a tour–

On the Pulse website home page you will notice a “Book Now” button. There is also a ‘book an appointment’ button on the top bar at the far right. This opens to a page describing how to book and you will notice the “Book Now” button in the right hand column.

Click the “Book Now” button.

If you have already signed up it will prompt you to enter your email address and password. If you have never registered it will prompt you to sign up.

The fastest way to sign up, and not have to worry about losing your password is to click the “Sign up with Facebook” option. Don’t worry, the system only pulls your name, e-mail address, and phone number (if present in Facebook) to set up your account with.

Don’t worry if you have forgotten your password. Just click “forgot password” and the system will send you a link to rest your password.

Now that you’ve logged in you will see this page, only your name will show instead of Nathan’s who took this screen shot– But what does it all do?

To create a new booking, click the “New booking” button.

The next screen is what used to display on the Pulse booking page. Nothing has changed, just select your service type and preferred practitioner and follow the onscreen prompts.

When you reach the “Checkout” page you will have the option to pay now, or defer payment and pay in office.

Bookeo shows the practitioner’s normal prices.  You can pay for your appointment at the time of booking or pay at your appointment.  If you have a special rate set up with your practitioner, just pay at the time of the appointment.

• To purchase a Prepaid Package Deal, our classic Buy 5 Get 1 Free deal, click on “Prepaid packages”, select the package you want to purchase and follow instructions for checking out.

• Need to change your password, e-mail address, or contact phone number, click on “Your profile”.

• Need to change or cancel an upcoming booking? Click on “Your Bookings” to be guided through making changes.

• You bought a package deal but aren’t sure how many bookings you have left? Click on “Prepaid credits” to see the status of your package.

• Want to share the joys of Amma or Acupuncture with a friend or loved one? Purchase a gift certificate for them via the “Purchase a gift voucher” button. Gift certificates are redeemed through a special button on our Welcome page and Booking page.

Potential Issues

You clicked the link and all you see is pictured below?

What went wrong?

A shrewd guess would say that you are using Internet Explorer. If see what is below in your browser window, there a a couple of things to try.

• First clear your browser history by click on the “Tools” Icon in the upper right corner, or if visible, the Tools menu option.

• Select “Internet Options”. On the window that opens, select Delete under “Browser History” Ensure that “Temporary Internet Files” and “Cookies” are selected and click Delete.

• Try reloading the page. If the above does not work, there are links on the page to other browsers that do not have the content issues the Internet Explorer seems to have.

Pulse Holistic Health