Anxious or Depressed? Acupuncture Can Help!

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If you suffer from anxiety, depression, have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorder - don't despair.  Although in some cases, you MUST stay on your medication, regular weekly acupuncture treatments can help you emerge from that 'dark hole' a
nd put you back into a healthy place of mind, body and spirit.  Regular acupuncture treatments can also help with the side effects of many antipsychotic drugs (anxiety, dry mouth, lack of sex drive, weight gain).  If you or someone you care for has mental health issues, call or email my office to schedule an appointment.  I have many years experience dealing with such cases and can help.  917-701-7581  k@kmondesire.com

Drink The Blood Of Virgins????

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  A patient asked me today how is it I have done so many things in life, have had so many adventures and still look very youthful.  Here's the secret: live life with  gusto; you never know how long you have in this life.  Laugh and laugh big time, and lots of times.  No matter how horrible the situation, try to find something in the experience to laugh about....after all, isn't life ridiculous?  Have adventures in life....mediocrity breeds boredom.  When you have adventures, you have stories to pass on to others and they can experience your life and times through these tales - this is what begets immortality.  Above all, love and love with all you have.  You might be disappointed or hurt; nor may you receive the same love in return, but give it anyway - God sees All, and in the end, you will have a clean soul.  Tears of sorrow, tears of joy...drops of souls' dew in space and time manifest new beginnings and happy endings.  Confused?  Think about it this weekend.

Time Out Tuesday

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Take a time out today and reasses your goals for today, this week, this month, this year.  Are they realistic?  Do you have a plan set to achieve your goals?  Look at your life as if it were someone else's to be more objective and say 'if that was me, I would....' - then do it!

Monday Funday!

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  It's back to work today and perhaps you really aren't so enthused about being at your job.  Make Monday a FUNDAY!  Share something you enjoyed over the weekend with your colleagues and make them smile.  They most likely don't want to be at their jobs today either, so make some lemonade out of lemons today.

Melatonin...What's Its Function?

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Melatonin helps build bones and reduces bone loss.  It supports hair growth, promotes immune response, regulates circadian rhythyms in the brain, slows contractions in the stomach and intestines, and increases the release of digestive enzymes.

Acupuncture for Anxiety and Depression

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Acupuncture is very effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression.  If you are experiencing GAD or depression, try a calming acupuncture session.  I work with your therapists and psychiatrists to ensure that the level of your meds do not increase and in most cases, we work as a team to lower the levels of your medication....acupuncture - it's THAT good!

Stress and Obesity

Folks, we're living through some tough and finacially expensive times these days.  Stress is running rampant out there.  Patients who have come in for regular acupuncture treatments are experiencing not only a higher quality of life, but are also finding themselves losing those extra pounds they just couldn't seem to shred with diet and exercise alone.  Why?  Because acupuncture releases endorphins (natural 'feel good' neurotransmitters) which, in turn, help reduce the levels of glutocorticoids.  Glutocorticoids in excess can increase body fat by signalling to the body it needs added caloric intake due to stress (the 'fight or flight' mechanism).   Acupuncture can 'turn off' the flight or fight sensors and calm down a patient, leaving him or her stress free and allowing the body to come back to a normal state of homeostasis.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Times are stressful and your mental and physical health suffer as a result.  Do something productive for yourself today.  Have some acupuncture - you'll eliminate stress and lose those extra pounds as an added bonus!

Are You A Champion?

Champions are not born; they are made.  Courage, determination, perseverance - these are the ingredients that go into making a champion.  These aspects are your allies in your battle against disease, obesity, mental illness, or rehabilitation from an injury.  Everyone possesses these essential elements within themselves; they sometimes need to be coaxed out to our consciousness.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Do you have what it takes to be a champion?  Every day, we all fight a small battle against disease, obesity, mental illness or other physical injury.  Look into the mirror and find your courage, determination, and persevere.  At the end of the day, you will be a winner; the champion of your own well being - both mentally and physically.

It's Wintertime....Avoid the Blues

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Avoid those wintertime doldrums and blues.  Take up an indoor hobby, get together once a week with some friends to have a fun workout session or just for a coffee and chat.  Don't forget to make an appointment to see your favorite acupuncturist for an immune-boosting and mood-boosting treatment today!

Vitamin B12 and Acupuncture for Stress, Anxiety and Depression

There's just so much stress and aggravation living and working in NYC these days; the holiday season doesn't help the situation.  Many patients are coming in for de-stress sessions.  Acupuncture calms the mind and body; helps relieve insomnia and helps with depression and anxiety disorders. Vitamin B12 keeps your nerve cells and red blood cells healthy.  It aids in converting carbs into glucose in the body.  This leads to energy production which decreases fatigue in the body.  Healthy nerves mean reduced depression, stress and anxiety.  As I write this blog, there is a patient on my table who was physically abused by OWS protestors trying to get to my office today.  Quite upset by the experience - once the needles were in place, the patient became calm and is now asleep. 

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Do something good for yourself today - make an appointment for a de-stress acupuncture session.  You'll feel great!

Fall is Here and Time for Transformation

Fall is a wonderful time of year. The leaves change from green to gold to burnt red and auburn shades - similar to the quadrants of a well-composed piece of music. But unlike the end of a song, life continues on and on, akin to a gradient circle of color. Fall is the time between the extremely heated and passionate summer and the frigid, icy, colorless winter. Just like its cousin, Spring, Fall is a time of transition. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons, followed by chilly evening breezes. The clouds at sunset hang lower in the sky as the earth bends to reposition itself against the sun.  This is the time of year to embrace change. We change our clothes in the closet, we adapt to the receding sunlight and shortening of the days. We exchange our sandals and sunhats for closed shoes and berets. We begin to crave a bowl of hot soup and a good glass of red wine. We pursue indoor activities more and more.  Fall is the perfect time to plan for the reawakening colors and excitement of Spring. So during the next few months, while you are enjoying the changing colors of the leaves and sky, think about change. Change in terms of better health, less anxiety and stress, a new career, a better relationship with your friends, co-workers and loved ones…whatever it is that you can change in your life to make it better -try to make it happen. Practice those changes in baby steps over the next several months. By the time the warmer weather returns, you might be very surprised how just small adaptations and changes can make such huge differences in your life and the lives of everyone else around you.  Fall is also the time when many are fooled by the Indian summer-like afternoons and forget to take along a sweater, scarf or jacket when they leave home in the morning. This is the beginning of cold and flu season.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Take care of yourselves and take the time to remember various layers of clothing. Keep the back of your neck and throat covered; protected from the winds. The wind, in Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered to be the cause of 1,000 evils (diseases). And I couldn’t possibly sign off without advising you to schedule an appointment with me for a ‘fall tune-up’ to ensure you can romp and play thru all those great piles of leaves in good health!

Pony Up and Pull Up Those Boot Straps

I snuck away for two days to take my mother on holiday; we celebrated her 87th birthday.  Anyone who knows my mother knows that she doesn't leave her house unless she is fully dressed, hair, makeup and lipstick 'just so'.  She's pretty sharp and has a better social life than most 25 year olds.  We had some time for good talk over the past couple of days and one of our conversations was about life's twists and turns and that there are two kinds of people in this world...those who pull themselves up and get pro-active when the going gets tough and those who allow themselves to unravel and fall into depression.  An 87 year old who lived through the depression and all life's twists and turns doesn't waste her time; she says exactly what she thinks and doesn't sugarcoat her lines.  I'm fortunate to have realized at a much younger age that this life is short; don't beat around the bush - be direct; and when the going gets rough and tough, pull up your boot straps and pony up for the ride of life.  I arrived back into the office this morning and a dear friend of mine had sent me the following quote from Yehuda Berg, which I thought was so approprois after my days with my mother.  I'm sharing this with you today:

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  "Life is filled with obstacles and tests that sometimes knock us off our feet. When we do lose our balance and fall flat on our faces, it’s important to stand up again rather than to sink into doubt and depression...and dust ourselves off.  Getting up again generates greater spiritual Light in the world than if we had never fallen in the first place. The fact that we fell is not what’s important. True greatness is in the act of rising again."
Oh....and by the way....my mother has known all along that I've been riding a motorcycle and was just waiting for me to tell her (my brother tattled on me).  She was both thrilled and horrified when seeing the bike, but really dug my rhinestone-studded helmet.  That's my mother!

Imagination and Play

Imagination and Play...this is a photo of a 40yr old cruddy and broken down Sabrett hotdog cart that was filled with debris and quite an eyesore.  A little bit of imagination and playing around with some spray paint, decals and colorful flowers has now made an ugly eyesore an object of beauty and appreciation for many people.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  In all that you engage in life, take some time for a little bit of imagination.  Explore the countless positive possibilities that can become realities.  You'd be surprised what can happen.  I'm really thrilled that my latest art project came out so lovely; it has put smiles on many faces and a once ugly eyesore now sits pretty and proud for all to appreciate and enjoy!

Resistance training reduces symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder

June 2, 2011 (Denver, Colorado) — Resistance training reduces symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), compared with aerobic exercise or no exercise at all, according to research presented here at the American College of Sports Medicine 58th Annual Meeting.

Patients with GAD tend to be physically inactive, although exercise training has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in healthy adults and patients with chronic disease, and to benefit patients with major depressive disorder.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If your depressed, anxious, nervous or do indeed suffer from GAD, get out those running shoes, bicycle or garden shovel and start exercising.  If you REALLY want to take your mind off your thoughts, then invest in a resistance program like Insanity or P90X.  You'll feel much better due to the release of endorphins, increased cardiovascular circulation and expenditure of energy.

Tips For Improving Your Emotional Health

We wake up, go to work, attend school, or mind the kids, get to the gym, fulfill social obligations we don't necessarily want to attend, deal with very stressful situations from time to time...after a while, our lifestyles can contribute to the degeneration of our immune systems.  Ill health, depression and a loss of self esteem can manifest from the pressures we place upon ourselves on a daily basis.  So, how do we achieve good emotional health?  Sure, you can go pay a shrink $400 an hour -  that might or might not make you feel better and that's vacation money for you or another boat for the shrink. There are free and easy steps  we can all take to achieve the same results.  Here are a few:

Learn to say NO. Very often, we say 'yes' to many obligations when we really mean 'no'.  All that 'it's ok' that you leave on the way up the stairs is all the frustration and resentment you will eventually have to pick up and deal with on the way down the stairs.  If you don't feel comfortable saying the word 'NO', then try this phrase:  "thank you, but that just doesn't work for me".  PERIOD.  That's all you need to say.  If people don't like it, that's just too bad.  Let' them get used to the fact that you have an opinion and that you count first!
Keep Your Real Friends and Eliminate False Relationships.  It is far better to have one true friend than 10 'fair weather' friends.  Your true friend(s) are the people who are always there for you, no matter how old you are, where you live or what the circumstance is.  Your real friends will tell you when you're wrong and help you straighten up your messes.  They will also be there for you when 'stuff' happens in life and help you emotionally deal with all life's challenges.  So, get rid of the 'dead beats' and simplify your relationships.
READ!   So often, I hear of people who have illnesses or situations in life; if they would just educate themselves as much as they can about the condition or situation, they could take control of their emotional and physical well being, as well as their socio-economic condition.  In this age of free information online and computer access at your local library, ignorance is no excuse.
Exercise.  Regular exercise releases natural endorphins in the body which help reduce stress and agitation.  Your body will feel better because of the increased blood and oxygen circulation.  You will look better and feel better; this in turn will lead to a much higher self esteem and a sense of empowerment.
Have More Sex.  When you're hungry, you eat.  When you're thirsty, you drink.  When you're tired, you sleep.  When your hormones need stimulation, you should have some sex.  Regular sexual intercourse not only is good for one's hormones, it reduces stress and also gives a person a better sense of self.
Find a Hobby and Stick to It.  Whether it's needlepoint or hang gliding, find and develop a hobby that makes you happy.  Embrace the activity.  The more you participate in your favorite past time, the better you will become.  This leads to an emotional 'high' and a better sense of self esteem.
Engage in a Healthy Nutritional Plan.  Eat, drink, and be merry, but do all of it in moderation.  You don't have to drink the whole bottle of wine, you can have one or two glasses and still enjoy the beverage.  You don't have to eat everything on the plate.  You can eat half and take a 'doggie bag' home; enjoying another wonderful meal from your dinner out is cheaper and very satisfying - especially on those days when you don't have time to cook!  You will feel better physically and sleep better when you engage in a proper nutritional plan.
Practice Yoga, Tai Chi or Meditation.  Life is a balance of Yang and Yin.  The gym and every other activity we engage in are mostly Yang energy driven.  Reign in the energy and balance your life by engaging in a Yin and rejuvenating activity such as yoga, tai chi or simple meditation time.  You will find peace of mind, calm, serenity and will be better able to deal with any stressful situation that comes your way.
Make a "TO DO" List.  Greatness and achievement on any level does not come by luck or haphazard activity...it comes from a plan.  Every week, make a list of tasks, events and things you'd like to do.  Prioritize the list and modify it as the week progresses.  As you complete a task or event, check it off your list.  The feeling of accomplishment will help with your self esteem and motivate you to keep up with list making...it really does help with focus.
Sleep!  Sleep is just so necessary for the circulation, the nervous system, weight loss and overall homeostasis.  Sleep deprivation is one method of torture used on prisoners worldwide....now, why would you want to inflict self-imposed torture upon yourself????

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day: practice and engage in all of the above as best you can.  You will be surprised what a difference a few easy and free steps can make for your overall emotional state of mind and your self esteem!

Wow! It's November!!!

Holy Smokes!  It's November 1st!  I'm just back from a weekend filled with Halloween fun and fantasy and have arrived at the office to emails and telephone calls from patients who are already getting those nasty fall colds and stressing over holiday family get togethers.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  The change of seasons and stress lead to compromised immune systems.  This is how we get those nasty colds, flus and bouts of depression - especially during the onset and onslaught of holiday season.  Boost your immune system and de-stress yourself by coming in for a treatment today.  If you are physically and mentally balanced, you will be better equipped to handle the stress and drama of the holidays.  You will not become physically ill, nor will you become depressed.
Here's another tip for you:  Don't be a turkey!  Just because it's called a 'holiday'  doesn't mean you have to spend it with people you don't like (that's like doing time in prison), even if they're called 'family'.  Spend your holidays with people you like, or volunteer to help others that have nothing....or, better yet, spend the day and have a 'me' day!! Do all those things you always want to, but never seem to have the time because you're always so busy.

Rainy Mucky Monday Can Be a FUNDAY!

It's Monday morning, and after a spectacular weekend filled with friends, laughter and warm weather, we're back to Mucky Monday weather here in the Big Apple.
The doggie cut her foot so, she's grounded for the day; her foot being bandaged.  Even the doggie isn't happy when it rains.
Sitting down to the computer and wondering what to write about today, I've got FR2 (the French television station) playing their version of the Today Show.  One segment is showing how you can purchase some really beautiful wallpaper prints (remnants) and by mounting them on coreboard or canvas, you can create some amazing wall art!  The show continues throughout an Parisian apartment (very much akin to a Manhattan flat) and how just color change, a new pillowcase and a few small and inexpensive items can transform a space from blah and boring to fun, exciting, sensual and contemplative.
I spend a fair amount of my life either at my downtown home office or my new space uptown on 57th St.  I find that even moving my potted plants around creates interest and stimulates ideas.  In my home, I quite often change off fruit bowls, coverlets and move artwork to break up boredom.
We are going through a tough recession at the moment.  Many of you have lost your jobs, afraid of losing them or just plain running scared.  Treat yourself today on this Muckey Monday and go purchase a really beautiful flower, or a house plant or buy yourself a scented candle or new pillowcases.

Here's Your Tip of the Day:  Do something small and nice for yourself today and make Mucky Monday into a FUNDAY!!
I'm going to give myself a laser facelift!!  And of course, the doggie will get an extra cookie!

Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress....seems like all you hear from folks lately.  It's a poor global economic time we are living through, which most likely will not resolve for some time.....so we'd better get used to it.

Most people are cutting corners these days - eating out less frequently, not buying that extra pair of great strappy heels, the python bag, the new golf clubs; BUT DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR HEALTH!!!

Did you know that you could come to my office and for a mere $60 have a 30 minute auricular destressing treatment???  $60 isn't much to pay for a good night's sleep, fewer wrinkles, less agitation, and overall better health.  Let's not forget the blood pressure.

Make an appointment today.  Times are tough - do something about it!!

Rainy Day Blues

Oh, we're in for a 4 day spell of rain, wind and raw, damp weather here in Manhattan.  This can lead to sinus headaches, aches and pains in the joints and the feeling of being 'down in the dumps'.
This is because of the combination of the barometric pressure and humidity in the atmosphere.  The devilish duo cause a feeling of heaviness or being 'weighed down'.
The Healthy Tip of the Day??  Acupuncture is proven to be quite effective for joint pain, headaches, depression and anxiety. 
Laser Facial Treatments are great for headaches and gives your whole visage a 'lifted' appearance!!!
WOW!  Try that one on and see what happens.
Lastly...mild exercise to move the joints and circulation burns off excess fluid and will help to alleviate the headache and joint pains.  The natural endorphins released by the exercise will give you a 'good high' and you'll be smiling before you know it!!
Happy Friday, everyone and Nurse Sooki sends her thanks to all of you who sent her birthday wishes...she even got a carrot cake from one of her fans!!!