Health is Wealth Tip, February 23, 2013, Year of the Snake:

This winter season left us so dry we felt like we were becoming jerky! In my profession, I wash my hands at least three times every hour if not more. This drys out my hands even more, and you add on the very dry weather, my hands have been in bad shape this winter.

Past winters have dried out my skin to the point that my knuckles start to crack, which is manageable by sleeping with heavy hand cream and cotton gloves. This winter not only all my knuckles cracked but the entire back of my hands from my finger joints to my wrists had hundreds of tiny cracks, and the skin was red and irritated. The cotton glove trick did not work, and I tried over 20 types of creams and nothing was penetrating my skin.

Then one evening I was talking to a patient of mine. She told me about a traditional Italian remedy of olive oil and lemon juice for dry skin. So, I tried it, and it worked! It started to soothe the redness immediately, and I wore cotton gloves at night and in two days all the cracks healed. Olive oil helps to create a protective barrier and seal in moisture.

The picture is of a lovely Christmas present I received from another patient this year. She hand made a sugar scrub with olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, rosemary (from her garden), peppermint essential oil, and a few other ingredients. It has been amazing for not only my hands, but great for the whole body.

Give it a try!

Have a peaceful day!
-Rachelle Lambert, L.Ac.

Health is Wealth Tip, February 15, 2013, Year of the Snake:

Do you want to know a way toward happiness? Get rid of your toxic friends.

One study showed that energy positive friends increase your happiness quotient by 7%. Negative people and people who have a negative influence in your life decrease your happiness quotient by 9%.

We are just about to start spring cleaning. Maybe it's time to throw out those Negative Nancys!

Have a happy day!
-Rachelle Lambert, L.Ac.

Health is Wealth Tip, February 14, 2013, Year of the Snake:

Today is the day of love, also known as Valentine's day. We have all experienced love. That sparked a thought, "What is love, bio-chemically speaking?"

Love is related to the hormones and neurotransmitters of our body. Some clinical psychologists suggest there are 3 stages of love that your body experiences.

The first stage is "Lust". Boy do we all know that one, it gets us in trouble sometimes:-) Lust is fueled by hormones of testosterone and estrogen in both males and females.

The second stage is "Attraction". That is a common stage, we see it when people are in relationships. Attraction is fueled by adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. You feel adrenaline when you see or touch your lover and your heart races and your mouth is dry. Dopamine is your pleasure neurotransmitter, and the effects are increased energy, less hunger, less need for sleep, and focused attention. Serotonin is your "feel good" and "happy" neurotransmitter.

The third stage is "Attachment". We see this in long term relationships and marriages, when couples bond and become life partners. This is my favorite stage! Attachment is fueled by oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone. This hormone is released while having an orgasm, and deepens the feelings of attachment couples have right after sex. One theory states that the more sex a couple has, the deeper the bond goes. Another way oxytocin supports bonding is in mothers and their babies. This hormone is secreted during child birth. When a mother sees her baby, or hears her baby cry, the breast automatically releases milk.

“Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.”
― Dalai Lama XIV

Have a loving day!
-Rachelle Lambert, L.Ac.