Dr. Lisa's Bountiful Life

Look Beyond

There is beauty in looking beyond.

Most of us are guilty of seeing things for what we believe them to be, rather than what they are.

We are startled when they are revealed to be more.

We are startled when we realize that we are capable of understanding things in new ways, and in sharing this understanding with others.

I began the journey to 'doctorhood' at the tender age of 17: the year I graduated from high school.

As a pre-med student, my time was spent examining things from a scientific perspective. I took classes in calculus and organic chemistry; biology and physics.

I continued the scientific path through medical school, residency and fellowship education.

I was trained to see people as interesting puzzles that required solving. 

I was trained to see the world as a larger ecosystem within which my fellow human creatures and I existed.

Several years ago, I began to look beyond what I had been trained to see.

Carrying my camera with me while running, I paid careful attention to my surroundings, seeking shots that would represent the beauty of the ecosystem in which I lived.

I was amazed by how much there was to notice--and how much I had been missing.

At about the same time, I took up the study of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Again, I was astounded at how much more there was to understand about my fellow humans.

I have never been able to return to a strictly scientific medical practice.

Nor have I been able to return to a strictly scientific way of living.

I am dazzled, daily, by the beauty that surrounds me. 

I am challenged, daily, to look beyond.

 

From the rocky coast to the western mountains, Maine is home to vistas wild and wonderful. It is also home to the Maine Media Workshops + College in Rockport, where photographers hone their skills in order to fully capture Maine’s great beauty. This week on the Dr. Lisa Radio Hour we celebrate the school’s fortieth anniversary with internationally known photographer Barbara Goodbody, and Maine Media president Meg Weston. Join us! 

Adventures with Arame: a Metabolic Booster

Sea vegetables (also known as sea weed) are one of my favorite "superfoods." Rich in nutrients provided by the ocean waters in which they grow, they offer numerous health benefits. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, these are good for kidney Qi (energy) and for alleviating stuck liver Qi--a common problem in the late winter/early spring. 

Because they are high in iodine, sea vegetables have a favorable impact on thyroid function, which is important for metabolism.

Sea vegetables come in many different forms, each of which has specific healing properties. Arame and hijiki are particularly good for improving the luster of hair and nails, and helping with hormonal rebalance. 

The following recipe yields a delicious sea vegetable side dish, which has earned a stamp of approval from both of my daughters (ages 12 and 17). It can be cooked with either arame or hijiki.

When using sea vegetables, a little goes a long way. Proceed with an open mind and an adventurous palate, and you won't be disappointed!

Arame & Cabbage in Mustard Sauce

• 1-2 TBSP sesame oil
• 1 head cabbage, chopped (use different colors for a varied visual plate)
• 2/3 cup arame, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and finely chopped

Sauce

• 1/2 tablespoon mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons high quality soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sake or mirin 

Combine ingredients for sauce and set aside.

Saute cabbage in oil for 1-3 minutes. Add arame and saute until tender.

Add sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Serve hot or cold.

Serves 4-6.

From Paul Pitchford's Healing with Whole Foods.

Wind, Calamity & Clarity

Tree branches are being buffeted about wildly; the waves are white-capped.

News of the 'Frankenstorm,' and her temperamental coastal rampage has infiltrated our consciousness.

Typing this post, I am uncertain how Hurricane Sandy will impact my Southern Maine homestead. She has not yet fully revealed her path.

Wind, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is considered a pernicious influence: a source of evil Qi (energy) and a cause of illness.

Wind strips us of that which protects us from harm. It causes damage to the lungs. 

Our lungs, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, are thought to be most vulnerable in the autumn. This is the time of year when we wrap ourselves in scarves, as we seek to protect our life's breath.

Conversely, it has been said that "It's an ill wind that blows no good."

In other words, even the harshest of breezes may unmask (eventually) an upside.

Behind many major storms come clearing winds. Detritus is shaken from its hiding places, and moved away.

Dead leaves fall from trees, leaving them ready for the winter.

And, after being buffeted by the winds of life transitions, we too find that we are suddenly able to experience clarity.

But for now, we know only that the storm is rising.

The moon is full, and tonight's tides will be high.

Rain is on its way.

Outside, the wild winds increase their fierce howl.

Leaving us to wonder what calmatous impact their choral crescendo may have.

And what clarity will be offered in their ceasing.

 

 

Sandy, Impending

October 29, 2012

 

Learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine on the Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast.

 

 

Leaping

The wheels of change, once they begin to turn, keep turning.

In February, I wrote in a blog post of my move to a new home.

Today I began my move to a new practice in Portland.

The boxes are packed, and the van arrives tomorrow. By next week, I will be in my new digs.

For the past five years, our acupuncture and integrative medicine patients have enjoyed our beautiful Sparhawk Mill space, on the banks of the Royal River in Yarmouth. Last year we benefited from the design expertise of artist Carol Bass (and the help of many others), as she transformed our offices into a place of serenity and peace.

We will bring this sense of serenity and peace to the Body Architect, as we continue to provide the services of our healing practice there.

The Body Architect offers its own beautiful views, over a sweeping vista of the city. Its exposed brick, high ceilings and expansive windows create an atmospher of airiness and light. 

Owners Antonia and Stephen Anderson, profiled in a recent Maine magazine article, and interviewed on the Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast "Light" show (#6) offer "Mind Body Fitness." They give individuals the opportunity to exercise, relax and find balance through a broad variety of traditional and non-traditional programs, including one of my favorites: Qigong.

Those who know me, and the type of medicine I practice and promote on the Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast, will easily understand that the Body Architect offers a perfect fit with my philosophy of health.

It is an exciting move.

The wheels of change, once they begin to turn, keep turning.

I know that my patients and radio show listeners will benefit from the many wonderful changes in my life that will enable my colleagues and I to bring more healing to the world.

 

leaping

April 2012

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Dr. Lisa's Bountiful Blog is read on the Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast. Show summaries are available on the Dr. Lisa website. Subscribe to podcasts of the show through iTunes and let us know what you think.