Archive for January, 2013

Asian Secret #19 Bowls instead of Plates

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Announcing... The Dinner Bowl

Try eating dinner tonight out of bowls. You don’t have to change your forks, knives, or spoons. Just use this smaller container for your food. The Asian tradition of using bowls instead of plates can make a big impact on how much we eat at meal time. Smaller plates work fine too.

When Dr. Nancy Snyderman is speaking about obseity concerns on the news, she frequently suggests using smaller plates.

Don’t forget: Eating 2 servings in a smaller container is better than 1 big serving in a bigger container. Read More…

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Asian Secret #18 Ginger Tea Fends off the Flu

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Ginger Tea

Flu season is here and virtually everyone crosses paths with someone who is sick during December-February. Beyond getting a flu shot, its a good idea to use natural flu fighters that are good for pumelling sickness in winter. Green tea and oranges are always a safe bet when you are feeling under the weather, but having a cup of natural ginger root tea can be especially helpful when fighting the flu.

Chinese and Western doctors both suggest their patients to cut up real ginger and boil it like tea. It can be bitter, so add some sugar to it if you’d like.

Don’t have ginger root? Most supermarkets carry it in their produce section. You can also put it in the freezer to keep it fresh throughout the winter.

Read More…

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Asian Secret #17 The Great Benefits of Bodywork

massage1 Asian Secret #17 The Great Benefits of Bodywork

Goodbye Stress!

Whether you’re treating yourself or relieving pain, getting bodywork done provides a world of benefits. Bodywork can be any therapeutic or healing technique that involves touching, energy medicine, or physical manipulation.

Since many diseases can be triggered by stress it is vital that you find a healthy way to reduce it. For example, the profound effects of massage include decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, improved concentration, increased blood circulation, and more energy!

Our lives have become so high-paced and stressful. It’s necessary to combat these causes of stress with enough stress reducers. Research shows that not finding a balance can lead to chronic disease, neurological disorders, and other injuries.

When is the last time you treated yourself?

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Asian Secret #16 Get a Massage with a Friend

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A Couples Massage

Not sure what to do this weekend? Bored of the same routines? Then try a massage.

Massage is as ubiquitous in Asia as getting together with friends to watch a football game in America. It’s a social activity and not as shady as you might think.

One of the best ways to enjoy a massage is to visit a spa with hot pools or hot tubs. Soak in hot water for an hour with a close friend and then go to the massage room. Get at least 45-60 minute massage and rest afterwards. Make an afternoon of your visit to the masseuse.

If you are worried about the price, just budget for it. Put spare change, or dollars, into your ME can everyday. When you reach $50-75, take it out and use it to get a massage. You will not regret it!

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Asian Secret #15 The Human Touch

bushSaud3 Asian Secret #15 The Human Touch

Two friends holding hands

A long two-hand handshake. An arm around a friend. A hand on the knee.

These may seem like ways to flirt, but they are very common among same-sex friends across many Asian countries. Men touch men and women touch women. Closeness is important for relationships and it should be shown in a healthy way.

While we’re on the topic… Remember to hold your loved ones and show them that you love them. Today, give them an extra long hug or hold a hand a little longer. Don’t worry about what it looks like.

The human touch can be more important than words. Read More…

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