The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective is about the body and mind connection. It focuses on five main organs in the diagnosis of symptoms. These organs (liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney) are related to five different emotions. TCM can be used to help identify the type of depression and treat the individual appropriately.
Articles from: December 2013
Awakening Humanity with Community and Arts by Kim Engler
In this time of distant interconnectedness with moment-tomoment life, where we touch and reach each other through keyboards and computer screens, we inherently still crave the warmth and intimacy of community, responding and interacting with others in person. It is easy to forget, easy to be too busy, easy to overlook and push to the side that primal need to be in the company of others in a like-minded warm community creating, enjoying, learning and experiencing together.
New Process Group: Deeply Supporting Women
A new women’s group using proven mind-body integration methods for personal development and happiness will begin January 13. The group, which will meet every other Tuesday, is facilitated by Diana Buonocore who has a Core Energetics practice in Rockland County and NYC.
Preparing Gluten-Free Treats by Joseph Bases
As the seasons change many people look forward to spending time with family, friends and food, but what about those among us who have a gluten intolerance? Is this a time to enjoy? Of course it is. Although gluten-free baking and food prep may take a little more attention it is nothing to fear.
Here are some tips that will help:
Flour
There are several ready to use glutenfree flours on the market however sometimes individuals will have an aversion to some other ingredient in the ready-made flours so it often is best to blend your own. This simple “cookie mix” is the basis for cakes, tarts, and cookies. The mix includes 2 cups of brown rice flour; ¾ of a cup of potato flour and ¼ cup of tapioca flour. The above flour mix can be substituted for wheat flour in many icebox or drop cookie recipes. Also if the basic recipe calls for nuts, try grinding some of these nuts into the flour. Be mindful of your choice of butter, margarine or vegetable shortening. Since gluten-free flour has no gluten, batters and doughs do not bind as well as traditional flour which means that the spread of the cookie as it bakes will be greater. Drop your cookies as normal in size but give them a bit more room between cookies. Again, remember butter spreads furthest, next margarine and finally shortening.
Pie Dough
The key to pie dough is to not over mix. Stop as soon as all of your ingredients are blended. Over mixing causes toughness and you then will be kneading the dough further when you make your pie shells.
Temperature
When directions say “wrap and chill dough for at least an hour”, it really is best to chill overnight—one hour is not enough time to properly chill dough. Once you have placed your dough on a cookie sheet, chill that as well (pan and all) for about twenty minutes.
Time
Gluten-free cookies should be baked for less time than traditional cookies. Under-bake your cookies by about one minute. Your cookies will come out soft and tender. Fully baked cookies are crisp but since you are using rice flour and rice draws moisture, your gluten-free version of a floured product will become dry if you bake it for the traditionally recommended time.
Pie Shells
If it is the inflexibility of gluten-free pie dough that makes it so difficult to work with then try this technique: chill the dough and then break off small amounts and crumble that into your pie tin. Next, use your fingers to press the dough up along the sides and over edge.
Top Crusts
Roll your dough out on a cookie sheet and chill. Then use a cookie cutter to cut shapes out of the rolled dough. Then arrange those shapes on the open pie. Theses “biscuits” will serve the same function as the top crust.
Joseph Bases is the owner of The Little Bake Shop, located at 491 Kings Highway in Valley Cottage, where he offers a variety of traditional and gluten-free baked goods. He can be reached at 268-5511 or on Facebook.
Reflexology An Ancient Healing Treatment for the 21st Century by Lorraine E. Cucci
There is an expression “the eyes are the windows to a person’s soul.” In reflexology, the hands and feet are the mirror images of a person’s physical and emotional balance.
Goshen Acupuncture Clinic Expands
Goshen Acupuncture has expanded to Orange Regional Medical Center Pavilion, located at 75 Crystal Run Road in Middletown.
Rejuvenate Your Hormones Naturally
Traditional naturopath Jaye Levitsky, is proud to offer a homeopathic hormone rejuvenation system to assist with hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, cramping, acne and other hormonal imbalance symptoms. “Homeopathic serums work with the body to stimulate your endocrine system safely and naturally, balancing your hormones and providing the much-needed relief you crave—regardless of age and status of your reproductive organs,” explains Levitsky.
Awakening Humanity Within the Self by Chris DeTora
In awakening humanity, addiction may be one thing which springs to mind. The struggle, the stigma, the degradation, the desperation. There are few things in life which provide a better framework for awakening humanity or to awaken the humanity within the self.
Welcoming New Practitioner
Sally Rudnick is a licensed clinical social worker who is new to the Hudson Valley area. She is a recent transplant from Brooklyn and is delighted to introduce herself to this vibrant and exciting region.
Ayurveda in Rockland County
Liz Whalen, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner, enjoys working with clients to make lifestyle changes that will last and can bring the body, mind and spirit back into balance. “Ayurveda is an ancient healing system originating over five thousand years ago in India,” she says. “The literal translation is ‘The Science of Life.’ It’s a universal system of healing, recently gaining momentum in the West.”
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