Thousands of years ago, ancient greek philosophers waxed poetic about the healing properties of grapes — and no, they weren’t just all a bunch of winos. Modern science has proven history right on this one. Grape extract is packed full of antioxidants, and we all know how important those are. It’s also used to help relieve high blood pressure, poor circulation, vision problems and it speeds up the healing of cuts and wounds. Plus, there’s no hangover to worry about!
Smooth Moves
Remember those late nights out at the club when you’d come home and have to wring the sweat out of your clothes? The creators of the Zumba fitness program finally caught on to this and created a super-fun fitness phenomenon that combines Latin and urban dance moves with resistance and strength training. You’ll be so entertained, in fact, you’ll forget it’s a workout. To find a class near you, visit Zumba.com.
Intimate Insight
Did you know that according to Chinese medicine, that glass of ice water you just drank can be damaging to your libido? Sexual desire and the ability to perform are based on what is called the “Fire of the Gate of Vitality,” or the Mingmen Fire. We want to build up this gate of vitality, not put it out. Other symptoms of a dwindling internal fire often include: fatigue, exhaustion, diarrhea, low back pain, feeling overwhelmed, and/or lack of will power. If you have a low libido and any of these other symptoms, chances are your Mingmen is affected. But this is about much more than low libido. I’m the acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist at Canyon Ranch Miami Beach. In February, I gave a lecture called Libido and Longevity: A Chinese Medicine Perspective. I discussed that the Mingmen fire doesn’t just control sex drive, it is also said to contain the very essence that leads to healthy aging and the cultivation of wisdom. Aging, stress, and lifestyle habits (such as cold drinks, too much raw food and overwork) are the most common dangers to the Mingmen. Deep breathing, acupuncture and customized herbal formulas are great to correct the imbalance and to help you feel strong again. So replace your ice water with a cup of hot tea and bring the fire back into your bedroom!
› Jim Rohr is the acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Canyon Ranch Miami Beach. Prior to relocating to Miami, he was a professor and clinical supervisor at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago. He can be reached at [email protected].
“I’m fat but I’m thin inside. There’s a thin man inside every fat man.”
— George Orwell
Generation Fat
Astonishingly, 9 out of 10 parents think their child is fit. In reality, only 1 out of 3 kids is considered fit by expert standards. Meanwhile, childhood obesity is up nearly 40% since 1990 and physical activity is less than half what it used to be.
Appetite Busters
Did you know that cucumber and chickpeas have been proven to be natural appetite suppressants? You can add them to a salad, make hummus with them or eat them separately. If you place them right, they even make a great sandwich!
Brain Boost
Exercise has been shown to make you smarter, think clearer and articulate your thoughts more effectively. Memory is also benefitted, which could translate well at work as well as at home, where the little details have a big impact.
