Here's a very warm and nourishing recipe.  read more »

Congee is typically eaten for breakfast since it is warm and easy to digest- a perfect meal for nourishing the body. It is delicious to eat at any time of the day.  read more »

It's cold outside, and a cup of hot cocoa sounds perfect.  read more »

The winter is a time for hibernation. Our bodies want to slow down, our energy is a little lower, we want to sleep more, we want warm, heartier foods. Leaves are falling, animals are hibernating, plants are underground, nighttime comes sooner. How can we be in harmony in winter? By recognizing and accepting our connection to nature. The answer is around us.  read more »

I've been reading more articles lately on the safety of cell phones. There are a few studies that show possible harmful effects of cell phone use. In 2008, a group of 23 international experts on brain cancer released a warning that cell phones may increase the risk of brain tumors- both benign and malignant. The head of the University of Pittsburg Cancer Institute, Dr. Ronald Haberman, put out a warning to his own staff regarding the dangers of cell phone use.  read more »

You can feel the change in the air- the weather is crisp and cool, even when the sun is out. You can see the change in fruits and vegetables at the market- the peaches, watermelon, summer squashes, and cucumbers are phasing out. In their place, we have apples and pears, winter squashes, sweet potatoes and a new harvest of nuts. You notice that night is coming a little sooner.  read more »

Strawberry season in the Bay Area runs from March through October.  read more »

Here are some steps to decreasing the amount of chemicals in your daily life. Not only will you be healthier, you will also be contributing to a healthier planet!

1. Eat organic, pesticide-free foods.
2. Drink filtered water. Avoid plastic water bottles.  read more »

Here is a general nutrition and eating guideline.

My approach to nutrition is a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western nutritional medicine. I approach food as medicine. I suggest food remedies and offer nutrition suggestions for patients when appropriate.  read more »

Instead of store-bought sports drinks with high fructose corn syrup and food coloring, try making your own sports drinks. Here are a few recipes I've found.  read more »

This homemade mayonnaise recipe is so good and healthy.  read more »

Asparagus season in the Bay Area is from February through June.  read more »

Spring is here! Flowers and trees are blooming and the days are getting longer.

Nutritionally, Spring is the time of rejuvenation. Foods include chlorophyl-rich spring greens and shoots which naturally detoxify the body. It is the time we can start to introduce small amounts of raw foods. Most people can increase the amount of raw foods in the late spring as the season changes to Summer. In the Spring, we may cook our foods a shorter time- gently steaming, simmering, and stir-frying.  read more »

Fermented foods have been traditionally eaten by many cultures. They offer many benefits including increasing our intestinal flora of health-promoting bacteria. This then boosts our immune system and enhances digestion.
There are many fermented foods to choose from. For the greatest benefits, it is best to choose organic, raw, or unpasteurized fermented foods.
Fermented foods include: fermented veggies (saurkraut, kimchi), kefir, yogurt, sour cream, kombucha, rejuvelac, miso, and beet kvass.  read more »

Bone broths are a traditional healing tonic used by many cultures. In Chinese Medicine, bone broths are used to support the spleen and strengthen the kidneys.  read more »

Herbal Cooking Instructions:

These are general instructions for cooking Chinese herbal formulas. Daniela may modify these instructions as needed.

One packet of herbs will make two cups of herbs for two days.
Rinse herbs thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer or colander. If you have a coffee filter packet in your formula, it should not be rinsed.  read more »

Researchers compare effectiveness of acupuncture treatment with Metoprolol for preventing migraines.  read more »