Do you have shoulder pain, neck pain and lower back pain? In my practice in Englewood, NJ, I've had many female patients complain of chronic shoulder pain that is usually worse on one side. My first question is always, "do you carry a purse on that side of your shoulder?" The response is usually, "yes."

A key piece of advice I like to tell women (if they can't get rid of their heavy purse habit) is to switch shoulders frequently, so that one shoulder is not always bearing the weight. I have seen many women in their 40s and 50s with extremely uneven shoulders from carrying a heavy purse for 25+ years; upon palpation, the muscles in their shoulders and backs are frequently tight, knotted, and overly developed on one side.

I have worked in a variety of wellness centers, medical offices, and clinics for almost 10 years and the number of women who suffer from shoulder, neck, and back pain can definitely be significantly reduced if they choose to lighten up their handbags. I have provided a couple of helpful articles below for more information:


1. Oprah: Is Your Handbag Killing You?
2. How to Lighten a Heavy Purse.

My patient just gave me these wonderful gifts: divine smelling homemade bread and organic cucumbers grown in her garden. When she explained the reason for these gifts, it made my heart warm up with joy.

For 8 months since my patient had hand surgery, she has not been able to move her right hand, the stiffness and pain were so unbearable that washing her face in the morning was an excruciating challenge. After 5 treatments she let me know her hand pain was fading and the stiffness improved by 30%. Today, her 7th visit in my office, she let me know she began cooking again and can now take care of her garden alongside her husband.

This is why I choose to be an acupuncturist: I can give people back the pain-free lives they deserve to have. To be completely honest, I never saw myself embarking on the path of becoming a healer. My freshmen year at one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, a friend told me I didn't belong in business school. The same friend proceeded to tell me that she saw me in a helping profession, and suggested I become a psychologist. At the time I was indignant because I thought money and power were important; albeit I knew in my heart she was right.  After going through business school and working, I quickly learned that the pursuit of money is an endless hedonistic treadmill, and it does not provide fulfillment in life. I saw colleagues around me who were slaves to their jobs, who kept saying they would get out when they had enough money. The problem I discovered was that no one had any idea of "enough," nor did they have plans about the future if they ever made "enough." I knew that I wanted to do something more gratifying with my life, so I decided on embarking on this journey towards becoming an acupuncturist.

The path towards your destiny is not always clear. My journey has been incredible, challenging, and at moments it has even been hilariously funny. In order to find your destiny, you need the ability to be able to laugh at your mistakes and the detours you take in life, because that will ultimately lead you the to correct path. The only advice I want to give is that whatever you choose to do, make sure it is worthy of your life, and commit to it with 100% heart and passion. Lastly, always remember that the zest is in the journey and not in the destination, so enjoy finding your path.

With Light,
Pema

According to Traditional Oriental Medicine, summer is the time to eat cooling foods to help be in balance with nature. Below is a delicious oriental medicine approved smoothie to enjoy during your summer BBQs.

Oriental Medicine Approved Smoothie:

• 2 cups seedless watermelon cubed. Known as "xigua" in Chinese, this fruit is used for clearing summer heat and generating fluids. 
• 2 kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped. Kiwi is considered a "cold" fruit, and it's perfect for adding a little tang to your smoothie.
• 2 cups  vanilla yogurt. This will nourish the "yin" and keep you cool.
• 1 cup ice
• 4 sprigs of fresh mint

Directions: Place all of the ingredients in a blender and purée until smooth. Pour into 4 glasses and garnish with sprigs of fresh mint. Enjoy!