Last month was the two year anniversary of my back surgery. There are several benchmarks in my life – moments that changed my life from that point forward. Most of them, however, are quiet signposts: no one else but me and those very close to me might notice. But, when you go from hiking 20 miles one day to a wheelchair two months later, there is not much more that can be so publicly apparent – or for some – startling.

The surgery was a gift. This comes humbly from someone who had never taken an anti-inflammatory, didn't have their own doctor, and certainly had never been in a hospital. Since 11, I've been blessed to use acupuncture and herbal medicine as my primary care and it worked for me. Flashforward to some late day in May 2008 where to celebrate a decision to finally quit a 13 year career in the nonprofit legal aid sector, I hiked 20 miles only to find the next day I was standing crooked. I guess there was pain, but I had lived with such chronic pain in my back for years and this initially did not register as something to complain. For me, pain didn't count if I could still be as active as I wanted. That would change. Two months later, I had a surgery to remove a 17 - 20 mm herniated disc that had broken off and was sitting on the nerve root controlling my left leg. “In a different era, I'd be put out to pasture.” It was a frequent thought while laying under my mom and husband's care in the space they created for me in the backyard. As a dear friend of mine put it, “Surgery pushes the body to heal at the pace of the mind, rather than at it's own timeline.” Truth is, the surgery restored the crude use of my left leg, but the long road to recovery started the day after.

This morning while gardening, I remembered that I had wanted to write about my two year anniversary. Nothing is more of a compliment to recovery than the act of remembering. See, when you're physically able and enjoying what you're doing, you have the luxury of forgetting it was any other way. The moment of memory brings with it humbling gratitude and joy. You never know for sure in all the prior moments of pain and self-doubt whether the promise of health is a mirage or a matter of time. This morning, I felt the gratitude for perseverance: I have worked hard for this moment. I'm reaping the seeds planted some time earlier when pain forbids forgetting. And, there is a deep knowing within me that I have the skills and intention aligned to keep this path moving beyond recovery.

Many people and practitioners assume that because I am a practitioner of Oriental Medicine, I attribute acupuncture as responsible for my healing. What few know is that in the year and a half I took off to devote to my full recovery, despite my deep connection to the medicine as a patient and practitioner, I contemplated never practicing again. Pain endured for long periods of time makes you raw. What is tolerable when healthy becomes wounding when ill. Practitioners without skills to listen or to escort health or even simply to perform their art without making things worse can underscore the isolation inherent with pain's path.

I finally found someone whom I trust with my health and I made a commitment to myself – with or without pain – I would receive acupuncture twice a week as my own preventative and restorative medicine for the duration of my life. Why? It restores the health of my back. It lightens my heart. And, it's time for me every week in which I get to reflect and make good on an intention to well-being.

For those of you who have chronic pain or a resume of injuries, I invite a commitment. Not the sort where you are treated once or twice until you feel better than you did, but a commitment to you that spans who you are over days, weeks, months, years, and decades. This is the story of wellness and the chapter can begin today.

Mint – “Clearing the Red”

I love mint’s modesty.  It grows easily, is safe to use, and is tasty to the palette.  But, don’t be fooled. Mint’s childproof qualities conceal her medicinal properties that rival the (in)famous bitters.   Mint is also a clever plant. It knows how to spread and thrive. If it weren’t so cute, it might be considered a weed.  (My plant friends know I said the “w” word with air quotes.)  But there mint is -- simple, confident, almost peppy.  And that is the least of what this plant can impart to you.

We all know mint is can help an overeater digest her meal.  It calms the tummy, aids with bloating and flatulence, and soothes hiccups.  In Chinese Medicine, however, my mantra for mint is: “Mint Clears all the Reds (especially from my Head).” 

Clear the Red in Eyes.

Mint brightens the eyes in such a unique way.  Mint gives you clarity of vision with a soft gaze.  No easy task!  Mister Miyagi and Master Po would not give such a task to just any student.  Try it:  clear vision and soft gaze at the same time while you are reading this. Succeed at clarity of vision? Likely your eyes are strained.  Have a soft gaze?  Likely you’re about to nap instead of read this. 

Mint gifts us both of these at the same time. It relieves redness from tired, strained eyes after a long day. Mint also – even just the scent – brings your vision (literally and metaphorically) into sharp focus.  It lets you see clearly.

Clear the Red from Frustration. 

Mint cools irritability and washes away frustrations, soothing tension and constriction of your face and thoughts.  Unlike most relaxing herbs, mint gives you a boost too – almost what the Tai Chi masters refer to as “relaxed readiness”.  You’re relaxed and ready for whatever is before you.

Clear the Red from Inflammation & Irritation. 

Mint relaxes achy, sore muscles and reduces inflammation.  It also clears heat or infection from the head, for example, for sinus infection or sore throat.  For my springtime friends with allergies, add mint to the arsenal when the post-nasal drip irritates the throat. (And drink it with honey.)

Mint is a perfect tea for those of you in high-stress, high thinking environments. For my lawyers, investors, legislators, and thinkers, mint is a perfect afternoon or after work sip. It lifts your spirit from drudgery, sharpens your focus, and invigorates your mind. It’s perfect after a business lunch that is now causing you to lose focus or has left you with heartburn.  It can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your sense of stress.

Mint is also ideal for any of us anytime there is change that interferes with a sense of relaxed readiness.   Sip it, smell it, or eat it.  A perfect treat in spring and summer, mint exhilarates the mind while calming the nerves --  a nice balance to spring’s chest of change.

Why is lavender the topic of the inaugural topical blog?  Because it’s common, affordable, and it’s truly a gift that can deliver a sense of wellness.  (And I just tripped over it.)

Every book I’ve ever read on harvest tells me now is the time for lavender.  It’s beautiful as I brush past it going up the stairs, but I see the bees and the butterflies enjoying it in bloom and I decide, not today.  (My bush is so full, it is taking over the stairs.  In fact, you have to sort of use an odd hip flexor muscle to stretch your leg over it.  But trimming it now would be like walking out of your daughter’s play while she is saying her only line – this is its time and it’s a delight to watch it.) 

We all know lavender is the scent of relaxation.  But what I love about lavender is its deeper meaning. It soothes the nerves and heals the wounds.

It’s like this: you have doctors and surgeons to clean and dress the wounds, but go to them with a tear in your eye or trembling voice expressing the inner pain of the injury and they sort of look confused. You have moms, friends, or mentors who hold your hand and help you heal all that can’t be dressed with salve, but ask them to be your surgeon, and – even if doctoring is their profession – it’s risky business.  Having a combination of the two is a rare find.  And that is where lavender comes in.

The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash." It was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit. Antiseptic and antibiotic, it is a great skin salve for spring and summers outdoor play wounds, chapped skin, or sunburns. Ketones and esters in lavender help reduce swelling, fight inflammation, and prevent muscle soreness. It also helps reduces pain – for arthritis, carpal tunnel, post-operative pain, psoriasis, burns, rashes, and eczema. 

But with any trauma, there is tension.  Lavender does its part to soothe not only the skin, but also the soul.  It has been used for centuries to help you sleep through the night, calm your nerves, regulate your mood, and reduce anxiety.

If you’re lucky enough to have the plant, the flowers can be used as a tea, dried for sachets, in your bath, or hung in your closets.  You can cover the flowers with a sesame or olive oil, let the sun shine through it for a day or two, and then strain as an herbal salve for minor injuries.

The essential oil can be dabbed on a towel and added to the dryer to sweeten laundry or dropped in your bath.  You can add the essential oil to a sesame or olive oil to make an herbal oil for burns, skin problems, or pained muscles. 

My favorite use is the soap. (I use Dr. Bronner’s.) I put a dab of soap on a wet rag when I’m wiping the counter or mopping the floor to freshen space.  I love the smell of my hands after I wash them.  It elevates my mind and brings a smile.

Spring’s bounty is here.  Hope you make time to enjoy it.

I love Spring.

I grew up on islands. Some might say more rain does not count as a season.   But here in my secret Santa Monica garden, I’ve been exposed to spring.  It is palpable and I can’t help but be delighted by its giddiness.

We've had a lot of rain this year and the ground seems to appreciate it. Everything is in bloom -- with bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to celebrate.  I go out into the garden and you can feel it. Change. It’s probably why I’m even enjoying my weather nemesis, Cold.  I know that even when it’s cold, it's all going to change. And that makes me excited.

Shen Bai Acupuncture is officially open and that also makes me excited. Spring -- with all its new life everywhere -- seems like a perfect time to do it.

For those of you that don’t know, I’ve had a long history as a practitioner and student of acupuncture.  In Honolulu, I partnered with an established Doctor of Naturopathy for two years operating two treatment rooms. Then, for four years I worked with a partner in a four-room treatment space.  Here in Santa Monica, I’m favoring simplicity.  I've started my Los Angeles acupuncture practice out of my home.  The space is official -- with a business license from the City of Santa Monica, easy parking, a waiting room, and a treatment space.  And, my angel Patti Sheaff, has transformed it all into something inviting, warm, professional, and peaceful.  None of this would be possible without the help of Gullu Singh, my husband, who from his heart is the soil and water that supports the blossom.

On that note, I hope you’ll come by to see it and try Traditional Chinese Medicine ala Shen Bai Acupuncture.  Spring is a perfect time for cleaning your house, your mind, and your body.  I’m honored to help you discover or refine health and wellness for yourself and your family.

And, I hope you enjoy new blog posts.  I’ll try to feature quick remedies with common herbs, health tips, and more…

Enjoy your life and your play,
Gabrielle Hammond