Do you have a favorite season of the year? If it isn't winter, it could have something to do with your physical constitution, in particular, your kidneys. Even mild Texas winters put our minds and bodies through changes, and while we aren't dropping leaves like our oak trees, our energy is naturally going inward and contracting. Winter is the season for preserving our vital energy or "qi" and we will deplete our reserves if we invest our time and energy unwisely.

If we live contrary to this inward nature, i.e. shop till we drop, indulge in excessive alcohol, sweets and rich foods, work like there's no tomorrow, play video games, or watch TV until 2 am, we will eventually pay a price with our health.

Watch for some possible signs of kidney weakness:
1) Premature greying or loss of hair
2) Dull, low back ache
3) Fatigue, especially from 3-7 PM
4) Cold hands and feet or easily chilled
5) Urinary frequency or nighttime urination
6) Dark circles under your eyes
7) Salt cravings
8) Problems with your bones or teeth
9) Lack of interest in sex or hypersexual activity
10) Ear ringing
11) Excessive fear and/or anxiety

Here are 10 suggestions for living during the colder months of the year and taking care of your kidney and bladder, the organs which are associated with winter:

1) Eat lightly steamed veggies, especially coarse, leafy greens like     kale, collards and turnip greens.
2) Eat warm soups with black beans, aduki beans, lean pork, fish,     sea vegetables like kombu, wakame, hijiki, beets, and other root     vegetables.
3) Minimize consumption of cold, raw, frozen foods and liquids.
4) Keep yourself warm, your head and neck covered, especially     when it's cold outside.
5) Take naps, go to bed by 9 or 10 PM, and sleep longer hours.
6) Meditate or spend quiet, reflective time alone every day.
7) Exercise in the earlier part of the day, moderately in the     evening. Practice Tai Chi, Qi Gong, yoga, or take a long walk in     nature.
8) If you're tired, don't engage in strenuous physical activity,     including sex.
9) Give yourself permission to do less at work, at home, and     even at play.
10) Reduce your stress: ask yourself if your behavior is related to       an underlying fear. What's motivating you? Do you feel that       you may not survive?
11) Consider acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal medicine to       strengthen your kidneys and other vital organs.
12) Reduce "speed" in your life: caffeine, chocolate, fast food,       multitasking, and undue stress.

I don't know where my friend, Laura, found this recipe, but I fell in love at first bite! You can adjust the sweetness if you like.

To make 16-18 cookies:
1) Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2) Chop 1 cup of almonds (or your favorite nut) and 1 cup of oats     in a blender.
3) In a big bowl, combine this dry mixture and 1 cup whole wheat     flour, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt.
4) In a separate bowl, whisk 1/2 cup oil (your choice, canola or     olive are fine) and 1/2 cup maple syrup or (brown rice syrup)     and add to dry mixture.
5) With your clean hands, form small walnut sized balls and     place them on an oiled cookie sheet.
6) Now, press your thumb in the center of each cookie and fill     each one with 1/2 tsp of your favorite jam, carob or dark     chocolate chips.
7) Bake these for 10-15 min. or until golden brown.
8) Serve to your friends and start your next batch!    

Qi Gong means "the cultivation of energy acquired through skillful practice". This 8 week class began Wed. January 26th and runs through March 16th. It is a fun, practical and experiential class where you will learn 10 simple movements that benefit organs involved in weight issues and other digestive/energy issues.

We will talk about specific foods and habits, set goals and prepare for a gentle liver cleanse in early spring. The class is informal, supportive and focused on the needs of each participant.

Location:
Bouldin Creek Movement Studio (2nd Floor)
1310 South First St. Suite 200 (next to El Mercado)
Time:
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Cost:
$120 or $20 drop in
Register
Call Dr. Tawada at 322.9648 ext 2

This is a monthly feature that spotlights an interesting and reputable person in our local business community. This month, I'd like to introduce you to Paul Walker, owner of SNAP. Not only is Paul a terrific guy, he is also a competitive swimmer, choral singer, and brand new father of baby Logan (Congratulations Paul and Jenny!).

SNAP is a new Austin company that helps people sell items, from cameras and cars to entire collections and estates. SNAP will take your Aunt June's old china and silver and sell it for you on eBay or other on-line channels. They can make you more money and save you a lot of time and headaches. Snap is very involved in the community as well. They helped raise money for the James Bowie High School Band (sold the band on eBay!) and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, where Paul serves on the Board of Directors. Paul is also breathing easier since we treated him for his allergies which were making it difficult to live his busy life!

SNAP's store is located at 5400 Brodie Lane and Highway 290. You can reach Paul or SNAP at 512-444-SNAP (7627) or at www.snaptosell.com.