Make it complementary!

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine, & all that that encompasses, alternative medicine or complimentary medicine? Let's digress & go over the differentiating words: alternative vs. complementary. 


If something is the alternative to another thing, it's either, or. Not both. If you choose the chicken at a wedding, & the alternative was beef - you get one or the other, not both. (unless you're sneaky & conniving, but let's say in this case you're an upstanding citizen) You've had to make a choice. It's very black & white. 


If, on the other hand, something is complementary it goes along with whatever the other choice is. Say...like a fine wine complements a certain dish. Having that wine with that particular meal enhances the taste & the experience of eating it. It makes it better. Who wouldn't want to make whatever they're doing - whether it be eating a meal or working on a certain health condition better? 


In my mind, Traditional Chinese Medicine is very much a complementary medicine. It complements Western Medicine, Chiropractic care, Homeopathy, & on, & on, & on. Working with other care givers I can enhance the healing process. Making the time needed to heal, less & increasing the benefits. Who wouldn't want that?! 


SO let's stop calling Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, etc. alternative. It is very much complementary. 

HIGHLIGHT: COCONUT OIL

So many uses, & not just in the kitchen! This is seriously one of my favorite products & it's inexpensive & lasts forever to boot! (ok, not forever, but a long time considering you can eat it...the same can not be said for most foods) How do I use thee, let me count the ways:

- High-temp cooking. Think stir-frying & such. & it doesn't taste like coconut - a big plus for me seeing as coconut & I are pretty much arch-nemesis.


- Internal benefits: shiny hair & smoother/glowing skin. Just from using it in cooking!


- Skin moisturizing. Use it like a lotion & revel in the benefits. It also has a wonderful tropical scent without the additives found in expensive store-bought lotions. 


- Hair conditioning. Slather on your hair & let sit for several minutes before shampooing like normal.


- Athlete's foot. Ok, this is the one I don't have PERSONAL experience with, but having suggested it to client's & knowing people who have used it, the results are pretty amazing. 


- Diaper rash. To protect & treat those precious little bums. A lifesaver when conventional treatments don't do a thing. 




So, if you haven't already, get yourself a jar of virgin coconut oil & let it take over your home. I put some in small reusable jars, so that I can keep the big jar in the kitchen. You'll need a small jar for the bathroom, babies room, gym bag.....