A Culinary Ode to Spring: Husband-Wife Chefs Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng’s Li Hing Tomato Salad

Get ready to impress your guests this spring with this simple recipe from the husband-wife chef duo, Chef Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng. They're the brilliant minds behind the new restaurant, Arden Waikiki, nestled inside Lotus Honolulu at Diamond. At the heart of their menu lies a celebration of Hawaii's bounty, expertly infused with a blend of French and Japanese influences. Their Li Hing Tomato Salad embodies this ethos, seamlessly marrying the vibrant flavors of Hawaii and Japan, a testament to their innovative culinary approach. So, why not add a touch of culinary magic to your gatherings this season with this simple recipe?

The Li Hing Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

(Serves 2-4, depending on whether an appetizer or lunch course)

One fresh, ripe tomato, sliced.
Li Hing Vinaigrette (see below)
1/4 cup of thinly shaved sweet onion (garnish)
4 pieces of fresh mint leaves (garnish)

Li Hing Vinaigrette

1 teaspoon Li Hing powder (*Li Hing Mui Powder is basically ground plum skin that has previously been pickled in a combination of licorice, red food coloring, salt and sugar. Available at most Asian markets)
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon mirin
1 teaspoon umeboshi paste

Directions: In a blender, combine rice vinegar, mirin, ume paste, olive oil, Li Hing mui powder and salt. After it's emulsified, toss the tomatoes in the dressing and present it alongside the burrata. The salad is garnished with shaved local onions, fresh mint leaves, and alaea salt from the island of Molokai.

 

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Cleanse Your Mind with Open’s Free 14-Day Mental Detox

If you haven’t heard, breathwork is the quickest way to improve your mood. When using the right technique, it can provide an instant relaxation response by activating your parasympathetic nervous system. Controlled breathing has been proven to positively impact our physiology, such as lowered blood pressure and heart rate. It also reduces the reactivity of stress hormones in the bloodstream.

The best part is that you only need a few minutes to gain significant benefits. In fact, five minutes of breathwork has been found to outperform mediation for mood and autonomic regulation and lowering stress, according to Dr. Andrew Huberman at Stanford University.

Open's Mental Detox Program

Meet Open – a mindfulness studio that blends the best of breathwork, meditation, movement, and sound into one app. Their classes are designed for all levels, whether you’re a first timer or an advanced student.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, they launched a free 14-day program called Mental Detox, which will help you remove common “toxins” that get in the way of your mental and emotional well-being. This is what you can expect:

+ Focus: Alleviate rumination and overwhelm (be freed from the trap of intrusive, repetitive, and negative thoughts)
+ Regulate: Reduce stress and anxiety (and get to the root cause of the tension)
+ Activate: Overcome lack of energy and motivation (anyone who suffers from frequent procrastination will adore this)
+ Breakthrough: Releases the emotional residue of feeling stuck (come out the other side feeling lighter)

Most of us know that our nervous system plays a significant role in almost every aspect of our health and well-being. “No matter what you eat, how much you exercise, how skinny or young or strong you are, none of it matters if you’re not breathing properly,” says author and breathwork expert, James Nestor.

Directing the pace and pattern of your breath helps you regain control of your body and mind, unlocking the potential for deeper sleep, better focus, less stress, natural energy, and overall vibrancy. All of the techniques are science-based and created by experts in mindfulness, fitness, and neurobiology.

Cleanse Your Mind Through Breathwork, Meditation, Movement, and Sound

The beauty of this program is that Open makes it easy and fun to create a daily practice that you’ll actually look forward to. You get an inspirational quote after every class and the app helps you track your progress to keep you motivated.

We all desire and deserve to live a life that isn’t strained by anxiety or dampened by depression.
Likewise, Open believes that emotional well-being is everyone’s right, which is why they’re exclusively offering The Chalkboard Mag readers the Open Mental Detox 14-Day Program free and access to the app for 30 days, when they implement the code TCM-30.

Open users have lots to say about their own experience using the app. “Open has changed my life,” says one user. “I haven’t felt this mentally refreshed in years,” adds another. You get the idea. Now it’s your turn.

Are you ready for a mental reset? Join for free.

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We’re Keeping It Zesty With Chef Edy Massih: 3 Dips That Will Make You Excited For Summer

IN THE HEART OF BROOKLYN lies a zesty, vibrant splash of Lebanese flavors—we're talking about Edy's Grocer.

Started by Chef Edy Massih in 2020, Edy's Grocer is the first Lebanese Market and Deli in the heart of Brooklyn's historic Greenpoint neighborhood, providing a wide range of imported groceries from all over the Middle East—spices, oils, pickled goods, jams, and sweets, just to name a few. Edy has also carefully curated his own packaged goods and a rotating monthly menu to make it easy for the Brooklynite to seamlessly integrate Middle Eastern flare into their everyday mealtime.

However, given that not everyone can access Edy's on a daily basis, Massih is coming out with his very first cookbook May 21st—Keep It Zesty—featuring 115+ colorful, easy-to-follow recipes that celebrate traditional Lebanese fare with a modern twist.

He gave us a first look at his newest book, and shared three of his favorite dips that we can't stop digging into. Pre-order here.

Nutty Muhammara

Muhammara is a popular recipe in Lebanon, Armenia, Turkey, and Syria, and each local region makes it a little bit differently. This recipe is an adaptation of all the versions I’ve tried from Damascus to Istanbul. Some versions use breadcrumbs, but I like to use walnuts to make it gluten-free. (Swap in pepitas if you have a nut allergy!) One of my favorite ways to use leftover muhammara is spread on toast with a fried egg on top or served alongside grilled chicken.

Makes 2½ cups

1 (10-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained, or 3 roasted red bell peppers, peeled and seeded
¹⁄₄ cup fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 cups walnuts
¹⁄₂ tablespoon pomegranate molasses

Add the peppers, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and walnuts to a food processor. Process for about 1 minute, until combined. With the processor running, drizzle in the pomegranate molasses. Taste for seasoning. Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Hummus With Dukkah

I’ve always been fascinated by a chickpea’s journey (nerd alert, I know!). I think it’s so cool how a dry chickpea expands while soaking, then swells while cooking, then can transform into so many things. At the Grocer, I’m the only one allowed to make the hummus. I soak my chickpeas for two days, just like my grandmothers taught me, and then carefully cook and blend to a perfectly creamy consistency. It’s a little extra effort, but I really think fresh chickpeas make the smoothest hummus.

Makes 4 cups

1 cup tahini
¹⁄₂ cup fresh lemon juice
4 to 5 garlic cloves, peeled
¹⁄₂ tablespoon kosher salt
¹⁄₂ tablespoon ground cumin
6 cups Cooked Chickpeas, or 3 (15.5-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons Dukkah

Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, cumin, and 1 cup cold water to a food processor. Process for about 30 seconds, until everything is incorporated. Add the chickpeas and process for about 3 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides as needed, until the hummus is smooth. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Taste for seasoning, adding more water, lemon juice, or salt as needed for a thick, creamy, and well-seasoned hummus. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve immediately, topped with the dukkah, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Top with the dukkah just before serving.

Green Angel

My diet has always been 90 percent yogurt, and I live for a great dip. This recipe scratches that itch and is totally adaptable to whatever herbs you have lying around. (At the height of spring, I might even throw ramps in.) I eat it with everything because its flavors are so adaptable: it’s bright, fresh, super herbaceous, and packs such a punch. I like to add it to canned fish or chopped chicken for sandwiches, toss it as a dressing, or serve it as a dip with salty chips or lots of fresh veggies.

Makes 4 cups

1 (32-ounce) container plain fat-free Greek yogurt
2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
2 packed cups fresh cilantro leaves
5 scallions, chopped
1 avocado, pitted and flesh scooped out
3 garlic cloves
1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice
1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

Add the yogurt, basil, cilantro, scallions, avocado, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to a food processor. Process for 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth and vibrant green. Taste for seasoning. Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

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Superfood Protein Bars, Whole-Body Supplements + Polarized Sunglasses: 5 Things Our Editors Are Loving This Week

OUR weekly breakdown of everything in our editors’ pantries, go-bags, bathroom cabinets, and wellness spaces that we’re obsessing over at the moment.

THE LYMA SUPPLEMENT STARTER KIT | Since 2018, The LYMA Laser has completely shifted the skincare landscape, beloved by celebrities like Carey Mulligan for its ability to create an instant glow and improve skin quality and collagen production over time. In an effort to tackle skin integrity from the inside out, LYMA has created a glow-in-one Supplement that packs 10 proven ingredients into just one powerful formula to address sleep, mood, health, beauty, and performance holistically.

With anti-inflammatory, skin-supporting ingredients like turmeric extract, plant-based vitamin D, prebiotic beta glucans, saffron extract, and ashwagandha, we're fully invested in replacing all of our other supplements for LYMA's do-it-all'er.

B.T.R. NATION PROTEIN BARS | We've been packing B.T.R. Nation Protein Bars in our go-bags for quite some time now. They are some of the cleanest bars on the market with no added sugar, no sugar alcohols, no allulose, are completely soy-free, plant-based, gluten-free, and most importantly, junk-free. Each bar packs a whopping 8g of protein, making it a great on-the-go option when you're in a protein pinch. B.T.R. Nation also adds superfoods and functional ingredients like organic maca and cordyceps for an added boost to keep you energized and balanced throughout the day.

CADDIS IL MARE POLARIZED SUNGLASSES | There's a reason Gwyneth Paltrow is obsessed with Caddis. The brand produces some of the best-quality eye protection out there across readers, sunglasses, and blue light protection. The newest addition to their Polarized Sunglasses repertoire—Il Mare—is perfect for the summer ahead. Made in collaboration with Australian creative Sheree Commerford, Il Mare is made with upcycled #tide® ocean material that intercepts plastic before it reaches the sea, containing 0% virgin plastic and were produced with up to 80% less CO2 emissions.

Caddis' proprietary polarized sunglass lenses enhance contrast and reduce 99.9% of glare without any digital screen distortion, making them our ultimate choice for when we're reading (or scrolling) on the beach.

LATA MONTHLY DISCOVERY BOX | Never have to ask your friend who is visiting Europe to bring you back tinned fish ever again. Lata carefully curates a collection of premium imported tins from Spain and Portugal every month across fish, pâté, sauces, and more. When we first received their Monthly Discovery Box, we were blown away by the exceptional quality (and packaging) of the tinned goods included. We already considered ourselves "sardine people," but with Lata, we've essentially leveled up our fish game, adding omega 3s and European flare to any #GirlDinner.

SELFMADE CORRECTIVE EXPERIENCE® COMFORT CREAM | selfmade is taking a completely different approach to skincare, pioneering psychodermatology—a new scientific field of understanding in the relationship between your mind and your skin. The Corrective Experience® Comfort Cream is no exception. As a face + body barrier cream, this Comfort Cream provides an immediate response to flare ups and irritation, thanks to soothing ingredients like extended release hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, anti-fragility bond rebuilderTM, marine algae extracts, and hemisqualane. selfmade's products are so calming, you might just feel encouraged to look up your attachment style before shopping... Use code TCM10 for10% off through the end of May.

The post Superfood Protein Bars, Whole-Body Supplements + Polarized Sunglasses: 5 Things Our Editors Are Loving This Week appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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Macular Degeneration, Poor Circadian Rhythms + Extra Cortisol: The Truth Behind Too Much Blue Light Exposure

THE BIOHACKING COMMUNITY cannot stop talking about one of the hottest topics in biohacking—red light therapy. Even though so many light-touch wellness consumers are purchasing red light therapy devices to use at home—mostly for its profound collagen-boosting, healing benefits for the skin— few actually know what red light does, why it's so important for our longevity, and what it's counteracting in our day-to-day lives.

Andy Mant, CEO & Founder of Bon Charge, wants us to go deeper than just talking about the benefits of red light therapy, and instead, focus on why we need this healing light therapy in the first place. Enter: blue light.

Given that we have more screens and are spending less time outside more than ever before, exposure to blue light is at an all-time high. While seemingly innocuous, blue light can actually be a detriment to our health in the long-term. We spoke with Mant to learn more about how we can combat the negative effects of artificial light when modern-day demands aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and let us just say: what you can see can hurt you.

The Blue Light Blues

CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT BLUE LIGHT IS? WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum – what the human eye can see. Radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, and other kinds of light are also part of the electromagnetic spectrum, but visible light is the only part of it human eyes can see.

Blue light is vibrating within the 380 to 500 nanometer range—it has the shortest wavelength and highest energy. About one-third of all visible light is considered blue light. The largest natural source of blue light is sunlight, but then you have artificial sources of blue light that include fluorescent light, LED TVs, computer monitors, smartphones, and tablet screens.

WHAT IS THE OG PURPOSE OF BLUE LIGHT? The sun is basically the "OG" blue light. Sunlight is important for growth and development of the eyes. In-direct sunlight boosts alertness, helps memory and brain function, and elevates your mood. As the sun goes down, it also acts as a little reminder—for your body's sleep cycle—that it is time to go to bed. So, its day-to-day purpose stands as something to help regulate your circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle. 

HOW ARE WE GETTING BLUE LIGHT ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS? Every single day we are exposed to blue light in some way, shape, or form. The largest source of blue light comes from the sun, but blue light is also coming from your computer screen at work, your mobile phone while you are scrolling on Instagram, and your TV while watching your favorite show. Some people are even consuming multiple screens at the same time.  These secondary sources of blue light are what we are concerned about due to the close proximity of the screens, length of time we use them, and the fact we are using them every day.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF BLUE LIGHT ON THE BODY? Our eyes are simply not good at blocking blue light, so nearly all visible blue light goes straight through to the retina, pssing the cornea and lens. Constant exposure to blue light over time can damage retinal cells and cause vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration. Blue-light exposure at night can disrupt melatonin production and negatively impact our sleep-wake cycles.

All around us, we see the damage of artificial blue light and consider children more at risk than adults because their eyes actually absorb more blue light from digital devices. If you are experiencing symptoms like dry eyes, tearing eyes, blurred vision, headaches, tired eyes and irritation, or soreness, you might want to check how much blue light you are consuming. 

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT BLUE LIGHT IS AFFECTING US AND WE DON’T EVEN KNOW IT? A big one people don’t always realize is that when we are doom-scrolling or in our focus hour at work, we blink less! This is a huge contributor to dry eyes and eye strain. So, by the end of the day, you have a headache, and your neck and shoulders probably hurt too. This is when daytime blue light-blocking glasses come in handy. 

Blue light is also decreasing the amount of deep and REM sleep we are having, increasing insulin resistance and causing us to feel more stressed. Despite what some clinics may say, blue light also ages the skin quicker, whereas using red light helps to make us look younger.

HOW DOES BLUE LIGHT AFFECT OUR SLEEP, HORMONES, AND OTHER BODILY SYSTEMS? Blue light affects our sleep and hormones deeply, and in many ways. Blue light disrupts our circadian rhythm because it tells the body to be awake and alert. It suppresses the body’s release of melatonin, which makes us feel drowsy. So, blue light when the sun goes down is unhelpful. 

We want to make sure our circadian rhythms are in alignment with our environment, so when the sun goes down, we should put down our phones, avoid using overhead artificial lights, and tell our body, through repeated behaviors, that it is time for sleep. Exposure to blue light before bedtime also can disrupt sleep patterns, as it affects when our bodies create melatonin. We all know how we feel when we don’t get enough sleep. We are irritated, feeling unproductive at work and unable to concentrate. 

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT EXPOSURE? More studies are needed, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified blue-light exposure after dark, as a class 2 carcinogen. Too much blue light exposure can increase stress levels, which—in return—can lead to comfort eating and caving into cravings. Over time, we gain weight/unhealthy fat, which can be bad for our long-term health. Not only this, but blue light disrupting sleep can increase insulin resistance leading to issues such as weight gain, stress, and fatigue over time.

Turning A Blind Eye To Blue Light

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS, TIPS TO COMBAT BLUE LIGHT EXPOSURE?

+ Wear blue light-blocking glasses.
+ Install screen filters on your phone.
+ Install blue light blocking software.
+ Use low blue light or blue light blocking bulbs.
+ Sleep with an eye mask.
+ Wear blue light filter computer glasses during the daytime.

WHERE DOES RED LIGHT COME FROM, AND HOW CAN WE GET MORE OF IT? Along with blue light, red light also comes from the sun, but only at sunrise and sunset. To get more of this natural far and near infrared light, I would suggest slotting in time in the morning and evening to sit outside or go for a walk. Sun exposure at these times of the day is also great for improving your sleep later in the day. If you want to get more red light after dark, that’s when you bring in red light products. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RED LIGHT? Red light improves our sleep and boosts recovery, as it aligns our circadian rhythm. As mentioned previously, the sun provides some red light, but in the winter months, or when it’s cloudy and raining, you can rely on red light therapy devices to keep that sleep cycle regular. It optimizes our cellular energy allowing the body to recover faster and keep cells healthy.

Red Light Therapy has positive benefits for more than just your sleep. RLT may help:

+ Improve skin appearance
+ Boost recovery
+ Help with stiff and sore muscles
+ Promotes wound healing

WHAT DOES RED LIGHT DO FOR OUR CELLS, HORMONAL SYSTEMS, SKIN, ETC? Red light from the sun helps to stimulate cellular rejuvenation, increase blood flow, stimulate collagen, and more. When we don’t have constant access to the sun, then we can shift our source from the sun to red light devices like red light panels or face masks.

Red light therapy works by stimulating ATP productions, making your body's energy system more efficient. This boost in cellular energy is then offset onto metabolic processing such as recovery and improving skin appearance.

WHAT ARE SOME BON CHARGE PRODUCTS THAT FACILITATE THIS CELLULAR HEALING PROCESS? We have a range of red light devices from small handheld devices to larger, full-body panels. Our red light panels are great for those wanting a full-body experience—the Max Red Light Therapy Device delivers >142 mw/cm2 and emits 660nm red light and 850nm near infrared-light.

In comparison, our Red Light Mini Device and Red Light Face Mask, Chest Mask, and Wand are for a more tailored and targeted experience. These products are equipped with the most optimal wavelengths of red (630nm) and infrared (850nm) light for the face and chest.

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE USE RED LIGHT AT HOME? The best option is to use any of our devices for 10-20 minutes per day to see consistent results.

All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.

This story is brought to you in partnership with Bon Charge. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers.

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From Algae Oil To High-Phenolic Olive Oil: Here Are Our Newest Cooking + Drizzling Staples

So much is happening in the "oil space" right now. From non-toxic seed oil alternatives to medicinal olive oil that may as well replace your daily supplement regimen, there are a multitude of brands taking over our local Erewhon shelves with high-quality, beautifully packaged cooking and drizzling oils that can be used—yes—as kitchen staples, but also as wellness essentials.

We tried a whole spectrum of oils taking the zeitgeist by storm, and landed on the below 6 as our new favorites—each one serving something totally different.

ALGAE OIL COOKING CLUB COOKING OIL | Algae is on a serious come-up with a whole host of anti-aging, immune-boosting, digestive benefits (sea moss, anyone?). However, absolutely no one saw Algae Oil coming as a nutritious seed oil alternative. Algae Oil Cooking Club is the first of its kind, producing a flavorless cooking oil that has a roughly 125 °F higher smoke point than olive oil, 5x the oxidative stability of avocado oil, and an hefty amount of healthy Omega-9 fats.

This novel oil is produced through a a process of fermenting microalgae without blending or chemicals. Better yet, it has half the carbon footprint that avocado oil does and comes in a completely recyclable aluminum bottle. Earth (and Eleven Madison Park Chef Daniel Humm)-approved!

HERACLEA's THE AEGEAN FLAVORS COLLECTION | There are a couple of things you want to look for when you're in search of a high-quality, delicious olive oil—origin, harvest date, and certifications. Heraclea checks all of our boxes with their latest Aegean Flavors Collection. Made from Protection Designation of Origin-certified Memecik olive oils harvested in 2023 in the Aegean, this exclusive collection combines premium early harvest, extra virgin olive oil with the iconic flavors that define Aegean and Anatolian cuisine.

With robust flavors spanning a variety of use cases and palate preferences, the Garlic, Lemon, Rosemary, and Chili-Infused Olive Oils can be used to enhance any dish—from salads to roasts to pizza. The only challenge with this collection is that every flavor profile left us wanting to book a ticket to the Mediterranean immediately.

KYOORD High-Phenolic Olive Oil | We recently interviewed jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher, who revealed one of her favorite condiments was Kyoord High-Phenolic Olive Oil. Given that whatever is good enough for Jennifer is good enough for us, we had to know more. What we discovered was that Kyoord was founded by Dr. Limor Goren, a cancer researcher and molecular biologist, who is passionate about leveraging olive oil's high-phenolic content as a preventative health measure.

While you can opt to use Kyoord's High-Phenolic Olive Oil in your everyday cooking, baking, drizzling, or dipping, it also serves as an incredibly nutritious source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, also known as polyphenols. With 4-6 times more polyphenols than the average olive oil, we found ourselves taking one tablespoon every night before bed, or opting to pour in a teaspoon or two into our smoothies for an extra skin-loving boost.

ZERO ACRE FARMS CULTURED OIL | Zero Acre Farms is determined to put seed oils back into the ground (figuratively). Unlike the Algae Oil Cooking Club that is fermenting microalgae to produce oil, Zero Acre's Cultured Oil relies on fermenting rain-fed sugarcane plants to produce cooking oil while using 99% less water than most olive oils and 87% less land than canola oil. This all-purpose cooking oil has an incredibly high smoke point (up to 485°F) and is made up of about 93% monounsaturated fat, 4% saturated fat, and 3% polyunsaturated fat, making it a health-supporting replacement for your conventional cooking oil.

Determined to bring better seed oil alternatives to the masses, Zero Acre is going one step further and partnering with major culinary brands like Shake Shack to plant a new seed of health, sustainability, and quality.

BRIGHTLAND LIMITED EDITION CASTELVETRANO | We like to think of Brightland as the OG of high-end, looks-good-on-your-kitchen-counter olive oil brand. "She paved the way for you!" we proclaim to all of the other brands out there. But just because Brightland was one of the most popular firsts doesn't mean it isn't still growing an expanding.

Their latest, single-estate Limited Edition Castelvetrano Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of the more flavorfully robust in the Brightland collection—sourced directly from the mountains of Sicily, serving as an ideal finishing touch for any pasta dish (or avocado toast, which is why we like to use it).

SINGLE & FAT EVOO | Bow down to the naming Queens and Kings of Single & Fat. We first noticed this "too cool for school" olive oil on our latest Erewhon adventure and couldn't figure out if we wanted their Vol. 1, Batch I Olive Oil as an ornament in our kitchen or if we were willing to open the stellar packaging and taste what was inside.

Don't get it twisted: Just because the packaging is fun doesn't mean the product isn't serious. Single & Fat is certified organic olive oil batched from farms in Latina, Italy with a polyphenol count between 450-550 mg/kg (anything over 250 is considered to be high in polyphenols). Its buttery, peppery flavor combo made it the perfect, versatile add on for basically everything we could find in our fridge and pantry.

The post From Algae Oil To High-Phenolic Olive Oil: Here Are Our Newest Cooking + Drizzling Staples appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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Vibration Therapy Is Here, And It’s Not What You Think It Is

ACUPRESSURE IS AN ANCIENT Chinese, non-invasive medicinal practice that has been around for thousands of years. By applying pressure to specific trigger points along certain meridians of the body, acupressure has been shown to lower cortisol levels, producing an anti-inflammatory effect that can support one's central nervous system, improve pain and digestion, reduce headaches and migraines, and help the body enter into a more balanced state.

VIE Healing's Founder, Mona Dan, LAc., MTOM, is adding a totally new twist on the celebrated ancient practice with her newest (and pioneer-worthy) VYBRA collection, which leverages an at-home vibrational tool in combination with 24k magnets in what she's calling vibrational therapy. Rather than pummel your body and joints with a percussion tool (that can actually disrupt your energy flow and shock the body), Dan wants us to connect with our bodies in the deepest way possible for a deep release, enhanced circulation, and profound relaxation.

Here's everything you need to know about upping your vibrations at home.

Up Your Vibrations With Mona Dan

PLEASE TELL US WHAT VIBRATION THERAPY IS: Vibration therapy within the VIE HEALING collection entails strategically applying magnets to specific acupressure points on the body. Through the application of vibration therapy, these points are stimulated, enhancing the benefits of pressure-point stimulation through repetitive vibrations. This process generates a magnetic resonance within the body, promoting improved blood flow and energy circulation, ultimately enhancing overall well-being.

HOW DOES VIBRATION THERAPY LINK BACK TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE? Vibration therapy's connection to traditional Chinese Medicine lies in its adaptation of ancient tapping techniques, akin to the use of bamboo sticks. Instead of physical tapping, we employ vibration therapy on pressure points, blending modern technology with traditional methods for enhanced well-being.

HOW EXACTLY DO TRIGGER POINTS WORK TO HELP IMPROVE BLOOD FLOW + CIRCULATION? Trigger points, when stimulated, can help improve blood flow and circulation through various mechanisms. When pressure is applied to trigger points, it can release tension in the surrounding muscles, which in turn allows for improved blood flow to the area.

Additionally, stimulating trigger points can activate the body's parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can further enhance blood flow. Trigger point therapy can also help alleviate pain and discomfort, allowing for better movement and increased circulation throughout the body.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING ALL OF YOUR “CHANNELS” OPEN? Having all your "channels" open refers to ensuring the smooth flow of energy and blood circulation throughout the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine and other holistic practices. This concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and circulation within the body's various systems, including physical, mental, and emotional aspects.

When all channels are open and energy flows without blockages, it supports optimal health and well-being on multiple levels. It can enhance physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall vitality. Alternatively, blockages or imbalances in these channels can lead to various health issues, such as pain, discomfort, illness, or emotional distress.

WHAT IS THE VYBRA? HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER VIBRATIONAL TOOLS OUT THERE? The VYBRA is different from other vibrational tools that are on the market right now because it’s a lot smaller and gentle, however, still powerful. We want to make sure that when using vibration therapy on the body, we are not injuring the spinal cord and brain.

In creating the VYBRA collection, my vision was to seamlessly blend acupressure, magnetic therapy and vibration, replicating the transformative effects of acupuncture within the comfort of a home or spa.

The sleek and stylish silicone tools—Enoki, Shroom, and Fig—have 10 massage settings and are designed for trigger point therapy, lymphatic drainage, enhanced blood circulation, relaxation, and intimate play. Along with vibration, they facilitate the TCM practice of magnet therapy, which entails small magnets being placed on specific acupressure points to deepen the therapeutic benefits of the vibration.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ENOKI, THE SHROOM + THE FIG? The three tools each address different issues that are hinted at by the device's names. For example, Fig takes its name from a fruit renowned for its digestive benefits and is primarily used for the gut-brain connection. It’s also the perfect tool for personal play and pleasure because of the shape.

​​The Shroom tool's name reflects the lymphatic benefits of mushrooms, symbolizing the powerful fusion of Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and modern innovation. It promotes effective lymphatic drainage and overall immune support through vibrational acupuncture.

Enoki, the name of our tool, is inspired by the anti-inflammatory properties of enoki mushrooms. Like these mushrooms, our Enoki tool merges ancient healing wisdom with modern innovation to offer effective pressure point relief. Through vibrational acupuncture, it targets inflammation, providing a holistic approach that combines Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and cutting-edge techniques for enhanced well-being.

HOW DO MAGNETS ENHANCE THE OVERALL FUNCTION // EFFICACY OF VIBRATION THERAPY? Magnets are meticulously placed on specific acupressure points invigorating circulation and setting the stage for healing and release. Infused with the transformative power of vibration, a captivating dialogue unfolds between cells, organs, muscles, glands, and neurotransmitters, awakening the body and mind to an enriched state of receptivity.

WHAT ARE SOME KEY TRIGGER POINTS PEOPLE SHOULD FOCUS ON, DEPENDING ON THEIR SPECIFIC CONCERNS?

01 | Headaches/Migraines:
+ GB 20 (Gallbladder 20): Located at the base of the skull, on the back of the neck.
+ LI 4 (Large Intestine 4): Found in the webbing between the thumb and index finger.
+ GB 21 (Gallbladder 21): Located on the top of the shoulder, midway between the base of the neck and the end of the shoulder.

02 | Period Cramps:
+ SP 6 (Spleen 6): Located about three finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, on the back of the shin.
+ LV 3 (Liver 3): Found on the top of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and the second toe.
+ CV 6 (Conception Vessel 6): Located about two finger-widths below the belly button.

03 | Stress/Anxiety:
+ PC 6 (Pericardium 6): Found on the inner forearm, about three finger-widths below the wrist crease.
+ HT 7 (Heart 7): Located on the inner wrist, in the depression just below the palm.
+ GV 20 (Governing Vessel 20): Found at the top of the head, in the center of the skull.

04 | Digestive Issues:
+ ST 36 (Stomach 36): Located about four finger-widths down from the bottom of the knee cap, along the outer border of the shinbone.
+ ST 25 (Stomach 25): Found on the lower abdomen, two finger-widths beside the navel.
+ SP 9 (Spleen 9): Located on the inner side of the lower leg, just below the knee.

05 | Muscle Tension/Back Pain:
+ BL 40 (Bladder 40): Found in the middle of the crease at the back of the knee.
+ BL 60 (Bladder 60): Located in the depression between the outer ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.
+ GB 34 (Gallbladder 34): Found on the outer side of the lower leg, just below the knee.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU “VIBRATE” FOR? HOW OFTEN? You can vibrate between 5 to 20 minutes, switching between the different points you have applied on your body.

CAN VIBRATION THERAPY REPLACE THE NEED FOR ACUPUNCTURE OR ACUPRESSURE? Vibration therapy with VYBRA doesn’t replace acupuncture completely. However, it’s a great complement to acupuncture treatments, or if you can’t get in for acupuncture, it’s a perfect tool for acupuncture at home.

Feel the good vibrations with a TCM-exclusive 10% off any VIE HEALING purchase using code CHALKBOARD10.

*The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.

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