MARGARET RUBIN
Margaret Rubin, D.C., LAc., is a chiropractor and licensed acupuncturist. She began her training as an undergraduate in experimental psychology at Duke University when she became interested in mind–body medicine. She received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1986 and a Master of Science in Acupuncture in 2009. She is a certified yoga teacher and has studied meditation on many long journeys to India and Asia. She maintains a private practice in Manhattan that focuses on the physical and spiritual well-being of each individual.

“I have been a patient of Dr. Rubin ever since I moved to NYC. She has been a calming and healing force in my life. Not only is she medically trained, but she offers wise advice on health and wellness to all of her clients. I find this essential, especially for us crazy-busy, stressed-out New Yorkers. If you suffer from chronic back pain – or really anything that’s ailing you – Dr. Rubin is your go-to. With degrees in both chiropractic and acupuncture care, Margaret is always a pleasure to work with – plus she’s the kindest spirit around. An added perk: stepping into her zen office is like being transported to Thailand for a session of wellness – okay, sans the turquoise waters.” - CECI JOHNSON

Tips on incorporating Balinese wisdom into your daily life by Margaret Rubin:

Bali is a beautiful land with people deeply connected to nature and the realms of the spirit.

We can incorporate their wisdom into our daily lives by tuning into the four elements that make up our physical and spiritual worlds: earth, water, fire, and air. These elements are found in the medicines of Bali, India, Tibet, and ancient China. Life is a beautiful flow and balance of energies moving from one element to another; we can start to focus our attention on each of these elements and add a healthy new dimension to our lives.

1. The earth element: Start to add root vegetables to your diet, particularly during the winter in colder climates. Vegetables that grow under the ground are full of important minerals and colors that give a high quality of antioxidant nutrients to our diets. Two colorful favorites are beets and sweet potatoes.

2. The water element: Water is fluid and always moving. In Chinese medicine, salty and bitter foods are associated with the water element. Watercress is a perfect combination. The bitter acts as an excellent blood cleanser and liver tonic. Add watercress regularly to salads and soups to help keep the liver moving properly and lend support to the kidneys.

3. The fire element: Fire is the nature of the sun. We can think about this in many ways: one is as the fire of digestion. The internal fire we need to break down our food properly comes from enzymes. If you are experiencing symptoms of bloating and digestive distress, try a safe and simple addition of digestive enzymes to your diet.

4. The air element: Many Asian cooking styles, including the Balinese, use herbs and spices that are pungent. The quality of pungent helps to detoxify the lungs of mucus. It also disperses the stuck energy of the lungs and the large intestine. Hot peppers and chilies are used to protect the lungs. Members of the onion family are also very helpful, as are garlic, turnips, and ginger.

Bring some of these beautiful Balinese medicine guidelines into your daily life and see what happens!

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