https://www.arroyosagemacrobiotics.com/

Macrobiotics Los Angeles, 2283 Lake Ave, Altadena, CA (2026)

09/15/2023

The macrobiotic origins of Erewhon:

07/27/2023

Supporting one of our favorite spots, Oh Happy Days Natural Food Store. If you’re ever in Altadena, check out this old-school gem!

07/07/2023

🌿✨ Does your food mirror your surroundings? ✨🌿

In macrobiotics, food is viewed as a crystallization of our environment. Because we are shaped by the natural world, the greater environment can be viewed as our “big self”. Our bodies can then be seen as a microcosm of that greater whole.

Our ancestors exemplified this connection with the environment through their clothing, shelter, and materials — all derived from their immediate surroundings. However, the most profound way was by gathering its diverse elements, condensing them down, and consuming them as food.

These ways of living harmoniously in our surroundings developed into indigenous or traditional cultures. Each culture varied greatly, aligning their practices with the changing seasons and other environmental factors. We were not detached from the environment; we were an extension of it, intricately linked to our larger self. Like a finger is to a hand, we experienced "Oneness with nature."

Where do we find ourselves now in modern civilization? The majority of our modern food is cultivated in distant monocultures, shipped from far-off lands, and subjected to extensive refining processes, resulting in consumer products plastered with labels and plastic packaging.

Even foods available in farmers' markets don’t directly embody the environment that we inhabit. They were grown elsewhere, where the soil microbes, climate, and other factors differ. And the food found in conventional grocery stores is even further detached.

If our bodies evolved in constant communion with the environment, consistently adapting to our local surroundings, what happens when our food originates far away, or worse, from a factory? What happens when we no longer have to work to hunt, gather or grow the food that we consume, like all other species? What functions and aspects of our being might be affected and transformed?

In my opinion, the alarming statistics of chronic illnesses prevalent today are an indication of the repercussions.

Now, I'm not suggesting that we should rely solely on land for 100% of our sustenance. That’s no longer practical or sustainable. But I do invite you to consider: What do you think would change if we did? 🌍💭✨

02/06/2023

Macrobiotics uses 9 Star Ki as a system of understanding personality and cyclical changes, based on Chinese astrology and Taoist philosophy. It's a tool used to help us better understand ourselves and others, and the nature of the times we are in.

The 9 Star Ki new year begins around February 4th or 5th, the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. We each have a “personal year” we are in, which runs in nine-year cycles and influences the themes and events in our lives during that time. We also tend to take on the characteristics associated with whatever year we are in.

To calculate your personal number, add up all of the four digits of your birth year, then keep adding them until you have a single digit. Subtract that number by 11 (or subtract by 12 if born between January 1st and February 4th) to arrive at your “main personality” number.

Here is a general idea of what each number can expect for their personal forecast of 2023:

1: This year is a great time to build a foundation, especially in career and personal life. However, it may also bring challenges related to relationships and setting boundaries.

2: This is the year to go for it! Put your plans into action. Rapid growth and progress! However be careful not to overlook things, and be aware of anger and frustration.

3: This year may bring a focus on communication and self-expression, as well as opportunities for growth and learning. However, it may also bring challenges related to self-confidence and decision-making.

4: This year may bring a focus on stability and organization, as well as opportunities for progress and success in career and personal life. However, it may also bring challenges related to relationships and personal growth.

5: This is a year of reaping rewards; your hard work is beginning to pay off! However, it may also bring challenges related to self-criticism. Try to enjoy all you’ve accomplished and refine what you really want in life.

6: This is another year of reaping rewards and experiencing the beauty and pleasure all around you. Careful not to overextend yourself; accept help when you need it.

7: This is a year of personal growth and transformation, like a caterpillar in a cocoon. It’s a time for reflection and introspection, however, it may also bring challenges related to communication with others.

8: This year, you are in the spotlight! Opportunities for progress and success in your life may present themselves more easily. However, it may also present challenges of feeling scattered or overwhelmed.

9: This year is like a time of hibernation; a time to slow down, go inward, and recharge. Let yourself reflect and dream about all you might want in life going forward. Expect things to move slow, take care of your health, and careful of the influence of fear.

Happy 9 Ki New Year!

02/03/2023

Beans are a key part of the macrobiotic diet, and are especially nourishing for the kidneys during the winter months. The kidneys are considered to be our “powerhouse” organs, and are responsible for filtering our blood and removing toxins from the body.

Beans are a winter food because they can be dried and stored for use during the cold, winter months. They are a great source of fiber, protein, and minerals, and are considered to be warming, grounding, and a good source of energy. Beans can be used in a variety of ways, such as in soups, stews, and salads.

Some beans that are commonly used in macrobiotics for kidney health include black beans, kidney beans, adzuki beans and mung beans. These beans help tonify the kidneys and increase energy, as well as promote overall health and well-being.

If you’re interested in trying a macrobiotic diet, follow the link in our bio and schedule a cooking class or personal consultation. We can help you to develop a personalized eating plan, and can answer any questions you may have about the macrobiotic way of life.

01/30/2023

Buckwheat pillows have a long history in Asia and are still widely used today. They are a symbol of simplicity and natural living, and have a number of health benefits:

1. Support: The small buckwheat hulls can be easily adjusted to provide customized support for the neck and head.

2. Durability: Buckwheat pillows last longer than traditional feather or foam pillows.

3. Hypoallergenic: Buckwheat is a natural material that is dust mite-resistant and hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with allergies.

4. Breathability: The open structure of the hulls allows for good air circulation, keeping the pillow cool and comfortable.

5. Pain relief: Buckwheat pillows provide relief for people with neck and back pain.

The use of buckwheat pillows is consistent with the macrobiotic principle of using natural and unprocessed materials in one's life - especially as we rest and conserve our energy during the winter season.

01/13/2023

HARAMAKI:
As the weather gets cold these winter months, our bodies can become more vulnerable to illness. Some of the organs that are especially vulnerable during this time are the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for filtering our blood and removing toxins from our bodies. They’re also responsible for regulating our blood pressure and keeping our electrolytes in balance.

When the weather is cold, our blood vessels constrict in order to conserve heat. This can cause problems for the kidneys because they need a constant supply of blood in order to function properly. The cold weather can make it difficult for the kidneys to filter out toxins and waste products from the blood.

One way to help protect your kidneys during the winter months is to wear a Haramaki. A Haramaki is a type of abdominal warmer that is traditionally worn in Japan. It’s a long strip of fabric that is wrapped around the waist.

The Haramaki helps to keep the kidneys warm by providing an extra layer of insulation around the waist. The fabric of the Haramaki can also be infused with warming herbs such as ginger, which improves circulation and digestion.

If you’re having trouble keeping warm during the winter months, consider buying (or making your own) Haramaki! It’s an easy way to add an extra layer of protection and warmth around your kidneys.

10/31/2022

The real deal. Made from scratch! Vegan and macrobiotic, thickened with arrowroot starch. Happy Samhain! 🎃 🌾

09/27/2022

Cooking it up in Mr. Musa’s Macrobiotic Kitchen!

09/21/2022

It’s almost the Autumn Equinox, and fall is in the air! 🍂 There’s been a real shift in the climate since the heatwave broke here in Southern California.

According to the Five Phases, or so-called “Five Elements” we are in the transitional time between Late Summer and Autumn. Late summer is associated with Soil; sweet flavor; centering, gathering, condensing energy.

This is a great time to begin including more Soil foods which are making their seasonal appearances, such as millet, carrot, onion, squash, pumpkin and other sweet vegetables. These are especially nourishing to the Stomach, Spleen and Pancreas.

As the weather continues to cool and condense, we’ll share how to harmonize with the Metal season of Autumn! 🌾 🥕 🧅 🎃

09/05/2022

What is Macrobiotics?

There is much confusion and baggage around what this word actually means. The literal definition means “Pertaining to Longevity” or “Long Life Techniques.”

Our favorite definition is that Macrobiotics is the Art and Science of Prolonging and Perfecting Life.

There are so many ways we pursue that, drawing from our unique cultures, backgrounds, and environments. Learning from the ancient and the modern! ☯️

That’s the spirit of Arroyo Sage Macrobiotics 🌾

09/04/2022

Great advice from a fellow Pasadena native!

Macrobiotics Los Angeles

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