Archive for the ‘Nutrition’ Category
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About Autumn
Autumn represents the metal element and is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine. It is a time of harvest and gathering together. We prepare and eat foods that keep us warm, start collecting or bringing out warmer clothing, and plan indoor projects or quiet time. This gathering also occurs in nature. Plants and animals are contracting and moving energy and nutrients inward and downward into root systems and places of hibernation.Fall is also considered a time of dryness. Any type of dry condition a person might have is usually associated with the lungs. Dry symptoms might include dry skin anywhere on the body, dry throat, thirst and itchy skin. Using a little salt (I recommend Himalayan or French Celtic Sea Salt) with cooking helps to moisten dryness as well as eating the following moistening foods:
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Healthy oils – olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil
- Squashes (in season)
- Yams, sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Apple, pear, persimmon, loquat
- Seaweed
- Barley and millet
- Mushrooms (black and white)
- Almond, pine nuts, peanuts, sesame seed
- Honey, barley malt, rice syrup
- Milk and dairy products (in moderation)
- Eggs
- Clam, crab, oyster, mussel, herring
- Pork
Foods that are spicy or warming, aromatic and bitter should be used with caution if you are experiencing a dry condition, for they are drying to the body.
The Lungs: In Balance and Disease
The function of the lungs in TCM is to receive nourishing oxygen and combine that with the vital energy or qi of healthy food. This becomes protective qi or “wei qi”, as it’s termed in TCM, and is distributed through the body by the lungs. The spreading of protective qi by the lungs creates a barrier against bacteria and viruses. It also helps to moisten the mucus membranes to keep them healthy and strong.
Keeping Lungs Balanced
Emotionally, the lungs are related with grief. Any unresolved grief may cause the lungs to contract or “hold on”, which prevents the spreading of protective qi throughout the body and causes the lungs to be congested with mucus or fluid. Therefore, processing this emotion in whatever way is most effective, will prevent any imbalance and help to strengthen the lungs.
Preventatively, the lungs can be kept strong through regular exercise, getting regular acupuncture treatments to keep the body balanced, and by eating a healthy and protective diet that is appropriate for the fall season.
Warming pungent foods such as hot peppers and chilies, onions, garlic, turnip, ginger, and horseradish dark green and orange/yellow vegetables – winter squashes, broccoli, carrots, parsley, kale mustard greens, watercress, wheat or barley grass, and various algae are also wonderful this time of year. Green foods are so important in our daily nutrition because the chlorophyll in them inhibits viruses, help us to digest protein and fat, and ultimately keeps the lungs and intestines clean. As you can see, all of this bolsters our immune system, which gives us better protection throughout the cold and flu season.
Remember, having one or two colds a year is not considered unhealthy! Our bodies need to clean themselves from toxins, and this is one way to achieve that. If you happen to contract a cold, herbs and acupuncture are an excellent way to shorten the illness. A treatment with a prescription of herbs and or supplements can help your immune system fight off the cold without the side effects of antibiotics or other medications (which ultimately compromise immunity). Acupuncture also helps to reduce the severity of symptoms so you remain comfortable, and prevents the illness from progressing into something more serious and chronic.
More Tips for Fall
Some little things to remember for the season – always keep a sweatshirt or scarf handy. You never want to get a chill from being underdressed. We say the “wind” can enter in through the back of the neck and can cause a cold. Wear a scarf or hooded sweatshirt to keep the back of the neck protected. If you do catch a chill, disperse it immediately by taking a hot shower or bath or drink some ginger tea (an example of pungent) or a warming drink.
Chinese formulas such as Gan Mao Ling and Yin Qiao can be used for early stage cold/flu. Yin Qiao is more appropriate for strong sore throat and heat signs (feeling warm, sore throat, thirst). Gan Mao Ling is more neutral; where strong heat or cold signs are not obvious.
Keep your immune system strong through proper diet, exercise, emotional well-being, rest, preventative herbs/supplements and acupuncture!
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Fall Purification and Weight Loss program
On Thursday, September 23 at 7pm, I will be doing an informative lecture about my 21 Day Purification and Weight Loss program. This is primarily a Liver cleanse, that focuses on eating healthy, whole foods while taking powerful and effective whole food supplements to activate cleansing of the major organs of detoxification and elimination.
The Fall and Spring are wonderful for cleansing, as they are seasons of transition. Purifying the body in the Fall helps us cleanse from overindulgences in the summer months from vacations, parties, and BBQs. The body needs a break from various heavy foods such as sugar, alcohol, dairy, certain fatty meats, refined carbohydrates and processed foods; as well as toxins and chemicals that are inhaled, put on or in the body. The Liver, specifically, needs a chance to rid of excess waste and toxins so it can effectively do its job of rendering harmful substances that enter the body, less harmful.
Cleansing is also important this time of year to prepare our bodies for winter. Cleansing the Liver, Kidneys, Intestines and Lymphatic system strengthens the immune system, so we are better equipped to fight off colds and flus. Also, it’s a great way to get into the habit of eating healthy foods which can give us more will power when we are tempted by the yummy treats of the holidays. Knowing how great it feels to eat healthy, gives a stark contrast to what it feels like when we eat too many processed or unhealthy foods. Food sensitivities can also be identified easily and thus avoided.
Cleansing our bodies can be compared to maintaining a car engine. Routinely, we need to check the functioning of the engine, replace filters, and replace the used oil for new. If this is done regularly, the car runs cleaner and more efficiently, with less breakdowns and problems – so it is with our bodies. The body was originally designed to run on pure, unpolluted, unprocessed fuel or food. As we know there are many toxins our bodies deal with on a daily basis; as well as lots of processed foods, and other substances and medications we introduce.
Liver cleansing is significant in the prevention of disease and in alleviating many symptoms that may be difficult to diagnose. Issues such as bloating, gas, irregular bowel movements, mood issues, menstrual irregularity, infertility, skin problems, weight gain and fatigue are just a few of the symptoms that may be relieved with a gentle cleanse.
The lecture will be on Thursday September 23rd at 7pm and located at the Param Center at the Redwood Village Center (cottage #5) in Aptos.
If you’re interested in the information lecture please RSVP at 831-662-2997 by Wednesday, September 24th.
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Spring Cleaning
Spring is the optimal time to purify the Liver. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ system has a season, and the Liver belongs to Spring. The Liver’s energy is therefore at its peak in the Spring. Use the upward and outward energy of the Liver to clean out your inner environment as well as your outer environment (ie,” Spring cleaning”)!
Patients have shown the most interest and dedication to Liver cleansing this year, than any other in my seven years of practice. I’ve lead fifteen people through the Standard Process Purification Program this month, and I’m still getting inquires.
I now have patients who call me each Spring to order a kit, and have me guide them through it. I’ve done the cleanse for the last three Springs.
What are the benefits?
- Improved weight management results
- Increased energy/vitality
- Clearer thinking
- Better digestion
- Clearer Skin
- Less bloating
- Disappearance or lessening of past conditions (PMS, digestive problems, etc.)
- Better sleep
How does it work?
The Standard Process Purification Program stimulates specific detoxification organs in the body-the liver, kidneys, and intestines. With help from these organs, your toxic load will decrease and your body will concentrate its energy on purification and weight reduction. This will help you achieve optimal health by cleansing the body from the inside out.
Does Acupuncture improve the purification process?
YES! Acupuncture stimulates the organ systems involved in purification and calms the nervous system. It can also help with any cravings you may be experiencing while on the program. You will experience deep relaxation and rejuvenation while cleansing!
I offer a special discount on treatments for those doing the purification program! Contact me for more information!
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