DIETARY THERAPY IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE – NOURISHING LIFE

ROASTED VEGETABLES WITH HONEYED WALNUTS

Dietary therapy is an important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It forms a part of self care practices known as Yang Sheng, a term that means to ‘nourish life’.

Yang Sheng involves paying attention to and making the necessary adjustments to diet, exercise, mindfulness and rest, to best support our health.

These needs will differ from person to person, based on constitution, individual health concerns, as well as seasonal and environmental influences.

In times of challenge and change, it is important to take some time to re-evaluate your diet and lifestyle. Making small adjustments and putting some nourishing routines in place can help you to feel balanced and energised.

Dietary recommendations form part of a TCM consultation and treatment plan. In Chinese Medicine, food is looked at not just for its nutritional value, but other characteristics as well. These include both the nature and flavor of foods – such as bitter, pungent, sweet, warming and cooling. Cooking methods, when we eat and how we eat, can also affect our assimilation and digestion of food.

Eating seasonal and whole foods where-ever possible is ideal. However, depending on an individual’s constitution, the strength of their digestive system and particular health care needs, specific foods may be more suitable at different times.

During a TCM consultation for Acupuncture and/or Herbs, Yang Sheng recommendations are given as home care. Implementing some new self care strategies, over time can effect positive change.

AUTUMN AND PUMPKINS!

A lovely client gave me this pumpkin from her garden the other day. I thought it was a perfect image for an Autumn post and a chance to share some Chinese Medicine tips for the change of season 🍁

Whilst many of us are still steadfastly holding on to the Summer feels (👋), there has been a definable shift in the seasons here in Melbourne over the past week. The morning air is crisper and the pink and orange sunrises even look Autumnal!

Thankfully there is still some warm weather to come. However, it is important in Chinese Medicine terms, to start changing up our diets in preparation for the cooler months ahead.

Chinese Medicine tips for Autumn:

In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is the season to focus on the Lungs and Large Intestine. With this in mind, some foods to help benefit these organs can be helpful during this season.

For many people, including myself – immunity has taken some battering over the past three years. At change of season, this can increase susceptibility to many health conditions. These may include respiratory issues, allergies, skin conditions and digestive problems.

Warming, nourishing foods can be beneficial at this time to build energy levels as they are easy on the digestive system, allowing better absorption of nutrients.

Seasonal produce such as root vegetables, pumpkin and pears all have a moistening effect which can counteract the dryness of Autumn. And if the random humidity has left you feeling sluggish or you have some residual phlegm – adding pungent foods in to help balance your digestive system and open the airways can be helpful. Look at fennel, kohlrabi, radicchio, bitter greens, peppermint and rosemary.

Miso Pumpkin

Of course, when it comes to immunity, soaking up some sunshine where possible and eating foods naturally high in zinc -such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, oats and oysters – are a good idea too ❤️

For a yummy and easy to prepare Miso Pumpkin dish, please click on this link to view the recipe on my site.

Now, I’m going to take this pumpkin and make a big batch of pumpkin soup for the freezer!

Elisabeth x

#acupuncture #acupuncturist #traditionalchinesemedicine #chinesemedicine #pumpkin #seasonal #naturalhealing #holistichealth

SHOULDER PAIN – ACUPUNCTURE

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint, affecting up to one third of the population in their lifetime. Symptoms may include pain, loss of function and a decrease in strength. Symptoms can be debilitating and greatly affect quality of life 1.

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and provides an holistic approach to health-care, integrating well with other treatments. Whilst the research on its effects for shoulder pain is ongoing, several studies indicate its benefits when used in combination with other therapies.

Research:

A systematic review (SR) conducted in 2017, suggests Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for shoulder pain, when used with other management strategies such as physiotherapy or exercise, as part of a multi-modal approach 2.

In another SR in 2015, relating to ‘shoulder impingement syndrome’, it was demonstrated that combined treatment lead to more favorable outcomes. In early cases, exercise combined with other therapies such as Acupuncture, and kinesio taping was recommended 3. As part of this review, a study on Acupuncture in association with physiotherapy showed an improvement in shoulder function and reduction in pain. There was also an overall decrease in analgesic use by the participants 4 .

Shoulder injury:

The shoulder can be easily injured. A shallow ball and socket joint, the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff are largely responsible for anchoring the shoulder in place. The rotator cuff enables overhead movements and the rotation of the arm towards and away from the body.

Shoulder injury can result from overuse, weak muscles and degenerative changes. Therefore, sport or work related activities, wear and tear – or a combination of these, may lead to shoulder pain 5.

Some musculoskeletal causes of shoulder pain include – tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, bursitis and shoulder impingement syndrome 6.

If you are suffering from shoulder pain, a course of Acupuncture may be a useful addition to your care. During a consultation, a patient’s presenting symptoms, lifestyle and general health will be carefully assessed when putting together a treatment plan.

Please contact me at the clinic or send a message through the contact form if you would like to discuss treatment – and how it may be of benefit to you.

Elisabeth