Tag Archives: Chinese Medicine

CHINESE MEDICINE SPRING TIME TIPS

It’s Spring! Hence the staged photo of me next to a rosemary bush!
This is the season of green sprouting things and increased energy both in the environment and also within us.

In Chinese Medicine, Spring is the time to start focusing on the Liver. As we come out of the cooler months there can be some feelings of sluggishness. This combined with temperature changes and wind stirring, can lead to symptoms, that in TCM, we may attribute to the Liver needing some extra TLC.

Symptoms may include allergies, itchy skin, red eyes, headaches (especially around the temples, eyes and top of the head), hormonal fluctuations, bloating and feelings of irritability. There may also be tightness in the thoracic region and around the rib cage.

When it comes to the Liver, harsh detoxes aren’t really the Chinese Medicine approach. The focus is more on supporting and harmonising the Liver energy. There are many ways we can give a little extra love to the Liver coming into the Spring. These include dietary changes, exercise and other lifestyle factors.

See below for some general guidelines. However if you are experiencing some particular health care concern – please consult with your health care practitioner.

Chinese Medicine has many different approaches depending on an individual’s symptoms and health history. So, reach out if you need support x

DIET- INCLUDE:
🥦 Cruciferous vegetables – such as cauli, broccoli, brussels and kale
Dark leafy greens, radicchio, fennel, beetroot, carrot.
🍋 Lemons and limes
🌱 Fresh herbs such as rosemary, coriander, mint and thyme.

❌ DIET- LIMIT
Fried foods, fatty/ processed and smoked meats, high fructose foods and trans fats.

LIFESTYLE ☀️
🏌️‍♂️Stretch out the sides of the body – side bends and yoga poses that stretch through the rib-cage are all helpful.
– Practice some deep breathing – pushing the air right down into your belly on the inhale
💃 Move the body to get rid of pent up frustration – whether that’s swimming, dancing, running, long walks in nature or gardening – find the things that make you happy x


#acupuncturist #traditionalchinesemedicine #chinesemedicine #spring #rosemary #naturalhealth

AUTUMN – A TIME TO REFLECT AND EMBRACE THE CHANGE

The harvest season is suddenly here and some of us may be wondering where daylight savings and indeed Summer, has gone!

In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is a season of shedding what no longer serves us and taking the time to replenish our energy reserves.

It can be a struggle to let go. I for one, find it difficult to leave the idea of Summer behind. The longer days and the feeling of freedom that goes along with being outdoors has felt like such a treat.

As the weather starts to cool, there can be a sense of agitation. Our energy starts to move inward and it can be difficult to slow down and accept the change.

But by going with the flow of the seasons, we get to appreciate all the goodness that comes with Autumn. Beautiful seasonal produce, truly lovely days where the light is just golden and cooler nights which makes sleeping somewhat easier!

In Chinese Medicine, the Lung and Large intestine are the key organs of Autumn. Together they take in air and nutrients and expel what is no longer useful to us.

Imbalances in the body may start to show with the dryness of Autumn. These often occur in the areas that these two organs have the most influence.

With the Lungs – it is the respiratory system and the skin. Imbalances may show up as an exacerbation of asthma, eczema and other allergies. For the Large Intestine, digestive function may be impaired leading to constipation or frontal headaches and sinus issues.

Therefore it is helpful to re-evaluate your diet and routine at this time – Add some more cooked and warming foods to help your digestion along. Include plenty of root vegetables and other seasonal goodies. Drop back on the raw salads and cold foods.

And take some quiet reflective time for yourself where you can.

Wishing you a bountiful harvest season x

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.