A Nutrition Consultant explains the traditional Chinese medicine diet. Plus, learn how to balance your specific body's composition with food.
There's an old Taoist saying, “The human body is a microcosm of the universe.” Maybe there’s a deeper connection between our bodies and nature. Here are three tips—inspired by traditional Chinese methods—for how to take good care of your body.
Improve organ function and balance the body's natural fat-controlling hormones with these 5 tips from Chinese Medicine.
The five elements miracle soup or broth is commonly used in natural healing for its anti-cancer properties. It was created by Dr. Tateishi Kazu who based the soup on the principles of the five elements theory in Chinese medicine. The harmonizing balance of the forces of yin and yang, acid and alkaline, that generates health; […]
If you’re looking to bring more balance and vitality to your life, we’re sharing our 10 favorite Traditional Chinese Medicine health tips.
As an Acupuncturist with Acuworx Acupuncture Studio, mental health is a top priority when it comes to treating our patients. There are multiple approaches within Traditional Chinese Medicine when addressing issues related to mental health (anxiety, trauma, stress, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder). Chinese Medicine uses the term Shen to describe the broad spectrum of emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of a human being. The concept of Shen has a special relationship with the functions of our organs and reveals a connection between mind and body. Shen is housed within the Heart, and mental activity and consciousness are said to be rooted in the Heart, as well as the Blood. The state of the Heart will affect all mental activities - including emotions, consciousness, memory, critical thinking, and sleep. Because of this, if there is an imbalance in any of these areas, there may be an underlying mental cause. When the Heart is strong and there is a healthy supply of Blood, there is clear mental activity, balanced emotions, clarity, and a good memory. However, if the Heart is weak, there may be signs of depression, poor memory, slowed thinking processes, or insomnia. Although the Shen has a special relationship with the Heart, other organs are also associated with different aspects of the spirit. The Heart is associated with the Mind, or Shen The Liver is associated with the Ethereal Soul, Hun The Hun is most closely related to the Western idea of the Soul or Spirit. It enters the body upon birth, and leaves the body upon death The Lungs are associated with the Corporeal Soul, or Po The Po is closely associated with the body and is said to leave with the body upon death. Related to the somatic expression of the Soul or Spirit, Po allows for the sensation, feeling, hearing, and sight of the body The Kidneys are associated with Will Power or Zhi The Zhi is associated with the mental drive that gives us determination and focus for projects and goals; it is also associated with long term memory The Spleen is associated with Intellect, or Yi The Yi is associated with applied thinking, studying, concentration, and memorizing, in particular, short term memory Each of the Yin organs is associated with a different emotional aspect: the Heart is related to joy, the Liver is related to anger, the Lungs are associated with grief, the Kidneys are associated with Fear, and the Spleen is associated with worry. When any of these emotions are out of balance, they can manifest in a number of ways - including anxiety, depression, excess worry, over-thinking, ruminating thoughts, restlessness, insomnia, irritability, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorders, mania, attention deficit disorder, poor memory, as well as addiction. Your Spleen and It's Connection to Over-Thinking Obsessive thoughts or over-thinking is often linked to the Spleen, as the Spleen is related to the mental aspect of thinking. Whereas mania would be more closely related to the Heart, as the Heart has a relationship to the emotion of joy, and when in excess can be manic in nature. Addiction would be more closely tied to the Kidneys as these organs are related to our determination and will-power. Logically, this makes sense, as any form of excess consumption or overuse will negatively impact the Kidneys and adrenals. Recommendations for Nurturing Mental Health that You Can Practice at Home When feeling anxious or depressed, a great option is to shift energy to redirect the focus. This can include going outside for a walk, or taking a break from whatever you are doing to shake the body - or perhaps even take a dance break to get Qi circulating. Other recommendations include: Essential Oils: diffuse oils in your home that help to uplift the spirit! Citrus scents (lemon or orange) are mood boosters, or try an aromatic, like eucalyptus if you are feeling depressed. If you are feeling anxious, lean on oils that have a more calming and grounding effect, such as lavender, cedarwood, or frankincense. Deep Belly Breathing: this breathwork activates the diaphragm and parasympathetic nervous system. A great way to practice this would be to place a light object on the belly and try to feel it rise and fall as you breathe. Acupressure: tapping on certain acupressure points can also be helpful. My favorite one to recommend is located on the sternum or the breast bone, at the center just in line with the nipples. This point is known as "Ren-17" and is a point closely related with the Pericardium, the membrane surrounding the Heart and what is considered the protector of the Heart in Chinese Medicine. Any mental or emotional disturbances will have a direct correlation and effect on the Heart, so tapping or gently massaging this point can help ease the mind as well as the Heart. Taking care of our emotional wellbeing is crucial to staying healthy. Our mental health directly impacts our physical health, and it’s important to check in with ourselves. If you’re looking to treat a mental matter, chat with us! We’re here for you. This article was originally published here and has been republished with the explicit permission of the author.
Identifying the qualities of hot and cold is a fundamental distinction used during diagnosis and treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. This observation of thermal nature also exists within other holistic medical systems like western herbalism and ancient greek medicine. In these
After your next period, try adding Dang Gui (female ginseng), Astragalus, goji berries, and Chinese red dates (jujubes) to the broth of your soup.
Plum Dragon Chinese Herb and Dit Da Jow provides the highest quality Chinese Herbs and the best topical pain relief formulas in the world!
It's also a great make-ahead lunch or dinner.
Did you know that your tongue can serve as a window to your health?Tongue Diagnosis is one of the four pillars of examination in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and reveals to the practitioner a basic guide of where disharmony is present. This may sound strange to those of us who were raised in a Western society […]
There's an old Taoist saying, “The human body is a microcosm of the universe.” Maybe there’s a deeper connection between our bodies and nature. Here are three tips—inspired by traditional Chinese methods—for how to take good care of your body.
In TCM, period cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are often believed to be caused by an imbalance of qi and blood in the body. This recipe is made to help balance the body's energy and improve overall health, using a combination of diet and herbal medicine.
Your tongue does more than just taste food and articulate words. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is ...
The most delicious ways to heat your body up.
Chinese tongue diagnosis is an essential tool used by TCM practitioners. Your tongue plays a unique role in understanding your body’s constitution; it is the only organ that is both interior AND exterior. Examining your tongue can tell you everything about your organs and the state of your health. A healthy tongue is naturally pink […]
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a very systematic approach based on the Qi, Yin and Yang and 5 Elements. It incorporates acupuncture, reflexology, cupping, moxa, massage, acupressure, herbal remedies and therapeutic plant oils. Modern Aromatic TCM includes not only traditional Chinese plant […]
What is Qi? Learn about Qi (chi) and how it relates to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
After the Thanksgiving holiday, the days suddenly seem shorter than ever. The temps plummet to below freezing and autumn has quietly and quickly slipped away. We avoid the outdoors at all costs, hole up in our homes and turn in early for the night as the sun inspires us to do so. Since we can’t avoi
Love your liver, body and mind with these simple free Eastern Medicine self-care tips and meal plans. Be the healthier and happier you!
Pulse diagnosis and tongue diagnosis are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are based on imagination, not on anatomical and physiologic reality.
Sitting the Month or “Zuo Yue Zi” / 坐月子 is a special postpartum care practice typically starting immediately after birth designed for new mothers to rest, reset, and recover.
Have you ever checked out your tongue in the mirror and wondered why it looks the way it does? I ask every patient to show me their tongue because the tongue can share so much about your current health condition. Learn how to read your tongue and what your tongue is telling you about your health.
To make the ginseng tea, you’ll need to slice the ginseng into 1/4 to 1/2-inch slices. My mom usually hacks away at the ginseng with a cleaver, but dried ginseng can be very difficult to slice through. I recommend steaming the root first to soften it slightly before slicing.
To breakfast, or not to breakfast? This is an age old question that is especially relevant in today’s fast paced world.Today I’d like to look at Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) perspective on the issue. I find it highly valuable to examine our habits through the lens of ancient medicine systems, which often take into consideration […]
Too hot? Too cold? Find foods that are “just right” for you based on traditional Chinese medicine wisdom.
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum), also known as Fo-Ti, Ho Shou Wu, and Jiaoteng, is a popular tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
This dish is traditionally prepared to strengthen the body and improve lactation, especially for new mums during the Chinese tradition “Zuo Yue Zi” indicating the first month after giving birth. During this period, Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends eating warming food (Yang) because the body has lost a lot of Yang energy and blood during delivery. We […]
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Traditional Chinese medicine views the sleep-wake cycle as a part of the natural rhythm of Yin and Yang in the body. Read about why sleep is so vital and TCM's tips for better sleep.
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To breakfast, or not to breakfast? This is an age old question that is especially relevant in today’s fast paced world.Today I’d like to look at Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) perspective on the issue. I find it highly valuable to examine our habits through the lens of ancient medicine systems, which often take into consideration […]
