Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a dysregulation of intestinal function. Those with IBS experience loose stools, diarrhea, constipation, or alternation of irregular elimination, as well as cramping, abdominal pain, gas, and bloating. Stress triggering IBS stems from incomplete “digestion” of emotions and food. Human beings are processors of energy. Neural circuits in the brain, body, and…
Healing Curry Spices Spices, like those in curry powder, have the power to heal your digestion, especially when consumed on a daily basis. Here are few benefits of the healing spices in curry: Coriander - Soothes upset stomach, aids digestion Cumin - Aids indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence Fennel - Reduces indigestion and flatulence Turmeric - Reduces inflammation, aids digestion, anti-infection, anti-oxidant, simulates bile…
Just gotta have your smoothie in winter? While cold foods are generally not advised for winter, deprivation is even worse. We want you to have your smoothie, and drink it too. The oils in the avocado provide warmth for your body and nerves. Spinach contains abundant flavonoids that act as antioxidants to keep cholesterol from…
Fall The season of Lung & Large Intestine Fall is a time of change on both in our bodies and our climate and environment. The air temperature has changed and the sun has made its shift into the coolness of fall and winter. When the air temperatures changes our lungs and respiratory system feel a…
by Esther Moux, L.Ac. NATURAL FOOD REMEDY FOR HOT FLASHES - YIN DEFICIENCY Mashed Yam Recipe for Menopause / Yin deficiency 2 Tbs. ghee (clarified butter - melted butter let it start to cool and skim the fat globs off the top) 1 Chinese Yam Mash yam with ghee until soft. add salt to…
by Steve Sterling, L.Ac. In the West we typically refer to the 4 seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 5 Element theory there is a 5th season called the Late Summer. This season corresponds with the digestive energy when the Qi (life energy) of the Stomach & Spleen (speen &…
Chinese Herbal Medicine Mung Bean Tea to Beat the Summer heat Chinese Medicine has a stepped tradition of observing the body through the lens of nature; understanding the impact that the seasons and climate change can greatly effect our health. We are currently in the tail ends of the Season of Summer (please refer to…
SUMMER: Take It To Heart by Steve Sterling, L.Ac. TCM: ANCIENT TRADITION In keeping with the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) "5 Element" theme (see diagram) the Summer season corresponds with the primary organ of the Heart and the predominant environmental influence of "Summer-heat". In TCM sweat is the fluid of the heart. If Summer heat…
The 3rd season in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is late summer also known as Indian summer. This central season marks the shift from the outward (yang) expression of spring and summer to the inward (yin) attention of fall and winter. This short transitional time of late summer, from the third week in August until…
Autumn - the season of the lung and large intestine Fruits and vegetables fall ripe from the vine, reflecting to us the natural outcome of our own ability to come to maturity, to fullness, and to let go. Health during this season is reflected in the health and clarity of our skin and sinuses, and the ease…
Summer is the season of the heart-small intestine meridians in Chinese medicine. Rich in potassium (like bananas) avocado is a heart healthy super food that aids cardiovascular health by blocking the formation of bad choleterol (LDL), providing protection from possible heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Avocado is a fruit packed full of nutritious fats, oils, and vitamins…
Spring is the number one best time of the year to release toxins from your body. Known in Ayurvedic medicine as "ama", toxins stored deep in the ice of snowcapped mountaintops roll down the mountainside into the valleys in the spring - the metaphor for fluids and mucus releasing waste from the body. If…
In winter the cells of our skin and muscles naturally contract to preserve and produce warmth and circulation. To stay warm, we spend more time indoors and eat warming foods, including spices and meats. Our bodies can accumulate too much heat, which, paradoxically, can turn into colds and coughs. Chinese Medicine prescribes eating turnips…