Modern nutrition is based on knowing the chemical composition of foods and the biochemical pathways of the body. Foods are categorized as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats accordingly.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at food and life quite differently. It is based on the energy of the food, the season of year, and tries to achieve a balance between the two following the theory of Yin and Yang.

It works very simply. When a person is feeling cold, choosing food and drinks that are warming will help regain strength and vitality. A cold, raw salad isn’t the answer.

The Theory of Yin and Yang is a corner stone of TCM. The forces of Yin and Yang are energetic qualities that shape everything in the universe including our health.

The symbol of Yin and Yang is circle divided into two shapes with the dark shape representing the Yin and the light side symbolizing the Yang. This theory of Yin and Yang is based on patterns that occur in nature: night and winter are the yin that balance the yang of day and summer.

YIN AND YANG FOODS

Given the knowledge that yin is cooling and yang is warming, it makes sense that these qualities in food and activities would benefit our ability to process food and fuel our bodies more efficiently. This enhances our own ability to heal.

When a cooling pattern occurs (winter), warming aerobic exercise is essential. Healing food choices include warm beef or lamb dishes, meat-based soups and stews, trout and wild salmon. Warming vegetables include cooked root veggies, baked winter squash, onions, lightly cooked greens including broccoli, turnip greens, asparagus, and kale. Nuts and seeds are warming as are cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and pepper.

When a warming pattern occurs (summer), meditation, walks in nature, swimming, and yoga are ideal for balancing the agitating nature of a heat imbalance. Cooling foods include salads, cucumber, melons, pears, beans, sushi, and non-spicy foods. Vegetables of all kinds are helpful whereas meats should be limited.

Summer foods and activities are naturally different than winter. When you pay attention to your body and choose the foods and activities that seem to naturally balance us during these seasons, our ability to maintain health is enhanced.

Wendy

Dieting gurus pump out new tricks just as quickly as people fall off the wagon. But many Vancouverites are discovering a ‘new’ approach to healthy weight loss, one that is not new at all.

Acupuncture is a natural therapy discovered in China over 6000 years ago. It can aid in weight loss by suppressing the appetite, calming certain cravings, and reducing stress-related weight gain.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, whole body approach to health. This ancient form of healthcare works to restore the balance and flow of the body’s Qi (vital energy)

To understand TCM, you must realize it is as effective now as it was thousands of years ago. Why? Because of it’s simplicity, much like our own bodies – we are as simple now as we were thousands of years ago. Our lifestyles have changed, (thank heaven), but our physical bodies have not evolved very much.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The body is made up of a network of meridians that carry the Qi in a pattern. The Qi rises to the surface of the skin at particular points, where we gain access to it. This enables us to affect its flow, recreate the balance needed to maintain good health thereby removing the root cause of many of our problems.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP US LOSE WEIGHT?

Restoring the balance of the flow of Qi in the stomach will help promote good digestion and suppress an overactive appetite. Emotional issues, such as anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to overeating, can be overcome.

With diet changes, many people experience cravings, which can lead to binge eating. Cravings in the body are often due to an imbalance of various body functions. Acupuncture helps to re-establish the body’s natural balance, as well as enhance these needed functions. Simply put, acupuncture can support the body to generate an efficient digestive process.

Acupuncture can reduce the cravings, calm the emotions,
and provide the balance and energy needed to succeed.

People seeking to find the root cause of their weight gain, may find simple solutions in the simplistic medicine of TCM. You can help your body regain its natural balance, and start taking steps toward true health and vitality.

True health is more than just not feeling sick. It means that you are functioning at your optimum level, that your body is in balance, your mind is alert, and your spirit is calm. What a refreshing way to start each and every day! The sooner you start, the longer you have to enjoy it and it’s NEVER too late to get started!

Wendy
604-839-9789

The following table is another look at the Five Elements, showing the interconnections of each element. This model has been used by medical practitioners for tens of thousands of years.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the following Table of Five Elements shows the inter-connectivity of different elements in nature. This model has been used by medical practitioners for thousands of years.

Water, wood, fire, earth and metal all have associated organs, traits, foods and mental/emotional connections.  The following chart simplifies and outlines the connections.

In addition to Chinese medicine, other disciplines also reference Five Elements, including Tai Chi (a martial art), Feng Shui, and cosmology.

Table of Five Elements

Many of my patients have been asking me about acupuncture and colds & flu. I am very happy to share with you a new section of my web devoted to Cold & Flu season.

The most important role acupuncture can play is to give your immune system a big boost so that you are capable of fighting off bugs and viruses.  By the time you have cold or flu symptoms your body’s defense mechanisms have already been compromised.   Yes … acupuncture can help alleviate the symptoms and shorten the duration of colds and the flu. The sooner you act, the better.

Avoid getting sick by:

1. Washing your hands with soap and hot water whenever you come home.

2. Money is dirty and a big carrier of “bugs.”  Wash your hands after contacting money.

3. Avoid touching your face (especially your eyes) with your fingers or hands … if you have to touch, use a fresh kleenex.

4. Drink loads of water.  Water re-hydrates you and flushes out any toxins.

5. Relax.  Take frequent stress breaks.   Stress compromises your immune system.  Relaxation and regular rest breaks helps build it up.

Please  feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Wendy

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia commonly start after undergoing a surgery, infection, significant psychological stress or physical trauma. There also other cases wherein the symptoms can build up over time even though there’s no definite stimulating factor.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that commonly affects more women than men. Tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, anxiety and depression are also some of the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. Today, there is still no cure for Fibromyalgia, but there are drugs and other treatments available to treat this condition. Alternative therapies such as exercise, relaxation, massage, chiropractic and acupuncture can also help in managing this condition.

There had been several studies done to determine the relationship between acupuncture and Fibromyalgia. A recent Mayo Clinic test shows that acupuncture can be effective in reducing the symptoms caused by Fibromyalgia such as stiffed joints, chronic pain and sleep disturbance. Acupuncture not only brings significant pain relief but it can also lower symptoms such as fatigue and anxiety.

When the acupuncturist inserts needles into the acupuncture points of a patient, endorphins are released into the bloodstream. These endorphins are a natural pain killer. Additionally, energy (chi) blocks are removed restoring the flow of energy along the energy channels.

Nerve impulses in the brain can be stimulated or inhibited by a series of neurotransmitters. Sensations like pain and information about the external stimuli causing pain are relayed through nerve impulses. Acupuncture can increase a patient’s pain threshold, thus decreasing the sensation of pain.

Most patients who undergo one or two acupuncture treatments report that the pain they felt is relieved for several weeks after the procedure.

Alternative treatments or methods such as acupuncture can work well in some people with Fibromyalgia. The reason is that holistic therapies can make a big impact on the total well-being. In this way, it will let you lower your need for medications and help you go back to your normal daily activities.

Focus on a healthy, nutritious diet of foods that are cooling in nature such as bamboo shoot, banana, bitter gourd, clam, crab, grapefruit, lettuce, persimmon, salt, seaweed, star fruit, sugar cane, water chestnut, watermelon, lotus root, corn, tomatoes,  bean curd, chicken egg white, marjoram, oyster, pear, peppermint, radish, strawberry, tangerine, and yogurt, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, pineapple, turmeric.cucumber, barley.

Since zucchinis are in plentiful supply right now in Vancouver, here is a great recipe that your whole family will enjoy.

Zucchini, Cauliflower and Tomato Roast

The Late Summer season corresponds to the element — Earth.

In damp locations or climates such as Vancouver, the dampness in the air can adversely affect your health and you can feel heavy, slow and sluggish. This means the flow of energy throughout the body is being blocked.

The Earth element connects to  the Spleen and Stomach organ systems.  The healthy functioning of this pair of organs  is important to the digestive process.

Energy is generated by the Spleen and Stomach through a process of digestion, called “Acquired Qi.”   Acquired Qi is the energy reserve for all your daily activities.

If the Spleen and Stomach are weak or do not work together, your body may not receive the proper nourishment—even if you are eating in a healthy way.   As a result,  your energy depletes and you become slow and sluggish.

Improper stomach-spleen functioning can affect your with the following symptoms:

• retention of water
• lack of appetite
• poor digestion
• weight gain
• abdominal distention
• bruising
• varicose veins
• fatigue
• fuzzy thinking
• increased anxiety
• your capacity to concentrate
• your memory
• dry lips and skin

An Acupuncture treatment will restore the proper functioning of the stomach-spleen and you will quickly see an increase in your energy levels.  Give me a call to book your appointment now – 604-839-9789

Their reasoning is that taking a pill is faster and cheaper than the natural alternatives.  According to a study undertaken by a group of scientists … taking that pill, or that short visit to the hospital  may just kill you.

Here is a summary of the study. Be sure to click on the link below and browse through the entire article. If you are leaning toward “just taking a pill,”  it will shock the socks right off of you!

STUDY SUMMARY

A definitive review and close reading of medical peer-review journals, and government health statistics shows that American medicine frequently causes more harm than good. The number of people having in-hospital, adverse drug reactions (ADR) to prescribed medicine is 2.2 million.¹ Dr. Richard Besser, of the CDC, in 1995, said the number of unnecessary antibiotics prescribed annually for viral infections was 20 million. Dr. Besser, in 2003, now refers to tens of millions of unnecessary antibiotics.^{2, 2a}

The number of unnecessary medical and surgical procedures performed annually is 7.5 million.³ The number of people exposed to unnecessary hospitalization annually is 8.9 million.⁴ The total number of iatrogenic deaths shown in the following table is 783,936. It is evident that the American medical system is the leading cause of death and injury in the United States. The 2001 heart disease annual death rate is 699,697; the annual cancer death rate, 553,251.⁵

Read the full study document here:    Death By Medicine

Origins of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a very old practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been around for over 3,000 years and has gained respect and popularity all over the world. It is based on the metaphysical doctrine that the body is made healthy by an unseen life force or energy called chi. Probably one of the most sought after alternative medicines, TCM and acupuncture has made it possible for many people to live normal lives at a cheaper price and lesser risk.

Current Problems of Chronic Pain

In 2010, an online survey was held in Canada and it was found out that 53% of chronic pain sufferers feel that that there is insufficient support available. Most of the respondents even claim that the instructions that their doctors provide them do not help at all. To top that, chronic pain sufferers are getting conflicting information from one doctor to another. This makes it impossible for chronic pain sufferers to decide what to do to improve their condition.

Another problem that chronic pain sufferers have to deal with is the wait time. Many of them do not really see a specialist without waiting six months or longer. As a result, they rely on non-addictive drugs just to be able to manage pain. It is  very frustrating for people to realize that the solutions they are offered do not deliver the results they were expecting.

Chronic Pain and Acupuncture

If you do not address your chronic pain issues quickly, it will lead to an escalating series of problems which will increase the pain you suffer.For example, many chronic pain sufferers cannot sleep … over time, the lack of sleep will increase the levels of pain you experience. Over the counter drugs have side effects which include stomach acidity and upsets. Again, this results in even more suffering and distress.

Acupuncture can help in ways you cannot imagine. The thousands of years that acupuncture has been used to treat pain and chronic pain are a testament to its effectiveness.

Acupuncture consists of inserting very tiny, thin needles in several points of the body where the energy flows. This energy, called chi, should  flow freely throughout the entire body. When chi is not flowing freely you will get illnesses, and pain.  The blocked movement of chi can affect you both mentally and physically.  Acupuncture restores the flow of chi energy in the body, removing blockages or redirecting the energy to its natural course.

Of course alleviating the pain is only one aspect of an acupuncture treatment. Pain is a symptom that something else is wrong … and finding that “something” and treating it, is the second aspect of an acupuncture treatment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are accepted worldwide due to the amazing number of illnesses it can positively treat.  Acupuncture can provide immediate relief to physical pain. There are no side effects to worry about.

Call now for an appointment, or to discuss how Acupuncture can help you!

604-839-9789