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

The five elements are water, metal, earth, fire and wood. Each and every single one of these elements has its own properties and characteristics.
According to the elements theory, all of the 5 elements are usually seen in a circular motion, which shows the connection from one element to another, and together, the 5 elements make up as a connected, combined whole. The traditional Chinese medicine uses the power of the elements and it is use to either generate, promote or control the cycle, if there is anything wrong with it.
According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, each organ of the body is assigned an element. For example, the Liver is assigned with Wood element, the heart is assigned with Fire element, the spleen is assigned with Earth element, the lungs are associated with metal element, and the kidneys are associated with the water element.

The Water Element

When your water element is in balance you ooze the aura of calmness which will cause everyone around you to be calm as well. You think fluidly and deeply, and you remain constant and resilient. With the water element in balance, you are high in integrity. The theory here is that the water element has a lot to do with intelligence.

If the water element is out of balance, you may lack all of the qualities above, and if the imbalance is bad, the qualities may reverse. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that you cannot separate the mind and the body, and you need to treat the kidney (balance the water element) in order for you to be healthy emotionally and physically.

Some diseases and conditions caused by water element imbalance:

• phobias
• fear
• anxiety attacks
• panic attacks
• lower back pain
•  knee pain
• adrenal exhaustion
• ringing in the ears
• heel pain
• premature graying
• hypothyroidism
• impotence
• infertility
• hair thinning or loss
• hormonal imbalances
• lack of libido
• dark circles under the eyes
• urinary tract problems,
• fatigue and exhaustion
• pain
• and most obviously, kidney diseases

Seasonal acupuncture treatments will keep ALL five elements in balance
and have a positive affect on your body, mind and spirit.  

Give me a call to book your appointment now!
Wendy  604-839-9789

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 average adult loses 2.5 liters of water per day just through breathing, sweat, and waste removal. This increases with exercise.

Even in the colder weather, we need to be aware of how much water we need drink. The colder weather, the drier air and more wind, hydrating even more important. WE will be drawn to hot drinks and even more alcoholic drinks in the colder weather to “steam our bones” for warmth. However, we still need lots of water.

AVOID COLDS AND THE FLU

Water helps keep your body in balance and strengths your immune system. A strong immune system will help you fight off any germs or viruses.

AVOID BACK AND NECK PAIN WITH HYDRATION

We all know our spine holds up our entire upper body weight. But did you know, 75% of this support comes from the water within the small spinal discs that sit between each vertebrae?

When dehydrated, the discs contain less water, are smaller in size, and less capable of providing the support. The result is increase risk of nerve impingement, additional strain on musculature that supports the spine, and increased risk of disc herniation. All of these are sources of back and neck pain. Hydration helps support our back and keep it strong.

STRESS AND HYDRATION

With the fast pace we place in our lives, stress has become one of the most common causes of poor health. This results in many health issues.

Emotional stress is an obvious and significant factor to this, which few people realize. Internal physiological stress plays a large role as well. The body translates dehydration as a state of emergency ie. the fight or flight stress response. If evoked often enough, this stress will physically wear down the body and destroy your health. Hydration keeps unnecessary stresses at bay. We deliver enough stress to our selves just living our daily lives.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND HYDRATION

Water represents a large portion of our blood volume. It only stands to reason that when we are low in our hydration, our volume of blood will decrease as well. When our volume of blood decreases, so does the size of our blood vessels as they must accommodate the smaller volume of blood. This constriction of our blood vessels can lead to an elevated reading in our blood pressure.

HYDRATION is a simple way for us to help our bodies stay healthy and strong. To avoid putting our bodies in a state of emergency and the unnecessary stresses we place upon it, just drink water.
How simple is that????

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

Some people love winter.  They stay active and keep a busy social calendar.  Others hate the cold, damp air, rain and soggy snow. The seemingly endless days of gloom have them cocooning in front of a fire or the TV.  They hibernate, are inactive and avoid human contact.

At the extreme are those who plunge into a world of depression.

This is avoidable …

TCM and Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM offers a way to reduce depression without the use of over the counter and prescription drugs.

Depression is linked to the blockage of chi energy in the body. It will cause an imbalance in your physical, mental, and emotional health. If not treated, this imbalance will cause various illnesses, including depression.  In TCM, depression is known to be a symptom of stagnation of the life force of chi. This stagnation can eventually cause the dysfunction of the major organs such as the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, and the heart. If left untreated, this will result to a vicious cycle. The stagnation will cause the depression and the depression will cause more stagnation.

When a person is depressed, there is a need to regulate the imbalanced chi. The life force or chi energy should be brought to its original state in which it flows freely.

Treatment can take place with the traditional acupuncture needles or a laser treatment device. In essence, the needles (or laser beam) are inserted and manipulated in  key points of the body to unblock the Chi energy.

As the blockages are cleared away, and the flow of chi is restored both the physical body as well as the mental and emotional energies return to normal.

If you are affected by seasonal depression, please give me a call to discuss treatment options.  604-839-9789

TCM teachings tell us that  is important to eat different foods in the different seasons because foods have specific energies or forces. During the cold winter season,  our bodies should get warmth from the food we eat.

As the winter season cools the body’s temperature, the food we eat should have the properties to warm it. Below are two simple tips that will definitely help you manage your body’s health and nutrition.

Say No to Cold Foods

During the winter, the body begins to burn more calories and fats to counter-balance the cold. This means that the body is spending more energy than usual because it needs power to burn fuel and produce energy. TCM teaches that we should avoid cold food because cold food takes the body’s temperature lower and does not help in what the body is trying to achieve.

The body will benefit a lot from hot foods such as stew and fruits or vegetables that are naturally produced during the winter season such as lentils, beans, oranges, and lemons. Lamb is a great meat choice during the winter because it has healthy fats that the body can burn, unlike beef and pork that are both rich in fats that the body cannot use, both of which end up as cholesterol, clogging the heart’s arteries.

If lamb is not easily available to you, you can eat fish like tuna and salmon. They have high omega-3 fatty acids and can provide your body’s need for protein, an essential building block of nutrition that repairs damaged cells.

Say Yes to Warm Beverages

In the same principle of balancing the yin and yang, warm beverages during the winter will do wonders for the body by reducing the cold and increasing overall warmth. Drink warm water instead of drinking it from the refrigerator. Do not put ice in your drinks. Hot apple toddies, teas and hot chocolate are perfect choices.

Drink lots of hot, green tea. The hot tea also enriches the cells with antioxidants that help fight cancer. Tea has long been proven to have high contents of chemicals that reduce the number of free radicals in the body that rips cells apart, thus causing cancer.

Fruit juices are another great choice –  grapefruit or lemon juice help aid your digestive process. The acidity if the juice will help increase your metabolism. Wine is also a common recommendation by TCM, but only in small quantities.