Chinese Dietary Therapy

Diet and nutrition actually form the basis of Chinese medicine in practical use, because the foods we eat daily effect our health profoundly over time.

     A Foundation of Health

   Our daily food forms the foundation of our nutritional, biochemical and energetic health. The food we eat daily determines how much energy we have (food as fuel) throughout the day. The foods we choose also influence our moods. For example, while sugar gives a great initial feeling, while prolonged, excessive use can contribute to feelings of depression, low energy, mental fog and even to outbursts of anger and frustration.Ayurvedic medicine teaches us that each food has a specific quality which influences ourmental and emotional energy and clarity. The old saying from the 70s rings true - "We are what we eat".

   Though, of course, we are much more than this, food choices either support us in our spiritual journey and walk through this world or hinder us. Our dietary and nutritonal needs change during each phase of our life, with seasonal or climate changes and with the level of activity in our lives. Thus, we need to periodically readjust.

How Can I Help?  

  No matter where we are in life, food is one of our best medicines.I work with each person to facilitate positive, constructive dietary changes according to their individual needs. I teach basic principles that allow a person to make healthy choices throughout life. I draw on a wealth of valuable information from Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, which are traditional and time-proven. Since 1975, I have also studied, researched and worked with modern nutritional knowledge, which has grown exponentially in the last decade.

   I find the best results through combining dietary and lifestyle changes with support from nutritional and natural compounds. One reason for this is that food, even organic, has suffered from an immense nutrient loss over the last few decades. By correcting nutrient deficiencies first, better therapeutic results are obtained from acupuncture and herbal medicine. I believe that if the ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic masters were alive today, they too would be making use of the advanced nutritional knowledge and products available today to enhance the healing ability of their patients. Modern research shows that many of the chronic and degenerative conditions and diseases are caused by nutritional deficit.

   In ancient times, foods were chosen and prepared for the healing qualities they would impart. Many herbs are classified as "food-grade herbs" because they can be used in daily cooking to improve vigor, enhance longevity, support digestion and be used to help heal specific ailments.

Your Chinese medicine practitioner will asses your current diet and make suggestions tailored specifically to support your healing and nourish your constitution. Chinese herbal soups can often be a delicious way to build blood, energy or boost the immune system.

    Simple Guidelines

In Chinese medicine, we don't count calories or make up complicated menu plans. We apply common sense guidelines, such as:

    • Eat only foods that agree with you! Or, don't eat

foods that give you gas or indigestion! These foods are clearly not supporting your health.

   • Eat only until you are about two-thirds full.

   • Eat a balanced diet; rich in vegetables, with a good foundation of healthy protein, oils and carbohydrates. Include fruit regularly in your diet.

   • Eat simply; avoid rich foods - especially excess sweets and oily foods.

   • Eat primarily cooked foods which impart the best nutiritonal content.

   • Eat organic, fresh food for the best quality of nutrients and Qi (life force).

   • Eat foods appropriate for the season, for your constitutional type, the kind of work you do and the season of life you are in.

   • Enjoy your mealtime, whether alone, with friends or family. Make it a pleasant, joyful time, giving thanks for the food we receive.

Healing Foods Pyramid

www.med.umich.edu/umim/      
Want an alternative to the industry-based food pyramid? University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Department has come up with a refreshingly thoughtful, real-foods based Healing Foods Pyramid with a solid nutiritional foundation and information you can download.

They request we note that "The University of Michigan owns the copyright to the Healing Food Pyramid."