During the Winter, you’ve been having well-cooked food, usually with plenty of carbohydrate, fat and protein. All of that food energy has been stored deep in the body, to nourish the foundations of your body’s vitality in the Kidney organ energy system, creating the basis for longevity and robust health. Winter is a time of maximum Yin, with inward-moving stillness and storage.
Using pungent flavours
Spring represents a rapid transformation as Yang energy pushes outward. To help your body’s Yang energy burst forth in Spring, use the pungent flavour to encourage its upward and outward movement.
You can choose foods that suit your invididual type. If you tend to be more cold than hot, choose more warming pungents. If you have heat in the body, choose some cooling pungents. If you’re not sure what applies to you, ask your acupuncturist for advice.
Warming pungents:
• spearmint
• rosemary
• shallots
• onion family (including garlic, chives, shallots, spring onion, leek etc)
• cinnamon bark and branch
• cloves
• fresh ginger
• fennel
• chamomile
• anise
• caraway
• dill
• bay leaf
• mustard greens
• basil
• nutmeg
Hot pungents:
• dried ginger
• horseradish
• black pepper
• cayenne, chilli and other hot peppers
These are all pungent-flavoured but hot-natured, so should be used sparingly in Spring. Hot-natured food can imbalance the delicate Yin energy and unsettle the mind.
Cooling pungents:
• peppermint
• marjoram
• elder flowers
• white pepper
• radish and radish leaves
Neutral pungents:
• taro
• turnip
• kohlrabi
Using the “full-sweet” flavour
The sweet flavour helps to harmonise and balance the outward-moving energy of pungents.
“Full-sweet” flavoured whole-foods sustain and build energy in the body’s centre. The following are especially useful in Spring as they build central energy but also help upward and outward movement:
• sweet rice
• sweet potato
• sunflower seed
• pinenut
• cherry
• walnut
• cabbage
• carrot
• shiitake mushroom
• fig
• yam
• peas
Other “full-sweet” foods include:
• most whole grains and legumes
• beet
• button mushroom
• celery
• silverbeet
• cucumber
• eggplant
• lettuce
• potato
• squash
• almond
• chestnut
• coconut
• sesame seed and oil
• whole-food sweeteners like amasake, barley malt, honey, molasses, rice syrup and unrefined cane juice powder.
Meat and dairy are also sweet in flavour but please use sparingly in Spring as they are also heavy and mucus-forming.
Most fruits are cooling and cleansing, encouraging heat and other built-up residues to leave the body; so these foods are called “empty-sweet.” Empty-sweet foods don’t support the cultivation of Chi-energy in the body, but they are good when used in moderation to clear excesses like unhealthy heat.
For ideas for using these flavours in different kinds of Spring weather, see also: Gentle Spring detoxing and fasting
Source: Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford
This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
01 October 2010
Protect yourself from the wind - prevent cold & flu
In Chinese medicine, if you're exposed to wind then you are much more likely to develop cold and flu, and this is definitely a pattern that acupuncturists see regularly in their clients when the weather is changing.
The most vulnerable area is the back of your neck and your upper back, so please ensure that you keep these areas well covered at all times, until the warmer days of Summer arrive. For kids, try skivvies or sleeveless polar-fleece vests with high necks.
It's so tempting to walk around in T-shirts at the first sign of warm weather, soaking up the sun's glorious rays into winter-white skin. But with the changeable nature of the Wood element that dominates in Spring, that warm sunny day can quickly turn to a chilly windy one.
Please ensure that you are prepared for this whenever you leave the house in Spring. Pack a jumper and a scarf and use them throughout the day as soon as you feel a breeze or a chill. It’s something extra to carry, but it’s well worth it for preventing the stress to the body that comes with cold and flu.
”First aid” for wind exposure
If you do happen to be exposed to the wind when you’re out, then apply these “first-aid” measures as soon as you get home:
- Have a hot bath or shower
- Dress in loose, warm, comfortable clothing and socks
- Make some “protection tea”:
- a few slices of fresh ginger with a little honey, covered and steeped for 5 mins; or
- a peppermint tea bag and a little honey; or
- the traditional Chinese version is simmering spring onion, ginger and honey in water for 5-10 mins (in China I saw the modern version which is ginger simmered in Coke!)
- Drink the tea while it’s still quite hot, have a few cups if you like, rugged up under a blanket
- Rest for half an hour or so, hopefully working up a slight sweat
- After this, your whole body should feel very warm. This means you have brought your “Wei-Chi” – protective energy – to the outermost layers of the body, warding off illness.
If you can’t do all the above steps - eg for lack of time or if you’re at work - then prepare a cup of protection tea and a hot water bottle or a hot wheat pack.
While you drink the tea, place the heat pack on your upper back and base of neck. This will bring your protective energy to the vulnerable “Tai-Yang” channels that cross there, giving you a good measure of protection.
This post is brought to you by Lois Nethery, acupuncturist and Chinese medicine herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture in Curl Curl.
Ocean Acupuncture is a natural medicine centre of independent health practitioners. The views expressed in this blog are the author's only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Ocean Acupuncture practitioners.
The information presented in this blog, and on the Ocean Acupuncture website, is for interest and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for health or medical information or advice. For health or medical advice, please consult your health professional.
10 July 2010
Recipe: Dahl with Kumara & Tomato
By Kristie Ussher
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl
This is a great winter warmer using spices to warm the body and increase circulation.
Serves 4-6
1/3 cup yellow split peas
1/3 cup brown lentils
2 Tbs of vegetable oil (or ghee)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground cardamom seeds
1 tsp chilli powder
3 curry leaves (optional)
1 lge kumara, chopped
3 cups vegetable stock
1 Tbs tomato paste
4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup red lentils
4 Tbs of fresh coriander
To serve:
Freshly chopped coriander
Natural yoghurt
1. Place peas and brown lentils in a bowel and cover with water; stand for 1 hour.
2. Drain peas and lentils and rinse well.
3. Heat oil in a large pot, add onion and garlic and cook stirring until soft.
4. Add spices and stir until fragrant.
5. Add, paste, kumara, stock, peas and brown lentils, bring to the boil and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
6. Add tomato and red lentils and simmer covered for about 20 minutes or until lentils are soft.
7. Stir in the fresh coriander.
8. Serve with natural yoghurt and extra coriander if desired.
Serves 4-6.
NB. You may need to add more water if too dry and make sure it is on low when simmering because if you burn the bottom the whole thing will taste burnt!
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl
This is a great winter warmer using spices to warm the body and increase circulation.
Serves 4-6
1/3 cup yellow split peas
1/3 cup brown lentils
2 Tbs of vegetable oil (or ghee)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground cardamom seeds
1 tsp chilli powder
3 curry leaves (optional)
1 lge kumara, chopped
3 cups vegetable stock
1 Tbs tomato paste
4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup red lentils
4 Tbs of fresh coriander
To serve:
Freshly chopped coriander
Natural yoghurt
1. Place peas and brown lentils in a bowel and cover with water; stand for 1 hour.
2. Drain peas and lentils and rinse well.
3. Heat oil in a large pot, add onion and garlic and cook stirring until soft.
4. Add spices and stir until fragrant.
5. Add, paste, kumara, stock, peas and brown lentils, bring to the boil and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
6. Add tomato and red lentils and simmer covered for about 20 minutes or until lentils are soft.
7. Stir in the fresh coriander.
8. Serve with natural yoghurt and extra coriander if desired.
Serves 4-6.
NB. You may need to add more water if too dry and make sure it is on low when simmering because if you burn the bottom the whole thing will taste burnt!
Winter ~ Living in Harmony with the Seasons
By Kristie Ussher
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl
The ancient sages of China promoted the benefits of living in harmony with the five seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Late Summer, and Autumn.
Winter completes the cycle of the five seasons and is a time for nature to prepare for the birth and growth of new energy in the Spring.
The cold of winter contracts and drives us inwards as we seek refuge, warmth and comfort. Winter is a time to rest, reflect and rejuvenate so that our energy reserves can be replenished and consolidated ready for the outburst of Spring. It is a time to be thoughtful, reflective and introspective.
In Chinese Medicine, Winter is associated with the Water element and is related to the organs of the Kidney and Bladder, which govern the body’s water metabolism.
These organs are most vulnerable to developing imbalances during winter. However, problems may not manifest until later in the year. Conditions that are associated with an imbalance of the Water element may include:
- bone problems (such as arthritis)
- lower back pain, knee pain (that is worse in cold weather)
- hearing difficulty
- hair loss
- any problems relating to the urinary system
- premature ageing
- sexual and reproductive problems
- infertility
- excessive fear and insecurity.
Element: Water
Season: Winter
Organs: Kidneys & Bladder
Flavour: Salty
Emotion: Fear
Colour: Black
01 July 2010
Receive 50% off your next treatment!!!
Our referral program - Receive 50% off your next treatment!!!
At Ocean Acupuncture we mainly operate on a referral based system to get the word out there about our services.
To thank you for spreading the word and telling your family and friends, if you refer someone to your existing Ocean Acupuncture practitioner we would love to offer you 50% off your next visit *.
* Participating practitioners only:
Sonia Barton (Bowen),
Lois Nethery, Belinda Boylan & Kristie Ussher (Acupuncture)
Time limit applies
Four Ways to Use Acupuncture Therapy
By Kristie Ussher
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl
CONSTITUTIONAL TREATMENTS
We are all born with some inherited weaknesses. For example some of us may have had digestive problems since birth or may always have a tendency to hay fever. Acupuncture can be used to strengthen these weaknesses and to protect against developing further problems in the future.
SEASONAL TREATMENTS
Traditionally the great sages of Chinese Medicine used acupuncture to prevent illness and maintain optimum health.
As the seasons change so does the body’s energetic system. Acupuncture is a great alternative and can be used to harmonise the energetic systems of the body with the changing environmental energies, assisting to strengthen the immune system and thus prevent illness. It is best to undertake treatment at the beginning of each new season.
CRISIS CARE TREATMENTS
Acupuncture can be successfully used to treat many longstanding chronic conditions. It targets the underlying cause of disease as well as helping with symptomatic relief so that the body can reach full recovery. For acute conditions and flare-ups, seek immediate acupuncture treatment to hasten recovery and nourish the body's underlying energy reserves.
SPIRIT TREATMENTS
Chinese medicine views the body and mind as a whole. Physical illness can often be inter-related with emotional imbalance. As well as treating physical manifestations of disease, acupuncture can be great to assist with healing on both a spiritual and emotional level.
These treatments can also be very beneficial for those that are experiencing extreme emotional trauma such as grief, shock, depression, anxiety or those living with an addiction.
See our website for a full list of conditions that can be treated with acupuncture
http://www.oceanacupuncture.com.au/conditions_treated.htm
OR ~ Call Ocean Acupuncture for more information Ph: (02) 9938 2182
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl
CONSTITUTIONAL TREATMENTS
We are all born with some inherited weaknesses. For example some of us may have had digestive problems since birth or may always have a tendency to hay fever. Acupuncture can be used to strengthen these weaknesses and to protect against developing further problems in the future.
SEASONAL TREATMENTS
Traditionally the great sages of Chinese Medicine used acupuncture to prevent illness and maintain optimum health.
As the seasons change so does the body’s energetic system. Acupuncture is a great alternative and can be used to harmonise the energetic systems of the body with the changing environmental energies, assisting to strengthen the immune system and thus prevent illness. It is best to undertake treatment at the beginning of each new season.
CRISIS CARE TREATMENTS
Acupuncture can be successfully used to treat many longstanding chronic conditions. It targets the underlying cause of disease as well as helping with symptomatic relief so that the body can reach full recovery. For acute conditions and flare-ups, seek immediate acupuncture treatment to hasten recovery and nourish the body's underlying energy reserves.
SPIRIT TREATMENTS
Chinese medicine views the body and mind as a whole. Physical illness can often be inter-related with emotional imbalance. As well as treating physical manifestations of disease, acupuncture can be great to assist with healing on both a spiritual and emotional level.
These treatments can also be very beneficial for those that are experiencing extreme emotional trauma such as grief, shock, depression, anxiety or those living with an addiction.
See our website for a full list of conditions that can be treated with acupuncture
http://www.oceanacupuncture.com.au/conditions_treated.htm
OR ~ Call Ocean Acupuncture for more information Ph: (02) 9938 2182
Tips to Keep your Water Energy Strong in Winter
By Kristie Ussher
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl
FOOD PREPARATION
Avoid eating too much cold food, including chilled drinks and raw fruits and vegetables, as these deplete the body’s energy.
Rather, try lightly steaming vegetables and stewing fruits. Even better is using slow cooking methods such as roasting, to increase the warming nature of food.
Warm hearty soups, whole grains and roasted nuts are very comforting and nourishing in the thick of winter.
Small but regular amounts of bitter and salty foods are also great in winter as they direct energy down and inwards. Examples of bitter foods include endive, watercress, rye, oats, quinoa, turnip, celery, alfalfa, lettuce. Examples of salty foods include seaweeds such as kombu, barley, miso and sea salt.(1)
KEEP WARM AND COVER UP
Protect yourself from the cold. Keep your neck covered and your lower back and feet warm.
SLEEP LONGER
More sleep is important in winter, go to bed earlier and rise later.
MEDITATION AND RELAXATION
Take this time to reflect, rest and contemplate.
GENTLE AND SLOW EXERCISE
Choose exercises that require little physical exertion. A morning or afternoon walk is great for some fresh air and to get your circulation going. Other practices such as Yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong help to consolidate our Qi and replenish our energy stores.
RECONNECT
Winter is a great time for intimate gatherings. Get together with close family and friends over a home cooked meal.
“The more we rest in winter, the greater the harvest will be in summer”
- Chinese medicine proverb.
References
(1) Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition (3rd Edition) North Atlantic Books, USA.
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl
FOOD PREPARATION
Avoid eating too much cold food, including chilled drinks and raw fruits and vegetables, as these deplete the body’s energy.
Rather, try lightly steaming vegetables and stewing fruits. Even better is using slow cooking methods such as roasting, to increase the warming nature of food.
Warm hearty soups, whole grains and roasted nuts are very comforting and nourishing in the thick of winter.
Small but regular amounts of bitter and salty foods are also great in winter as they direct energy down and inwards. Examples of bitter foods include endive, watercress, rye, oats, quinoa, turnip, celery, alfalfa, lettuce. Examples of salty foods include seaweeds such as kombu, barley, miso and sea salt.(1)
KEEP WARM AND COVER UP
Protect yourself from the cold. Keep your neck covered and your lower back and feet warm.
SLEEP LONGER
More sleep is important in winter, go to bed earlier and rise later.
MEDITATION AND RELAXATION
Take this time to reflect, rest and contemplate.
GENTLE AND SLOW EXERCISE
Choose exercises that require little physical exertion. A morning or afternoon walk is great for some fresh air and to get your circulation going. Other practices such as Yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong help to consolidate our Qi and replenish our energy stores.
RECONNECT
Winter is a great time for intimate gatherings. Get together with close family and friends over a home cooked meal.
“The more we rest in winter, the greater the harvest will be in summer”
- Chinese medicine proverb.
References
(1) Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition (3rd Edition) North Atlantic Books, USA.
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