Diet

Appropriate to season and health, diet is an essential component of Chinese medicine. Different body types benefit from different types of food and the combinations and way the food is cooked greatly effects the body's ability to extract its essential Qi (energy).

In the West many of our foods and fluids are eaten and drunk cold. This creates extra work for our digestion which must heat it to body temperature before it can be absorbed. As we age, our digestion and the levels of hydrochloric acid needed to break down food reduce, and we need to simplify the quantity and nature of our foods accordingly. Foods is used to correct imbalances and help maintain health.

Weight loss becomes much easier when there is an understanding of which foods cause bloating and how we can avoid or combine or cook them to prevent this. Herbs are used as a preventative in cooking as well as taken to correct a weak digestion, poor appetite or ravenous appetite. Acupuncture and cupping also help in this safe and natural process. Many digestion problems are linked with stress, poor eating habits, overwork and overmedication. Chinese medicine approaches the issue from a mind, body and spirit viewpoint to enable the patient to further understand how to best deal with it.

Diet can be used to ward off colds and many other diseases if used carefully.

Common cold and flu Brew

This decoction is beneficial if taken at the very beginning of a cold or flu attack. It is not suitable for the weak, elderly or very young children as it brings on heavy sweating which helps clear the virus out of the system. It is therefore important to increase fluids and rest.

6 spring onions, white parts, coarsely chopped

½ a thumb sized piece of fresh ginger

2 sprigs fresh mint

3 lemons, halved

2 whole garlic bulbs (not cloves), chopped in half

(Honey can be added if desired. This can also be used over steamed vegetables for a few days)

Simmer all the ingredients except the mint in 2 litres of water till reduced by half. Add mint, re-boil briefly and drink 1 cup whilst warm. This should make 3 cups which are drunk over 24 hours. Have a hot shower, hop into bed, use plenty of blankets and sweat it out. Increase fluid intake. Change clothing as it becomes saturated. Apply tiger balm on the centre of the chest, bottom of the feet and pulse points which will increase the effect. Take Vitamin C every 2-3 hours and a zinc tablet as well as a multi-vitamin and olive leaf extract (follow instructions in dosage). Eat simple food for the next few days, especially steamed greens; avoiding dairy, deep fried foods, sugary foods and icy (straight from the fridge) drinks.

Chinese medicine practitioners are now able to write a letter for your employer if you require time away from work to recover.