Food To Avoid When Taking Chinese Medicine?

Food To Avoid When Taking Chinese Medicine
In Chinese culture, we place a high value on following certain dietary restrictions and taboos while taking medication. In order to ensure that their patients receive the full benefits of their treatment, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine frequently and strictly advise their patients to be aware of the negative interactions that can occur between medicine and food. Food To Avoid When Taking Chinese Medicine In most cases, it is best to drink warm water when taking Chinese medicine: If there is no other option but taking the prescribed medication, you should comply with the physicians’ directions. It is against the law to consume tea either before or after using medication used for sedation or hypnosis: Tea leaves include caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, which might strengthen your heart, promote urine and production of stomach juice, and excite cerebral cortex.

  • Taking medicine with tea is worse due of this combination since tea leaves contain these substances.
  • It is recommended to wait at least an hour in between taking western medicine and Chinese medicine.
  • Patients who have impaired gastrointestinal functions should consume less food that is blended and only fill their stomachs up to 80 percent.

Steer clear of consuming an excessive amount of meat and other foods high in calories, protein, and other nutrients because doing so puts extra strain on the stomach and makes things worse. If your doctor has recommended that you take ginseng, you should avoid eating white carrots.

  • It is not a good idea to consume white carrot since it facilitates digestion, gets rid of phlegm, and improves respiratory function.
  • The effect of the ginseng, which is similar to a powerful medicine, will be negatively impacted by the white carrot.
  • It is possible for patients to have chest tightness, shortness of breath, fidgeting, and lack of appetite if they take ginseng and white carrot combined.

When patients start taking Chinese medicine for cooling the body and feeding the female reproductive system, they are not allowed to eat foods like onion, garlic, chili peppers, peppercorns, or mutton. Patients who have a “hot constitution” and who consume certain meals may experience a worsening of their heat condition; as a result, the effects of a medicine that is intended to reduce heat and nourish females will be diminished.

  1. Patients who are having therapy for cold symptoms are strongly encouraged to abstain from consuming foods that are raw or cold.
  2. Dietary restrictions, as viewed from the perspective of Chinese medicine, vary from person to person depending on the individual’s constitution.
  3. For those whose digestive systems are compromised, it is not advisable to consume meals that are dry and spicy.

Patients who are using Chinese medicine for the relief of external symptoms should avoid consuming meals that are raw, cold, or fatty when they are in the early stages of a cold. When a child has diarrhea, they should avoid eating meals that are raw, cold, or oily; instead, they should consume foods that are blended and light in texture.

  1. Beans and potatoes, both of which can lead to abdominal fullness, should not be consumed by patients who suffer from chest tightness, impeded respiration, and abdominal fullness.
  2. It is not appropriate for these patients to consume beans and potatoes.
  3. Patients who are suffering from edema should abstain from ingesting salt.

Patients who suffer from asthma and allergic dermatitis are advised to abstain from eating lamb, fish, shrimp, crab, and eggs. Naturally, meals that have gone bad or become dirty, as well as uncooked meat, wild mushrooms, and anything that has not been completely prepared, are not allowed.

What can you not eat with Chinese medicine?

E. Information Regarding the Use of Chinese Medicines Whenever one has a question regarding the use of Chinese medicines, they should seek the opinion of a practitioner of Chinese medicine. The following is a list of the general techniques in which oral Chinese medications are taken: How often should it be taken? In most cases, one serving of herbal decoction is supposed to be consumed once or twice a day.

  • If the decoction is only going to be used once per day, then the Chinese herbal medicines should only be decocted once.
  • However, if the decoction is going to be consumed twice per day, then the same amount of Chinese herbal medicines should be decocted twice.
  • The appropriate dosage for a person might vary greatly.

The recommended serving size for children is around 150 milliliters, which is comparable to half of the capacity of a typical rice bowl. The recommended serving size for adults is approximately 250 milliliters, which is equivalent to 80% of the typical rice bowl’s capacity.

When taking proprietary Chinese medicines, one should always refer to the directions that may be found on the medicine’s label or the insert that comes within the packaging. When should one take their medications? When a patient should take their medication is largely determined by both their current state of health and the pharmacological effects of the medication.

Some Chinese medications must be taken at a certain time of day, such as before or after a meal, before or after consuming any food, before bedtime, or before eating any food at all. If the medication is to be taken before or after a meal, then it should be taken between one and two hours before or after the meal, depending on whether it is to be taken before or after the meal.

Instructions on how to use If a Chinese medicine practitioner does not specify differently, you should drink warm water while taking Chinese medicine until they tell you otherwise. If you are taking Chinese medicine, you should avoid drinking strong tea at the same time. This is a general rule. Avoiding these foods is recommended.

When taking Chinese medicines, it is important to refrain from eating foods that are irritating or difficult to digest. For instance, if you are using Chinese medicines that have a nourishing and supplementing function, you should avoid eating radishes, drinking strong tea, and drinking coffee.

Should you take Chinese herbs on an empty stomach?

This is often divided into four doses and administered at various times throughout the day at predetermined intervals. When taking herbs, it is preferable to wait at least an hour after eating or take them thirty minutes before eating. One notable exception is when the herbs, when taken on an empty stomach, can be slightly unpleasant.

Should you take Chinese medicine on an empty stomach?

Guidelines for the Dosage and Administration of the Drug in Adults – 2–3 squirts 2–4 times daily Simply simple, one squeeze equals one spray. Take the herbs with a quarter to a half cup of water.1 squirt = 1/2 dropperful = 30 drops = roughly 1 milliliter (ml) If you want the formulae to have a more powerful and immediate impact, you should take them on an empty stomach.

Can I drink coffee while taking Chinese medicine?

The effects of coffee on your kidneys Coffee has a very stimulating effect on stress hormones and an exhausting effect on the adrenals. This can have a negative impact on your kidneys. According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, this indicates that the kidney qi is being depleted; as kidney qi cannot be restored, it must instead be protected.

What foods cause dampness in body?

Not only do meals have a predetermined temperature after digestion, but various foods also have a propensity to create a varying amount of fluids in the body. Accordingly, according to the principles of Chinese medicine, all meals may be classified based on how damp they are, which indicates the degree to which they depress the human system.

  1. To maintain our lives, we require a particular level of wetness.
  2. The presence of moisture in food is considered to be yin because dampness nurtures material, which is predominantly wet and gushy.
  3. However, there are meals that have an excessive amount of dampening properties, and because the spleen is the organ that removes excess moisture from the body, overly damp foods have a tendency to impede digestion.

The Chinese Five-Element system attributes the characteristics of moisture to the soil element. The soil needed for agriculture is wet. According to the Chinese Five-Element theory, the taste of earth is described as being pleasant. The sweetness has a natural moistness to it and also contributes nutrition.

  1. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, the sweetness nourishes both the Qi (the Chinese name for the function of an organ) and the blood.
  2. When one reads a description of different meals written in Chinese medical terms, one is struck by the fact that practically all foods have some degree of sweetness to them.

After some thought, it is plain to see. As a result of the fact that we eat to restore both the function and the blood in our bodies, the majority of meals are sweet and satisfy this requirement. No of which of the other five tastes any given item may also have, all grains, the vast majority of vegetables, and the vast majority of foods consumed by humans are sweet.

  1. On the other hand, consuming an excessive amount of sugary foods, rather than providing the spleen with the energy it needs, overwhelms and weakens it.
  2. This is based on the ancient Chinese concept that yang can convert into yin when it reaches its extreme, and vice versa.
  3. When the spleen is not functioning properly, it develops a craving for even more sweetness since sweet is the taste that fortifies it when it is ingested in appropriate quantities.

As a result, many people fall into yet another cycle of unhealthy behavior. To return to the topic of wetness, the sweet flavor creates dampness, and the more sweet a dish is, the more it helps to retain moisture in the air. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this inclination can be exacerbated by the combination of sweet and sour flavors in a dish.

  1. As a result, traditional Chinese medicine lists a handful of meals that are particularly depressing.
  2. These include foods that are both sweet and sour, such citrus fruits and juices, as well as tomatoes; concentrated sweets, like sugar, molasses, and honey; wheat, dairy products, nuts, oils, and fats; and meals that are a combination of these flavors.

Foods that are particularly rich in nutrients, such as dairy products, meats, nuts, eggs, oils, and fats, have a powerful capacity to replenish the yin fluids and material that are found in the body. On the other hand, when they reach unhealthy levels, they cause an overproduction of bodily fluids, which can result in pathologic dampness.

This may appear to be a paradox to some people, but it has to do with the transformation of good yin into pathological yin when it is in excess, as well as with moisture, phlegm, and turbidity. It is also simple to observe that certain combinations are considerably more problematic than the problems caused by their separate components.

A poor diet should never include ice cream. It is excessively sugary, rich, and icy to be enjoyable. Ice cream is a snack that has a highly drenching effect. Tomato sauce, cheese, and wheat are the three primary components of a pizza. All of these items have a tendency to provide a dampening effect, and the impact is exacerbated when fatty additions like as pepperoni and sausage are included in the meal.

  • In a similar fashion, consuming fruit juices can have a highly dampening effect.
  • Juices made from fruits and vegetables are another relatively recent product that has been included into the human diet.
  • As was just said, before the invention of refrigeration, fruit and vegetable liquids would ferment into wine or vinegar within a few of days.

As a result, eating them was considered a special occasion in old communities even when they were available. Because to advances in refrigeration as well as interstate and intercontinental shipping, we are now able to get our hands on tropical fruits and juices.

On the other hand, we shouldn’t forget to keep in mind that we wouldn’t consume four to six oranges in a single session or on a daily basis. This is exactly what happens when we consume a glass of tomato juice, apple juice, carrot juice, or orange juice. Other examples are carrot juice, apple juice, and orange juice.

We are consuming the nutritional essence of not just one but a variety of fruits and vegetables all at once. This excessive nutrition almost always leads to the development of the infectious phlegm and dampness in the body. Meats are an excellent source of nutrients and provide a significant boost to both bodily function and blood.

  • They also have a similar propensity for becoming moist in the same way.
  • When meat is more fatty and rich in flavor, it has a greater propensity to increase the amount of moisture that is produced within the body.
  • Pork and beef are the two most frequent types of meat from domestic mammalian species, yet pork has the highest moisture content.
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As a result, it is essential to limit the amount of meat that one consumes, particularly greasy and fatty types of meat. The majority of people are perfectly healthy eating 2 ounces of meat three to four times each week. On the other hand, restricting your diet to fish and fowl alone is not a really sound decision either.

Everything in this world has both positive and negative aspects to it. It is true that poultry and fish have a tendency to be less depressing and phlegmatic than other foods, but shellfish, chicken, and turkey have a tendency to be warmer. If a person just consumes certain types of meats, there is a possibility that they will become overheated.

In my experience as a clinician, I have witnessed this on several occasions. We can also say that eating an excessive amount of fish may result in mercury accumulation and toxicity, and that eating an excessive amount of commercial chicken may result in an excessive amount of estrogen as well as exposure to salmonella food poisoning.

How quickly does Chinese medicine work?

The function of herbs in traditional Chinese medicine – Roofener says The idea of pattern distinction is fundamental to the practice of traditional Chinese herbal therapy. Identifying a person’s head-to-toe collection of indications and symptoms is a necessary step in the pattern differentiation process.

We do not provide treatment for illness. We focus on treating both patients and patterns “It is clarified by her. “Consider some of the diverse ecosystems that exist on our globe, such as the Sahara Desert, the swamps of Florida, and the wildness of Canada. We need to provide care for each environment in a manner that is specific to it “What can I say? For instance, she argues that “It makes no difference how much pesticide we spread throughout the swampland.

Because of how favorable the atmosphere is, there will always be something that has the potential to develop there. Our bodies, too, have a separate, interior environment necessitating a distinctive treatment. No matter how many medicines we give you, if the problem is being encouraged by your internal environment, you will continue to have the problem.

  • It does not matter how many antibiotics we give you.
  • Therefore, we work to restore harmony to the body in order to make it an environment that is inhospitable to the health problems you are experiencing.” The specific plants that are responsible for this effect are quite varied.
  • For instance, both peppermint and cinnamon are recognized for their antiviral properties.

However, the effectiveness of each is dependent on the individual. “Cinnamon is a warm spice, whereas peppermint is a cool one. The patient going through menopause who is experiencing hot flashes might benefit from peppermint, but cinnamon would be too stimulating for her “she explains.

  1. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is more suited for the older guy who dresses more traditionally, such as by wearing a thick coat and boots even in the summer.
  2. This allows us to steer clear of any adverse consequences “It is made clear by her.
  3. How long does it take for you to feel the effects of taking Chinese herbs? According to Roofener, the duration of therapy might range anywhere from one to two weeks to a much longer period of time.

“If we’ve been treating a fever or a cough, you should be fine to leave in a relatively short amount of time. On the other hand, if you have a history of health issues dating back 40 years and several chronic conditions, the process will take significantly longer.”

How long do Chinese herbs stay in your system?

Traditional Chinese medicine has been helping people all around the world improve their health, strengthen their immune systems, and find relief from both acute and ongoing ailments for thousands of years. Acupuncture, tai chi, and the use of Chinese herbs, which may be made up of more than 5,500 different plant, animal, and mineral ingredients and are mixed in a variety of different ways to treat a wide range of conditions, are the primary tenets of this Eastern school of thought.

People are interested in using Chinese herbs as a natural approach to improve their health, but many of them are unsure how to get started with this practice. The following are responses to five questions concerning Chinese herbs provided by Jessica Frier, who holds a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine and is the herbal dispensary manager at Northwestern Health Sciences University.1) Could you please explain the concept of Chinese herbs? Herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine are often made up of a combination of several herbs that act synergistically together to achieve their intended effects.

They are medicines, but the body processes them in the same manner that it processes food, so they are comparable to pharmaceuticals in that regard. Because they only remain in the body for a maximum of three to four hours, they call for a treatment plan that is more extensive.

Each formulation contains anything from two to fifty different herbs, and the formulations are tailored for the person based on what is going on with them and what they need specifically.2) Why do individuals in Chinese culture consume Chinese herbs? They have a range of applications, including as facilitating healthy digestion and reducing the discomfort associated with low back pain.

Many people find relief from their arthritis or other autoimmune illnesses by using a variety of Chinese herbs. These herbs can assist in the regulation of inflammation as well as the immune system as a whole. Herbs can be used to treat more chronic diseases including asthma and Lyme disease, as well as menstruation problems and problems with conception.3) Are herbs used in Chinese medicine have to be grown in China? The vast majority of Chinese herbs are produced entirely within China, including their cultivation and harvesting.

  1. When they arrive on our shores, they are checked for purity by the FDA and examined for the presence of harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
  2. Some are cultivated here, like ginseng.
  3. However, in order to meet agricultural requirements, such as those related to soil and climate, medicinal-grade Chinese herbs can only be produced in certain regions of China.

Because of the characteristics of the soil in China as well as the growing conditions there, this plant can be used as a medicinal herb. Because of the climate, there are many items that we are unable to cultivate here.4) What is the most common oversight that individuals have while using Chinese herbs? Buying unvetted herbs.

Do not go to Amazon and purchase a bag of astragalus weighing one pound. You have no idea where it came from, whether or not it was tested for toxicity, and where it came from. Because of that, there have been deaths in the state of California. Either that, or people believe that they cannot become ill from consuming Chinese herbs, so they try to treat themselves with something that is not suited for what is going on with them, and as a result, they become even sicker.5) Under what circumstances should someone consult a herbalist? It is often OK to purchase some items from a co-op, such as over-the-counter medications for the treatment of a cold or allergy medication during the change of seasons.

In traditional Chinese medicine, we do make use of some readymade formulae, although they are not always prescribed. But if the over-the-counter herbs you’ve tried haven’t helped, or if you have a condition that’s been going on for a while, it’s time to make an appointment for a consultation.

  • You might require more specialized formulae that are built for you by a herbalist who is both qualified and licensed.
  • In addition to that, we have been educated to do a drug-herb interaction check.
  • It is possible for us to provide very detailed instructions in order to prevent encounters.
  • You can discover a practitioner of Oriental Medicine (OM), an acupuncturist who is licensed and specialized in Chinese herbology, or the Northwestern Health Sciences Bloomington Clinic here.

The Northwestern Health Sciences University, which has its main campus in Bloomington, is a leader in the field of integrative natural healthcare education. The university provides degree programs in chiropractic, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, massage therapy, nutrition, post-bac, pre-health/pre-med, and B.S.

  1. Completion.
  2. Chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and physical therapy are just some of the services that are offered at this clinic, which welcomes patients of all backgrounds.
  3. Browse other material provided by the Northwestern University of Health Sciences.

You may stay up to date on the most recent health and wellness news by subscribing to our Be Well email.

Can Chinese herbs have side effects?

Some Chinese herbal remedies have been found to be tainted with harmful chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes; as a result, these items might potentially cause severe adverse reactions. Errors in manufacturing, such as switching out one herb for another by accident, have also been a contributing factor in the development of significant consequences.

What is the best time to take herbs?

Food To Avoid When Taking Chinese Medicine Ask a Herbalist Feb 2, 2022 We like answering questions about all aspects of herbalism and herbalism in general, but one of our favorite things to do is chat about herbs and herbalism. Because of this, we decided to consult with our team of herbal specialists in order to provide answers to some of the most often questions and concerns that we get.

  1. Our herbalists have a combined expertise of decades dealing with a wide variety of plants and the individuals who use them.
  2. In our ongoing feature titled “Ask a Herbalist,” they address some of the most important issues you have.
  3. The vast majority of herbal remedies are intended to be used on an empty stomach, anywhere from two hours after a meal up to thirty minutes before one.

Because of this, the extract is able to be absorbed more effectively because it does not have to compete with food in the digestive tract. Taking herbs (as directed) two or more times per day helps to keep them active for a longer period of time in your system.

What are the benefits of Chinese medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works by stimulating the body’s innate capacity for self-healing, which can increase your energy and immunity, alleviate pain, rebalance your internal system, improve the health of vital organs, reduce stress and anxiety, promote youthful-looking skin, and even prevent many disorders from developing or worsening.

How long does it take for herbs to work?

Food To Avoid When Taking Chinese Medicine Ask a Herbalist Feb 2, 2022 We like answering questions about all aspects of herbalism and herbalism in general, but one of our favorite things to do is chat about herbs and herbalism. Because of this, we decided to consult with our team of herbal specialists in order to provide answers to some of the most often questions and concerns that we get.

  • Our herbalists have a combined expertise of decades dealing with a wide variety of plants and the individuals who use them.
  • In our ongoing feature titled “Ask a Herbalist,” they address some of the most important issues you have.
  • Herbal liquid extracts are easily absorbed by the body and start exerting their effects almost immediately.
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However, the word “begin” is the most important here. The degree to which impacts or consequences are noticeable might vary significantly. It may take just a short amount of time for the effects of some herbs to become visible when they act on the neurological system.

  1. For example, the effects of kava may often be felt in ten to twenty minutes, and in some cases, much sooner.
  2. Around the same time, bitter taste receptors start having an effect on the digestive system when bitter substances are consumed.
  3. Bitters are typically taken ten to fifteen minutes before food is consumed because of this reason.

Other herbs for acute usage might have an impact that lasts anywhere from one to three days. The process of tonifying bodily systems often takes a longer amount of time. Herbs that are considered to be tonics take longer to take effect, but their effects are more profound, and their use may be conceptualized as long-term building.

Is Avocado a damp food?

Authored by Hayley Stobbs, RAc, CNC A prevalent TCM symptom type is one characterized by internal dampness. According to traditional Chinese medicine, an insufficient amount of spleen energy results in an inability to control water pathways and change moisture, which leads to an accumulation of dampness in the body that impedes normal functioning.

Other zang-fu organs, including as the kidney and lung, in addition to the san jiao meridian, are implicated in moisture metabolism diseases. These abnormalities can manifest in a variety of clinical presentations. The phase of the Earth’s five elements that corresponds to late summer is associated with damp.

The process that leads to wetness might be thought of as being analogous to a wet cloth that is hung up to dry under weather conditions that are gloomy, chilly, and rainy. Given these circumstances, the wet rag will not dry out because it needs exposure to the sun and fresh air (think about exercise when you read this).

  • It is inherently inclined to descend, remain still, amass, and impede due to its energetic character.
  • Imagine a place with a climate that is always still and humid, where the air is always still, heavy, and sticky, and where the water in the swamp is always still and stagnant.
  • It is important to note that the function of the spleen in western medicine is comparable to that of the pancreas and digestion.

” Chinese medicine postulates that a person has that condition when a person shows internal reaction patterns equivalent to external climatic circumstances. In other words, Chinese medicine believes that a person’s internal climate exists. ” – Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold, L.Ac., O.M.D.

  • Symptoms include bloating and indigestion.
  • Having a feeling of tightness in the chest or just below it.
  • absence of hunger and cravings
  • Borborygmi and an inconsistent bowel movement are symptoms.
  • Problems urinating due to the difficulty.
  • Nausea
  • The ability to retain water
  • a feeling of heaviness in the brain, belly, or limbs, or all three.
  • Effortlessness and mental haze are the symptoms.
  • Sluggish metabolism.
  • cysts and masses can be found.
  • Production of mucus as well as phlegm.
  • joints that are dull and achy.
  • Skin imbalances.
  • Itching of the vaginal area and/or discharge.
  • lymph nodes that are swollen.
  • A tendency to worry, dwell on negative thoughts, and overthink situations.
  • Symptoms may become more severe when the weather is wet and/or humid.

Western medical diagnoses that incorporate traces of dampness include the following:

  • Hormonal instabilities such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Syndrome of persistent exhaustion
  • Depression
  • CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome)
  • Diabetes
  • IBS as well as SIBO
  • An overabundance of Candida
  • Congestion of the sinuses on a chronic basis or recurrent sinus infections
  • Shingles
  • ulcers that are draining pus or fluid
  • Cystitis
  • Bronchitis
  • Hives
  • Oozing, stinging boils
  • Neurological disorders: seizures, strokes
  • Vertigo

What are the Roots of Dampness, and What Can Be Done to Improve It? When determining what causes dampness and how it manifests itself, we look at our inextricable connection to our surroundings, nutrition, feelings, and lifestyle choices. When a spleen deficit is present in conjunction with a wet environment (rain, high humidity, chilly weather, exposure to mold), the illness can become more severe and challenging to treat.

In addition, a condition of fretting, pondering, or overthinking that is either persistent or excessive can ‘knot the digestive system,’ which makes the physical body more prone to being affected by wetness. Diet and eating patterns are the most prevalent fundamental causes of the disease. This is the reason why a damp-draining and spleen strengthening diet has been clinically proved to be so beneficial at correcting symptoms over 1000s of years.

However, if unresolved emotional problems, addiction to food or substances, or a moldy living environment are contributors to the pathophysiology and they are not treated, then the healing process may stall or even come to a complete halt. If elements such as these are key contributors to the internal manifestation, then the following foods as medicine may offer more clarity and energy to resolve predisposing factors; nevertheless, they will not be the only component contributing to the healing process.

  • It is not always possible to modify one’s external surroundings; nonetheless, it is very successful to adapt to consistent dietary modifications that are reinforced by exercise, emotional balance, acupuncture, and moxibustion.
  • Your acupuncturist will focus on tonifying your kidney, lung, and yang energies while strengthening the spleen, draining damp, moving qi, and moving qi while strengthening the spleen.

The length of time it takes to recuperate might range anywhere from one month to six months on average. The predicted length of time required to recover is contingent on how long you’ve been experiencing the symptoms and whether or not your constitution is susceptible to dampness.

Inquire further with your acupuncturist for more direction. Habits and Foods That Cause Dampness in the Body The following dietary recommendation is offered as a food as medicine guide so that you can investigate the age-old wisdom of dietary energetics for moisture and experience its beneficial benefits.

You will notice a lessening in the severity of your symptoms or a full reversal of them as your internal mind-body ecology clears up over time and with consistent practice. This will coincide with your increased mental clarity. My hope is that you would look at these foods not only as an opportunity to learn, but also as a chance to experiment imaginatively with new and tasty recipes.

The key to success is to be mentally aware of how to avoid falling into the mental trap of thinking in terms of “good foods versus bad foods” or “all or nothing,” and instead to do what you can to cut back on damp foods while putting your primary attention on foods that help resolve dampness and strengthen organs.

As you progress through the stages, you will learn that it is preferable, from a sustainable standpoint, to combine energetic elements in order to counteract and strengthen desired attributes rather than to adhere to a rigid long-term removal. To further clarify, it may be possible to accept tiny amounts of moist meals if they are mixed with drying foods that are bitter and/or pungent.

One example of this would be moist avocado combined with drying bread and pungent black pepper. After this moment has been reached, it is absolutely necessary to keep in mind that our individuality is more important than any recommendation. For the majority of their lives, someone who is genetically predisposed to be really susceptible to dampness, for instance, may be had to steer clear of meals that are incredibly capable of producing dampness, such as refined sugar and dairy products from cows.

Consider the following profound statement: “One extreme goes to the opposite.” Extremes in emotional state, dietary habits, and lifestyle are seen as signs of imbalance in Chinese medicine. Frequently, in order to achieve balance, a short-term application of an opposing force as a therapeutic cure is utilized in conjunction with motivating goals for a middle route to practice.

  1. It is important to keep in mind that the following is not meant to induce feelings of misery, guilt, humiliation, or control, nor is it a fast remedy.
  2. In the end, enjoying oneself, having a positive attitude, and being happy all contribute to the formation of digestive juices and other processes that turn food into sustenance.

“When we eat, the concern is not so much whether a particular item is beneficial for us but rather how capable and experienced our spleen is in extracting the sustenance from it,” – Daverick Leggett It is essential to collaborate with an experienced acupuncturist who can adjust your treatment plan so that it is in line with your unique physiological make-up and specific requirements.

Understanding that a strategy consisting solely of nutrition will almost never provide outcomes that are sustainable is of equal importance. As was said before, in order for dietary changes to be genuinely beneficial, they need to be coupled with modifications to mental, emotional, and spiritual practices as well as lifestyle choices.

This treatment is not intended for those who have a history of eating problems or who are currently suffering from severe medical issues. The purpose of guidelines is to augment expert, tailored advise rather than serve as a replacement for it. Damp-forming foods: The following list, when first looked at, could strike you as intimidating.

  • Foods that have been processed.
  • dishes that are deep fried.
  • Sugar
  • Alcohol
  • Mushrooms, sprouts, yeast, conventional maize, peanuts, conventional pork, aged meat and fish, dried fruit, conventional coffee and chocolate, alcohol, bread, grains (excluding white rice), beans, citric acid, and leftovers are foods that naturally contain a high level of mold. * Quality is important! Mold may be avoided by eating fresh, organic food that is transported for a shorter distance and that is properly dried and stored.
  • Foods to which you have an unusually high sensitivity (including any listed on the foods to focus on list). As a result of an inflammatory reaction, fluid is released into the cells that are affected, which leads in tissue swelling and belly bloating.
  • An excessive consumption of sweet and sour flavors, including naturally sweet flavors like those found in fruit and other sweet foods.
  • An excessive amount of meals that nourish the yin.
  • Food that is eaten raw, cold, or frozen.
  • An excessive amount of vinegar and fermented foods.
  • Banana, orange, tomato, and zucchini, as well as an avocado that is beyond its prime.
  • Dairy
  • nuts, nut butters, and seed butters that have been roasted and salted.
  • herbs and spices that have been dried traditionally and have been aged for at least three months.
  • Vitamin C in very high concentrations (over 1000 mg).
  • An excessive amount of fluid consumption (especially if cold).
  • Over-eating.
  • A lack of eating with awareness.

Considerations to ponder: Worrying, overworking, and excessive thinking can all have a negative impact on the function of the spleen. The capacity of our bodies to accept, digest, and absorb nutrients is directly influenced by our thoughts. Foods and routines that are helpful in reducing dampness include:

  • Asparagus, bok choy, broccoli, caper, carrot, celery, radish, leek, onion, parsnip, scallion, chives, turnip, kohlrabi, winter squash, oyster mushroom, parsnip, plantain, pumpkin, winter squash (especially kabocha, also known as Japanese pumpkin), and seaweed are examples of pungent and bitter vegetables.
  • Fruits: blueberries, cranberries, citrus peel.
  • Basil, cilantro, parsley, horseradish, oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, dill, ginger, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and cardamom are examples of aromatic herbs and spices.
  • Protein sources include turkey (the white flesh), duck, quail, mackerel, and very tiny amounts of organ meat.
  • Corn silk, pu’er, hibiscus, green tea, lavender, nettle, marshmallow, red clover, and raspberry leaf are the ingredients for a tea that is both astringent and pungent. Dandelion root is another ingredient.
  • meals that are warm or prepared.
  • Cheese alternative: Zucchini Cheese (veggie pate)
  • Foods that are in season and local. When at all feasible, organic.
  • Foods that are good for yang
  • Sweeteners, such as stewed fruits (which may be found in the previous section), dates, raw clear honey, green leaf stevia powder, and monk fruit sweetener should only be used sparingly.
  • Eating with awareness.
  • Other therapies include writing down your feelings, getting some fresh air and exercise, working out, and using moxibustion.
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Note: Discuss a damp-relieving strategy with your acupuncturist for optimal results. For some physiological make-ups, it is possible to consume an excessive amount of foods that resolve dampness. When consumed in excess, bitter and pungent food flavors, which help to cure damp, can deplete qi, blood, and bodily fluid.

This is because these flavors help to resolve damp. There Is a Herbal Latte for Every Occasion and Season Those who are battling with a buildup of moisture may find that herbal lattes make an excellent smoothie alternative. Because of the therapeutic quality, the bitter and/or pungent astringent features of teas, as well as their physical warmth, make them the appropriate beverage.

For instance, the pungent flavor of chai tea is drying and warming, which explains why it is such a good option for attuning to the chilly and wet atmosphere of Victoria, British Columbia, where I live. Why doesn’t having a lack of spleen go well with smoothies? The very cold temperature of smoothies, which is normal, has the potential to extinguish the digestive fire.

  • Common smoothie components include banana, avocado, coconut, protein powders, dairy, and nut butters.
  • These ingredients provide a cooling and moistening effect on the mouth and body.
  • When something is ingested, the transforming process of metabolizing food into energy and regulating water pathways becomes less effective.

This is true both for the body and for other organisms. The immobilization of immune cells on the walls of the digestive track by low temperatures has been demonstrated by scientific research to have an influence on digestion. Take, for instance: According to the findings of a research that was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the vast majority of children who have an allergy to milk may accept milk that has been heated.

The following recipes assist to enhance energy first thing in the morning; try having a cup of herbal latte around half an hour before breakfast. The benefits of consuming a Western diet include antioxidants that are good for the brain and hormones, necessary fatty acids, amino acids (12 grams of protein), nourishing minerals, and fiber.

Enjoy! Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon of matcha powder from Japan and 1 1/2 cups of water, OR 1 1/2 cups of decaffeinated coffee,
  • 2 tablespoons of full-fat coconut milk or your preferred alternative to dairy milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons collagen powder
  • Raw honey, dark maple syrup, coconut (palm) sugar, palmyra nectar, green leaf stevia, or monk fruit extract can be used to sweeten things up.
  • L-glutamine, acacia or hydrolyzed guar gum fiber, herbal powders (as indicated by your herbalist), one half of a teaspoon of ginger root powder, and one half of a teaspoon of cardamom powder are among the optional add-ins.

Alternative formulations of Tea White peony tea, served in the autumn Chai or ginger tea during the winter months Spring: Nettle + green rooibos During the summer, try a) Holy basil or green tea with peppermint, or b) Dandy mix or decaf coffee with reishi powder. Rooibos or turmeric tea in the late summer (also known as Indian Summer) Directions

  1. Start by bringing a little amount of water to a boil in a pot. After adding the matcha powder, mix it well. * When preparing tea from loose leaf, remove the pot from the heat, add the tea, cover it, and let it steep until the desired level of strength is obtained. For instance, the preparation of green tea requires a minimum of four minutes, whereas holy basil requires ten. * The tea that requires a longer infusion time should be added first. If you want decaffeinated coffee, follow the directions that come with your Aeropress or coffee machine.
  2. Matcha, steeped tea, or coffee should be poured into a protein shaker cup along with the plant milk and collagen, and then the mixture should be shaken to incorporate the ingredients.
  3. Enjoy the beverage after pouring the mixture into the cup containing the remainder of the coffee or tea.

I really hope that today’s post has been enlightening for you. If you’re interested in trying acupuncture, I’d be more than happy to point you in the right direction. To make an online reservation, please go to www.vcaspa.com. Follow me on Instagram at @hayley stobbs to obtain further information on my acupuncture practice.

Does Chinese medicine have side effects?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the kind and frequency of adverse events that occur as a result of the use of traditional Chinese medicine in Australia (including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine). Methods: The results of a comprehensive survey of all occupational health groups, both government-registered and unregistered, that practiced traditional Chinese medicine or one of its primary modalities were used to collect data on adverse occurrences.

  • Results: Numerous adverse events, such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and increased pain, were recorded by practitioners as a result of the use of acupuncture or the ingestion of Chinese herbal medications (including direct toxic effects and allergic reactions).
  • When practitioners worked full-time, they reported an unfavorable incident an average of once every 8 to 9 months, which corresponds to one adverse event for every 633 consultations.

When compared to the mean adverse event rate of medical practitioners, the rate of adverse events experienced by non-medical practitioners was much lower. The methods of acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment are not risk-free, and there have been instances when people have died as a result of their use.

  1. Differences in relevant education or reporting practices might be to blame for variations in adverse event rates observed across medical and nonmedical practitioners.
  2. The examination of adverse event rates in traditional Chinese medicine starts with these statistics, which constitute the initial stage in the process.

Arch Fam Med.2000;9:1071-1078

How long does it take for Chinese medicine to work?

The function of herbs in traditional Chinese medicine – Roofener says The idea of pattern distinction is fundamental to the practice of traditional Chinese herbal therapy. Identifying a person’s head-to-toe collection of indications and symptoms is a necessary step in the pattern differentiation process.

“We do not provide treatment for illness. We focus on treating both patients and patterns “It is clarified by her. “Consider some of the diverse ecosystems that exist on our globe, such as the Sahara Desert, the swamps of Florida, and the wildness of Canada. We need to provide care for each environment in a manner that is specific to it “she explains.

For instance, she argues that “It makes no difference how much pesticide we spread throughout the swampland. Because of how favorable the atmosphere is, there will always be something that has the potential to develop there. Our bodies, too, have a separate, interior environment necessitating a distinctive treatment.

  • No matter how many medicines we give you, if the problem is being encouraged by your internal environment, you will continue to have the problem.
  • It does not matter how many antibiotics we give you.
  • Therefore, we work to restore harmony to the body in order to make it an environment that is inhospitable to the health problems you are experiencing.” The specific plants that are responsible for this effect are quite varied.

For instance, both peppermint and cinnamon are recognized for their antiviral properties. However, the effectiveness of each is dependent on the individual. “Cinnamon is a warm spice, whereas peppermint is a cool one. The patient going through menopause who is experiencing hot flashes might benefit from peppermint, but cinnamon would be too stimulating for her “What can I say? “Cinnamon, on the other hand, is more suited for the older guy who dresses more traditionally, such as by wearing a thick coat and boots even in the summer.

This allows us to steer clear of any adverse consequences “It is made clear by her. How long does it take for you to feel the effects of taking Chinese herbs? According to Roofener, the duration of therapy might range anywhere from one to two weeks to a much longer period of time. “If we’ve been treating a fever or a cough, you should be fine to leave in a relatively short amount of time.

On the other hand, if you have a history of health issues dating back 40 years and several chronic conditions, the process will take significantly longer.”

Can you drink alcohol while taking Chinese medicine?

Alcohol, Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine all come from China. – In general, it is not advisable to consume alcohol before to or soon following acupuncture treatments. This is because alcohol can interfere with the body’s natural healing process.

An immunological reaction is triggered by acupuncture, which assists in increasing blood flow to parts of the body that are in need of treatment. On the other hand, alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it can cause dehydration and a reduction in blood volume. During acupuncture treatments, it is essential to maintain enough hydration for the sake of healing.

This ensures that there is an adequate supply of blood and lymph fluids, which in turn facilitates healing and cleansing. It is important to keep in mind that alcohol is a neurotoxic, which means that it can hinder the body’s ability to recover in any process, regardless of whether or not it is connected to acupuncture.

Drinking alcohol before to treatment is dangerous for another reason: alcohol can act as a vasodilator, which means it can cause the blood vessels in the peripheral organs to relax, resulting in a lower blood pressure. This allows more blood to flow through the skin and tissues. In addition to this, acupuncture has been shown to reduce blood pressure; while both of these effects can be hazardous on their own, combining them can result in post-treatment symptoms such as dizziness and even fainting.

Consuming traditional Chinese medicine herbs alongside alcoholic beverages is not suggested as a matter of practice. In a manner comparable to that of conventional medicines, the consumption of some Chinese herbs in conjunction with alcoholic beverages may result in hazardous effects.

If you have been given a herbal remedy by a practitioner, you should understand that it is intended to be a short-term solution that will help your body return to a state of health and equilibrium. In the best case scenario, you will be able to provide yourself with the space you need to recover if you refrain from drinking alcohol during this period.

Herbal remedies are taken with the intention of fortifying the body’s immune system in order to improve its capacity for self-healing. Since alcohol has a suppressive impact on the immune system, drinking it might have the opposite effect of what the herbal remedy is trying to accomplish.

  1. If you are serious about continuing the healing process that you have begun, then you should abstain from drinking alcohol for the duration of your therapy.
  2. If you have trouble refraining from drinking alcohol, it is time for you to take a good look at yourself and consider seeing an acupuncturist, a counselor, or another type of health care practitioner so that you can identify the underlying source of the problem and find a solution to it.

Make an appointment with us now to receive acupuncture treatment.