| Spring
Do's & Dont's
by: Richard A. Weissman, L.Ac.
To unify
with SUMMER, a yang season, we should express
yang principles of expansion, growth, lightness, outward activity,
brightness, and creativity. To be in harmony with the atmosphere
of summer, awaken early in the morning and reach to the sun
as the garden does. Allow the true bounty of the outside world
to enter and enliven us.
Combine
colors of fruits and vegetables. Cook lightly and add a little
spicy, pungent or fiery flavor. Steam or simmer quickly. When
sautéing, use high heat for a very short time. Use
less salt and more water. Include warm foods to allow the
body to sweat which cools the body. Summer heat with cold
foods weakens the digestive system and holds in sweat. Iced
drinks and ice cream should be only occasional treats.
On the
hottest days, cooling foods include fresh salads, sprouts,
fruit, cucumber, tofu and teas with chrysanthemum, mint, and
chamomile. Cooling fruits include apples, watermelons, lemons,
and limes.
Heavy
foods on hot days cause sluggishness. Such foods include meat,
eggs, and excesses of nuts, seeds, and grains. Always consider
balance in life. Do you give yourself enough rest? Exercise?
Stretching? Sleep? Time for yourself? Time outdoors? Balanced
and healthy diet?
The
Heart in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Of the
Five Elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Heart
belongs to the Fire Element. This includes not only the organ
itself but also the concept—shared in the West—of
the Heart as a center of emotion and spirit. This is reflected
in our phrases, “Have a heart”, “Put your
heart into it”, or “Learn by heart”. Dean
Ornish, MD, has developed studies showing the relationship
between heart disease and emotional stress. In TCM, the Heart
not only regulates blood circulation but also controls consciousness,
sleep, spirit, memory, and houses the mind. In this way the
Heart relates to our concept of the nervous system.
Those
with healthy hearts are friendly and humble. Their hearts
are open and their minds are aware. Clarity is a central attribute.
General symptoms of Heart imbalance are a scattered or confused
mind, excess or no laughter, a red or very pale face, speech
problems, depression, mental illness, loss of memory, poor
circulation, weak spirit, and aversion to heat.
Physical
heart disease is the largest health problem in the United
States. Numerous nutritional studies indicate that heart disease
is related to calcium metabolism. Coffee, alcohol, tobacco,
refined salt, sugar, refined flour, pesticides, marijuana,
and other intoxicants all interfere with calcium absorption.
Equally damaging is excess protein in the diet. Cultures with
high-protein diets have elevated levels of heart disease and
osteoporosis.
In TCM,
calcium-rich substances such as oyster shell, fluorite, gypsum,
and fossilized bones of animals are used in herbal teas for
cooling, calming, relaxing and moistening. They may be used
for over-heated conditions with symptoms such as insomnia,
thirst, anxiety. These calcium-rich substances “tonify
yin fluids” to calm the heart, relax the liver, and
moisten the lungs. Western nutrition also uses calcium foods
to benefit the nerves and heart.
As for
calcium absorption, dietary magnesium and vitamin D are required.
Magnesium-rich foods include seaweed, beans, whole grains,
nuts and seeds. Dairy, meat and fruit contain the least magnesium.
Refined white flour has lost 92% of its magnesium! Other co-factors
in calcium absorption are phosphorus, and vitamins A and C.
These are all found in green vegetables.Calcium
contracts muscles; magnesium relaxes them. Calcium-blocking
drugs are used to help stop vasospasm in heart disorders and
headaches. Increased dietary magnesium may have the same result
without side effects.
The imbalance
in Heart Spirit is usually seen as a deficiency of yin or
blood. The Spirit is yang in nature and wants to rise and
be active. The yin and blood ground the spirit and settle
it at night for sleep. Deficiency of heart yin or heart blood
may lead to insomnia, irregular or racing heartbeat, excessive
dreaming, or irrational behavior. Yin deficiency has heat
signs such as red tongue or cheeks, hot palms and soles, anxiety,
fast and thin pulse. Blood deficiency has pale tongue and
skin, dry nails and eyes, sluggish pulse. Heart yin deficiency
is often caused by excessive Liver or deficient Kidneys. Heart
blood deficiency is often caused by Spleen qi deficiency (poor
digestion).
Establishing
a calm, strong and clear mind is integral to heart health.
Foods that help calm the heart spirit include whole grains,
brown rice, all forms of mushrooms, cucumber, celery, mulberries,
and lemons. Spices include dill and basil. Herbs include jujube
seed, chamomile, valerian, skullcap, schisandra berry.
Are
You Ready To Improve Your Health?
Referrals and Speaking Engagements Are Welcome!
925-457-2122
510-787-9700
Back
to Top
|
