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March 2006 Newsletter Part Two
In
this newsletter there are two main articles and our Medical Qigong
update. I decided to put both articles in this newsletter as they are
on interrelated subjects. The first article is a continuation of our
look at harmonizing with the springtime, this time looking at how and
what we eat, and the second article is an overview of flavor and
function as it relates to food in general.
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Eating for the Springtime
In continuing our
discussion of the springtime (if you missed the past couple of
newsletters you can click on the link below to go to our newsletter
archive), we are going to look at the best foods and ways to eat for
supporting the health in the springtime, with a particular emphasis on
the liver.
The way that we eat is perhaps as important as what we eat. This is
particularly true in the springtime, when the surging force of the
season may cause fluctuations in our energy and appetite. One way that
we can regulate and stabilize the energy and appetite is by eating
small meals at regular times throughout the day in a relaxed
atmosphere. While it is not always possible to eat in a relaxed
environment, you can consciously relax and settle the body before you
eat and while you are eating. Pay attention to the flavor of the foods
that you are eating; flavor is an important indicator of the quality
and effect of a food and, of course, adds to the pleasure of eating.
These suggestions will help to smooth the liver qi and prevent the
digestive system from becoming overwhelmed or constrained.
As far as food itself goes, try to include a combination of
protein, vegetables and some grains. For the springtime, it is best to
increase the foods that are cooling and light, which are primarily
going to be fruits and vegetables. However, only eating fruits or
vegetables (as in a fast) does not provide the body with the foundation
of energy that it requires this time of year. It is thus important to
have high quality proteins and some whole grains as part of a balanced
meal. Although some raw fruits and vegetables (such as salads) are fine
during the springtime it is ideal to have the majority of the
vegetables cooked. It would be best to minimize heating and congesting
foods such as sugar, alcohol, wheat and dairy (although cottage cheese
and yogurt are usually fine), as these foods may add to the rising
warmth of the qi and cause inflammation and agitation during the
springtime.
To summarize: eat small regular meals, pay attention to the
flavor of what you are eating and consciously eat in a relaxed manner
(even if you are in a hectic environment). Don’t go for too long
between meals and avoid eating too much at one time. Reduce the amounts
of sugar, wheat, dairy and alcohol that you are having and increase
cooling and light foods (such as fruits and vegetables). Incorporate
vegetables, high quality protein and whole grains with each meal.
Remember that making even one small change in the way that you are
eating can have a powerful effect on how you feel. If looking at these
suggestions feels overwhelming, simply start by making one change, such
as eating in a relaxed manner or adding one serving of cooked
vegetables in per day. You will find, after a short while, that it
becomes easier to make other changes and what you eat will begin to
change naturally.
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Foods and Flavors
Within Chinese medicine, foods, just like herbs, can be classified
according to flavor. The flavor of a food is seen not just as the taste
in our mouth as we eat the food, but also as an indicator of the
essential properties and nature of the food. The flavors are thus, in
the traditional perspective, what specifically nourish the body. In
other words, the essences of the food, as indicated by the flavor, have
a certain affinity for the qi of a specific organ in the body and are
assimilated through the digestive process to nourish that organ.
For example, the sour flavor of a food indicates an affinity or
relationship with the qi of the liver. Thus a small amount of sour
foods benefit the liver and tones the tendons and ligaments. However,
too many sour foods or too concentrated of a sour taste may aggravate
the liver and lead to a tightening of the muscles and tendons. Orange
juice, for example, quenches the thirst so well because the sour flavor
helps the body to hold in the fluids. However, drinking too much may
cause an abnormal congestion of fluids (dampness or phlegm) and muscle
spasms or cramps.
In general, we can tell the nature of the food and the organ that
it has an affinity for by looking at the flavor. I have listed the
flavors, functions and associated organs below.
The bitter taste has the function of clearing and dispersing and goes to the heart.
Examples of bitter foods are: mustard greens, watercress and coffee
The spicy taste has the function of promoting circulation and movement and goes to the lungs.
Examples of spicy foods are: ginger, onions, basil and mint.
The sour taste has the function containing, drawing in and astringing and goes to the liver.
Examples of sour foods are: unsweetened yogurt, vinegar, lemons and oranges.
The sweet flavor strengthens and builds and goes to the spleen.
Examples of sweet foods are: yams, oatmeal, rice and chicken.
The salty flavor concentrates the substances of the body and softens masses and goes to the kidneys,
Examples of salty foods are: salt (of course), seaweed and ocean fish.
This may sound a little complicated in terms of diet, but in
practical terms, we can have a very balanced and healthy diet simply by
trying to include some of each flavor in our meals throughout the day.
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Foundations of Medical Qigong Workshop Saturday April 8th
This is our introductory
Medical Qigong class, which emphasizes personal attention while
learning Quiet and Moving Qigong exercises. My main focus for this
class is on the student developing an effective qigong practice at
home. It also fulfills the prerequisite for attending our ongoing
weekly practice group.
For more information you can click on the link below to go to our
classes page. You can also contact me for more information or call
Danny (who is helping me organize the class) to register at (707)
478-6709.
click here to go to our classes page
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As always, feel free to contact me with any thoughts or questions.
With best wishes for a healthy springtime,
Sean
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