Autumn Foods
There is nothing like stepping into a fresh outdoor market on a beautiful fall day. The produce teems with color as the fall harvest delivers its final bounty. Fall is a great time to start building ones body and immune system through nutritious foods and recipes. The foods listed below are related to the metal element in Chinese medicine, and influence the lungs and large intestine to some degree. The sour foods, such as pears and apricots, astringe fluid loss, enhance fluid production, moisten dryness and nourish the yin. They can be useful for treating dry cough, constipation and thirst. The spicier foods, such as ginger, scallions, and peppermint, tend to warm the body, dispersing cold and acting as diaphoretics (sweating agents). They help to expel the first stages of a common cold and soothe scratchy, sore throats. The heavier foods listed help nourish yin and blood, preparing the body for winter weather.
Almonds - Apricots - Asian Pears - Brown Sugar - Duck - Ginger - Honey - Pears - Peppermint - Rice - Scallions - Mushrooms - Wild Rice - Yams
Acupuncture to tonify the Lung qi- One of the most powerful points on the Lung channel, lieqi (lung 7), is used to open the lungs and descend the qi to stop coughing. It also clears wind-heat or wind-cold, relieving sore throat, sneezing and sniffling. As part of the Metal Element, lung 7 can help heal deep seated grief or sadness that has gone unexpressed. It is also the "command point" of the head and neck, enhancing circulation to the brain and stimulating memory. This point is often coupled with hegu (large intestine 4) to treat colds, clear the sinuses and strengthens the weiqi or immune system.
"Blood deficiency" is a diagnostic category in Chinese medicine. It is most often linked to an underlying "spleen deficiency". Blood deficiency is aggravated by a history of hemorrhaging or serious blood loss; chronic, heavy menstruation; over-zealous exercise (especially when combined with a low caloric intake); long term vegetarianism and prolonged stress and worry. Blood deficiency tends to be more prevalent in women due to menstruation, pregnancy and nursing, but a number of men suffer from this condition as well.
Blood deficiency may manifest as the following physical symptoms: menstrual issues, infertility, numbness, skin rashes, dry skin, hair and nails, chronic muscle spasms, slow to heal injuries or chronic tendonitis, heart palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and specific types of insomnia.
When treating blood deficiency it is very important to stay well hydrated and to eat small, frequent meals through out the day. The blood is considered a "yin" substance in the body and, therefore, takes time to supplement. Frequent, easy to digest meals will slowly help build the blood. Eating this way prevents digestion from getting over-taxed, thereby protecting the spleen from further deficiency. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. This, as well as drinking fluids that have electrolytes, will help hydrate the bodies tissues. Try some organic chicken broth as a way to introduce fluids to the body while providing easy to assimilate nutrients.
If your practitioner has diagnosed you with Blood Deficiency there are a number of foods you can incorporate into your diet to help "tonify your blood and yin fluids". Certain vitamin/supplements will also help build your blood. It is best to check with your Naturopath or physician to be sure the supplements are safe and appropriate for your particular situation before you start taking them. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, ill or taking medication.
Generally speaking, if you're blood deficient it is best to avoid over-stimulating drinks such as green tea, alcohol as well as excessively spiced foods. Doing so will help protect your "blood and yin" from drying out or becoming exhausted. As always, when it comes to healing, make a special effort to get adequate rest. Sleep is one of the most potent ways to help the body heal and rejuvenate.
Blood Tonic Foods:
1) Certified Organic beef
2) Green leafy vegetables such as kale and chard
3) Black strap molasses
4) Dark colored fruits and vegetables- red grapes, raisins, berries, beets, etc.
5) Slow-cooked soups, stews and braised meats- these cooking methods extract the deepest "qi" and richest nutrients from bones, meats and vegetables.
6) Seaweeds - naturally rich in minerals (*Use quality brands that ensure the highest of purity standards).
7) Organic Royal Jelly- a "blood and yin tonic" that is naturally high in amino acids, vitamins and enzymes.
8) Iron supplements such as "Floradix"- a gentle, herbal tonic that helps build the blood.
9) Chlorophyll Supplements- particularly barley grass (avoid spirulina as it tends to be too warming).
