In East Asian Medicine we acknowledge how our mindset and emotions can directly affect our physical health. The last 2 blogs reviewed how one can best support their exercise routine and nutrition with the Late Summer’s Earth Element to guide them. When we live in resonance with the natural energy around us, it sets us up for success, balance, and fewer symptoms. What we eat is important. It is equally, if not more, How we eat.
The environment around us while we are eating contributes to how we can or cannot digest our food. Talking about finances, politics, planning or anything else that stresses you out will prevent your body from digesting properly. The frustration and angst coming from the Wood element will directly impact how the food gets processed from start to finish.
What are you thinking and saying to yourself while you eat? If you are eating something you define as “bad” and something you “shouldn’t” have, along with other negative thoughts; this is what you are consuming. Your physical body is taking in and digesting all of that negativity. When eating something out of your usual balanced meal plan, take the time to eat slowly and enjoy every bite. Savor the smell, the texture, the flavor. If this treat is for an occasion, open your heart and belly to the loved ones around you. Take that in along with the food.
Are you listening to your body or the media? There are various ways that various types of experts recommend eating. Take the time to look at their resources. Is most of the research done on a target group that is not yours? Does this match your particular lifestyle needs? Do you feel good while following the protocols? There are different healthy eating lifestyles because people are different. Find the one that works best for you, not the most popular.
Eat breakfast like a Queen, lunch like a Princess, dinner like a Pauper. This is a famous saying in East Asian medicine. The main takeaway is that the early day is more yang and the evening is more yin. Your body will digest smoother while being supported by the metabolizing properties of the yang. Eating late in the evening stimulates the yang when the body and mind should be entering the yin. This may cause reflux, heartburn, nausea, insomnia, restless mind, nightmares, and weight gain. How does Acupuncture fit in? Acupuncture is super helpful when making any changes. We can support your digestive system as it adjusts to metabolizing your energy differently. We can boost your will and drive as you carry out your plan. We can work with you to cultivate a general guideline of types of foods that will support you based on Chinese Medicinal theory.