New research suggests carbonated cola’s boosts osteoporosis risk in women.
Women who drink cola daily had lower bone mineral density than those who drink it only once a week. If you are worried about osteoporosis, it is probably a good idea to switch to another beverage or to limit your cola to occasional use.
The report was published in the October issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
About 55 percent of Americans, mostly women, are at risk for developing osteoporosis.
Researchers collected data on more than 2,500 participants averaging just below 60 years of age. The researchers looked at bone mineral density at three different hip sites, as well as the spine.
They found that in women, drinking cola was associated with lower bone mineral density at all three hip sites, regardless of age, menopause, total calcium and vitamin D intake, or smoking or drinking alcohol. Women reported drinking an average of five carbonated drinks a week, four of which were cola.
Bone density among women who drank cola daily was almost 4 percent less, compared with women who didn't drink cola, which is quite significant when you are talking about the density of the skeleton.
Bone health is related to the Kidney organ system, in Chinese medicine. This research suggests that carbonated colas prevent the Kidney system from keeping the skeletal system strong, which is confirmed by the Chinese Five Element model of Earth overacting on Water. The Earth element represents the Spleen/Stomach organ system and is very sensitive to carbonated colas. When the Earth element is out of balance, it is unable to support the Water element, represented by the Kidney/Urinary Bladder organ system. Osteoporosis is just one sign of an imbalance in the Kidney organ system. Other signs of a Kidney imbalance are: low back pain, low libido, knee pain, poor hearing or hearing loss, loose or falling hair, gray hair and fatigue.
Meridian Harmonics
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Friday, December 01, 2006
Sugary drinks linked to cancer risk
Drinking two sugary drinks a day almost doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer, a study suggests.
Researchers linked excess sugar, in fizzy drinks or added to tea and coffee to the increased risk.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition research looked at 80,000 men and women between 1997 and 2005 - 131 who developed pancreatic cancer.
A person's diet has a significant effect on their risk of several types of cancer including pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly form of the disease, which is difficult to treat.
Just over 15,000 people are diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas each year.
Up to a third of cases are linked to smoking.
Pancreatic cancer is most common in people aged 60 or over. It is difficult to treat because it is often not diagnosed until it has spread beyond the pancreas.
The risk of developing pancreatic cancer was 70% higher for those who added sugar to their drinks at least five times a day.
Despite the fact that the chances of developing pancreatic cancer are relatively small, it's important to learn more about the risk factors behind the disease. It is perhaps the most serious form of cancer, with very poor prognosis for its victims. Since it's difficult to treat and is often discovered too late, it's particularly important that we learn to prevent it. We know that a person's diet has a significant effect on their risk of several types of cancer including pancreatic cancer.
Each Chinese organ system is sensitive to flavors. In the case of the Spleen and Pancreas, excessive sweet consumption tends to weaken both organs, whether sugar or artificial sweeteners. Some common signs of the weakened Spleen/Pancreas system are: fatigue, digestive disorders, weight gain, swellings in various regions, excessive mucus or phlegm, dizziness or vertigo, heart palpitations, worry or anxiety, muscle pain and bruising easily.
Meridian Harmonics
Researchers linked excess sugar, in fizzy drinks or added to tea and coffee to the increased risk.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition research looked at 80,000 men and women between 1997 and 2005 - 131 who developed pancreatic cancer.
A person's diet has a significant effect on their risk of several types of cancer including pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly form of the disease, which is difficult to treat.
Just over 15,000 people are diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas each year.
Up to a third of cases are linked to smoking.
Pancreatic cancer is most common in people aged 60 or over. It is difficult to treat because it is often not diagnosed until it has spread beyond the pancreas.
The risk of developing pancreatic cancer was 70% higher for those who added sugar to their drinks at least five times a day.
Despite the fact that the chances of developing pancreatic cancer are relatively small, it's important to learn more about the risk factors behind the disease. It is perhaps the most serious form of cancer, with very poor prognosis for its victims. Since it's difficult to treat and is often discovered too late, it's particularly important that we learn to prevent it. We know that a person's diet has a significant effect on their risk of several types of cancer including pancreatic cancer.
Each Chinese organ system is sensitive to flavors. In the case of the Spleen and Pancreas, excessive sweet consumption tends to weaken both organs, whether sugar or artificial sweeteners. Some common signs of the weakened Spleen/Pancreas system are: fatigue, digestive disorders, weight gain, swellings in various regions, excessive mucus or phlegm, dizziness or vertigo, heart palpitations, worry or anxiety, muscle pain and bruising easily.
Meridian Harmonics
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Sugar linked with mental problems
Researchers report teens that drank the most sugary soft drinks also had more mental health problems such as hyperactivity and distress.
Their study shows a clear and direct association between soft drink intake and hyperactivity, and a more complex link with other mental and behavioral disorders.
Researchers also found teens that skipped breakfast and lunch were among the heaviest soft drink consumers.
The worst problems were seen in boys and girls who drank four or more soft drinks a day. Ten percent of the boys and 2 percent of the girls drank this much.
In Chinese medicine an over consumption of sweets can impair several organs, preventing them from performing their functions at peak levels. Some of the results of consuming excessive sweets: 1) the inability of the body to transport and transform fluids resulting in weight gain, 2) lowered endocrine functioning (i.e. hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, etc.), 3) adverse affect to those organs that regulate mental and emotional health and well being, 4) an overproduction of phlegm and mucus in the respiratory and digestive tracks, 5) decreased blood circulation and 6) difficult respiration.
It’s important to point out that the sweets don’t have to be in the form of just sugar. In Chinese medicine an over abundance of natural and artificial sweets in the diet can cause the problems listed above.
Meridian Harmonics
Their study shows a clear and direct association between soft drink intake and hyperactivity, and a more complex link with other mental and behavioral disorders.
Researchers also found teens that skipped breakfast and lunch were among the heaviest soft drink consumers.
The worst problems were seen in boys and girls who drank four or more soft drinks a day. Ten percent of the boys and 2 percent of the girls drank this much.
In Chinese medicine an over consumption of sweets can impair several organs, preventing them from performing their functions at peak levels. Some of the results of consuming excessive sweets: 1) the inability of the body to transport and transform fluids resulting in weight gain, 2) lowered endocrine functioning (i.e. hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, etc.), 3) adverse affect to those organs that regulate mental and emotional health and well being, 4) an overproduction of phlegm and mucus in the respiratory and digestive tracks, 5) decreased blood circulation and 6) difficult respiration.
It’s important to point out that the sweets don’t have to be in the form of just sugar. In Chinese medicine an over abundance of natural and artificial sweets in the diet can cause the problems listed above.
Meridian Harmonics
Walking not enough to get fit
Researchers now say walking may not be enough, on its own, to produce significant health benefits. Generally, low-intensity activity such as walking alone is not likely to give anybody marked health benefits compared to programs that occasionally elevate the intensity. They are suggesting the current guidelines on how much exercise to take is set too low.
The researchers assessed impact on fitness by measuring blood pressure, and peak oxygen uptake, a measure of lung capacity. They found the 10,000-step program increased peak oxygen uptake by an average of 4% while the moderate intensity exercise group increased by 10%. Researchers suggest “you've got to do more than light exercise and move towards the inclusion of regular moderate activity, and don't be shy to interject an occasional period of time at the vigorous level."
Generally speaking an exercise program should include aerobic or cardiovascular workouts along with stretching, and resistance or weight training. Each type of exercise affects the body differently. I find that most patients are not including enough vigorous exercise in their daily routines to make a significant impact on their overall health.
I suggest patients begin a daily program including the following: 1) 10-20 minutes of stretching, 2) 10-15 minutes of weight training, and 3) 30-45 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity. I have found this to be the best mix for those seeking to maximize their overall health and longevity.
Of course exercise is just one component to getting and staying fit and healthy. Another important aspect is consuming foods best suited for one’s body type and underlying constitution. This is the essence of Chinese dietary therapy and Chinese Food Energetics.
Meridian Harmonics
The researchers assessed impact on fitness by measuring blood pressure, and peak oxygen uptake, a measure of lung capacity. They found the 10,000-step program increased peak oxygen uptake by an average of 4% while the moderate intensity exercise group increased by 10%. Researchers suggest “you've got to do more than light exercise and move towards the inclusion of regular moderate activity, and don't be shy to interject an occasional period of time at the vigorous level."
Generally speaking an exercise program should include aerobic or cardiovascular workouts along with stretching, and resistance or weight training. Each type of exercise affects the body differently. I find that most patients are not including enough vigorous exercise in their daily routines to make a significant impact on their overall health.
I suggest patients begin a daily program including the following: 1) 10-20 minutes of stretching, 2) 10-15 minutes of weight training, and 3) 30-45 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity. I have found this to be the best mix for those seeking to maximize their overall health and longevity.
Of course exercise is just one component to getting and staying fit and healthy. Another important aspect is consuming foods best suited for one’s body type and underlying constitution. This is the essence of Chinese dietary therapy and Chinese Food Energetics.
Meridian Harmonics
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Less Stress May Increase Pregnancy Odds
Researchers have evidence that some women may be able to improve their chances of getting pregnant by reducing stress.
Many factors, affecting both men and women, can cause fertility problems. It's long been thought that the stress of daily life is related to infertility.
Acupuncture techniques may improve the chances of conceiving a child by managing and reducing stress in women with a condition known as amenorrhea, in which a woman's monthly periods are interrupted and ovulation doesn't always occur. Amenorrhea is thought to be caused by poor nutrition and over-exercising.
A combination of stress management therapy and diet and exercise coaching restored fertility in 80 percent of the women who took part, compared to 25 percent in a control group.
The researchers measured stress by monitoring levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the women. The psychotherapy and behavioral therapy appeared to reduce the levels of cortisol and restore ovulation.
The researchers say this study underlines the contribution lifestyle factors play in fertility.
Failure to ovulate is thought to be the result of too much energy being used up by excessive exercise and poor nutrition. But the researchers in this study theorize that dieting and excessive exercise might actually be a way of trying to cope with underlying stress, especially in women who aren't ovulating.
If you are having trouble conceiving a child, talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis. There are many causes of infertility and many treatments available that have helped many couples. Chinese medicine can be very helpful to increase fertility chances.
Meridian Harmonics
Many factors, affecting both men and women, can cause fertility problems. It's long been thought that the stress of daily life is related to infertility.
Acupuncture techniques may improve the chances of conceiving a child by managing and reducing stress in women with a condition known as amenorrhea, in which a woman's monthly periods are interrupted and ovulation doesn't always occur. Amenorrhea is thought to be caused by poor nutrition and over-exercising.
A combination of stress management therapy and diet and exercise coaching restored fertility in 80 percent of the women who took part, compared to 25 percent in a control group.
The researchers measured stress by monitoring levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the women. The psychotherapy and behavioral therapy appeared to reduce the levels of cortisol and restore ovulation.
The researchers say this study underlines the contribution lifestyle factors play in fertility.
Failure to ovulate is thought to be the result of too much energy being used up by excessive exercise and poor nutrition. But the researchers in this study theorize that dieting and excessive exercise might actually be a way of trying to cope with underlying stress, especially in women who aren't ovulating.
If you are having trouble conceiving a child, talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis. There are many causes of infertility and many treatments available that have helped many couples. Chinese medicine can be very helpful to increase fertility chances.
Meridian Harmonics
Super-bug linked to tattooing
People who get tattoos from unlicensed sources are at risk of developing a drug-resistant bacterial skin infection, federal health officials warn.
Six recent outbreaks of infections with this "superbug," methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been traced to unlicensed tattoo artists, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
MRSA infection typically manifests as abscesses or areas of inflammation on the skin, though it can also lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia, blood infections or, in some cases, necrotizing fasciitis, also referred to as the "flesh-eating disease."
While the bug was once largely confined to hospitals, it is becoming increasingly common in the general public -- showing up among prison inmates, athletic teams and others who are in close contact and may share contaminated items.
The six tattoo-related outbreaks affected 44 people in Kentucky, Ohio and Vermont, the CDC reports in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Thirty-four had recently gotten a tattoo from an unlicensed source, while 10 others contracted the infection from close contact with the tattoo recipients.
Health officials' investigations found that the tattooists in many cases did not follow standard hygiene practices like changing gloves between clients, using skin antiseptic and disinfecting equipment. Three tattooists had recently been in prison, where they could have picked up MRSA. In some cases, the amateur artists used makeshift equipment like guitar strings and computer ink-jet cartridges instead of tattoo dye.
"Persons considering a tattoo should be aware of the potential for community-acquired MRSA infection and should only use the services of a licensed tattooist who follows proper infection-control procedures," the CDC advises.
That means using sterilized or single-use equipment, including needles, tattoo guns and inks.
Consideration should also be given to how tatooing affects a person's energy system. Tatooing, along with other scarring, will permanently obstruct the flow of the Qi or energy in the superficial meridian pathways, eventually affecting the ability of the associated organ to perform its functions at an optimal level. This, in turn, affects a persons overall health and vitality.
Meridian Harmonics
Six recent outbreaks of infections with this "superbug," methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been traced to unlicensed tattoo artists, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
MRSA infection typically manifests as abscesses or areas of inflammation on the skin, though it can also lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia, blood infections or, in some cases, necrotizing fasciitis, also referred to as the "flesh-eating disease."
While the bug was once largely confined to hospitals, it is becoming increasingly common in the general public -- showing up among prison inmates, athletic teams and others who are in close contact and may share contaminated items.
The six tattoo-related outbreaks affected 44 people in Kentucky, Ohio and Vermont, the CDC reports in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Thirty-four had recently gotten a tattoo from an unlicensed source, while 10 others contracted the infection from close contact with the tattoo recipients.
Health officials' investigations found that the tattooists in many cases did not follow standard hygiene practices like changing gloves between clients, using skin antiseptic and disinfecting equipment. Three tattooists had recently been in prison, where they could have picked up MRSA. In some cases, the amateur artists used makeshift equipment like guitar strings and computer ink-jet cartridges instead of tattoo dye.
"Persons considering a tattoo should be aware of the potential for community-acquired MRSA infection and should only use the services of a licensed tattooist who follows proper infection-control procedures," the CDC advises.
That means using sterilized or single-use equipment, including needles, tattoo guns and inks.
Consideration should also be given to how tatooing affects a person's energy system. Tatooing, along with other scarring, will permanently obstruct the flow of the Qi or energy in the superficial meridian pathways, eventually affecting the ability of the associated organ to perform its functions at an optimal level. This, in turn, affects a persons overall health and vitality.
Meridian Harmonics
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Diet Drinks & Weight Gain
There is a misconception, in our society, that drinking diet drinks can prevent weight gain. People who drink diet soft drinks don't lose weight. In fact, they gain weight. The findings come from eight years of data collected at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. All soft drink use is linked to overweight and obesity. What is surprising to most people is drinking diet soft drinks, increases the risk of obesity.
Researchers found that nearly all the obesity risk from soft drinks came from diet sodas.
For regular soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was: 32.8 percent for 1 to 2 cans each day, 47.2 percent for more than 2 cans each day.
For diet soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was 54.5 percent for 1 to 2 cans each day, 57.1 percent for more than 2 cans each day.
For each can of diet soft drink consumed each day, a person's risk of obesity went up 41 percent.
Some soft drink studies do suggest that diet drinks stimulate appetite. For every twelve ounces of diet soda consumed, the body retains twenty-four ounces of fluid.
This should be a wake-up call to all soda drinkers but especially diet soda drinkers.
Meridian Harmonics
Researchers found that nearly all the obesity risk from soft drinks came from diet sodas.
For regular soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was: 32.8 percent for 1 to 2 cans each day, 47.2 percent for more than 2 cans each day.
For diet soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was 54.5 percent for 1 to 2 cans each day, 57.1 percent for more than 2 cans each day.
For each can of diet soft drink consumed each day, a person's risk of obesity went up 41 percent.
Some soft drink studies do suggest that diet drinks stimulate appetite. For every twelve ounces of diet soda consumed, the body retains twenty-four ounces of fluid.
This should be a wake-up call to all soda drinkers but especially diet soda drinkers.
Meridian Harmonics
Potatoes & Diabetes
Avoiding potato chips and french fries may help you avoid type two diabetes. A new study finds potato lovers may have a higher risk of getting the disease. Researchers who followed nearly 85-thousand women found those who ate the most potatoes were 14 percent more likely to develop diabetes than women who did not eat a lot of potatoes. Potatoes are starchy and have a high glycemic index (GI). All foods with a high glycemic index cause a quick rise in blood sugar and over time can contribute to the development of type-two diabetes. They can also raise cholesterol levels, increase appetite and increases risk of heart disease.
Base your food choices primarily on overall nutrition – including vitamins, minerals and fiber. Don't dismiss healthy foods just because they have a high GI. Their other nutritional benefits make them good choices.
Try to choose at least one low GI food at each meal. If you choose a high GI food, combine it with a low GI food, for an overall medium GI meal.
Limit the amount of processed, refined starchy foods, as they tend to be low in fiber and other nutrients and have a higher GI.
Eat whole grain, pumpernickel and oat bran bread more often than white bread. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have a low GI, so they break down into sugar slowly in your body.
A good goal: five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
Choose parboiled, brown or white rice more often than instant rice. Eat pasta, rice, yams, lima beans or baked potatoes more often than mashed, boiled or instant potatoes. Eating potatoes cold, as in a salad, reduces their GI (but go easy on the mayo dressing).
Use vinaigrette instead of a creamy salad dressing. It's lower in fat, plus the acidity of the vinegar slows digestion, lowering the meal's GI.
Watch your portion sizes; the bigger the portion, the more it will increase your blood glucose, regardless of its GI rank.
In Chinese medicine, diabetes is seen as an imbalance between a person’s Yin and Yang aspects, mainly a deficiency of Yin. Predominant organ imbalances include the Kidneys, Spleen and Lung. Proper treatment includes correcting ones diet to avoid aggravating dryness and internal heat and inflammation. In addition, Chinese herbal medicine is used to nourish Yin, moisten dryness and clear heat.
Meridian Harmonics
Base your food choices primarily on overall nutrition – including vitamins, minerals and fiber. Don't dismiss healthy foods just because they have a high GI. Their other nutritional benefits make them good choices.
Try to choose at least one low GI food at each meal. If you choose a high GI food, combine it with a low GI food, for an overall medium GI meal.
Limit the amount of processed, refined starchy foods, as they tend to be low in fiber and other nutrients and have a higher GI.
Eat whole grain, pumpernickel and oat bran bread more often than white bread. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have a low GI, so they break down into sugar slowly in your body.
A good goal: five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
Choose parboiled, brown or white rice more often than instant rice. Eat pasta, rice, yams, lima beans or baked potatoes more often than mashed, boiled or instant potatoes. Eating potatoes cold, as in a salad, reduces their GI (but go easy on the mayo dressing).
Use vinaigrette instead of a creamy salad dressing. It's lower in fat, plus the acidity of the vinegar slows digestion, lowering the meal's GI.
Watch your portion sizes; the bigger the portion, the more it will increase your blood glucose, regardless of its GI rank.
In Chinese medicine, diabetes is seen as an imbalance between a person’s Yin and Yang aspects, mainly a deficiency of Yin. Predominant organ imbalances include the Kidneys, Spleen and Lung. Proper treatment includes correcting ones diet to avoid aggravating dryness and internal heat and inflammation. In addition, Chinese herbal medicine is used to nourish Yin, moisten dryness and clear heat.
Meridian Harmonics
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Increase Use of Sleeping Pills Causes Concern
Americans are taking sleeping pills like never before, fueled by stress filled workdays that lead to a poor night's sleep, and lulled by a surge of consumer advertising that promises safe slumber with minimal side effects.
About 42 million sleeping pill prescriptions were filled last year, up nearly 60 percent since 2000.
Some experts worry that the drugs are being oversubscribed without enough regard to known, if rare, side effects or the implications of long-term use. And they fear doctors may be ignoring other conditions, like depression, that might be the cause of sleeplessness.
Although the newer drugs are not believed to carry the same risk of dependence as older ones like barbiturates, some researchers have reported what is called the "next day" effect, a continued sleepiness hours after awakening from a drug-induced slumber.
Ten percent of Americans report that they regularly struggle to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night. And more and more are turning to a new generation of sleep aids like Ambien, the best seller, and its competitor, Lunesta. Experts acknowledge that insomnia has become a cultural benchmark — a side effect of an overworked, overwrought society.
Drug makers spent $298 million in the first 11 months of 2005 to convince consumers that the sleep aids are safe and effective. That was more than four times such ad spending in all of 2004.
Meridian Harmonics
About 42 million sleeping pill prescriptions were filled last year, up nearly 60 percent since 2000.
Some experts worry that the drugs are being oversubscribed without enough regard to known, if rare, side effects or the implications of long-term use. And they fear doctors may be ignoring other conditions, like depression, that might be the cause of sleeplessness.
Although the newer drugs are not believed to carry the same risk of dependence as older ones like barbiturates, some researchers have reported what is called the "next day" effect, a continued sleepiness hours after awakening from a drug-induced slumber.
Ten percent of Americans report that they regularly struggle to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night. And more and more are turning to a new generation of sleep aids like Ambien, the best seller, and its competitor, Lunesta. Experts acknowledge that insomnia has become a cultural benchmark — a side effect of an overworked, overwrought society.
Drug makers spent $298 million in the first 11 months of 2005 to convince consumers that the sleep aids are safe and effective. That was more than four times such ad spending in all of 2004.
Meridian Harmonics
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Insomnia: a Symptom of Imbalance
One of the problems with the western approach to sleep disorders is that traditional pharmaceuticals attempt to treat the symptoms and not the underlying cause of the imbalances responsible for insomnia. This is also true for any other symptom, disease or disorder. The correct way to treat a particular disorder is to determine the underlying causes and treat the patient at that level along with the symptoms. In Chinese medicine this is called treating the root and the branch of a disease.
Insomnia is often seen as just one symptom in a multiple number of Chinese disease patterns. Disease patterns are rooted in disharmony at the organ level of the body. Chinese medicine seeks to correct imbalances at this level. Typically, sleep disorders are related to imbalances with the Heart organ. However, other organs can cause an underlying Heart imbalance. There are five systems primarily responsible for keeping the Heart healthy: Kidneys, Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Endocrine system and Spleen. For example stress affecting the Liver can prevent the smooth flow of Qi or energy in the Heart preventing patients from sleeping. A prolonged Kidney imbalance drains the Heart since these two organs share an important energetic level in the body. The Small Intestine is the paired organ with the Heart and is prone to becoming toxic, which then disturbs the Heart. The Gallbladder is an organ that is easily affected by specific foods. When we eat foods that upset the Gallbladder, it will also create imbalance in the Heart. In Chinese medicine the Spleen has an important function of producing quality blood. When this function is depleted it affects the Heart. The endocrine system represents a complex system of inter-relating organs that are responsible for balanced hormones in the body. When this system is out of balance it affects all the organs in the body, including the Heart. Once a patient’s underlying constitution is determined the correct treatment can be used to restore health, wellness and good sleep.
Meridian Harmonics
Insomnia is often seen as just one symptom in a multiple number of Chinese disease patterns. Disease patterns are rooted in disharmony at the organ level of the body. Chinese medicine seeks to correct imbalances at this level. Typically, sleep disorders are related to imbalances with the Heart organ. However, other organs can cause an underlying Heart imbalance. There are five systems primarily responsible for keeping the Heart healthy: Kidneys, Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Endocrine system and Spleen. For example stress affecting the Liver can prevent the smooth flow of Qi or energy in the Heart preventing patients from sleeping. A prolonged Kidney imbalance drains the Heart since these two organs share an important energetic level in the body. The Small Intestine is the paired organ with the Heart and is prone to becoming toxic, which then disturbs the Heart. The Gallbladder is an organ that is easily affected by specific foods. When we eat foods that upset the Gallbladder, it will also create imbalance in the Heart. In Chinese medicine the Spleen has an important function of producing quality blood. When this function is depleted it affects the Heart. The endocrine system represents a complex system of inter-relating organs that are responsible for balanced hormones in the body. When this system is out of balance it affects all the organs in the body, including the Heart. Once a patient’s underlying constitution is determined the correct treatment can be used to restore health, wellness and good sleep.
Meridian Harmonics
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Happy Chinese New Year, Year of the Red Dog
The new year of the dog is “red” to represent the color corresponding to the year’s energetic element of Fire. It also possesses the Earth elemental energy in a supportive role. Fire, symbolized by the sun, gives forth light, warmth and openness. The earth, with its contained quality causes introspection and the yearning for spiritual meaning. Therefore, the year 2006 shall bring more open dialogue among nations and between people, as well as a collective drive for spiritual meaning.
In nature, potentially disruptive fire and earth events, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes may be more prevalent in 2006. The weather pattern in North America, smarting from a record number of hurricanes in 2005 may exhibit more scorching, dry weather punctuated with dramatic lightening storms and landslides.
In health, people will be more prone to diseases relating to the fire and earth elements including cardiovascular diseases, digestive problems, muscle inflammation (especially shoulder pain), kidney disease, diabetes and cancers. Here is my advice for your health in the upcoming year:
Prevent illness by balancing your fire and earth elements through appropriate dietary choices and lifestyle changes. A diet rich in whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, beans and legumes, poultry and fish should form the foundation of your eating program. Make sure to have plenty of specific foods for heart and digestive health, such as the bran from rice, oats and wheat, ginger, garlic, turmeric, squash, pumpkin, yam/sweet potato, cherry, grape, garbanzo/ chickpea and adzuki beans. Lower your intake of fats and sweets.
Stress is a big cause of heart disease and digestive disorders. Therefore, work on reducing your stress through meditation, exercise, qi gong, journaling and artistic expressions. I strongly recommend the Calm Tea formula to keep you tranquil and serene. Naturally, seek treatment at the earliest opportunity if you suspect any of the conditions above in order to take care of problem while it’s still small.
In summary, the year of the Red Dog should bring more spiritual awareness and prompt communities to come together for common causes. Be on the lookout for cardiovascular conditions as well as digestive disorders. Work on your diet, exercise and stress reduction programs, smile a lot and move forward in your endeavors with optimism. Also, remember that the qualities of a dog - loyalty, fidelity and commitment - will win you friends and influence people at the end of the day and bring harmony to all. Don’t forget to stay flexible and adapt to all changes. You will find health, happiness and success are within your grasp.
Meridian Harmonics
In nature, potentially disruptive fire and earth events, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes may be more prevalent in 2006. The weather pattern in North America, smarting from a record number of hurricanes in 2005 may exhibit more scorching, dry weather punctuated with dramatic lightening storms and landslides.
In health, people will be more prone to diseases relating to the fire and earth elements including cardiovascular diseases, digestive problems, muscle inflammation (especially shoulder pain), kidney disease, diabetes and cancers. Here is my advice for your health in the upcoming year:
Prevent illness by balancing your fire and earth elements through appropriate dietary choices and lifestyle changes. A diet rich in whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, beans and legumes, poultry and fish should form the foundation of your eating program. Make sure to have plenty of specific foods for heart and digestive health, such as the bran from rice, oats and wheat, ginger, garlic, turmeric, squash, pumpkin, yam/sweet potato, cherry, grape, garbanzo/ chickpea and adzuki beans. Lower your intake of fats and sweets.
Stress is a big cause of heart disease and digestive disorders. Therefore, work on reducing your stress through meditation, exercise, qi gong, journaling and artistic expressions. I strongly recommend the Calm Tea formula to keep you tranquil and serene. Naturally, seek treatment at the earliest opportunity if you suspect any of the conditions above in order to take care of problem while it’s still small.
In summary, the year of the Red Dog should bring more spiritual awareness and prompt communities to come together for common causes. Be on the lookout for cardiovascular conditions as well as digestive disorders. Work on your diet, exercise and stress reduction programs, smile a lot and move forward in your endeavors with optimism. Also, remember that the qualities of a dog - loyalty, fidelity and commitment - will win you friends and influence people at the end of the day and bring harmony to all. Don’t forget to stay flexible and adapt to all changes. You will find health, happiness and success are within your grasp.
Meridian Harmonics
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