Sea Cucumber Is Regarded to Be Especially Beneficial for Kidneys

Sea cucumber is a type of seafood. In China, it is considered a delicacy and is often eaten at important family celebrations or for older weakened people, as it is very expensive. In Chinese diet therapy culture sea cucumber is regarded to be especially beneficial for the kidneys as it nourishes them. Kidney health is known as the basis of human life and well being.

1. Why are kidneys important (what is kidney deficiency?)

Kidneys store the original essence, or Qi, from our parents. This Qi, or essence, can have a strong impact on our whole life. Kidneys dominate growth and reproduction and are the origin of energy of all other organs. If kidney Qi (or functioning) is impaired, it may cause the following symptoms, such as lack of energy, decreased libido, impotence, menopause lower back and knee pain, frequent urination day and night, poor memory, early onset of dementia and ankle puffiness may occur. Women can experience irregular periods, early menopause, infertility and frequent miscarriage.  They may also find the development of ovaries or uterus affected and this may decrease both the size and function of these organs. Men may experience impotence, reduced sperm quality and affects infertility.

2. Health effects of sea cucumber

1) Strengthens the kidneys and improves sexual function
Sea cucumbers have warming characteristics and taste a little salty and work primarily on the kidney channels. The ancient Chinese medicine book "Ben Cao Cong Xin" states that they strengthen kidney essence, yang and improves sexual function. If you have the symptoms associated with kidney deficiency such as lowered libido and impotence you can eat sea cucumber regularly.

2) Balance period, prevent miscarriage and maintain early stage pregnancy

A traditional diet therapy book "Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu" advises that sea cucumbers can balance periods, reduce the occurrence of miscarriages and are good for reducing tiredness and lower back pain during the earlier stages of pregnancy.

Eating More Chinese White Radish Helps Relieve Bloating and Indigestion

In China, there is a popular quote in certain regions "Eating more Chinese radish and cabbage, can keep you healthy". These two vegetables are extremely popular in traditional Chinese cooking at home or in the restaurant, especially when someone has indigestion such as bloating and sluggish bowel movement. In a family it is common for the elder to mention to cook radish if someone in the family has indigestion (food stagnation), which will help benefit the whole family. Chinese people add chinese radish to many other dishes such as chinese radish cake, chinese radish porridge and other chinese radish sweets. You can even find Chinese radishes in many restaurant dishes.

Help to digest food and improve bowel movement

An ancient traditional Chinese herbal book from Tang dynasty called "Tang ben cao" mentions "white radishes taste sweet and spicy, has cooling characteristics and acts more on the digestive channels. It helps to digest food quicker and move the food down the intestines so it can help with indigestion and avoid food stagnation". Chinese white radishes are therefor suitable for the symptoms we mentioned above. If you eat white radishes more often it can help to prevent fat to accumulate around the stomach and prevent food stagnation.

Helping to clear phlegm

Chinese medicine considers phlegm to be stored in the lungs but is not always produced by the lung.

Where is phlegm produced?

Chinese medicine believes that phlegm can be produced by food stagnation. Symptoms may be: heavy white phlegm, bloating especially after eating, burping, poor appetite or craving foods, sluggish bowel movement, heavy arms and legs and overweight. Chinese medicine has a quote “Phlegm is stored in the lung, but produced from the spleen”. When people visit our clinic with chronic phlegm problems, we use traditional methods of diagnosis to find the causes of the issue to solve the root of the problem.

Recipe: Chinese white radish and carrot stir fry

10cm Chinese white radish – peeled and chopped

1 carrot – chopped

2 pieces of chopped ginger
2 tblsp spring onions
3 tsp olive oil
2 cups of water

Stir fry Chinese radish, carrot and ginger in the oil and water for 10 minutes on low heat. After this time, add spring onions, salt and pepper to taste.

Effects: Help digestion; clears bloating and fullness; helps bowel movement.

TCM Positive Suggestions to Treat And Prevent Polycystic Ovaries

Chinese medicine believes that polycystic ovaries occur over time and if left untreated it may become more severe. Physically, polycystic ovaries are unable to produce adequate eggs and cannot be released on time. These eggs become stuck in the ovaries and cause cysts. The body may experience the following symptoms; delayed periods, lack of energy, insomnia, sluggish bowel movement, bloating, weight gain, no discharge or mucus around ovulation. Polycystic ovaries in a young woman may affect breast development and they may grow extra hair. If polycystic ovaries are not treated they not only suffer from the following symptoms but may develop other disorders such as obesity, acne, infertility, diabetes and more.

Kidney deficiency

Chinese medicine considers kidney essence to maintain sexual development throughout life. If someone has weak kidneys it will affect the functioning of the ovaries and the body will experience having delayed period or no periods, or polycystic ovaries without menstruation. The body may also have the following symptoms; lower back pain, weakness in the lower back and knee region, puffy ankles, frequent urination especially at night-time, lower libido, early waking, hirsutism.

Qi and blood deficiency

Chinese medicine believes that if the body has weakened qi and blood, then the abdomen will have a lack of qi and blood which will affect the ovaries. The body will not only suffer from delayed periods or polycystic ovaries, but will have the following symptoms; Lethargy, pale face, bloating especially after eating, diarrhea, body bloating, weight gain.

Liver qi and blood stagnation

This is present in women who have a very stressful life. Stress and tension will make the qi and blood in the liver stagnant. It will cause poor circulation to the ovaries and effect the production of eggs. The body will not only experience irregular periods or polycystic ovaries but may have the following; stress, very emotional, PMS, breast full and pain before period, insomnia, vivid dreams, irritable bowel movement, acne.

How to prevent polycystic ovaries

1) Young women should have regular moderate exercise in the sun. Around the time of menstruation exercise should be reduced.

2) Relaxing your lifestyle is important around you period. Listen to soft music, avoid strong emotions especially around menstruation.

3) You should avoid cold environments, foods or beverages. During a cold day around menstruation you can use a hot water bottle and place it on your abdomen.

4) It is important to remember when you will menstruate and the condition of the blood such as quality, amount, colour. If you suffer from delayed periods or period pain, you should treat it in early stages to avoid polycystic ovaries.

TCM Ways to Keep Your Intestinal Health and Avoid Bowel Cancer

Chinese medicine considers the large intestine to be one of the most important parts of the digestive system. After digestion, the feces (stool) are being formed and stored in the large intestine until it is ready to come out of the body. This means that it is a very important job for the bowel to clear the feces regularly. The feces contain lots of toxins not wanted by the body, if the stool cannot be removed regularly the bowel is the first part of the body to get affected. This is why, the most common bowel cancer is in the lower part of the large intestine.

 1. Side effects of indigestion

There are two major side effects of Indigestion: 1) Sluggish bowel movement or hard stool. If the stool is stored in the large intestine, longer than it should. The body will reabsorb the extra fluid, making it harder to pass the stool as well as making it very dry. 2) Increase in toxins in the body: If the feces stays in the large intestine longer, the body will reabsorb the toxins within the feces. This may cause damage to both the bowel and the body.

 2. What does your large intestine like and dislike?

The large intestine likes to be empty, and dislikes being full. This indicates that the feces should be cleared everyday. To encourage your body to have a bowel movement everyday around the same time. Chinese medicine considers cold (temperature) foods or beverages to affect the circulation and movement through the intestine. It is believed that having warm (temperature) food and beverages helps to improve the circulation and movement through the bowel. Try to avoid eating or drinking foods straight out of the fridge, especially on a cold day.

3. Symptoms of indigestion (sluggish bowel movement)

Bloating, hard or sluggish stool with pungent smell, irregular bowel movement (not everyday), pass smelly wind, lack of energy, insomnia, head aches, vivid dreams, weight gain (hard to lose weight), face and skin gets a rash easily, hemorrhoids burning or pain sensation after bowel movement.

4. What foods are best for bowel function and movement?

Eggplant, cucumber, celery, spinach, chinese cabbage, white radish, carrots, green tea, peppermint tea, honey, sweet potato, most green vegetables, banana, plums, prunes, tomato, lemon, orange.

Chinese Lifestyle and Diet Therapy for Premenstrual Breast Tenderness and Pain

Liver stagnation (Qi & Blood)

There are many causes of dysfunction in the Liver. When the Liver does not function properly, it can cause stagnation of the flow of Qi and Blood which can collect in the breast area resulting in pre-menstrual breast tenderness and pain. In these cases, the body may also experience the following symptoms: bloating, fullness around the abdominal area, PMS, period pain, insomnia, constipation or sluggish bowel movements, cysts or fibroids in the breasts.

 Heat in Stomach or Stomach Channel

Sometimes pre-menstrual breast symptoms is more to do with the nipple, which may become very painful with a burning sensation. This is more associated with Heat from the Stomach or the Stomach Channel becoming stuck around the nipple area. In these cases, the body may also experience the following symptoms: very emotional or anxious, constipation, red face, hot body, easily perspires or shorter menstrual cycle (ie 21 days). The Heat collects in the Stomach or its Channel is a buildup from eating too much hot and spicy food, deep-fried food, high intake of alcohol, or Heat transforming from other organs such as the Liver and Gall Bladder.

 Lifestyle and diet therapy for this issue

1) Traditional chinese medicine believes that Liver & Stomach disorders need to be helped by western medicine, Chinese herbs and acupuncture, but there are things you can do with your lifestyle and certain foods to help your Liver & Stomach recover. Here are my suggestions of what you can do when you have a Liver & Stomach disorder:

2) Rebalance your lifestyle, including work commitments and stress. If you have personal emotional issues which you feel you cannot solve yourself you should consider seeking some counseling or psychological therapy to help you.

3) Suitable exercise is important. We suggest if you have a Liver disorder that it is best to avoid strenuous heavy and fast exercise. Suitable exercise includes walking at a moderate pace for thirty minutes, swimming, yoga, tai chi, bicycle riding at a moderate pace and dancing with soft gentle music. If possible it is best to perform the exercise mentioned outdoors in nature, as the colour green helps the Liver also.

4) Music therapy: More often listening to soft music in the background or with meditation helps the Liver.

 5) Diet therapy: Chinese medicine diet therapy considers that the following foods help the Liver & the Stomach Heat: celery, carrots, coriander, green tea, chrysanthemum tea, peppermint tea, oranges, bananas, lemons, egg-plant, mung beans, watermelon, and more. Avoid over-eating hot & spicy food, which will cause Stomach Heat.

Four Important Methods to Avoid Miscarriage and Maintain Balance Quickly

1. Ensure adequate rest
As your body's circulation changes – with more flow to the lower part of the body to support the uterus, the upper part of the body (eg head) can sometimes get a lower blood supply. This can add to the tiredness and feelings of dizziness.

Suggestion: reduce your workload and speediness. Slow down! Take naps between 1-2 hours when possible.

 2. Avoid stress and be happy

Chinese Medicine believes that stress can affect the Liver and the Heart and affect the circulation flow to the uterus.

Suggestion: Listen to relaxing music. Avoid noisy situations, reduce exposure to violent television/movies/heavy music. Expose yourself to the colour green – sit in the garden or a park (the colour green supports Liver function in Chinese Medicine and assists with reducing stress).

3. Reduce the amount of exercise and choose suitable exercises for pregnancy

Strenuous exercise that places pressure on the lower back and requires excessive energy is detrimental during early pregnancy.

Suggestion: Gentle exercise such as slow walking and meditation is adequate especially when you have a lack of energy. Alternatively, ask your health practitioner for specific ideas to suit your individual needs.

4. Diet

Diet is always a big issue for the beginning of the pregnancy as most women experience digestion issues.

Suggestion: Eat less and eat more frequently. Eat what you crave – as your tastes change, eat what your body is craving. Drink ginger, peppermint or lemon tea to assist with nausea and vomiting. Avoid drinking or eating cold foods straight from the fridge and freezer as cold can make lack of circulation around the abdomen and uterus.

5. Bowel Movements

Keep your bowel movements regular – this is very important in the early stages of pregnancy as the uterus and intestines are both located in the lower abdominal area. Sluggish bowel movements will cause stagnation and pressure on the uterus and affect the blood supply. Straining to pass bowel movements will cause undue pressure on the uterus which can cause miscarriage.

Suggestion: Eating the following foods can assist with regular bowel movements – cucumber, sweet potato, celery, spinach, eggplant, tomato, banana, plums, honey, most green vegetables.

Chinese Medicine Strategies for Menopause and Stress

1. Nourish the Kidneys
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the Kidneys need to be nourished to maintain yin and yang balance after menopause. The Kidneys maintain the body's essence (or energy source). Please eat the following suitable things to maintain the Kidneys: beef bone soup, prawns, goji berries, Tofu and soy beans, black beans, black sesame seeds, sea cucumber.

 2. Balance the Liver

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that women are susceptible to a lack of Yin and Blood of the Liver. This is because of various lifestyle and physical activities such as periods, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding only experienced by women. By the time of menopause, the Liver can become very depleted and weak. If this occurs, we need to rebalance it eating the following suitable things to maintain the Liver: celery, citrus fruits – orange, lemon, green tea, peppermint tea, chrysanthemum tea, goji berry, banana, green leafy vegetables, mung beans.

 3. Avoid or reduce eating the following foods

Chinese Medicine considers that when the body's Yin is depleted, it is best to avoid hot and spicy foods such as chilly, curry, ginger, onion, deep fried foods. Also avoid dry foods and eat nuts in small quantities only eg. one tablespoon per day.

4.  Expose yourself to suitable environments

The sun is a natural energy source for our bodies according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Regular exposure to sunshine (while taking suitable steps to protect yourself from over-exposure and sunburn) positively benefits the body. The Liver in Chinese medicine is associated with the colour green. By exposing yourself to green environments, you will restore and improve the energy of your Liver. For example, green gardens, green colours inside rooms – walls, cushions, colour accents.

5. Emotional awareness (stress and happiness)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, stress and strong emotions directly affect organ systems. Stress can especially damage your Liver. Rearrange your lifestyle to reduce stress and avoid stressful situations. Encourage happiness to positively benefit the body. Some activities can help to reduce stress and promote happiness:

Listening to gentle, relaxing music

Watching funny, light-hearted movies or TV shows
Slow swimming, Tai Chi or Yoga
Gentle walking, Slow cycling