Clinic Newsletter, April 2024
Greetings from Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic!
As autumn paints the sky with its warm hues, we continue our journey through the seasons. In this April edition of our newsletter, we explore how to maintain well-being during this transitional period, introduce a fascinating TCM concept, and discuss a common health concern. Plus, we offer a delightful meal recipe, featuring a key ingredient with its TCM qualities.
Seasonal Shift from a TCM Perspective Autumn is upon us, and we're navigating the graceful transition from the vitality of summer to the grounding influence of autumn. In TCM, we shift from the Fire element to the Metal element, associated with the Lung and Large Intestine organ systems. The energy in nature recedes, leaves change their colours, and the air becomes crisp. It's a season that encourages letting go, self-reflection, and adapting to change. To support your well-being, it's crucial to focus on nurturing your Lung and Large Intestine meridians, as imbalances can manifest as respiratory issues, skin concerns, or digestive discomfort.
TCM Concept Highlight: The Concept of Yin and Yang One of the fundamental concepts in TCM is the interplay of Yin and Yang. This ancient philosophy describes how opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent, representing aspects such as dark and light, cold and hot, and rest and activity. Understanding the balance of Yin and Yang in your body is essential for maintaining health and harmony. Yin represents coolness, stillness, and substance, while Yang embodies warmth, activity, and energy. As we transition into autumn, the balance of Yin and Yang in our bodies shifts, making it an ideal time to consider how to maintain harmony within.
Health Concern Spotlight: Supporting Respiratory Health Autumn can be a challenging time for respiratory health. In TCM, imbalances in the Lung and Large Intestine meridians may contribute to issues like allergies, coughs, and asthma. It's important to focus on supporting your respiratory system during this season. TCM therapies, including acupuncture and herbal remedies, may help maintain the balance of your Lung and Large Intestine meridians and promote overall respiratory well-being. If you're facing respiratory challenges, consider exploring these TCM treatments for relief and long-term health.
Recipe for Seasonal Wellness: TCM Ginger and Pumpkin Soup Healing Ginger and Pumpkin Soup This delightful soup showcases the benefits of ginger, a key ingredient that resonates with specific organs and meridians in TCM. Ginger has warming properties and is known to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It aids in digestion, warms the body, and can alleviate symptoms of cold or dampness. Ingredients:
500g of pumpkin, cubed
2-3 cm piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
A drizzle of olive oil
1 litre of vegetable or chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
Add the pumpkin and continue to cook for a few minutes.
Pour in the broth, cover, and let it simmer until the pumpkin is soft.
Use a blender to purée the soup until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Herbal Tea Recipe: TCM Balancing Autumn Chai Ingredients:
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 whole cloves
2-3 cardamom pods
A slice of fresh ginger
A small piece of dried orange peel
1-2 cups of hot water
Instructions:
Crush the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods slightly to release their flavours.
Place them, along with ginger and dried orange peel, in a cup.
Pour hot water over the spices.
Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes.
Enjoy the warm and aromatic flavours of this Balancing Autumn Chai.
Extra Information on Ginger from a TCM Perspective
Ginger is known to resonate with specific organs and meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Spleen and Stomach: Ginger is believed to have a warming quality that can benefit the Spleen and Stomach meridians. In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are responsible for digestion and transforming food into energy (Qi and Blood). Ginger's warming properties are thought to help improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of cold or dampness in the digestive system.
Lung and Large Intestine: While ginger is primarily associated with the Spleen and Stomach meridians, it also has an influence on the Lung and Large Intestine meridians due to its ability to support the Spleen's function. These meridians are related to the respiratory system and elimination, and ginger's warming nature can help maintain balance in these areas.
Ginger's versatile properties make it a commonly used herb in TCM for addressing various imbalances related to digestion, cold conditions, and dampness, and it is believed to help strengthen the Spleen, improve digestion, and promote overall well-being.
Join Us on the Journey to Better Health As we embrace autumn, we're here to support your health journey during this transitional season. Whether you're a familiar face or new to our clinic, we're committed to helping you achieve optimal health through the wisdom of TCM.
Feel free to explore our website for more information, resources, and to schedule your next appointment. We're here to address your questions and discuss your health concerns.
Wishing you a harmonious and balanced April, filled with vitality and well-being!
Warm regards,
Ben Heathcote
Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Melbourne Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic