The Journal
Follow along for hearty recipes, information on Chinese medicine, and stress management tips
Springtime Allergies? Start treating them in Winter
If you suffer from chronic springtime allergies, the best time to treat them naturally with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is for the duration of the winter.
Protect your health: Avoid fasting/cleansing in Winter
Fasting and cleansing can be quite beneficial to your health, but if done at the wrong time of the year, it can actually undermine your efforts. Every December, I start hearing patients planning for their January cleanse or fast. January seems like an excellent time to do a fast or cleanse to tie into New Year’s resolutions of a healthier you, but the 2000 year old wisdom of Chinese medicine would caution against it.
Why Winter is the best season for TMC eating?
The wisdom of Traditional Chinese medicine teaches us to embrace the yin nature of winter. This means it is a time to slow down, to get cozy, eat warm food, and relax our pace of life for the season.
Build your Kidney QI: How to exercise in winter
Chinese medicine has specific recommendations for when to exercise during the winter months, which I cover in the post: Exercise According to Yin And Yang.
Lemon Curd
Lemon curd is one of those shining stars that can bring brightness to any day. Rich in the yin consolidating sour flavor, and full of yin nourishing eggs and fat, this is a winter treat that nourishes physically and emotionally. Simply dollop it on scones, oatmeal, yoghurt, or biscuits for a livelier morning. Or you can turn it into dessert by spreading it into a baked tart shell and allowing it to set in the fridge for a few hours.
Turkey, Mushroom, and Rice Soup
If you need something to do with extra turkey, this is an excellent Western take on congee. Congee in Eastern medicine is a powerful food to help rehabilitate digestion after a long term illness, after giving birth, or after overindulging. You can easily substitute the turkey for chicken in this recipe.
Slowing Down for Autumn: Three health changes you can start today
Autumn weather can make us naturally inclined to drift off into introspection, memory, and nostalgia. If we are not careful, these wanderings down memory lane can lead to sorrow and melancholia… to avoid drifting off into melancholia, we can look at the lifestyle adaptations that the ancient sages in Chinese medicine suggested for autumn health.
Key foods to eat this Autumn for a strong Immune System
Food theory runs on two important principles. One, specific culinary ingredients will nourish the organs directly associated with the current season. Two, by nourishing the organs of the season, you are also strengthening and preparing your body for good health in the following season.
Herbal Medicine Cabinet: Cold and Flu Remedies
Cold and flu season is here, and we at Vital Qi Nutrition are here to help you navigate the waters of home remedies for colds and flu prevention.
Autumn Reflections
Workaholic by nature or has life pushed you into it? Either way, when you’re ready to repair those workaholic ways, it can be shockingly hard. Read more for our tips.
Chicken soup to ward off a cold
It is cold and flu season again. I find it is nice to have a few nutritional tricks up your sleeve to boost immunity. This soup utilize the natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties of garlic and oregano– it is also delicious.
How to rehabilitate being a workaholic
Workaholic by nature or has life pushed you into it? Either way, when you’re ready to repair those workaholic ways, it can be shockingly hard. Read more for our tips.
Butternut squash quinoa turkey chili
I’ve been experimenting with new squash, sweet potato, and pumpkin recipes to support the spleen/pancreas and stomach in the season of late-summer. .
Butternut squash lasagna
I love this time of year, when the hard squashes are abundant at the farmers market, leaves are starting to turn color, and the air is crisp. It is on autumn weekends that I like to make this hearty lasagna.
Mushroom thyme soup
Mushrooms, especially shiitake have a healthy dose of selenium, which plays an important role in the health of your immune system. This antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity.
Pear chia pudding
Pears help to moisten the lungs and protect them from dryness. The cardamom and ginger in this recipe helps to circulate qi, and address the underlying mechanism that causes phlegm to develop.
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