ilumina Healing Sanctuary
7520 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
602.957.2602




In This Issue:

Fermented Foods, a Traditional Staple


Photo by David Coleman
An important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine is in nutrition and diet.  There are dietary suggestions for chronic / acute pain and headaches, for depression and anxiety, for skin irritations, and just about any other health concern you can think of.   

 

The state of our digestive systems is not in optimal shape. In our culture, it is common for our systems to be bombarded with processed foods, GMOS, chemicals found in agriculture, and a host of other things. The digestive system is one of our key connections to the outside environment. That connection between our body and the environment is a central concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine.   


 

One piece of the nutritional building block is the ancient use of fermented food to support a healthy gut. Fermented food help to keep your digestive track thriving with good bacteria, it helps with the absorption of the nutrients from the food you eat, and are rich in enzymes that are essential to optimal health.

 

We love the website Nourished Kitchen. The recipes are very easy to follow and delicious. You can read one of the articles on Fermented Foods here.

 

Here is a great list of 8 reasons to eat fermented foods.

Essential Guide to Fermentation 


One of our favorite books on fermentation is The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz. This is an in-depth exploration of essential concepts and processes from around the world.

We love this book because it truly is a complete guide to easy do-it-yourself in-home fermentation. If you are a beginner or just want a go-to guide to learn about fermentation, this is the perfect resource.
Patient Testimonials
Have you had a great experience at ilumina? We would love to hear from you! 
 
We are looking for testimonials to give the community an idea of what ilumina has to offer. You can share your thoughts on any treatments you have received with any practitioner. We would sincerely appreciate any feedback. 
 
Please email responses to: office@iluminahealing.com
Worrying? Anxiety? Could Be Your Spleen Qi Deficiency
Drawing upon his research and study, Li Dong-Yuan, a famous Chinese Medicine doctor, developed the Earth School. He proposed that all disease is due to the pathology of the Postnatal Qi. This Qi (energy) is a result of the Spleen and Stomach transforming our food and drink into energy. 

He believed that when the Stomach is damaged by Fire it is not necessarily a result of one's diet, but rather the result of one's mind. The effects of having pensive or obsessive thoughts can actually consume the Stomach. Overwork can also lead to exhaustion which then causes damage to the Spleen and Stomach.

This Fire also consumes the Spleen-Qi. The Spleen, in Chinese Medicine, transforms and transports the nutrients from our food. As the Fire does this, it "causes the Stomach to never really empty". This then results in the person becoming lost in endless thoughts. If you find you cannot turn your mind off, this could be you.

To help support the function of this Postnatal Qi,  the Earth School also uses points along the Kidney channel. This approach treats many ills associated with this imbalance, especially if there is a digestive component.

Some possible imbalances treatable by the Earth School approach:
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Difficult digestion
Hemorrhoids
Gastritis
Stomach ulcer
Chemo patients to help restore stomach lining
Constipation
Anemia
Anxiety
5 Tips for a Healthy Digestive System
1. Eat more fiber. The average American only gets 10-15 grams of fiber per day, which is well below the recommended 20-35 grams per day. Add in these foods to boost your fiber intake:

        -pears & apples, 4-5 grams per 1 medium-sized
        -black beans, 15 grams per 1 cup cooked
        -green peas, 8 grams per 1 cup

2. Adequate water intake. 1-2 Liters per day will keep you hydrated and your digestive system running smoothly.

3. Probiotics. "Good" or "friendly" bacteria found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods help us digest and fight harmful bacteria.

4. Exercise. Physical activity speeds up digestion, increases blood flow to all your organs and helps stimulate muscles in the GI tract. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.

5. Take your time! Slow down and savor your food. Chewing each bite adequately allows for digestive enzymes in your saliva to help break down food. Also, try to avoid eating in front of the t.v. or computer.
Do You Have Enough Good Bacteria?
Nutri-West Total Probiotics has a healthy balance of intestinal flora to support immune function and decrease colony populations of harmful bacteria. This formula contains FOS molecules which attract bifidobacteria in the gut. Especially helpful when populations of flora have been decreased from antibiotic use.
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massage when you refer a friend
To thank all patients who tell their friends and family about the health benefits of massage and acupuncture, we would like to reward them with a complimentary 30 minute massage. After your friend completes their first appointment, we will mail you a gift certificate to thank you! Call 602-957-2602 for more details.
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