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Welcome
Thanks for visiting the online home of Kilborn Naturopathic & Wellness
Centre. We hope that this website will give you insight into
naturopathic medicine and how at this clinic we can help you achieve
the best health. The World Health Organization defines health as "a
state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Through naturopathic
medicine we focus on the entire person not just a symptom. You will
notice this in your time with us that you will be cared for, listened
to and worked "with". The word 'doctor' means 'teacher' and it is a
pleasure to work with clients and educate them about health and
wellness and all that they can do themselves to improve theirs.
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."
- Mother Teresa, 1910-1997, Albanian-born Humanitarian and Missionary
4 Seasons of Health
Spring Cleaning
Spring is nature's time of renewal and rejuvenation. As the days grow longer and warmer,
you may feel a natural urge towards eating lighter foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Because the climate in the Northwest is variable, not warming up reliably until summer, you can
do a cleanse even if it is still cold and rainy outside. I've listed some strategies below to help
you focus your efforts. We can work together to design a plan that is specifically designed to help
address your needs. Please Note: These should only be done while under the care of a licensed health
care provider.
Decide what type of cleanse will fit best into your lifestyle and schedule.
What are you energy demands?
Are you able to take time out for yourself during this process, or are there other responsibilities
that are taking your attention?
There are many different types of cleanses:
Read more...
- The most moderate cleanse would be the elimination of one or two foods and/or beverages that you
suspect might be a problem for you.
- Some people find this alone can bring about significant changes in their sense of well-being and chronic symptoms.
- The most dramatic type is doing a controlled water fast.
- You could also consider a juice-only fast.
- Other types of cleanses involve limiting the foods you eat and using a supplemental medical food and other nutrients that assist in detoxification.
- A cleansing program can also include the use of nutritional IV therapy, saunas, colonics and hydrotherapy.
- What are your goals from your cleanse? What other areas of your life need cleansing? Either before or after you do your cleanse, select one or two other aspects of your life that need addressing and make some positive steps to attend to those things. Some examples could be:
- Going through a stack of papers you've been ignoring
- Cleaning out your closets
- Washing your car
- Getting a new hair style
- Making peace with a conflict in your life
- Eliminating mental clutter
- Repainting a room in your home
A Chinese Medical Perspective on Food Consumption for the Different Seasons
The principle of harmony between food and the weather is based on
practical experience. Foods eaten during the four seasons have
different impacts on the human body. Foods become part of the body
after being consumed but the four seasons (that is environmental
factors) always impact externally on the body. Chinese dietary
philosophy suggests that you embrace your native foods in addition to
eating locally-grown foods and those in season. What is unhealthy
about the modern diet is that particular foods are now available all
year long and may be chemically treated instead of being grown
naturally and being only available at a certain time. Natural,
home-grown and chemical-free products are the most nutritious foods.
Read more...
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the world is a
harmonious and holistic entity where all living beings are viewed in
relation to the surrounding environment. Since ancient times, the
Chinese have tried to explain different complicated phenomena by
creating yin yang or the five elements theories. Man is part of the
holistic entity, and takes his cue from nature. He is influenced
directly and indirectly by changes in weather and needs to make
corresponding physiological and pathological responses. For example, a
change of season causes the rate, rhythm, volume and tension of the
pulse to vary. The pulse tends to be taut in spring, full in summer,
floating in autumn, and sunken in winter. TCM physicians will take
this into account when distinguishing the abnormal pulse from the
normal. The occurrence, development and change in the pattern of many
diseases are seasonal such as wenbing occurring in spring, sun strokes
in summer, dryness-related symptoms in autumn, and cold stroke
syndromes in winter.
However, we can take active measures to prevent disease and maintain
good health. One common method is to consume different foods according
to the season. The Chinese widely believe that we are what we eat, and
most dietary guidelines follow on from nature. According to TCM
philosophies, if we imbibe seasonal foods that are similar in nature
to the external environment, we remain in harmony with the
environment, adapt better to changes in season and stay healthy. The
basic applying principle is "nourishing yang in spring and summer
time, and nourishing yin in autumn and winter time." The ancient
Chinese realized that in accordance with seasonal changes, yang qi
tends to flow outwards and occupies the body surface in spring and
summer and therefore, the innards get relatively depleted of yang qi
and need replenishing. At the same time, the weather in autumn and
winter is cold and dry, and it is important to keep warm and prevent
dryness. Through the methods of replenishing yin and nourishing
dryness, TCM believes it is a way to build up energy and prepare for
the coming seasons.
Winter
In winter, living things slow down to save energy while some animals
hibernate. It is also the season where humans conserve energy and
build strength as a prelude to spring. TCM believes our diet should be
adapted to focus on enriching yin and subduing yang, which mean we
should consume appropriate fats and high protein foods. Mutton, beef,
goose, duck, eggs, rabbit meat, Chinese yam, sesame, glutinous rice,
dates, longan, black fungus, bamboo shoot, mushrooms, leek and nuts
are common ingredients in the Chinese dishes this time. Winter
corresponds to the kidney system according to the five elements
theory; hyperactive kidney inhibits the heart which leads to
palpitations, cardiac pain, limb coldness and fatigue. It is advisable
to eat more food with bitter flavors while reducing salty flavors so
as to promote a healthy heart and reduce the workload of the kidney.
Foods with bitter flavors include apricot, asparagus, celery, coffee,
tea, grapefruit, hops, kohlrabi, lettuce, radish leaves, kale, vinegar
and wine. Some people may eat too many hotpots or high calory foods
causing excessive heat to accumulate in the lungs and stomach. They
may experience problems such as bronchitis, sore throats, peptic
ulcers and skin problems, thus it is necessary to balance with certain
amount of cool dishes and water in winter. Winter is also a good time
to boost the natural constitution of the body and improve symptoms
associated with chronic conditions. Since a person's appetite tends to
increase over winter when they have a lower metabolic rate, absorbed
nutrients from foods can be stored more easily. Energizing herbs such
as ginseng, wolfberry, angelica, rhemannia root, astragalus and
medicinal mushrooms can be used for this purpose. It is a trend for
Chinese restaurants to prepare various medicinal courses using these
ingredients.
If you would like to know more and to find out about western foods
with similar properties, just give us a call!
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