Dong-Ye Acupuncture

     Raw foods and sugar create dampness in the body. Dampness leads to phlegm. In the west this “phlegm” is considered “yeast.” Cow’s dairy products produce phlegm. Processed wheat, gluten, and gluten products are hard on the digestion.. As we age whole nuts are hard to digest as well. It is better to use nut butters. When you are advised to follow the Diet it is ultimately your choice. Here is what we are trying to accomplish: The body needs “qi” or energy for activity to occur. We produce qi through deep breathing and proper digestion. Anything that interferes with digestion will interfere with the production of qi in our body which we can also call our metabolism. A strong digestion needs “fire” or heat in the small intestine. Raw foods put out this fire. We end up with a decreased efficiency in our digestion. The food is not broken down properly and rots giving off toxins. The toxins are viewed by our body as foreign so our immune system overworks. Symptoms of the immune system overworking can be flu like symptoms, swelling, stiffness, body aches, fatigue, skin rashes and weight gain.

Foods to Fuel Your Fire

 Cooked Vegetables  Asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, green pepper, greens, spinach, collards, kale, garlic, lettuce onions, parsley, radishes soybeans, string beans, tomatoes, turnips, okra and beans of any kind. Any other vegetable as well.

 Whole Grains  Oats, barley, quinoa, rice

 Meats  Chicken, turkey, beef, lean cuts, veal, pork, lamb, wild game, shrimp, crab, lobster, tuna, salmon, mackerel, cod, sardines, eggs and other fresh or frozen fish that is not breaded. (Eggs are okay too!)

 Beverages  Water and unsweetened herb teas, room temperature or warmer. Try Rice, Soy or Goat’s Milk as a substitute for Dairy Products.

Foods that put out Your Fire

1. Cold and Raw Foods
2. Iced Beverages
3. Cow’s Milk Products
4. Corn Syrup
5. Processed flours, white flour cakes and cookies
6. Sugar and Sugar producing foods.

 Foods to Avoid for the next 4 weeks.
You can do anything for a month!