How to improve your gut health with Chinese Medicine
The gut is the foundation of health in the body. From a TCM perspective the wei qi or defense energy that is circulated through the body, is supported by healthy Spleen and Stomach function. Most of our immune cells lie in the digestive tract and move through the circulatory system as needed. If there’s inflammation in the gut, or poor digestive function not only will be there bloating, bowel irregularities, reflux and indigestion, but immunity, sleep, and even mood will be impacted.
The Spleen in Chinese Medicine is the main digestive organs, responsible for the transformation and transportation of food and fluids. Together with the Stomach it’s responsible for the absorption of nutrients, the production of blood and energy. If you’ve been feeling tired & sluggish then the first place to start is with nourishing the Spleen.
Three simple strategies for better digestion
Cook your food: The Spleen favours warm, well cooked food. Ideally soups, stews, porridges, congees with plenty of seasonal vegetables. Well made broths and stocks are also highly beneficial. Long grain white rice is also a great addition to the diet. Cooked food is just easier to digest for our body, and the better you can digest your food, the more efficiently your body can absorb nutrients, create blood and energy. Yes, this means you should be avoiding raw food, salads, and juices for the most part.
Eat for the seasons, climate and your body: Don’t eat tropical fruit in the middle of winter. As best you can try and eat food that is grown locally, eat grass fed beef, free range eggs, wild fish. The quality of your food will affect the quality of your gut health.
Bring awareness to your relationship to food: You can eat the finest Buddha bowl but if you’re eating it in a rush, or on your phone, it’s going to impact on the digestive process. Make eating and preparing your food a mindful, enjoyable process. Observe the texture, colour, and vibrancy of your food. Savour the taste. Breath deeply while you eat. Take time in your day to nourish yourself.
Peter Haxell is a registered Acupuncturist and TCM herbalist has been in practice since 2015 and is passionate about helping clients who are stressed, unwell and in pain feel good in their body.
