tcm dietetics

Oct

2018

Wei Qi: How the Body Prevents Colds and Flu According to TCM

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

As a microcosm of the rhythms and fluctuations of the seasons and their elemental factors to which we are inextricably linked, Chinese medicine would consider the result of our health in one season as being a marker of our lifestyle preparations in the previous seasons as well as in the present. With regard to colds and flus, the ability of the immune system to resist external pathogens, be they bacterial, viral, or allergen toxins that result in immune suppression that leaves us ailing and struggling to recover, exists in the strength of ‘Wei Qi.’

A patient texted me asking how my flu kung fu is: i.e. my thoughts on flu shots. I put together the following from the TCM perspective to share in response. Collage by W.Brown, Lic. Ac.

In Chinese medical theory, Wei Qi is fierce, useful, combative energy from nutrition, says the Lingshu, a medical text compiled in the 1st century BCE, one of two parts of a larger work known as the Huangdi Neijing, the Yellow Emporer’s Divine Classic. Wei Qi is lively and agitated and circulates in superficial tissues, skin, connective tissue, muscles and peritoneum. It radiates to the chest and abdomen. According to the classics, it does not circulate through the meridians but rather flows through the face, trunk, and limbs during the day, and at night through the viscera. Wei Qi protects the body from external perverse energies by opening and closing pores and warming connective tissues. It concentrates at the sites of acupuncture points, the “Holes of Qi,” per se. Wei Qi represents the whole immune system, from leukocytes to anti-bodies, histamine, bradykinin and serotonin.

In Chinese medicine it is an intrinsic reference to discuss “wind gates” and “wind invasion or wind penetration.” The neck, sides of the head, forehead, and upper back according to TCM are conduits whereby externally contracted pathogenic wind can gain entry to the body. Fierce Wei Qi is the primary way the body resists an invasion. Nutritional status, inadequate rest, excessive consumption of alcohol, among other lifestyle factors may lead to the impairment of Wei Qi. It is always advisable to adequately keep wind gates covered, interestingly, in every season to varying degrees. The migration of wind inside the superficial levels of the body can lead to cold and flu symptoms exhibited as chills, body aches, headache, runny nose, congestion, cough and fever. Vulnerability in externally contracting wind is increased by damp hair. We are far more empowered than we may realize in the ways to govern our health and be master of our own unfolding. The timeless ways of Traditional Chinese medicine can be an invaluable guide to reeducating our modern misconceptions and to show us the way.

How to make your own nut milks — A healthy alternative

Why We Need A Substitute

Undoubtedly, you have heard the true story behind milk products; of enslaving animals, keeping mothers continually lactating by inseminating them to perpetuate lactation, and then stealing the babies away who would then suckle the milk made by their mothers for them. This statement is not an exaggeration and no part of it engenders a product fit for human consumption. In this day of awareness, how can we lessen the suffering in the world by our actions? And how can we continue not to? Every small kindness builds to become part of the solution, benefiting others and ultimately, oneself. Animal derived milk has a density that is not suitable to humans, engendering phlegm dampness turbidity that accumulates in the body and contributes to a myriad of disease conditions, a large category of which are known in the West as food allergies. A good nut milk recipe and switching from animal sources is one such simple, compassionate way with far-reaching benefits.

Photo Credit Healthista

The ‘Actions’ of Food and Why Almonds Are So Beneficial

In Chinese dietary practice, the overall properties and energetics of foods are always considered rather than individual constituents and compounds of nutrients. Foods have a direction they encourage Qi to move and channels they have affinity for, as well as seasons and conditions for which they are most suited. Almonds, as an example, are ‘sweet’ and ‘neutral’ in flavor and thermal property, entering the lung and the large intestine channels. Almonds moisten the lungs, treat panting and shortness of breath, and free the flow in the intestine to amend constipation due to factors of dryness.

Why to Soak Almonds Nuts

Like grains, nuts contain phytic acid which serves as a defense to deter predators and thus allows a plant to grow to fruition. Soaking nuts helps to neutralize enzyme inhibitors and rid phytic acid, enabling digestion and absorption of nutrients in the nut. Once nuts have been soaked in warm water the skins are also more easily peeled off. Adding a small amount of salt while soaking helps further in neutralizing enzyme inhibitors, removing tanic acid, and accumulated traces of dust. It is not recommended to reuse residual water from the soaking process.

Nut milks in boxes have a lot of carbs, sugars, and contain thickeners. If the nuts are not soaked, which likely they are not, there is phytic acid. A box is better agribusiness than supporting the animal milk industry, and healthier, but homemade nut milk is simple to make and of excellent quality ingredients, so you know what you are getting.

2 cups skinless Almonds, Macadamia, Walnuts, etc.

3 Tablespoons of Raw Honey

1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

1 teaspoon of Almond Extract

1 teaspoon Sea Salt (optional)

Warm filtered or spring Water

• Soak almonds overnight in warm water then pour off excess water and process to a smooth paste in a food processor.

• In a 2 quart glass container mix this almond/nutty paste with the other recipe ingredients and enough filtered water to fill the container.

• At this point if you have a nut milk bag or cheese cloth put this mixture into the nut bag or cheese cloth. Allow the nut mixture in the bag to sit in the refrigerator for 2 hours before squeezing the liquid from the nuts.

• Cover the milk in a glass or earthenware container and transfer to the refrigerator.

Makes 2 quarts • Shake before serving • Drink at room temperature Use nut milks as you would animal derived milk, the consistency may require variation, and substitutions to suit individual tastes are encouraged.

Please share your results and this post.

Healthful Best Wishes to All!