1. Switch from coffee to green tea, it is rich in antioxidants and the caffeine is absorbed more evenly into your system, preventing a mid day crash.
2. Do 5 minutes of light exercise like qi gong or tai chi as soon as you wake up. The increased blood flow to your brain and tissues gives you more alert and focused start to your day.
3. Include a whole grain in at least one meal a day. Whole grains are rich in vitamins that regulate the nervous system and the thyroid, helping you manange your appetite and weight.
4. During the dry times of the fall and winter, eat more pears. They help retain moisture in the body and keep the skin and hair from drying out.
5. Follow up meals with a hot beverage, this warms the digestion and prevents bloating and gastric discomfort.
6. Keep the head, back of the neck, and shoulders covered during cold season. Cold weather can keep the body's immune system from functioning at peak levels, and covering these areas keeps the body warm.
7. Try watermelon juice or coconut water after a workout to prevent dehydration and replenish electrolytes.
8. Rice is an especially beneficial grain because it contains natural digestive enzymes that aid in the digestion of the foods with which it is consumed.
9. Take frequent breaks when working in front of a computer. In TCM the eye is connected to the Liver, and stressing the eyes can stress the Liver, which can amplify the level of stress you are feeling, creating a vicious cycle.
10. According to Five Element theory, the Lung controls the the Liver, and the Liver is connected to stress. So taking a few deep breaths will help calm and balance the emotions in times of stress.
11. Proper diet starts first with moderation, awareness, and the desire to make the digestion as easy and effortless as possible with the foods we consume.
12. Qi gong and light massage helps move blood and lymph through the body, strengthening the immune system. Learn more about qi gong by clicking the "qi gong" link on the side of the page.
13. Walnuts are good brain food, which is why the walnut looks a little like a brain. They contain fatty acids which improve nervous system and brain function.
14. Take time each day to get outside into a natural open environment. The Liver, which handles stress, is associated with the wood element, and like a growing tree, the body and mind need enough space to thrive.
15. Use the whole fruit-organic pesticide free citrus peels can be used to make a tea that improves digestion. Use them right away or dry them out and save them for later.
Look for more tips soon from Four Pillars Acupuncture...
