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Max
Sense of Self - the newsletter
Past
Newsletters
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October 2007
Max
Sense of Self
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Staying
Healthy In The Fall
The ancient system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views
the human body as a microcosm of the universe, explaining that the
human body follows similar patterns to the natural cycles of earth.
TCM explains that in order to maintain health during all four seasons,
we must shift how we eat, exercise, rest and move through our day in
accordance to climatic changes.
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As
the hot and long days of summer pass into autumn we harvest the last
of the earth’s crops to be stored for winter use. During winter the
energy of earth contracts inward for accumulation and storage, resting
until the arrival of the fertile spring.
As the trees shed their leaves to conserve their resources for the
winter days, we too begin to draw our energy inward. Fall is a season
for retrospection and meditative insight. We extract the essential
lessons from the experiences of summer, and turn them into the quiet
wisdom of winter. Similar to fall foliage, we too must shed old skin
and dump excess emotional baggage. Resisting this energy by clinging
sentimentally to old attachments can create a feeling of grief and
anxiety. Have you ever seen a tree clinging to its leaves?! What
served us in summer may not serve our needs in autumn and winter.
In nature, fall is a time when everything
begins to slow down; the weather cools, the days shorten. In our
culture, with the beginning of the school year, we tend to pick up
speed during this season. We must be extra careful to take care of our
self and find time to restore.
The condensed and accumulated energy of
autumn can be visually seen if comparing the characteristics of autumn
crops such as winter squash to the light and airy fruits and
vegetables of summer. Local seasonal foods have a natural tendency to
balance out the effects of the seasonal climate. In summer the earth
delivers cooling foods. Fall vegetables have a warming, dense and
stable affect in the body. When we eat seasonal local foods, we
receive the energies that naturally balance out the seasonal shifts
that occur within our bodies.
Fall: The Metal Element
TCM uses a language of five elements when
describing the shifts of energy that occur both on earth and within
our bodies. These five elements are called fire, earth, metal, water
and wood. Fall is connected to the metal element. With regard to our
body, metal is related to the functions of our lungs and large
intestine. The large intestine is responsible for the function of
elimination, similar to the emotional letting go that we must do this
time of year. The lungs relate to respiratory functions as well as
being linked to the skin, since we also breathe through our pores.
Some common fall disorders:
Flu, colds and other respiratory ailments
are indicators of blocked metal energy. Other symptoms include dry
skin, constipation (a difficulty in letting go), anxiety (breathing
disorder), and feeling ungrounded (just as the weather can be variable
from day to day, so can our mind). |
Food
Focus: Root Vegetables
The roots of any plant
are its anchor and foundation; they are the essential parts that
support and nourish the plant. Root vegetables lend these properties
to us when we eat them, making us feel physically and mentally
grounded and rooted, increasing our stability, stamina, and endurance.
Roots are a rich source of nutritious complex carbohydrates, providing
a steady source of necessary sugars to the body. Instead of upsetting
blood sugar levels like refined sweet foods, they regulate them. Since
they absorb, assimilate and supply plants with vital nutrients, roots
likewise increase absorption and assimilation in our digestive tracts.
Long roots include carrots, parsnips, burdock and daikon radish. Round
roots include turnips, radishes, beets and rutabagas. Long roots like
burdock and daikon are excellent blood purifiers and can help improve
circulation in the body and increase mental clarity. Round roots are
nourishing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs
and can help regulate blood sugar, moods, and alleviate cravings. |
Recipe
of the Month: Roasted Root Vegetables
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
1 sweet potato
2 parsnips
2 carrots
2 turnips or 1 large rutabaga
1 daikon radish (or substitute/add in your favorites, like
squash)
olive oil
salt and pepper
herbs: rosemary, thyme or sage (fresh if possible) |
Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Wash and chop all vegetables into
large bite-sized pieces.
3. Place in a large baking dish with
sides.
4. Drizzle with olive oil; mix well
to coat each vegetable lightly with oil.
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and
herbs.
6. Bake uncovered for about 35
minutes until vegetables are tender and golden brown, checking
every 10 minutes to stir and make sure veggies are not
sticking.
Note: Any combination of vegetables will work. Roasting only
one kind of vegetable also makes a nice side dish. |
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Initial Health Consultation
Daniel Max offers Nutrition and Health Counseling as well as
Shiatsu and Yoga. In his quest to
improve the life of others he offers an initial consultation. This
hour-long session includes a full discussion of your health history
and health goals, a chance to get your questions answered and the
opportunity to find out more about a personalized health program,
completely catered toward your busy lifestyle and needs.
To find out more about the services offered, please visit www.maxsenseofself.com
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