Why do we distinguish between alkaline and acidic foods? Because cancer cells are smart; they love acidic foods. This article is an attempt to promote eating alkaline foods versus the acidic ones. A list of alkaline foods follows for your convenience. Scroll down below, the list of alkaline foods is a large list, and, surprisingly varied. What a pleasure to recognize how tasty alkaline foods can be! Now, because it is relevant to this conversation, we will list the acidic foods, and, spices as well. First, we need to get educated. It is not surprising at all to see how meats are acidic. Lemons, which we think is acidic, produces the opposite because it helps in the digestion of food, and, drink. The end result is alkaline. The citric acid in lemons produces an alkaline effect in the system.

In Chinese medicine, we are aware of temperature. Food, drink, and herbs, have an intrinsic temperature. For example, Green tea is cold; it is good to use with inflammations, or, a fever. Cinnamon, a cold beer, medication, recreational drugs are hot. Note that a food’s acid or alkaline forming tendency in the body has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. Back to very acidic lemons whose end products produced after digestion and assimilation are very alkaline. Lemons are alkaline forming in the body. On the other hand, meat will test alkaline before digestion; it leaves a very acidic residue in the body so, like most animal products, meat is very acid-forming. However I recommend fish. Nourish your kidneys, whose pathway includes bones, marrow, and is manifested in your hair. I use salmon (Oh no! It’s on the acidic list!) for it’s Omegas to work on my heart, my skin, and maintain the color of my hair. It is most important to balance one’s diet by consuming more foods from the alkaline list.

There are several versions of the acidic and alkaline food chart to be found in different books and on various reliable sources on the Net. There are foods that are sometimes attributed to the acidic side of the chart and sometimes to the alkaline side. Remember, you don’t need to adhere strictly to the alkaline side of the chart, just make sure a good percentage of the foods you eat is alkaline. It’s about balance. Provided below is the Unknown pH’ list.

We live to enjoy food and drink. We can control the alkalinity of our of diets because we don’t want to become magnets to sickness with an acidic one. We adjust. We eat alkaline. We prevent cancer. We are what we eat. We want to live long, healthy, and cancer-free…

List of Alkalizing Foods:

Alkalizing Vegetables

Alfalfa , Barley Grass , Beet Greens, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard Greens , Chlorella, Collard Greens, Cucumber, Dandelions, Dulce, Edible Flowers, Eggplant, Fermented Veggies, Garlic, Green Beans, Green Peas, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Nightshade Veggies, Onions , Parsnips (high glycemic), Peas, Peppers, Pumpkin , Radishes, Rutabaga, Sea Veggies, Spinach greens, Spirulina, Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Watercress,Wheat Grass, Wild Greens

Alkalizing Oriental Vegetables

Daikon,Dandelion Root, Kombu,Maitake, Nori, Reishi, Shitake, Umeboshi,Wakame

Alkalizing Fruits

Apple, Apricot,Avocado, Banana (high glycemic), Berries, Blackberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries (sour), Coconut (fresh), Currants, Dates (dried), Figs (dried), Grapes, Grapefruit, Honeydew Melon, Lemon, Lime, Muskmelons, Nectarine, Orange, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Raisins, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Tangerine, Tomato, Tropical Fruits,Umeboshi Plums, Watermelon

Alkalizing Protein

Almonds, Chestnuts, Millet, Tempeh (fermented), Tofu (fermented), Whey Protein Powder

Alkalizing Sweeteners

Stevia

Alkalizing Spices & Seasonings

Chili Pepper, Cinnamon, Curry, Ginger, Herbs (all), Miso, Mustard, Sea Salt, Tamari

Alkalizing Other

Alkaline Antioxidant Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Bee Pollen, Fresh Fruit Juice, Green Juices, Lecithin Granules, Mineral Water, Molasses, blackstrap, Probiotic Cultures, Soured Dairy Products, Veggie Juices

Alkalizing Minerals

Calcium, Cesium, Magnesium, Potassium,Sodium

List of Acidic Foods and Spices:

Acidifying Vegetables

Corn,Lentils, Olives,Winter Squash

Acidifying Fruits

Blueberries, Canned or Glazed Fruits, Cranberries, Currants, Plums**,Prunes**

Acidifying Grains, Grain Products

Amaranth, Barley, Bran, oat bran, wheat Bread,Corn,Cornstarch,Crackers, soda,Flour (wheat),Flour (white) , HempSeed Flour, Kamut, Macaroni, Noodles, Oatmeal, Oats (rolled), Quinoa, Rice (all), Rice Cakes, Rye, Spaghetti, Spelt,Wheat Germ,Wheat

Acidifying Beans & Legumes

Almond Milk, Black Beans, Chick Peas, Green Peas, Kidney Beans, Lentils, Pinto Beans, Red Beans, Rice Milk, Soy Beans, Soy Milk, White Beans

Acidifying Dairy

Butter, Cheese, Cheese, Processed, Ice Cream, Ice Milk

Acidifying Nuts & Butters

Cashews, Legumes, Peanut Butter, Peanuts, Pecans, Tahini ,Walnuts

Acidifying Animal Protein

Bacon, Beef, Carp, Clams, Cod, Corned Beef, Haddock, Lamb, Lobster, Mussels, Organ Meats, Oyster, Pike, Pork, Rabbit, Salmon, Sardines, Sausage, Scallops, Shellfish, Shrimp, Tuna, Turkey,Veal, Venison

Acidifying Fats & Oils

Avocado Oil, Butter, Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Flax Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Lard, Olive Oil, Safflower Oil, Sesame Oil, Sunflower Oil

Acidifying Sweeteners

Carob, Corn Syrup, Sugar

Acidifying Alcohol

Beer, Hard Liquor, Spirits, Wine

Acidifying Other Foods

Catsup, Cocoa , Coffee, Mustard, Pepper, Soft Drinks, Vinegar

Acidifying Drugs & Chemicals

Aspirin, Chemicals, Drugs, Medicinal Drugs, Psychedelic Drugs, Herbicides,Pesticides,Tobacco

Acidifying Junk Food

Beer, Coca-Cola, Coffee

Foods of Unknown pH type

Brazil Nuts,Brussel Sprouts,Buckwheat,Cashews,Chicken, Corn,Cottage Cheese, Eggs,Flax Seeds, Green Tea, Herbal Tea,Honey, Kombucha,Lima Beans, Maple Syrup,Milk, Nuts, Organic Milk (unpasteurized),Potatoes (white),Pumpkin Seeds, Quinoa,Sauerkraut, Soy Products,Sprouted Seeds, Squashes, Sunflower Seeds, Tomatoes, Yogurt

** These Foods leave an alkaline ash but do have an acidifying effect on the body.

Components of the Greens Diet

When asked, the type of diet or healthy eating practice I preach is a diet I call “The Greens Diet”. I actually stumbled on it at a Overeater’s Anonymous meeting. It consists of:

12oz of protein total per day or 4 oz per meal (chicken, fish preferably salmon)
1 fruit per day (at least)
Total of 20 oz of Green leafy vegetables per day or about 7oz per meal including:

Beet tops (red and green leaves)
Kale
Spinach
Collard Greens
Swiss Chard
Mustard greens

Other vegetables include:
Turnips
Parsnips
Jicama
Green beans
Summer
Winter squashes

I tell my friends, my family, and, my patients, at a minimum to incorporate features of the Greens Diet into their diet, if not replace their diets completely. The green vegetables I recommend above are the leafy and cruciferous kind. Fresh is always best but if a particular vegetable is not in season, by all means, there’s plenty in the freezer section of your local supermarket. If the choice is between frozen or none at all, I would go with frozen.

Benefits of Greens
The benefits of green leafy vegetables are endless. Kale’s constituents primarily include: Vitamin K, A, C, and manganese. It is also rich in dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Some studies list that Kale helps prevent cancer, it’s nutrients neutralize potentially carcinogenic substances. The International Journal of Cancer lists that those who consume kale and other cruciferous vegetables have a lower incidence of lung, colon, breast, and ovarian cancers.

Spinach, like Kale is another vegetable rich in Vitamins K, A, C, B6, E, folate, manganese, iron, and potassium. Spinach helps protect against heart disease, arthritis, and, the type of cancer it helps protect against is that of the colon. Swiss Chard like Spinach and Kale is also rich in Vitamin K, A,C, E, and folate, manganese. Research shows that it helps with gone health and the type of cancer it protects against are in the digestive tract. Because Swiss Chard is an excellent source of magnesium, so it helps regulate nerve and muscle tone by balancing the action of calcium. Insufficient magnesium can thus contribute to high blood pressure. Like Kale, and Spinach, Swiss Chard is an excellent source of Vitamin C and E. It has antioxidant powers that help battle free radicals that cause damage to cells. Not having enough antioxidants in the body can result in inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Vitamin C is also essential for immunity, excellent for the prevention of the common cold.

All the greens and squashes listed above are excellent sources of fiber and shown to reduce high cholesterol levels which in turn help prevent atherosclerosis. It’s also been shown that fiber helps keep blood sugar levels low, therefore helpful to those with Type 2 Diabetes. Including bulky greens, and, squashes in one’s current diet gives one a sense of fullness and contributes to weight loss. I’ve seen this in my senior patients. Some of my patients tout 1-3 lb/week losses. Some of the vegetables above contain some protein, but this Greens Diet includes 12 oz. of protein a day and I recommend fish, and if possible, salmon. Salmon is a great source of omega oils excellent for heart, brain, skin, and vital in the reduction of high levels of cholesterol. These dark green leafy vegetables, and squashes are easily available in your neighborhood supermarkets. Remember to add yellow and green squashes. Low in carbs, and, sugar, they add texture to your greens. The most common type of squashes are either summer or winter squash. When selecting your squashes, the summer squash should be fairly heavy for its size, and, free from blemishes. Winter squashes are usually sold immature.Remember, think dark green Leafy, and yellow. In the 5 Element theory of Chinese medicine, squashes which are basically yellow, represent Earth; the organ: the Pancreas. In Chinese Medicine theory, it is the pancreas that transforms food and drink into qi (energy), and, blood.

You may blanch the greens, keeping them crunchy and tasty with your favorite salad dressing. Remember that vinegar is an astringent, it holds in Lung Qi; the energy of breathing. For frozen vegetables, check the instructions on the package. Remember not to overcook! Feel free to garnish with nuts. Squash is excellent baked or steamed. Summer squashes can also be mashed and served with a little bit of butter or low-fat cream. Squashes can also be boiled before you toss in the greens cooking for an additional minute or two. Spinach is great fresh. Mix it with other salad greens. I’m a fan of olive oil and vinegar as a dressing.

Patients Benefit from the Greens Diet

One of them let’s call Morris, a boy of 8 with ADHD. His mother is a jewel of a woman with infinite patience, and, rationale. Morris has everyone in the house inspired with how the Greens Diet has changed him. He is calmer, and now can be still in order to listen. “I want my daughter to have what you gave to Morris. He is so much calmer, and, nicer,” his classmate’s dad told Morris” mom. Of course Morris’ mom and dad are on the program for weight loss, coz why not? They say.

My senior patient I will name Olivia, aged 70 came to Acupuncture because she had open heart surgery. She was overweight, and worried about her heart. She was sent to me by her cardiologist. Olivia had a stroke, and open heart surgery. A patient on blood thinners is not a candidate for herbal therapy. She is kept on her conventional medicine protocol, and immediately put her on The Greens Diet. The following week, Olivia happily reported that she lost 1 pound! We were encouraged to continue, balancing her coronary health, and diet. Olivia is a good patient. She has an open mind, and, looks forward to alternative medicine complementing her HMO plan. We were encouraged to continue, balancing her coronary health, with this Greens Diet and Acupuncture.

Another is a television actress we will call Gwen. She is young, and, very talented. Gwen needs to be clear of mind as she goes from one film set to another. Gwen is a large woman of 5′9″ who thrives on the Greens Diet because it keeps her energetic, and she continues to fit well in her size 12 suits. I am in my thirties, and, I feel fabulous~ “let’s take as many pictures of me now while I am young, and pretty!” she says.

An elderly lady we will call Rita has glaucoma. She comes to Acupuncture, and, herbal therapy so that she can see better. Acupuncture treatments always improve her vision. In Chinese Medicine, Glaucoma is damp. The Greens Diet drains damp, and cools the blood that is stored in the liver. To help drain damp and tonify her pancreas, we replaced her soda pop habit with fresh ginger juice and honey. Her vision continues to improve with Acupuncture and a customized Chinese Herbal formulation.

Nancy is 49. Recently diagnosed with type II diabetes, she came to my clinic seeking alternative medicine to support her decision to get better. So focused was Nancy with her new diet, and, exercise regiment, that her numbers cleared up and balanced out rapidly. In 6 weeks, her doctor was surprised with her recovery. You are a model patient. Would you be willing to speak in my coming Forum on Diabetes at the University next month? Nancy’s recovery includes her will and determination to get better. The Greens Diet easily manages diabetes.

Karena, 55, had surgery that incised the cancer she had in her breast. She has Acupuncture to help her heal quickly. I also put her on the Greens Diet to accelerate healing and to elevate, and, maintain her mood.

Conclusion:

My patients are intelligent people who think out of the box as they pursue living well, and staying healthy. They are in tune with their bodies. They believe the Greens Diet works. It gives them the energy to be on the ball with their busy schedules, as they continue to excel in their lives. Less costly and always safe to use, I recommend The Greens Diet also because I am a Doctor of Chinese medicine with knowledge of traditional and natural remedies immediately recognizing its value (or value of its ingredients). As listed in my success stories above, I have used it to help my patient’s battle diseases or it’s aftermath and emotional problems since 2001. I can proudly say that I do use the Greens Diet to fix whatever ails me or if I need to be on a manageable diet.

In the 5 element theory of Chinese Medicine, colors can help one remember internal organs that we nourish with food. Green (wood) is the liver, generating red (fire) the heart, generating yellow (earth), the pancreas, which now generates white (metal), the lungs, which in turn generates black or blue for (water), the kidneys. One element generates the next. I always remember to say that instead of meats which are acidic, try fish or seaweed from the ocean to nourish kidneys. That fountain of life is the kidney organ. When we breathe in, it’s our lower back that moves~ where the kidneys are; a breath out is the lungs. In Chinese medicine, the liver is the general. The liver holds blood in the body before that the heart circulates. It assists the pancreas in digesting food. It also creates energy directing the lungs in its breathing function. A breath out is from the lungs. A breath taken in is when the body pulls up from the lower back, the area of the kidneys. Whether currently being treated for cancer and most especially when recovering from cancer, we need to eat our greens and if possible organic green so that it is free of cancer-causing pesticides. Food is medicine. We are what we eat. Eat fresh, and eat organic.

Bill, a Cancer Survivor

I have a patient named Bill who is a cancer survivor. He recently beat Lymphoma. Bill is a new patient who is aware of “doing everything natural”. Bill comes to see me for a health maintenance package. He’s healthy today; we need to keep him that way.

Luckily, Bill has an open mind. He now knows he has to eat organic, and, maintain the 3 peg points to health: Diet, Exercise and NO Smoking. At 60, Bill looks at least 10 years younger, he does not smoke, walks a mile a day, eats lots of organic green leafy vegetables, and fruit. He stays calm and sleeps approximately 6-7 hours a day. Not all baby boomers I’ve met, and, treated are like Bill. He is lucky to have good genes, a loving family, and, keeps busy with his investments. He proclaims, “I’m saving money when I come here for my monthly health tune-ups. I know I was diagnosed and, treated for cancer and I need all the help I can get. I think it helps me stay calm and clean “He knows he has the best of both worlds Chinese medicine complementing his regular health plan. He realizes that whatever disease he may already have can get cleaned up, and, he get to live a longer healthier life.

Most baby boomers are not so lucky. There is a recent study that reports a small percentage of baby boomers that are having trouble with health insurance, or, healthcare costs, money management, and, debt problems. The study also proclaims that a lack of confidence in the healthcare system is growing. Alternative medicine can help, it can be a solution because it is cost effective, efficient, and, works quickly. It is safe, affordable, and, treats the person as a whole.

Medicine is a business. Furthermore, older workers and their spouses who do not have large incomes are concerned and worried. A recent study states that 72% are interested in receiving Medicare before they reach 65. Two-thirds of those who make $60,000.00 and over are “very or somewhat interested” in early enrollment in Medicare. Healthcare has become a big issue. The report also o says that one-fifth of older workers and their spouses 7 million Americans — either have no healthcare insurance or have been uninsured at some time since age 50.

Raul, My Retired Baby Boomer

Let’s talk about Raul, my other Baby Boomer. Raul is young at 67. He is retired, and, lives alone. Raul has numbness on one side, from the right thigh down to his foot. He fell down the stairs of his residence, and is unable to walk without a cane. He was referred to me by his physician for his stubborn pain and numbness.

Raul’s problem was dense. Raul lives alone, and, does not eat enough greens with his meals. It was suggested that he consume 20 ounces of fresh greens and squashes, weighed before cooking, with 4 ounces of protein three times a day, or, about the size of your palm. I asked that 1 of those three meals include fresh fish, steamed, baked, or grilled and preferably not fried. We worked twice a week for 4 months with acupuncture treatments ~ his progress was consistent ~ he eventually stuck with the diet of GREENS, and fish. Because of the trauma he suffered with the fall, it took us 4 months to free his lower limb of its channel obstruction, for Raul to walk normally. If he did not choose to use acupuncture, I believe Raul would have developed arthritis in his right leg.

Since he was a child, Raul worked in his father’s businesses. He is used to running between jobs and home. Single in the big city, Raul has not always had the opportunity to cook or prepare his meals. Now that he is able to relax and take better care of himself, Raul’s health turned around with acupuncture and nutrition, literally. In 3 months, he has more energy, has a balanced gait having regained the use of both his legs. He now lives a new life balanced with dark green vegetables, squashes, fresh fruit, fish, and nuts.

In a report to The Commonwealth Fund, The National Institute of Health states that over 60% of adults, ages 50 to 64 who are working (or who have a working spouse) have been diagnosed with at least one chronic health condition. This ailing population suffers from many of the following ailments: Arthritis, Cancer, Hypertension, Heart Disease, and High Cholesterol.

I think integrated medicine is worth trying, it’s worth the exploration by the ailing baby boomer population. One of the main obstacles to this exploration is that acupuncture and its herbal prescriptions are not always covered by health insurance. If the health plan covers it, it’s not enough. One popular plan limits acupuncture visits to 22 visits a year. Unfortunately herbal supplements are not covered.

In Chinese medicine, it may require a month of 2-4 times a week of treatments for a year’s history of the pattern, or problem. The patient more often than not could suffer more than one problem or pattern in a year and 22-visit plan may not be enough. In China, they treat the patient every day, for 10 consecutive days. Because the body naturally changes with its nutrition and stressors, Chinese medicine outlines disease patterns, instead, of giving it a name. There is also the obstacle of perception, that of “quackery”. Quickly noting that this obstacle is almost non-existent because of the direct result of public demand for Oriental therapies. Now it is known as Integrative Medicine. It is becoming, growing in the mainstream with the support received from recognized institutions like The World Health Organization and other government entities like the National Institute of Health.

In my personal practice, in addition to providing Oriental therapies and prescribing natural herbal solutions I also preach the importance of diet, specifically a diet I refer to as “The Greens Diet” which is also referred to on this website. The Greens Diet consists of 20oz of fresh green leafy vegetables (i.e. Spinach, Kale, Mustard Greens, Swiss chard, and Beet tops) and squashes ~ weigh uncooked. 4 oz of protein 3X a day. A fruit a day is allowed in this diet but the main component is the consumption of a large amount of vegetables.

I use this diet to treat diabetes, moodiness, depression, ADHD, and, the overweight. In Oriental Medicine there is the concept of the “Five Element Protocol”. In this protocol, greens or the energy of wood nourishes the liver organ. It’s energy and emotion is: to go forward, to spring up, to re-start, to grow, to bring in freshness, to “do”. Without getting into too much detail, the liver organ is the general, directing other organs where to send their energies. With the liver nourished, it can effectively assist other organs including the pancreas in its work of food and drink digestion.

By being proactive, there’s that old, and simple reminder about taking care of one’s health: incorporating elements of the “Greens Diet” into one’s current diet, refraining from smoking, and exercising moderately. Integrating your approach to medicine, including alternative medicine like Traditional Chinese Medicine with your health plan, may in the long run decrease a baby boomer’s high health insurance costs. Costs go down when the much healthier and more buff baby boomer’s visits to the health care provider are decreased. Trying natural remedies helps prevent illness, healing safely with less adverse effects. Traditional Oriental Medicine treats more than the symptom; it goes to the root cause, it strengthens the problem organ. Without a doubt some conventional medications are very effective in addressing symptoms, but, may have side effects including: damage to the liver, stomach lining, and drug dependence.

Willing to try natural remedies, I treated Cristina with Acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulation, sent her off with a bottle of Chinese herbal patent pills, and, a bottle of cranberry capsules obtained from a local health food store. She is to finish taking the single bottle of a Chinese Formula, and, immediately begin her maintenance program with the Cranberry capsules. I asked that she triple the suggested dose of cranberrycapsules with plenty of water. For further maintenance purposes, and, to manage her sugar count, I told Katie we could replace her juices with cornsilk. Cornsilk is known to soothe bladder infections and irritation; resulting in less frequent urination and decreased burning sensation while urinating. Cornsilk helps by coating the membrane lining of the urinary tract walls. Another benefit of cornsilk is it reduces sediment formation in the kidneys. It acts like a mild diuretic by reducing water retention in the body. Delighted, Cristina said, “It’s a remedy used in the old country”. Because she is a borderline diabetic, I also added fresh ginger to flavor the cornsilk tea (In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the pancreas is the root organ that is targeted when trying to control the disease of Diabetes. In TCM the role of the pancreas is to make blood and energy. ) Adding the ginger not only flavors the cornsilk tea, it also cools inflammation and boosts Cristina’s energy level naturally. I reminded Cristina about lessening her intake of caffeine which is also known to aggravate bladder or kidney infections.

Now, as part of her runs to the neighborhood supermarket, she adds fresh corn, and ginger to her grocery list. To make the cornsilk tea, simply boil about ½ an oz of fresh ginger in 2-3 cups water for about 5 minutes, turn off the heat, steep the cornsilk of 1 or 2 ears of corn on the stove for 3-4 minutes.

I also told Cristina about the benefits of fresh coconut juice to relieve bladder and kidney infections. For centuries, in SE Asia, coconut water has been the natural remedy for strengthening kidneys, and, cooling hot urine. Studies claim that drinking coconut water may reduce one’s chance of having kidney or ureter stones. It is low in carbohydrates, 99% fat free and very low in sugar. I asked her to venture out to her local Oriental grocery store where fresh coconut is available in the vegetable section all-year round. Her grocer can show her how to open, put a hole in the coconut, and using a straw sh e can sip the water. Coconut water is also available in cans or plastic bottles and should work just as well. Armed with the knowledge of cornsilk, cranberry capsules, pomegranate, and coconut water to nourish her bladder (and kidneys!) and clear her urinary tract problems, Cristina left on a mission.

Today, instead of opening a can of soda, Cristina packs a large bottle of cornsilk tea with ginger, or a can of Coco Juice to work and school. In addition, Cristina says dried packaged cornsilk is available in various neighborhood stores in Southern California. It’s all about changing old habits or creating new ones. It is surprising how natural remedies can be so simple and yet so helpful.

It is the very thing that will help you minimize or manage your daily stresses. Stress management is essential in keeping your body in tip top shape at the same time preventing disease or help manage disease. If you suffer from Hypertension, it can help lower your blood pressure. If you are highly anxious or even depressed, it will help calm you down and help your mind focus. It can even help you manage your weight or your food cravings by calming you down. It controls your emotions and will diffuse the need or urge to want to overeat. It will give you a sense of control. Remember the act of breathing is an act of control. The side effect is confidence. No one else can do this for you. You can control your well-being, your reactions, your focus, just by controlling your breathing. It is that simple. It is that powerful.

Here is a very simple 5-minute breathing meditation that I guarantee will help you relax. Read it and familiarize with it, soon you will be able to do this easily and instinctively. There is also an audio file. Feel free to download it. In the days and weeks to follow you will find that not only do you but others around you will notice the change in you. You have become more calm, relaxed, and confident individual.

The 5-minute Meditation

Foreword:
This 5-minute meditation exercise can be practiced sitting on a chair, lying in bed, or even while at your office desk taking a break. A quiet place is recommended. Use this exercise or meditation when you start your day, when feeling agitated, or even when you are about to go to a potentially tenseful situation. It will make you calm, your mind relaxed and clear. Please do not practice this exercise while operating a vehicle.

The Meditation:
Sit comfortably on a chair or lie on a soft surface, your arms at your side. Gently close your eyes. Slowly empty the mind of all thought. Take your time. Empty your mind of all thought. Now breathe gently and slowly. Inhale,then exhale. Take another deep breath. if you wish, you can even count. Inhale to the count of 3. Exhale to the count of 3. Just remember that you just want to slow down your breathing. Slowly feel yourself starting to relax. If you find busy thoughts entering your mind, this is normal, just gently push them away. If you feel some agitation or excitement, gently push these feelings aside also. If you are hanging on to any negative thoughts or angry feelings it’s time to let them go. Just focus on your breathing. Continue to feel yourself slowing down. Your mind is getting more peaceful and relaxed. Continue breathing slowly and gently.

Now get ready to go through your entire body. Start from the top of your body: your head, your neck, your shoulders. Imagine the muscles in these areas starting to relax. Relax the muscles. Now, slowly move your focus down to your torso, then your lower back, you are feeling your body loosen up, your muscles are slowly relaxing. Your body is starting to relax. Go ahead let go of any tension that you might find there. Now moving down to your legs and feet, you are feeling more and more relaxed. Let go. Let your muscles relax. Continue to breathe. Now imagine your breath slowly filling your body from the top of your head, down your arms, down your chest, down your back and torso, all the way down to your feet. Your gentle breaths are flowing through your body causing you to feel more relaxed and calm. You find that you feel clarity in your mind and even peace in your heart. Continue to do this. Feeling your breaths slowly moving down from your head down your arms, to your torso, to your legs and to your feet. Repeat as many times as you wish. If you find your mind wandering, don’t worry. Just gently push the thoughts out of your mind, gently letting them go. Focus on your slow and gentle breathing. Keep imagining your slow breaths flowing through your body helping you feel very loose and relaxed.

Now let’s get ready to harness this breathing, this energy. Gently place both your hands on top of each other on your midsection. Continue breathing. Imagine drawing all the air or oxygen from all around you. Do this by breathing slowly and gently. Imagine the air around you as energy. Draw in all the energy around you and let it collect in your midsection. Feel this energy in your midsection. Focus on your midsection. Imagine it as a reservoir of energy, powerful energy. You can imagine this energy as a glowing flame warming your midsection. Continue breathing slowly. Be calm, be at peace, be present in the moment. Then as you breathe imagine this energy slowly moving around parts of your body. Let it travel upwards to your head, then down your arms. Then let it flow in your midsection circling and strengthening and energizing your vital organs: your heart, your lungs, your liver, your stomach, your kidneys, your gall bladder, your pancreas, your spleen. Do a mental picture of your vital organs. Imagine vital energy flowing through your organs. Let it revitalize, let it heal. Continue to breathe drawing in energy to your center. If you feel there are certain areas in your body that needs some healing, focus the energy there. Draw it there. Then continue to let this vital energy flow through your body.
Do this for a few minutes, or as long as you like. Take your time. Trust in yourself to know when you are ready to resume your activities. Remember that you are in control. You can take as much time as you want to relax and to revitalize. You may repeat this exercise as many times as you wish and at any time of the day.

When you are ready to return to your activities, you may slowly open your eyes and you will find that you are feeling very calm, relaxed, energized and in control, ready to take on the rest of your day.

By Maria Locsin, L.Ac

The World Health Organization listed quite a number of conditions where Acupuncture can be effective.

Lung Diseases top that list. Asthma, and, Bronchitis is no small pain. Eye and mouth disorders precede Gastro Intestinal disorders that include constipation, and Diarrhea. Headaches, and migraines would appear to be minor; they are found under Neurological disorders. Most popular are Orthopedic therapies
for Sciatica, Low Back Pain, Rheumatoid Arthitis, Tennis elbow. Respiratory diseases are Sinusitis, Rhinitis, a Common Cold, Acute Tonsilitis, Pharyngitis.

Many insurance companies include Acupuncture services. Health Plans may cover up to 24 visits a year. Seemingly generous, it is still a distant place before Chinese Medicine gets into the real mainstream. The older generation are as receptive to Acupuncture as the younger generations. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported in 2004 that 36% of all Americans (I am personally thankful for the report by an established government agency) used Alternative Medicine before the year 2002 and 50% received CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine) in their lifetime (Source: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults, CDC, May 27, 2004). As an Acupuncturist working with many patients and their health plans, I am exposed to those plans that do carry the service and which ones don’t. I also have patients who are willing to pay-out-of-pocket if their companies health benefits do not cover Acupuncture. I have patients that do not have insurance and come to me for treatment and patients that continue to pay for service when the maximum number of visits are exhausted.

The fact that Worksman’s Comp, Medicare, and Medical have provisions for it indicate clearly that it does help patients. Acupuncture is like having wine with a platter of cheese to a disabled patient and the injured. In the recent 2008 Beijing Olympics, TV coverage showed an American athlete being treated with Moxa (pronounced Mok-sa). Moxa is used in Moxibustion, a Traditional Chinese Medicine type of therapy. It is made of the Moxa herb, which is formed into a cigar-shaped stick, or rolled into balls or cones that are placed on a various strategic locations of the body where Acupuncture points are located. The moxa can also by applied directly on the affected area. On top of a layer of thin protective wax, rice sized bits of pure moxa is burned on the skin to tonify a deficiency of heat (it does not hurt, nor does it burn your skin. The process is completely safe and soothing). It works quickly in warming a Yang Deficiency, or, cold pattern.

In 2003, I was working at a clinic in Long Beach, California. I had an elderly patient on Medicare who could barely walk. She struggled with the help of a cane. After just one session, she walked out to the
reception area waving her cane, asking the desk to schedule her follow-up appointment. It can happen that in some cases, it only takes one treatment to get healed. Not only did Acupuncture work, it worked fast! The next time she came for a treatment, she brought with her a book on Chinese Medicine where she pointed out that one treatment can sometimes be enough. My patient wanted to show me that Acupuncture worked fast!
When another patient comes to my clinic for treatment, he was depleted, he was wasted. His work supercedes, and, is superimposed by his family life. He runs a successful auto spare parts business, has a working wife, and, two children of school age. Seven needle insertions and 40 minutes restored his energy. My patient rests very deeply on the acupuncture table during his treatments. He is restored with acupuncture treatments.

From my personal experience as a believer in Chinese Medicine, in America 25 years ago if you asked Mr. Average Joe American if he’s tried Acupuncture for his chronic pain or condition, he would say, “What’s that?” Today, as a proud Acupuncturist, I can say that it’s quite different. I would either get “I did not try it this time” or “It’s not covered by my insurance, but do you have a special rate?” I ask you now to share how Acupuncture helped you. Or, how it did not. Have you tried acupuncture, and, did it work fast for you? I’ll wager that if Acupuncture helped you that it may have taken you to a place that is pure, and, deep, so gentle, oh so quiet. The body also craves healing and relaxation!! Did you leave the treatment table with less pain wanting to book a follow-up appointment? This is how Acupuncture is addictive! All we have to do is give in.