Chinese Medicine - Diet & Lifestyle Therapy

"Ancient Remedies for Modern People"

Diet & Lifestyle Therapy

Eating for Health

The following guidelines list the simple general dietary practices that are essential for health according to the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Include a large variety of foods in the diet.
Live on a mainly vegetarian diet of light, simple foods.
Eat largely whole, unprocessed foods.
Chew and swallow slowly.
Relax while eating; avoid eating while reading, watching TV or rushing.
Eat regularly. The amount of food and time of meals should be similar every day. Optimal is breakfast at about 7am, lunch around 12 noon and supper at 6am.
Food intake should be greatest in the morning, a moderate amount at lunch, and a small amount at the evening meal.
Eat small amounts of food frequently rather than large amounts of food infrequently.
Avoid eating when in any kind of extreme emotional state.
Eat moderately at each meal; eat until only 2/3 full.
Eat clean, fresh, organic and seasonally ripe produce as often as possible.
Avoid extremes in the diet, such as too hot, spicy, too raw, too cold, or too greasy.
Balance the five flavours; sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty, to the best of your ability, ask for clarification on flavour categorisation.
Avoid eating anything 2-3 hours before sleep.
Harmonise the diet with your individual constitution or problem ask us for specific advice and information.

10 Ways To Sleep Better

A patient guide to restful nights & refreshed awakenings

1. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.

Keeping a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends, helps to develop a sleep-wake rhythm that encourages better sleep.

2. Create a comfortable sleep environment.

You can try to control a number of the elements in your bedroom that will promote a good sleep, such as:

Temperature - For most people, cool is better than hot.

Light - Keep your bedroom as dark as possible. You might even consider wearing an eye mask.

Noise - Less noise means more sleep. You can reduce noise levels with rugs & drapes, earplugs, background "white" noise (eg. fan), or soothing music.

Comfort - A good mattress can improve the quality of sleep.

Function - Try not to use your bedroom for work, study or other such activities. Make your bedroom a stress-free zone.

3. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Alcohol may help you get to sleep, but it will make your sleep restless and uneasy. Caffeine-contained in tea, cola, and chocolate, as well as in coffee-is a stimulant and can cause problems for people trying to fall asleep.

4. Watch your diet.

A heavy meal or spicy foods before bedtime can lead to night-time discomfort, and fluids can require disruptive trips to the bathroom.

5. Get out of bed if you're not sleeping.

If you dont fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes, get up. Get back into bed only when you feel sleepy.

6. Exercise regularly.

Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep. Exercising in the morning or afternoon at least 3 hours before bedtime, so you wont be too "revved up" will help you get a deeper, more restful sleep.

7. Cut back on or stop tobacco use.

Nicotine, like caffeine, is a stimulant can cause problems for people trying to fall asleep.

8. Avoid watching the clock.

Set the alarm and place the clock out of sight. Constant checking can even cause insomnia.

9. Create a relaxing bedtime routine.

Read a good book, listen to music, practice relaxation techniques, or take a warm bath.

10. Follow Traditional Chinese Medicine advice for good sleep.

Ask your practitioner for specifics.

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