Digestion - the Center of One's
Health
The idea that digestion is the
central axis of one’s health is very old. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM) can even determine from the state of one’s stomach chi
(digestive energy) a patient’s chances of survival. I, too, have
learned--through studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as nutrition,
bodywork (Chi Nei Tsang) and chi kung, and through facing my own
health problems--that the state of one’s digestive system is essential
to understanding many health problems. The
“belly” is the center of the physical and emotional self and many issues of
digestion and weight have both physical and emotional components.
I have found in my practice that balanced diet, stress management, and healthy
self-esteem are crucial for good digestion and a sense of well-being. Most people do not realize that conditions such as repetitive
strain injuries, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, energy swings, headaches,
arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, and so on often have roots in one’s digestive
functioning. The digestive system absorbs, sorts, cleanses, and eliminates what
we take in – both literally and metaphorically. Promoting good health requires cleansing and restoring the digestive
system and also balancing the emotions.
I use a combination of homeopathy, acupuncture and
herbs to help my patients overcome digestive issues.
Published in Bay Area Business Woman, March 2001
