Ailments & Conditions, Recipes, All Things Chinese Medicine and Lifestyle Blog Posts
Menopause As women, we will have approximately 500 periods in our lifetime. Our periods begin between the ages of 10-18. We continue to menstruate until menopause (the change of life) begins at the age of 45-55. Menopause represents a hormonal change in the female physiological process. Certain levels of hormones such as oestrogen will not
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Watch as Nick uses acupuncture on Jane to assist with pain associated with tennis elbow.
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Here is a little something about how sperm is made, some tips so you can make it better for conception, some advice so you can avoid conception and a joke. How is sperm made? Sperm are made in the male gonads (testes). These organs hang outside the scrotum as sperm like to be kept a
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Ingreadients 2 table spoons of cacao (high in Largine) Handful of walnuts (high in omega 3) Goji berries (high in antioxidants) 3g MACA root veg (enhances and regulates hormones) Banana (Vit B and magnesium) Almond milk or coconut water Method Blend ingredients together and enjoy
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We spend most of lives in fear of getting pregnant, but now it’s now time to clear up some questions about the birds and the bees. Please send through any other questions you have, there is no such thing as a silly question. When should we have sex? Most women who I see have been
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At the clinic, I meet lots of young girls who have been put on the oral contraceptive pill (referred to as the pill from here). I also meet lots more women who want to come off the pill after being on it from since they were teenagers and are now in their 30’s and want
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Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower 1 tsp olive oil Method: If grating then cut the cauliflower into large pieces. Grate the cauliflower on the large side of the cheese grater, or pulse in a food processor until it is rice size Remove excess water by transferring cauliflower to paper towel and squeeze/press Heat a large
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Previously we’ve discussed weight training and exercise during our menstrual cycle, today I’d like to talk about how food can help keep our hormones in balance.
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When you are reaching for your next coffee, perhaps stop and ask yourself “what is your body really trying to tell you?” If you’re tired and looking for an energy boost, I suggest you try 15 minutes of lying down with your eyes closed, that’s what I do. Alternatively, try a five minute walk with some deep belly breathing. Oxygen always helps fatigue.
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Nick and Jane talk over hydration Simple tips and tricks to keep hydrated and to be aware not to drink too much.
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Alcohol attracts a lot of attention, especially at this time of year. In Australia, we are known for binge drinking. European’s sip on it before a meal, and it is banned in the Middle East. In China, it has been used socially and medicinally for thousands of years. In fact, alcohol was first brewed in
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Nick and Jane’s tips and tricks for alcohol and the festive season
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Nick and Jane discuss some ways you can be prepared for the season of overindulgence.
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Bone broth is rich with minerals and proteins. These assist to strengthen joints and muscles, as well as reduce any inflammation. In addition, collagen is responsible for healing the lining of the gut and will strengthen the digestive system as well as increase metabolism. The immune system will also be strengthened as collagen promotes the
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After the overindulgent festive season, many people ask about Chinese herbal medicine to assist with weight loss. Weight loss herbs selected will generally: Tonify spleen qi, Increase your energy, Enhance your immune system and Eliminate phlegm and dampness from the body. Herbs are selected according to your pulse and tongue diagnosis. However, a generic tea
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This stir-fry is perfect for spring. For this time of year steaming, stir frying or sautéing vegetables rather then baking is preferable. This will ensure food maintains it’s spring vitality. Spring is the season of the liver. The sesame oil will help to strengthen and calm the liver while the mushrooms will help support digestion.
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A Chinese Medicine Perspective on Calf Injuries World Cup fever is here, with the final fast approaching, combined with school holidays, families are outside kicking soccer balls around. It is wonderful to see. The downside of all the activity, is the possibility of calf injuries, for example. the gastrocnemius muscle (calf muscle) is a muscle located at the
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In addition to acupuncture, Chinese Medicine includes a range of treatment options including herbal medicine, diet therapy, cupping and acupressure. Acupressure involves the stimulation of acupuncture points by fingers, hands and elbows. Acupressure can be applied at home to keep up momentum in between treatments. Acupressure can also be used by partners to help their
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At Gardenvale Chinese Medicine, we sometimes use ear seeds as an adjunct to acupuncture. An adhesive plaster with a small bead is placed over the acupuncture points on the external surface of the ear. Ear seeds can also be great for children or if you would prefer not to have needles. Most of you will be
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Acupuncture for lower back pain. Demonstrated by an acupuncturist who gets it. Acupuncture does not always have to be local or the site of the pain. Points are used distally or in different areas of the body. This can render a better result for pain relief. This treatment can avoid having to take clothes off
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Chinese medicine has an interesting approach to food and eating for better health…
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When is it appropriate to take antibiotics? How to know if your infection is viral or bacterial.
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Nick explains the importance of taking some mental time out during the busy, stressful and ‘mad’ times in our lives!
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Have you ever wondered how your herbs are made? This is a short time-lapse video. It shows Nick making up a unique herbal formula, for one of his clients in the dispensary at Gardenvale Chinese Medicine. For more videos you can visit our YouTube channel here.
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Nick explains the importance of sleep in maintaining good health. For more videos you can visit our YouTube channel here.
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Rice-paper rolls are one of our favourite dinner and lunch box solutions. Wrapped in pliable rice-paper sheets you can make rockin’ rolls with any fillings you or your family fancy, and to suit any season. Here is a delicious Vietnamese inspired recipe with mint and minced pork. The pork can easily be replaced with minced chicken or
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Ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower 3 tbs coconut oil, melted 1 tsp sea salt 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp sweet paprika 2 tsp ground coriander 1/2C tahini, plus extra for drizzling 1 handful parsley, finely chopped A squeeze of lemon juice Lightly toasted pine nuts, to serve Method: Preheat oven to 170ºC. Line
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Nick discusses why cooked and warming food is recommended over raw food. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine cold and raw food can stress the gut. especially in cold and damp weather. For more videos you can visit our YouTube channel here.
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Chronic pain in can present in many different areas and with varying intensity. Chronic pain, usually present for a number of months, is often the result a specific injury, such as: lower back muscle strain or disc damage arthritis sciatic pain nerve impingement But it also might happen because of a treatment or procedure. An
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Watercress is perfect in autumn as it strengthens your lungs, Qi and Yin. It can help relieve a dry, sore throat, phlegmy coughs, restlessness and even grumpiness. Serves 4 Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, skin off 600g potatoes 150g flat beans, trimmed, cut into 4cm lengths 2 medium zucchinis, trimmed 1 bunch watercress, leaves picked 1tbs
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Pad Thai is popular because it tastes great! Here’s Michelle Bridges’ healthy homemade take on what’s often a rather greasy and fatty restaurant choice. Instead, this nutritious version can easily be converted into a vegetarian or allergy friendly meal, and a quick weeknight favourite for both adults and kids. Serves 4 Ingredients: 200g dried rice-stick noodles 300g
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Finally we can wake and shake off the dregs of the cold damp winter. The arrival of spring brings warmer temperatures and less frost, the trees begin to bud and flower and the grass starts to grow. In Chinese medicine the season of spring relates to a Yang energy, which creates a growing upward and
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Living in a temperate climate, as we do in Melbourne, means we have four relatively distinct seasons. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) living in sync with the seasons and your external environment is important for optimal health and wellbeing. Each season we’re blessed with a variety of delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables. Many
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Menstrual cycle and mental health Despite recent studies that have found a correlation between mental health and the female menstrual cycle, conventional medicine still overlooks this connection when addressing mental health related issues. Women often suffer the rollercoaster ride of their menstrual cycle in silence. When help is sought, important psychiatric treatment and/or medication is
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(see vegetarian option below ) This is a lovely winter dish! With its simple mix of meat and spices, it’s not only delectable but will nourish and warm you deep from the inside. Beef will warm your digestive system and directs warmth to the lower parts of your body. It improves circulation and blood production,
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Did you know you have ‘wind points’ at the back of your neck and at the base of your skull? This is usually not common knowledge. However, according to Traditional Chinese medicine these ‘wind points’ are commonly affected by over-exposure to cold and wind, and this can be the precursor to catching the common cold.
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Mushrooms are terrific in autumn as they remove phlegm and toxins. They also relieve fatigue and boost energy. Barley is also an energy booster and improves physical strength. It can also help with indigestion and diarrhea. Thyme can ease the common cold and associated symptoms such as headache, cough, aches, pains and a sore throat.
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This warming and calming soup improves digestion, builds energy and strengthens key organs such as the liver, lungs and kidneys. It may also help people with diarrhoea, rheumatism, or with problems swallowing. Serves 4 Ingredients: 3 leeks, sliced 1 tsp butter or oil 1L chicken stock 4 potatoes, cubed 1 sweet potato, cubed Pepper Handful fresh
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Feb Fast Detox is certainly the buzz word for the beginning of the year. Throughout the summer we put our body through its paces with more rich food, alcohol and often less exercise. Come February we feel bloated, sluggish and foggy in the head, desperate to detox, vent, clear and purge. And so the ‘Feb
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– A root or two is mighty good for you! This soup recipe is jam-packed not just with one or two roots, but with multiple delectable and very colourful root vegetables. It is so easy to make and so full of goodness that it’s hard to believe. It will soothe your tastebuds, strengthen your digestive system, nourish your blood,
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Cauliflower, pea and fried tofu curry This is a delicious and warming vegetarian curry stuffed with protein and goodness. Cauliflower is from the same family as cabbage, broccoli and kohlrabi and shares many of their health benefits. Both peas and cauliflower can help strengthen the digestive system. Tofu is a source of protein often used
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This traditional spinach pie is not only delicious, but also high in protein. Protein is essential for strengthening and nourishing our bodies. Ingredients 1/4 cup olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 bunch shallots, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1kg spinach 2 tbs dill, chopped 250g fetta, crumbled 150g ricotta 3 tbs parmesan, grated
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Here is a delicious, high protein vegetarian recipe. Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown rice Shredded, wilted chard Crushed garlic Chives 250g ricotta 2 tbs yoghurt 1 egg Crumbed fetta (small piece) Handful of grated cheese Method: Mix 1 cup of cooked brown rice with shredded wilted chard, crushed garlic and chives. Stir through 250g ricotta, 2
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Eggplant is in season now (summer and autumn) and is a great food for your blood. It both moves and cools the blood. It can also help reduce imbalanced flow, reduce stagnation and relieve problems caused by overeating meat. Enjoy this easy recipe for a tasty eggplant dip, great to have as a snack with
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Here is a list of foods, drinks and herbs that are cooling: Cooling Foods Apples Asparagus Avocado Banana (not eaten excessively) Basil Broccoli/Cauliflower Cabbage Melons/Papaya Celery Chrysanthemum (tea) Crab (not eaten excessively) Cucumber Duck Eggplant Grapefruit Lettuce Mung Beans Pears Peppermint Plums Rhubarb Rye Seaweed Sesame Soybeans Spinach Water Chestnuts Cooling & Strengthening Foods Coconut
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Ingredients: 1 cup of tahini (or any nut butter) 1/2 cup agave 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats or old-fashioned oats 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans (any nuts) chopped up bar of dark chocolate Method: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C. Grease cookie sheets or use parchment paper. In a
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Here’s a ‘sweet’ idea for your weekend breakfast cook up Makes 24 pancakes Ingredients: 3 cups blanched almond flour ½ cup heavy cream 8 eggs ½ cup salted butter, melted ¼ cup agave nectar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 pinch celtic sea salt Butter for frying Method: In a Vitamix, combine
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Ingredients: 3 bananas (about 1 ½ cups) mashed 3 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon honey 1/4 cup vegan palm oil shortening 2 cups blanched almond flour 1/2 teaspoon celtic sea salt 1 teaspoon baking soda Method: Place bananas, eggs, vanilla, honey and shortening in a food processor Pulse ingredients together Pulse in almond
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Try this fantastic soup to get your family through cold and wet weather. Ingredients: 1 whole chicken 1 brown onion 5 celery stalks 1 whole leek 4 carrots 2 spring onions 1 bunch asparagus 4 silverbeet leaves, shredded 1/2 cup snow peas, sliced 2/3 cup broad beans 2 bay leaves 2 garlic cloves Fresh chopped
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