Chinese medicine is a highly evolved and extremely complete healing system that arose from the last 4,000 years of experimentation in China.
This type of healing system is based on the observation of the human body, the study of the natural elements, and the study of the relationship between the natural world and the human body.
In order to understand your body and heartburn’s association to your diet, there are two basic tenets of Chinese Medicine you should be familiar with.
Yin and Yang
Based on the theory of Chinese medicine, everything in the universe is based upon two principles: Yin and Yang. These two forces embody and complement each other. Yin and Yang is found everywhere, even in the human body where health is based on how well these two forces are balanced with each other.
Rest or sleep is Yin, while exertion or exercise is Yang. Yin refers to things that heal or rest the body, while use of energy and exertion refer to Yang.
Heartburn and the Six Excesses during Pregnancy
There are six imbalances that Chinese Medicine has determined can make you sick. These include:
1. Summer heat – Heat and Damp symptoms combined
2. Dryness – Dry stools; Dry throat and lips
3. Dampness- Spleen condition symptoms; feelings of heaviness or thickness
4. Heat/Fire – Feelings of thirst; fever; aversion to heat
5. Cold – Dislike of cold; cold sensations
6. Wind – Congestion; itching
We also need to have a basic understanding of foods and their cooling/heating qualities since this one of the ways that heartburn arises during pregnancy.
During Pregnancy, These are The Two Factors That Can Cause Heartburn and Indigestion
Based on the theory of Chinese, heartburn and digestive-related issues are the result of stomach-liver imbalance. Some of the aspects involving liver function is associated with emotions and how balanced they are.
Chinese medicine considers the emotions and diet to be the two main factors causing the issue. Heartburn is seen as a symptom caused by too much heat in the body. This means that eating foods produce heat in the body should be avoided. These may include among others greasy foods, spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol.
Emotional Issues and/or Imbalances
In Chinese medicine, the stomach and the liver are intimately connected to each other. Emotional upsets such as frustration, anger, and irritability can cause the Liver to become imbalanced. The stomach can be easily affected by the imbalance which that can cause stomach acid to flow back into the throat, causing heartburn and indigestion.
Cooling and Heating Foods
We know that to prevent heartburn during pregnancy, we need to control our emotions and avoid eating heating foods.
To know what foods to eat or avoid, below is a short list of cooling/heating foods:
Cooling Foods (Foods that you can eat)
-Peppermint tea
-Tomato
-Cucumber
-Cabbage
-Celery
-Fruit juices
-Flour
-Yogurt
-Milk
Heating Foods: (These are to be avoided if you suffer from heartburn or indigestion during pregnancy)
-Beans
-Oats
-Chocolate
-Walnuts
-Lamb
-Grapes
-Chicken
-Beef
To summarize, we talked about a couple of very important principles based on the teachings of Chinese medicine:
1. Consume cooling foods, avoid heating foods
2. Avoid extreme hurtful emotions
We hope these recommendations will lead to the relief that you deserve.
Jacksonville Acupuncture Clinic
8855 San Jose Blvd
Jacksonville , FL 32217
Phone: (904) 260-2598
www.jacksonvilleacupunctureclinic.com
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