A Center for Natural Healing

(Episode 76) Moving Through Grief: 3 Essential Oils to Help You Let Go

November 1, 2023

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Essential oils are allies from nature that defend us from the external world as well as from our internal battles.

Today we’re exploring essential oils in relation to the Metal Element. You’ll learn how imbalances in personality and emotional state can be harmonized using essential oils.

Essential Oils for the Metal Element

Essential oils can help us when we feel weak and vulnerable to the elements, including bacteria, viruses, wind and cold. They can also help us with social factors when feeling uncomfortable in a social situation.

These oils can help us support the functions of the Lungs and Large Intestine, the organs related to the Metal Element, which relates to our immunity.

Many of them help when you’re having difficulty with inspiration in terms of your breathing but also they help with feeling a lack of creativity; when you feel despondent so you can feel more inspired.

Grief could come from a loss of any kind – work, friend, partner, etc.

Essential oils are allies that fortify your soul. Each of the Five Element organ systems have a specific soul expression. The soul of the Lungs is called Po.

Three primary souls inhabit the body – Liver stores Hun, Shen holds onto your experiences and direct experiences with Spirit, and Po is the Corporeal Body which is the most dense aspect of your soul that helps you feel grounded and embodied.

Essential oils related to the Metal Element will help you feel more grounded and more whole within yourself. This is associated with Wei Qi, which is produced by the Lungs via the Spleen and Stomach, and circulates on the exterior to help us defend against external factors as well as social factors that may make us feel vulnerable.

The Lungs, Grief & Self-Definition

One of the virtues of the Lungs is this idea of inspiration. Inspiration can relate to inhalation, taking a deep breath, but it can also relate to motivation and the inspiration to create and be alive.

The first breath you take separates you from your mother and gives you a distinct self-definition. Your final breath takes you out of your body and into the next world.

When the Lungs are weak or stagnant, we start to feel sadness, grief and especially apathy, which is the opposite of inspiration. One thing that’s important to do is strengthen and boost Qi of the Lungs and also clear the stagnation that comes from phlegm in the Lungs that makes us feel more stuck in our lives. (You can learn more about the relationship between the Lungs and grief in this article).

During Autumn, it’s important to moisten the Lungs (we talked about this in episode 74) to combat the dryness that’s common during this time.

On a psychological level, as you nourish Lung Yin, you’re also nourishing your sense of self so it helps you feel more grounded within yourself. The Po of the Lungs is this dense energy that helps you feel more grounded and whole within yourself and more present in the moment.

The stronger your Lungs, the stronger your sense of identity and your sense of embodiment.

Essential Oils & The Final Transition: Death

At [10:00] Salvador describes the recent loss of his father and how he worked with essential oils during the last five days of his life to let go of the Po and fully transition. Salvador describes in detail the beautiful final days and moments of his father’s journey.

3 Essential Oils to Help You Cope with Grief

Pine
Pine essential oil is a warming, drying and spicy mucolytic essential oil that’s commonly used by Native Americans. Pine essential oil helps to strengthen your Qi and is one of the most powerful oils to clear Cold Phlegm (as discussed in Episode 75).
Psychologically, Pine essential oil invigorates the Po by opening the chest, helping you feel less oppressed and giving you self-confidence.
Pine reduces melancholy, pessimism, shame and blame by improving self-image. It’s also an excellent oil to use when you’re feeling stuck.
Pine essential oil is also a great oil to help you when you’re feeling burdened with guilt and to help you let go, which is the greatest virtue of the Lungs.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage essential oil is an uplifting floral oil that’s often used for hormonal balance. Clary Sage essential oil is warming, dry, boosts Qi and also circulates Qi.
It helps when you feel wired and tired, is uplifting and helps you feel more inspired. It’s also an essential oil that helps with sadness and grief and to support the Po.
Cypress
Cypress essential oil is perhaps the most important oil to use when you’re dealing with grief and loss. The Greeks planted cypress trees in graveyards to help the deceased souls in times of grief.
Cypress is astringent, so it’s commonly used when there’s leakage of Qi such as excessive sweating or urination. Cypress is antispasmodic and mucolytic.
It’s an especiialy important essential oil when someone is suffering from grief and when stuck in grief.

Remember that sadness and grief can weaken the Lungs over time, so during times of transition it’s especially important to support the Lungs with essential oils and time in nature to avoid compromising the Lungs.

Essential oils can provide support for your immune system, your mood, as well as to help you move through times when you feel stuck.

As Dr. Setareh states: “Nature is always there to support you.”

What did you think of this episode? Did you find these essential oils helpful during this challenging time?

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Download the Microcosmic & Macrocosmic Orbit Meditations at ⁠⁠acenterfornaturalhealing.com/shop⁠⁠.

Strengthen your immune system, restore your gut health, and improve joint mobility and circulation with our unique line of expertly formulated probiotics, digestive enzymes and proteolytic enzymes at www.aharabotanics.com. Use promo code HEALTHY10 for 10% off your first order!

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(Episode 75) Essential Oils for the Cold and Flu Season

October 18, 2023

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In the last episode (episode 74) we discussed how important it is to keep your Lung Qi strong, especially during Fall as well as ways to boost your immune system through lifestyle and dietary changes.

In this episode you’ll learn how to use essential oils to fortify the Lungs to keep the immune system strong for Fall and year-round, as well as how to use essential oils to support your emotional well-being.

In episode 38 we discussed five of the most powerful essential oils to boost your immune system. Some of the information we discuss in this episode will be a review of that earlier episode, but we’ll focus on strengthening the Lungs to make the Fall transition a little bit easier.

These essential oils will help you clear the Lungs, break up phlegm, and help you get rid of a cough. You can use these essential oils as a powerful protector as well as powerful treatment.

In Chinese Medicine, Wind Cold is an early stage of a cold. You may have a stuffy nose and thinner mucus. If you start to feel a postnasal drip, this is an early sign that you should use essential oils to treat the cold before it gets too serious. Cold phlegm can turn into a hot phlegm, developing into a bad respiratory condition with yellow mucus.

These essential oils, like all essential oils, are more than just helpful to the immune system, however, they are a multifaceted approach to holistic healing. You can use them to treat the physical and the emotional ailments we all face. Essential oils go directly to the brain, to the limbic system, or your emotional brain.

An imbalance in the lungs can be related to grief or sadness which can cause us to feel really stuck in our lives. You can use these types of oils to help you break these emotional patterns where you feel you are trapped. Oils help to instigate this change in a therapeutic way. It’s a good idea to keep these essential oils in your medicine cabinet at all times of the year.

The safest way to administer the essential oils is with an essential oils diffuser.

Essential Oil #1: Eucalyptus Radiata

Eucalyptus Radiata is a primary ENT oil (ears, nose, and throat). You can use this oil for both viral and bacterial conditions. It also works well for both hot and cold phlegm. You can use this oil alone or in combination with Essential Oil #2.

Essential Oil #2: Eucalyptus Citriodora

Eucalyptus Citriodora is great for wind-heat conditions, whether you have allergies, inflamed sinuses, or you are sneezing in general.

Essential Oil #3: Bay Laurel

Bay Laurel is also great to cook with; you can drop a leaf into what you’re cooking up and it will help your immune system. As an essential oil, you can use this to break-up phlegm. It will help open your sinuses.

Essential Oil #4: Sweet Marjoram

Sweet Marjoram treats hot phlegm, asthma, or wheezing. This is a relaxant and therefore it does wonders for sore or stiff muscles. This is a great oil to use in your bath. You can also use it to help ease headaches, to cool the Liver, to reduce fire in the body or to help relieve stress and hypertension. This oil is Liver Lung compatible and will help relax the diaphragm which will deepen your breath.

Essential Oil #5: Thyme Linalool

Of the different kinds of Thyme essential oils, Linalool is very gentle. You can use this oil for a cooling and relaxing effect. It is drying so you can use it to break down mucus in the body. You can also use this oil for both Wind Cold and Wind Heat. This is a great oil to use when you notice an infection start to penetrate the throat; you may have a sore throat, sinuses inflamed, or a headache.

These five essential oils can help you ease into the Fall season by protecting and helping you heal from cold or flu symptoms.

Once you’ve listened, let us know which of the oils you’d like to try in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

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(Episode 74) Supporting Your Immune System During the Fall Transition

October 4, 2023

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In this episode you’ll learn about the different ways you can strengthen your immune system as we head into the Fall or Autumn season. These methods can also be applied to any seasonal change by focusing on some of the body systems, like the Lungs, Colon, Skin, Spleen and Stomach.

These tips will help with digestive issues, and can even be useful for improving weight management and restful sleep.

Hydration

Fall is a time of the Lungs and the climate is drier, which will most impact your Lungs, Large Intestine/colon and skin systems. It’s important to strengthen your Lungs and to combat dryness during this time.

During the day, Wei Qi provides a protective layer along your skin to protect you from the external environment.

If your skin is dry you can use oils to bring back hydration into the skin. You can use sesame oil, shea butter, or coconut oil. These are strong hydration techniques, so be cautious if your skin gets oily quickly, as these heavy oils can clog pores.

Too much exposure to the elements this time of year, especially with the strong winds and cold temperatures, can cause you to contract Wind Cold. The phrase “catching a cold” comes from this idea! Wind Cold can transform into Wind Heat, which is a more infectious and more serious condition.

Since Stomach fluids are a big part of Wei Qi production, hydration is essential.

The water you drink is important because most water sources are stripped of their minerals (like potassium & sodium) and electrolytes. You can make sure the water you drink have these minerals by putting them in your water yourself. You can add a pinch of Celtic sea salt.

Food and Nutrition

Wei Qi rules your immune system and is produced in the Stomach. You can make dietary changes to strengthen your Wei Qi and reduce dryness, or for some people to reduce dampness during the Fall season, and all seasonal transitions.

If you have any skin issues you’re going to want to avoid nuts, and eat more seeds instead. Almonds are great for the Lungs, it strengthens and nourishes them.

However if you need to hydrate the Lungs, eat fruits such as citruses, apples, and pears - pears are the best.

How you cook your foods is important in terms of how this affects your wellbeing.

For instance, to increase the hydrating effect of fruits for the Lungs, you can steam, poach, or even just let the fruit sit in a pot to simmer for a little while. If you bake these fruits instead, this would be more drying.

When cooking fruits, there’s no need to add sugar, but do add spices like cardamon, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. This will introduce the Earth element and it warms some of the cold nature of the fruit.

Even though this is a season of dryness, some people have a dampness problem and not a dryness problem. This could be caused by what they are eating (dairy, sugar, processed carbs) creating mucus and phlegm. Avoid these foods if you do have too much dampness.

To nourish the Earth Element during any seasonal change, eat regularly, don’t skip meals or eat haphazardly.

Intermittent fasting is best suited for those with a lot of Stomach Fire, hypertension and high blood sugar levels. If this is you, having a break from food - a period of cool down - is helpful to your health.

If you are insulin resistant and have poor digestion on the other hand, smaller meals eaten through out the day is the way to go. This is because larger meals can stress the Spleen and weaken the Qi.

You can take digestive enzymes to help break down the food, which helps prevent stagnation and accumulation of heat in the Stomach which can cause constipation. And due to the dryness this time of year, constipation can be more common.

If you’re fatigued, your lower back is aching, or you’re prone to burnout, consider eating more seeds. Pumpkin seeds specifically are high in zinc which helps the Kidneys and your immune system.

Rest & Exercise

During this time of season which is moving from Yang to Ying, your energy is shifting from being outwardly expressed to going more inward. This is a time to minimize your relationship with the external world, a time to reset.

This time of year you should be getting more rest to support your immune system.

Eating small amounts of the cooked fruit towards the end of the day can help aide your sleep because it anchors your Lung Qi.

While rest is important this time of year, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise. Exercise keeps the Lungs strong. You should do cardiovascular exercise to get your heart rate up. During the Fall, this can be in the form of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts in as short as 8-10 minutes. In addition to the HIIT workouts, we recommend gentle exercises, such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or Yoga.

Once you’ve listened, let us know your experience in the comments below!

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Click here to download a transcript of our conversation with Lance Schuttler.

(Episode 73) Solutions for Brain Health and Happiness with Lance Schuttler

September 20, 2023

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In this episode you’ll learn about the wonders of natural healing for mental health and physical well-being with repeat guest speaker, Lance Schuttler. If you missed Episode 60: How to Optimize Your Brain Health with Lance Schuttler, you can listen to that episode to learn even more.

Re-Introducing Lance Schuttler, Founder of Ascent Nutrition

Lance Schuttler graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in Health Science and is the CEO and owner of Ascent Nutrition, a unique, holistic nutrition company. He is also contributing health and wellness writer at the Epoch Times. His work also includes the topics of regenerative agriculture, resource based economies and quantum technologies. He's a facilitator and collaborator of big ideas, visions and projects that spark creative and healing solutions in our world.

Getting Empowered through Natural Healing

While we don’t discourage pharmaceutical drugs, we discuss in this podcast episode the nuances of using both pharmaceuticals and natural healing herbs and foods in combination for a more holistic journey to self-healing. This empowers you to take charge of your own health and well-being.

You’ll learn about how spices can help lift your mood, in particular we delve deep into a spice that’s commonly used in Persian cuisine, known as saffron, which comes from a flower.

If you’re curious to learn more about spices in particular, you’ll definitely want to check out Episode 4: Spice Up Your Life: Using Culinary Spices & Essential Oils to Increase Your Zest for Life to learn how spices can affect your mood.

In this episode, we go into detail on how taking Saffron, Lion’s Mane and Agarikon mushrooms can greatly heal your brain health, mental health, respiratory system, immune system, nervous system, and even boost your motivation.

You’ll hear the scientific explanation, as well as the Classical Chinese medicine perspective, and the spiritual perspective for how all this healing is possible just from taking different herbs and foods.

Once you’ve listened, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

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(Episode 72) Ancient Secrets for a Healthy Immune System

August 23, 2023

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In this week’s episode we discuss the Classical Chinese medicine perspective on the relationship between the Heart and Kidneys. In past episodes we’ve discussed the Water and Fire paths and the relationship between these two organ systems in terms of movement and in terms of discovering and living out your life purpose (Listen to episodes 67, 69, and 70).

In this episode we talk about this important relationship in terms of your immune health, and how a healthy immune system is in large part determined by the health of your immune system.

Stress is widely known to cause health problems but the nuances of stress levels matters. Too much stress is not good for you, but also too little stress is equally not good.

Eustress is a type of stress that leads to a positive response and can refer to any type of beneficial stress, whether physical or psychological. Eustress tends to be short-term and often feels exciting, and people perceive it as manageable and even motivating.

Major health problems arise when there is chronic stress that taxes the nervous system, debilitating the adrenals.

To contrast the effects of stress, it’s important to rectify your Qi.

To prevent chronic stress from creating chronic health issues, it’s important to practice more mindfulness as well as exercises that calm anxiety and relax the nervous system. This will help resolve your unhealed wounds, including your psychological wounds.

You’ll learn an easy and short breathing exercise that will help reduce stress in your body and mind at [9:03], as well as help you draw the energy of the Heart down into the Kidneys to deepen this communication.

Learn more why this exercise is so helpful [8:20] and practice this exercise anytime [9:03] whenever you need to rectify your Qi and to restore balance between your Heart and Kidneys.

In this way, you’ll be able to bring the Fire of the Heart into the Water of the Kidneys in order to cultivate self-love.

By bringing this love into your Heart and down to your Kidneys, you can radiate from yourself into the world and to the people around you.

Once you’ve listened, let us know your experience in the comments below!

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(Episode 71) Scalar Light Healing with Tom Paladino

August 2, 2023

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In this week’s episode we speak with Tom Paladino and take a deep dive into the relationship between the heart and the kidneys in relation to Chinese medicine and a healthy immune system

Once you’ve listened, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned This Episode:

Sign up now for Dr. Setareh’s free LIVE webinar 3 Secrets to Getting Unstuck in Uncertain Times.

Experience a life of endless possibilities by downloading this free audio guide.

Gain exclusive insights and support so you can begin your journey From Surviving to Thriving. You’ll get your copy of Dr. Setareh’s new eBook FREE when you sign up.

Click here to start your free trial of Scalar Light Healing.

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(Episode 70) Unleashing Your Power

July 19, 2023

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In episode 67 you learned how you can use the Water Path to ground yourself and in episode 69 we discussed how the Fire Path can help you to lighten up. In this episode, you’ll learn how you can use the Water Path to generate energy to tap into your power and potential.

The Fire Path creates short term energy bursts, while the Water Path gives you endurance and stamina. But in order to have more energy, you have to rest.

You’ll learn a special Water Path breathing exercise to help you generate power and realize that you’re much stronger than you think [06:10].

We often think we have to exert a lot of energy to achieve our goals (Fire energy) but if we rest and use intention (Water energy) we become more powerful than we ever believed we could be.

There is unlimited potential within us, but we often don’t tap into it because we try to do it through striving instead of through cultivating ourselves. The actions we do or want to do are just as important as the intentions behind those actions.

Water Path breathing is stabilizing and is a great practice for any standing or movement activity.

It’s important to have intention around your posture because not paying attention to where your energy is going can lead to burnout.

Awareness is the first step to healing and the first step to maintain and build your energy. When you do the Water Path breathing exercise while you’re sitting or standing, you’ll not only cultivate your Qi, but you’ll also strengthen your Spleen, which is a major component of your gut health.

Improving your gut health or maintaining your gut health is essential to your mental clarity. Many of the neurotransmitters and hormones we once thought were produced in the brain are actually produced in the gut.

When you sit or stand for long periods it taxes the Spleen, as does overthinking, and all of this eventually impacts your body’s ability to produce neurotransmitters. This can cause you to feel more depressed or feel off in some way. You won’t be able to focus, and it effects your immune system. 70% of your immune cells are produced in your gut.

The other important thing to remember is hydration which is discussed in depth at the end of the episode.

Once you’ve listened, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned This Episode:

Gain exclusive insights and support so you can begin your journey From Surviving to Thriving. You’ll get your copy of Dr. Setareh’s new eBook FREE when you sign up.

Sign up now for Dr. Setareh’s free LIVE webinar 3 Secrets to Getting Unstuck in Uncertain Times.

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(Episode 69) Lighten Up: How to Cultivate your Fire Energy

July 5, 2023

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The burden of stress can create tension in the body and mind. By learning how to work with the Fire Path, you can learn how to use this breathing method to relax and loosen chronic tension patterns and ease the burden of mental and emotional strain so you can lighten up. This is especially important if you struggle with anxiety and depression, and generally it’s for all during the Fire season of Summer.

While it’s important to be grounded and to practice earthing, which we discussed in Episode 67, it’s also important to have buoyancy in life, and to be able to lift your mood when life feels heavy.

You’ll learn specific exercises you can do right at home, or anywhere, to release stagnant Fire energy and bring lightness to your body, heart and mind.

Dr. Setareh and Salvador share about the power of shaking, dancing, and finding other ways to express your Fire energy, as well as a visualization exercise to open up the Fire Path in your body.

Harmonizing the Fire and Water Paths is essential and in this episode you’ll also learn which of the paths to focus on at any given time to ground yourself and lighten up.

Once you’ve listened, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned This Episode:

Gain exclusive insights and support so you can begin your journey From Surviving to Thriving now. Sign up now and receive a free eBook written by Dr. Setareh

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(Episode 68) Demystifying Internal Martial Arts with Brandon Gilbert

June 28, 2023

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This episode we welcome back previous guest speaker Brandon Gilbert (Episode 58). In the last episode, Brandon shared about medicinal mushrooms and tonic herbs, but today he’s going to share more about his personal cultivation practices, including the ancient practice of Nei Gong.

Meet Brandon Gilbert, Founder of Hyperion Herbs

Brandon Gilbert has been deeply interested in studying Eastern philosophy since the age of 14. A serial entrepreneur, he started his first business in 2006 after going deep in the alternative health field to resolve his own health issues.

Brandon felt motivated to share his views and experiences with a larger audience. He created the YouTube channel HyperionTv.com in 2009, built up a following, then founded Hyperion Herbs in 2010 to share purely potent tonic herbs and make them accessible and easily available like never before.

Brandon has taught many classes and workshops both online and in person on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from alternative health and healing modalities, herbalism, internal arts and Eastern philosophy.

In addition to running Hyperion Herbs and Hyperion TV, Brandon spends and invests many hours every day training internal arts like Qigong, Neigong, Tai Chi, Chuan and various sitting practices.

Introduction to the Internal Martial Arts

In this week’s episode you’ll learn all about the nuances between similar (often mistakenly interchangeable) terms of internal martial arts such as: Qi Gong, Nei Gong, and Tai Chi.

Many of these internal martial arts believe that our spiritual self, qi, is interconnected with the physical body, shen. If you benefit one the other can benefit, and if you degrade one, the other can degrade as well. In this episode you’ll learn how they are similar and how they greatly differ with one another.

Unfortunately, in our modern-day society it’s the norm to always be stressed, to always be in conflict, and to be overstimulated. This creates blockages in your channels, creating physical and mental ailments. If you slow down and practice these internal arts, your body and mind will heal.

Be sure to listen in to hear the warning Brandon gives about jumping head first into these practices. If you jump into these seated practices before cultivating your body health issues can arise. You also may feel spacey or ungrounded as a result.

Often times, when you work on the body, feeling more internally comfortable and at ease in your physiology, your mental problems like anxiety or depression, naturally ease. It’s like your mind is taking a sigh of relief, releasing these heavy weights of mental problems.

Minds are stubborn and it can be really challenging to change them. Instead you can use your body to change your mind. It’s very empowering when you do these mindfulness practices through the internal martial arts.

Once you’ve listened, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned This Episode:

Gain exclusive insights and support so you can begin your journey From Surviving to Thriving now.

Balance your yin and yang energies to shift mental, physical, and emotional patterns that would otherwise lead to accelerated aging, illness, and disease — click here to learn how with the Microcosmic and Macrocosmic Orbit meditations.

Experience a life of endless possibilities by downloading this free audio guide.

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(Episode 67) Grounding: The Secret to Longevity

June 7, 2023

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According to the Chinese luni-solar calendar, Summer began on May 6th in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s important to cool down both physically and energetically at this, as well as if you tend to feel anxious, restless or have inflammation in general. In this episode, you’ll learn how to achieve this by doing a variety of easy daily practices.

Many people think they should exercise vigorously all year round to be healthy, however it is best to live life seasonally. As Dr. Setareh says in this episode to be healthy year round is, “to live with the rhythm of nature.”

Summer is associated with the Fire Element, which can cause us to feel more stimulated, anxious, restless, distractible, and emotional.

To ease these seasonal effects — and if you tend to generally be anxious, restless or have inflammation — it’s important to cool your body down by grounding, rather than by overexerting with vigorous exercise.

There are many ways to ground yourself. A few examples are by practicing qi gong, meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and by being in the moment and not living in the past nor future.

By focusing on the cooling aspects of these practices, you can help anchor the Fire from this season within yourself.

You’ll learn two go-to exercises Dr. Setareh and Salvador recommend for grounding in this episode!

Once you’ve listened, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned This Episode:

Experience a life of endless possibilities by downloading this free audio guide.

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(Episode 66) Qi Gong for Everyone with Lee Holden

May 24, 2023

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Welcoming Lee Holden, CEO & Founder of Holden Qi Gong

Lee Holden is the CEO and founder of Holden Qi Gong. He's world renowned for bringing this ancient Chinese practice to the modern world. Holden has led eight successful shows on PBS, reaching millions of people through his warm, interactive approach to movement and healing.

This November, he will appear on Fountain of Youth with Lee Holden, a 13 episode show broadcast on PBS, where he teaches Qi Gong at a variety of scenic locations, including Yosemite, Redwood National Park, and Croatia.

Holden has worked closely with celebrity clients, Olympic and professional NHL and NFL athletes, and high profile government officials, including the Bush family, the Minister of Happiness of Dubai and the royal family of Jordan.

Through online and in-person courses, Holden teaches the transformative power of Qi Gong, a science that improves the energy life force of individuals by activating dormant energy through a series of breathing and meditative exercises. Practitioners can see results in as little as seven minutes a day.

Holden's teachings have helped more than 10,000 students meet their goals of healing from injury and disease, slowing the aging process, maximizing energy and feeling better in their bodies.

Lee received his official Qi Gong teaching certification from Master Montauk Chia. He went on to ghostwrite 12 books for Chia, including a bestseller about transforming stress into vitality, thus making this ancient practice accessible and comprehensible for all. Lee has also spent time learning from other Qi Gong masters in Japan, China, and Indonesia, along the way.

Qi Gong is currently the most popular exercise in the world with over 50 million people worldwide practicing Qigong every single day.

Listen in to learn:

Lee Holden’s unique journey into this ancient healing art from childhood, to finding his mentor, and to his path to expanding his teachings through PBS to bring Qi Gong practice to thousands of people around the world.
All about the ancient practice of Qi Gong, and how just 7 minutes of daily practice can transform your wellbeing.
How you can improve your mindset and energy in seconds with “Qi Breaks.”
How to incorporate Qi Gong into your daily life — even with a busy schedule — so you can have more energy, clarity and peace of mind.
The relationship between nature and your body and how Qi Gong practice can help you attune to your surroundings and experience nature in a whole new way.

Resources Mentioned These Episodes

Learn more about Lee Holden and his offerings here.

Experience a life of endless possibilities by downloading this free audio guide.

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(Episodes 64 & 65) The Power of Intention with Ann Cecil-Sterman, Part 1 & 2

May 3, 2023

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Click here to download a transcript of Part 1 of our conversation with Ann.

Share your thoughts in the comments below after you’ve listened to the episode. We love to hear from you!

Click here to download a transcript of Part 2 of our conversation with Ann.

Welcoming Ann Cecil-Sterman, Author of Advanced Acupuncture

Ann Cecil Sterman is the author of three major books, including Advanced Acupuncture, a clinic manual acclaimed as the first and only text with complete protocols for all the channels of acupuncture, a book used often as the sole basis for several online courses presented by many teachers around the world.

Ann works to return acupuncture to its inspiring classical roots, not just to the Han Dynasty writings, but even earlier. She teaches in three continents and offers a twice monthly online chat where practitioners new and established present cases and ask any level of question. She graduated from and then taught for six years at the acupuncture school founded by Dr. Jeffrey Yuen in New York.

During and after her time there for over 20 years, she received thousands of hours of direct transmissions from him in acupuncture, pulse, diagnosis, history, food, herbs, essential oils, stones, qigong and philosophy. In her busy Manhattan practice, which she loves, she specializes in seemingly intractable conditions.

In Part 1, you’ll learn:

How time alone in England recently changed Ann’s views of teaching
Why, as Ann states: “the greatest enemy to broad thinking and expansion of consciousness is fact.”
Why you must raise your courage to question what’s considered true
Great advice for both healthcare practitioners and those of you who simply want more tools for your self-cultivation
How you can access a resonance to your essence without needles or tangible tools, simply through the power of intention
How Covid lockdowns catalyzed the profession of acupuncture to go into a different direction, and how this change will make the benefits of this practice more accessible to a wider audience
As Salvador states: “We have to learn, especially collectively, to see ourselves well.”

In Part 2, you’ll learn:

How to return to a state of joy
How your thoughts can get in the way of building healthy mindset and emotions
The power you have to align with your destiny
Why your Heart-Kidney connection is so important for living out your purpose and experiencing endless possibilities
The difference between manifesting and receiving, and how to become more receptive
How your emotions (and thoughts) manifest in your body

Don’t forget to share your biggest takeaways from these episodes in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned in These Episodes

Balance your yin and yang energies to shift mental, physical and emotional patterns that would otherwise lead to accelerated aging illness and disease — click here to learn how with the Microcosmic and Macrocosmic Orbit meditations.

Experience a life of endless possibilities by downloading this free audio guide.

Learn more about Ann Cecil-Sterman and Advanced Acupuncture here.

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(Episodes 62 & 63) Simplify Your Diet to Heal Yourself & the Planet with Andrew Sterman, Part 1 & 2

April 5, 2023

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Click here for a transcript of Part 1 (episode 62) of our conversation with Andrew.

Share your thoughts in the comments below after you’ve listened to the episode. We’d love to hear from you!

Click here for a transcript of Part 2 (episode 63) of our conversation with Andrew

Welcoming Andrew Sterman, Author of Welcoming Food

In the first part of this two-part series, you’ll learn:

Why and how we need to return back to nature with food
Basics of food energetics
How Cold can damage to your gut health
Weak digestion signs and symptoms
Why your supplements may be damaging your gut health
Three pillars of designing a diet:
- Meets individual nutritional needs
- Meets energetic needs of our health
- Doesn’t unduly tax the earth itself
Cooking for basic health maintenance vs therapy
Understanding and resolving “food conflicts“
Spicy foods and the Scoville scale
Self soothing foods that may be damaging your health
How dehydration can cause illness and why it’s essential to hydrate using food (not just water)
Why we need to eat fat and the problems with a low fat diet

In the second part of this two-part series you’ll learn:

The unhealthy strategies we commonly use with food to manage our emotions and the Fire in our lives
The importance of simplification
Should you eat dessert?
What to do after eating to feel better and satiated
What it really means to eat with awareness
Why counting calories is not a successful strategy
What to eat when you have a fever
Why it’s essential to be accountable for your ailments
Simplified meal ideas
Why it’s important to make things easier to digest
The harm of engineered food
How taste and texture influence nutrition
The power of intuition and how it’s is vital to cultivate dietary wellness
Why you should start cooking (or cook more often) for yourself

Resources Mentioned These Episodes

Click to learn more about Andrew Sterman’s work

Click to download your free audio guide on How to Improve Your Gut Health in Just One Week

Click to learn more & join the VIP waitlist for the Yin & Yang of Nutrition online course

Loved this episode?

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Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

(Episode 61) Awakening Your Essence: The Enneagram 3 Centers of Intelligence with Hemla Makan Dullabh

March 22, 2023

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Once you’ve listened, scroll down and let us know in the comments below:
Which area of your body did you feel at home in when you did the meditation with Hemla at [00:14:50], and how did that shift your perspective of yourself?

Welcoming back Hemla Makan Dullabh, Transformation Catalyst

Hemla Makan Dullabh is a transformation catalyst based in Los Altos, California, and is the founder of Seven Rays Holistic Center, which she established over 20 years ago. As a guide and teacher, she observes and advises, blending together various modalities, helping people connect with their whole being.

As a transformation catalyst, Hemla uses the three centered approach we have three centers of intelligence, and our journey with ourselves is to engage with all three centers connecting with body, mind and heart.

Hemla works with groups and individuals offering classes for corporate wellness and for communities. Hemla overlays her passion for color therapy in all the modalities she offers. Hemla was born in Durban, South Africa, and has been living in California for over ten years. She is an artist, teacher and mother of two boys.

You’ll gain deep wisdom in this episode, including:

What the Enneagram Three Centers of Intelligence are and why each person feels at home in a different Center of Intelligence
Why we’re so much in our heads as a culture, and what we can do to shift out of that pattern
A beautiful meditation guided by Hemla that’ll help you clarify which of the Three Centers of Intelligence you call ‘home’ [00:14:50]
How to create balance among your Three Centers of Intelligence
How the Enneagram system can help you improve relationship dynamics AND go beyond your personality and social constructs to live life through the true essence of who you are
The Heart as your inner observer and how you process emotions according to your Enneatype
How your emotional state and how you respond to the world shapes your reality [00:40:00]

Listen to Episode 41 on the Healing Power of Colors and Episode 55 to journey through the Enneagram Personality Types — both beautiful and empowering episodes with Hemla.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Click here to get your free audio guide on How to Attract Endless Possibilities.

Click here to visit 7 Rays Holistic Center and learn more about Hemla’s work.

Scroll down to the comments below and let us know:
Which area of your body did you feel at home in when you did the meditation with Hemla at [00:14:50], and how did that shift your perspective of yourself?

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(Episode 60) How to Optimize Your Brain Health with Lance Schuttler

February 22, 2023

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Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Visit Ascent Nutrition & enter the promo code NH10 at checkout for your exclusive discount

Welcoming Lance Schuttler, CEO & Founder of Ascent Nutrition

Lance Schuttler graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science and is the CEO and owner of Ascent Nutrition, a unique holistic nutrition company.

He is also a Contributing Health and Wellness Writer at The Epoch Times. His work also includes the topics of regenerative agriculture, resource-based economies and quantum technologies.

He is a facilitator and collaborator of big ideas, visions and projects that spark creative and healing solutions in our world.

A wealth of knowledge is shared in this episode, including:

Conscious Farming and why it’s important for our health and the environment and the challenges that are part of our reality
Lance’s path from a small town in Iowa his personal transformation from an experience with a family tragedy that led him to create Ascent Nutrition to impact the health and lives of those suffering
Ways to access the healer within you
Neurogenesis, neuroplasticity and brain health
Essence (Jing), Kidneys and brain health
Marine algae and neurological health as it relates to the Liver
Saturated vs unsaturated fats and why you need both for brain health
Managing inflammation and how it’s more important than lowering cholesterol levels
The proper balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils and how getting enough Omega-3s can help reduce systemic inflammation (and no wonder the average American experiences so many health problems related to inflammation).
Difference between Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids and food sources and dosages for each
How your blood sugar affects your metabolism of essential fatty acids (EFAs)
Supplementing with Ascent Nutrition algae oil, a cost effective and environmentally friendly supplement to replace seafood for vegans — water extracted, hexane-free, without seed oils.
Is DHA more important than DNA? [40:12]
The #1 reason to reduce takeout and eating at restaurants to improve your health
How the use of DHA can be helpful for the treatment of ADHD
How fat affects your emotional stability
The best way to add supplements to your diet (and some cautions)
One of the best & most unique supplements to support & strengthen your immune system

You’ll want to revisit Episode #45 of The Natural Healing Podcast as a reference to our discussion on adapting to change and how to alleviate Wind symptoms with essential fatty acids (EFAs).

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Click to subscribe and become a member of our incredible global community.

Click here to visit Ascent Nutrition & enter the promo code NH10 at checkout to get a special discount off any of the products we mention in this episode!

Click here to get on the waitlist for the Yin & Yang of Nutrition online course.

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(Episode 58) Medicinal Mushrooms & Tonic Herbs for Health and Longevity Brandon Gilbert

January 18, 2023

Visit Hyperion Herbs & enter the promo code NHC1111 at checkout to get an exclusive discount off any of the products we mention on this episode!

Join our global community & we’ll send you a beautiful, free guide as a gift + insights & support that we only share via email.

Click here to download a transcript of our conversation with Brandon.

Share your thoughts in the comments below after you’ve listened to the episode. We’d love to hear from you!

Welcoming Brandon Gilbert, Founder of Hyperion Herbs

In today’s episode, we’re welcoming Brandon Gilbert, the Founder of our favorite herbal tonic extract company, Hyperion Herbs.

Brandon Gilbert has been deeply interested in studying Eastern philosophy since the age of 14.

A serial entrepreneur, He started his first business in 2006.

After going deep in the alternative health field to resolve his own health issues, he felt motivated to share his views and experiences with a larger audience.

He created the YouTube channel HyperionTv.com in 2009, built up a following and then launched Hyperion Herbs in 2010. After the profound effect tonic herbs had on my life, He founded Hyperion Herbs to share purely potent tonic herbs and make them accessible and easily available like never before.

Brandon has taught many classes and workshops, both online and in person, on wide variety of subjects ranging from alternative health and healing modalities, herbalism, internal arts, and Eastern philosophy.

In addition to running Hyperion Herbs and Hyperion TV, Brandon spends & invests many hours per day training internal arts like Qigong, Neigong, Taijichuan, and various sitting practices.

Brandon’s unique and unexpected journey began from a small town in Indiana to teaching unexpectedly.

Reishi Mushrooms as a Beacon to Discover Your Life Path

According to Classical Chinese Medicine, Reishi mushroom is considered the #1 superior herb, and is therefore very important for self-cultivation. It is said that the spirit of the mushroom can call you onto your life path, though it requires work in advance. Brandon’s experience with Reishi mushroom affirms this, and helps us realize the importance of following guidance.

Brandon only follows what he’s passionate about and sells products he truly believes in.

He started a business with no entrepreneurial experience, no family history or mentors.

Started elixir bar in Louisville in 2006 with superfoods and tonic herbs.

In 2008-2009 as the internet started picking up with Facebook and Google, Brandon saw the opportunity to come out of brick and mortar business. After freelancing for a while, he made a big decision to quit teaching yoga, break up with a girlfriend and move all at once.

He then started his YouTube channel before launching Hyperion Herbs in 2010.

Today Brandon sources specialty herbal extracts through Hyperion Herbs.

What Sets Apart Hyperion Herbs Medicinal Mushroom Extracts

The unique attribute of Brandon’s herbal extract company is that he independently tests each and every product he considers buying. He asks: does it do what it’s supposed to do? He then Examines the personality and properties of the herbs as well to evaluate whether it translates as an extract.

Many companies that sell medicinal mushrooms today focus on the beta glucan content of the mushroom. Beta glucans are essentially sugar compounds that may support the immune system to fight infection and disease and while important, they are often mistakenly seen as most important thing about the mushroom.

Brandon believes however that the energetics of the mushrooms can have more value than the chemistry of the herbs and the metrics associated with the herbs. This is mostly because metrics are imperfect for herbs and natural products.

What makes Brandon’s selection unique and with integrity is that he tries everything he wants to sell before making it available. As he says: “I only sell it because I like it and take it myself.”

Warnings and Cautions with Medicinal Mushrooms

Although medicinal mushrooms are a potent source of plant medicine, they are not for everyone.

Medicinal mushrooms should not be taken by anyone experiencing an acute condition, including colds, flus and Covid. It’s also important to be cautious taking these mushrooms, and any tonic herbs, if you have an underlying or chronic condition.

Mushrooms are becoming very trendy and while it’s great to be enthusiastic, it’s essential to be cautious with tonic herbs, which essentially boost the body’s Qi and therefore increase the Yang Qi of the body, which can create heat and exacerbate acute conditions.

When you want to work with tonic herbs, it’s important to start with very small amounts.

Tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms can also be difficult to digest, so starting with small amounts is especially important if you have a weak digestive system.

Another way to be cautious is not to take them daily, and again, be especially cautious with anything acute including colds, flus and any type of inflammation.

Lion’s Mane: An Important Mushroom for Memory and Focus

Lion’s Mane is an important medicinal mushroom that stimulates brain nerve growth factor — important for cognition and nervous system function.

This is one type of mushroom where it’s important to note the presence of other factors besides beta glucans.

While beta glucans work on the immune system, they don’t work on nervous system function. This is another reason why beta glucans can’t be the deciding factor in selecting mushrooms — it neglects the energetics, personality and spirit of each mushroom.

Lion’s Mane from Hyperion Herbs focus on the compounds that target mental focus and cognition, as well as nervous system stabilization.

This mushroom can also be helpful to prevent Type 3 Diabetes, which is now recognized as a type of Alzheimer’s — since sugar accumulation leads to fungus that can build up in the brain as well.

Medicinal Mushrooms tone your immune system to deal with dampness — this fungus treats fungus (like treats like) but not a raw mushroom! Instead, a raw extract of the mushroom to be taken at a very low dose.

Cordyceps: The Endurance Mushroom

In Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps supports the Lungs and Kidneys, as does Reishi, but Cordyceps is more effective as a Qi tonic whereas Reishi mushroom is more calming.

Cordyceps is best taken in the morning whereas Reishi can be taken at night to help you sleep.

Cordyceps can help increase blood oxygen levels.

In Chinese Medicine, the Lungs govern Qi circulation and the Kidneys grasp Qi which allows the Qi to circulate more deeply and deepen your breathing.

Reishi mushroom and Cordyceps both help with elevation sickness.

Both of these mushrooms are considered to be Qi tonics.

Qi tonics should only be taken if you’re healthy but also make sure to start with very low doses (1/8-1/4 teaspoon of extract) to protect your digestion, especially if you’re sensitive.

A formula that’s important to remember is Nutrition = Food + Digestion.

You have to be able to absorb what you’re ingesting, whether you’re ingesting food or herbs.

Extracts are concentrates of herbs and plants, so they’re even stronger and more concentrated.

A question many people ask these days is whether you should put mushrooms in your coffee? According to Brandon, mushroom coffee is fine if that’s what it takes to take the mushrooms.

Gynostemma: A Balanced Adaptogenic Tea

Gynostemma is a unique tea that also functions as an adaptogen. While it looks a lot like green tea, gynostemma does not contain caffeine, and is very mild and balancing. In fact, it’s one of the most diverse and effective adaptogens.

Adaptogens help you adapt to stress and regulate functions in your body.

Gynostemma is a powerful yet gentle adaptogen that can help bring balance to many of the functions in your body, which makes it an excellent introduction to tonic herbs for the highly sensitive.

Green tea is high in caffeine and cold in nature whereas Gynostemma is very adaptive, neutral and balancing.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a more popular adaptogen. Hyperion Herbs has this adaptogen available as a spagyric.

However, Gynostemma is superior as an introduction to tonic herbs. It keeps inflammation down and systems regulated.

Let us know your questions about any of the topics discussed in this episode in the comments below!

Resources Mentioned This Episode

Click to subscribe and become a member of our incredible global community.

Visit Hyperion Herbs and enter the promo code NHC1111 at checkout to get a special discount off your order of any of the products we mention on this episode!

Click here to get on the waitlist for the Yin & Yang of Nutrition online course coming in 2023.

Loved this episode?

Thank you!

Click to subscribe and become a member of our incredible global community.

(Episode 57) Mood-Boosting Foods, Practices & Essential Oils to Help When You're Feeling Down

December 1, 2022

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Share your thoughts in the comments below after you’ve given this episode a listen. We’d love to hear from you!

In this episode, we’ll be continuing the discussion of depression and how it ties into the seasons and our diet. In our last episode, (Episode 56) we discussed how a vegetarian diet can exacerbate a depressed state in the context of seasonal changes and the Five Elements in accordance with Classical Chinese Medicine. In this episode, you’ll learn how to protect and strengthen the Kidneys to improve your metabolism and reduce depression.

Preventing Symptoms of Depression by Strengthening Your Yang Qi

A diet that includes many foods that are cold in nature can suppress the body’s Yang Qi.

Yang Qi is the root of Wei Qi which can help give you a sense of stimulation in life, enhancing qualities of motivation and courage. Suppression of the Yang Qi can lead to listlessness, lack of energy and motivation, and ultimately, you can feel depressed.

Today we’re going to discuss the ways you can fortify your Yang Qi using your diet, as well as ways to improve your gut health overall, and how you can prevent some of the symptoms that come with the feeling of depression.

The Source of Yang Qi Must be Protected During the Winter

In accordance with the seasons in the Lunar Solar Calendar that we discussed in the last episode, Winter is upon us; November 7th being the onset of winter according to that calendar. During the winter, it’s imperative to protect your Kidneys as they are the foundation for all the Qi of your body and the source of Yang Qi to warm up metabolism.

The Kidneys relate to your reproductive system, adrenal glands, and hormones (including stress hormones). It’s important to be aware of your Kidney Qi and whether it might need some nurturing.

A way to check if your Kidney Qi needs a boost, especially during the onset of the cold season, is to notice if your feet are feeling especially cold. Cold hands is also an indicator, but having cold hands can be more of a reflection of poor circulation and related to the Heart and Spleen Qi.

Another way to do a self-evaluation is to notice if your lower back feels particularly stiff or if your lower back or butt feels cold. This can indicate that your Kidneys may be feeling tired – the area is tightening and circulation is decreasing as your body tries to bring energy to that area.

Cold and stiff knees are another indication that your Kidney Qi can use a boost.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, this is a sign for you to take it easy and slow down…

Fortifying Your Kidney Qi

A great way to protect your Kidneys is to keep your lower back and lower belly warm with a hot pack, this helps to penetrate the Qi into your Kidneys. We would recommend using microwavable heat packs or hot water bottles rather than electrical heat pads.

You can also protect the lower back and butt area from being exposed to the cold by wearing a wrap around your waist to protect your Kidney’s Qi. You’ll notice a big difference in your energy.

In Yogic Tradition, there is a practice of pulling in the Mula Banda - The Root Block or the perineum, which is the area between the anus and genitalia – when that area is collapsing (which it frequently is) it creates a leakage of Qi, a leakage of your energy. Pay attention to how you hold the energy around the Sacrum, the Lumbar, and how you hold your body and your posture in the lower region. You’ll notice that if you hold your energy in more frequently throughout the day you’ll feel more energized at the end of the day.

Preventing the Taxation of the Kidney Qi

There are various factors that can tax the Kidneys and cause them to weaken, so it’s essential to be aware of your body. A lot of taxation on our physical state can be prevented with our awareness of how we move through our lives.

One factor that can cause heavy taxation on the Kidneys is long bouts of standing. Consciously breathing, and following the Yin & Yang paths (Water and Fire paths) by drawing the energy down the back into the lumbar region, then exhaling up through the front of the torso can greatly lessen the taxation on your lower back and Kidneys while grounding your energy as it goes down the front of yours legs while you exhale.

Overextending or overworking yourself, especially working late into the night is exhausting to the Kidneys. Going to bed early and rising early is what helps regenerate the Kidneys (and all cells in general). It helps preserve your Yin.

The Yin is what holds the Yang. So if the Yin is depleted, as you sleep the Yang Qi floats out and you’re likely to wake up more easily throughout the night or you may find that you have a harder time falling asleep. That’s why its important to rejuvenate and recover your Yin – but it’s not a quick or easy thing to do. It takes time and lots of rest.

This is why taking time, 5 to 15 minutes, each day to sit quietly and go into a meditative state is incredibly helpful. You’re slowing down your brain wave frequency which in turn will slow down your kidneys and adrenals, allowing your body and mind to settle, rest and recover.

Improving Your Disposition Through Your Gut

Taking the time to settle your mind will not only help your kidneys, but also your digestive health and your digestive health is directly linked to your emotional health. This means your gut is related to depression.

Within the Five Elements, the Earth element is the mother of the Metal Element and the Earth Element is made up of the spleen and stomach organ systems.

The Metal Element is made up of the Lungs and Colon, the large intestine, as well as your Skin, which is the largest organ in your body.

If you’re having trouble with your gut health, this will affect your immune system since 70% of your Immunity is produced in your gut. This will also affect your ability to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin because 90% of your serotonin is produced in your gut.

If you’re feeling down, that could be rooted in poor gut health.

Studies have shown, when transferring the healthy microbiome (or gut flora) of adventurous energetic rats to unhealthy lethargic rats, the lethargic rats became healthy and full of energy.

The other way around was just as true.

When the microbiome of unhealthy depressed rats was transferred to the active healthy rats they became lethargic, afraid and depressed. The transfer of the microbiome had an immediate and complete shift in motivation in both groups of rats.

If you are having emotional issues, mood issues, health problems or insomnia, just improve your gut microbiome!

The Earth Element and it’s Relation to Your Emotional Health

In the Five Elements system, Earth is considered the Center. In your health Earth is also your Center. So if you take better care of your Earth your going to have a better capacity for self-care because “care” is part of the Earth Element.

You’re going to have better immunity because your Wei Qi is produced by Gu Qi is a kind of energy produced in your stomach. And just a reminder that Wei Qi is the energy that externally covers your body, protecting you from the outside world and then settles into your body to help you get deep sleep.

When considering the Earth Element, we also don’t want the Earth to be too soggy – same goes for your body. Too much dampness within your body caused by sugar, processed foods, lots of cold foods will affect your Qi.

6 Ways to Start Feeling better

Please remember that these suggestions are not tailored to you and your constitution, so please seek out professional guidance before making drastic changes. You’re welcome to schedule a Nutritional Consultation with Dr. Setareh if you’d like to work with her directly.

Avoid damp producing foods such as cold foods, grains, nuts, fried foods and oils.
Eating more cooked leafy green vegetables like spinach, chard, mustard greens, dandelion greens.
Eat more root vegetables which help assist the spleen like sweet potatoes, parsnips, rutabaga, turnips and radish.
Spices can also help with breaking up the dampness. Spices like coriander, cumin and turmeric, fennel, caraway. You can also get these spices as essentials oils (diluted).
Essential oils to clear the dampness are Thyme and Oregano.
Flora Clear, an Ahara Botanics supplement which is a unique blend of probiotics and enzymes to reset your gut.

Interested in receiving personalized diet & nutrition support from Dr. Setareh Moafi? Click here to schedule a virtual nutritional consultation with her.

And be sure to get on the waitlist for the Yin and Yang of Nutrition online course coming in 2023! You’ll learn how to self-diagnose through tongue diagnosis and all about the energetics of food so you know exactly what’s best for your body.

Join the Waitlist

We’d love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences in the comments below after you’ve given this episode a listen!

Resources Mentioned This Episode

Click here to discover more about Ahara Botanics, our personal line of health supplements.

Click here to get on the waitlist for the Yin & Yang of Nutrition online course coming in 2023.

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(Episode 56) Can a Vegetarian Diet Increase Depression?

November 9, 2022

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We’d love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences in the comments below after you’ve given this episode a listen!

In this episode, we’ll be exploring the idea of how depression can correlate with diet, seasonal changes and the Five Elements from a Classical Chinese Medicine perspective. We’ll also examine the question: can depression correlate with vegetarianism and eating a vegetarian diet?

The Chinese Medicine Perspective

Studies have shown in the last few years that there’s a possibility that a vegetarian diet may be tied to a greater propensity for depression. As we delve into this topic, keep in mind that nutrition and diet are highly personalized. What’s on trend, or what might have worked for someone you know, may not work for you and your body’s constitution.

We’ll begin with a survey of the Five Elements, the seasons according to the Ancient Chinese Lunar-Solar Calendar and their corresponding organ systems and how they correlate with depression.

Fall and the Lungs

During the time of recording this episode, we’re nearing November 7th which is actually the beginning of Winter according to the Ancient Chinese Lunar-Solar calendar.

The Fall season is associated with the Lungs, and the Lungs are related to the emotion of sadness. Lungs are vulnerable at this time of year as they are the predominant organ of the season.

When the environment gets more dry, internal environments and organs such as the lungs tend to become more dry as well. This imbalance can lead to feelings of sadness.

Lungs like to be moist, so this is a good time to consider hydration through foods such as soups and stews, which are also warming foods that are really great to consume as the weather gets colder.

Winter and a Vegetarian Diet

During the onset of Winter, the coldest time of year, we can see how a vegetarian diet can accentuate depression and sadness for some people.

Diet directly impacts our mood and emotional experience, and Cold stagnates and is used to slow things down. We never really use cold to speed things up.

The experience of depression has a lot to do with Qi stagnation, and insufficient Liver blood to support or uplift your mood.

Cold temps in the environment during fall and winter seasons can always be a risk factor for your internal systems and, therefore, emotional well-being.

Yang Qi in Food

From a Classical Chinese Medicine perspective, there is an inherent nature to each food in addition to the physical temperature of the food. In the winter, people should focus on eating foods that are both warm in temperature as well as foods that are inherently warm in nature.

People with Qi stagnation generally don't have enough Yang Qi. You will commonly see this in people with hypothyroidism and their thyroids are sluggish.

Yang Qi is primarily found in animal-based foods, primarily in furry animals like beef, buffalo or lamb. Alternatively plants and vegetables are more Yin and cooler in nature.

When eating meat you increase the body’s Yang Qi. When looking at the energetics of the food, an example of the energetics of food, if you’re feeling cold or stagnant in life or if you're feeling a lot of sadness or depression, you shouldn’t be adding more cold to your diet. You should be adding heat, instead.

Vegetarian diets are more cold by nature, grains can cause dampness, but animal meats will provide warmth.

Diet and Wei Qi

Lungs are associated with the Wei Qi or the most superficial Defensive Qi.

The immune system aspect is supported by the Kidney’s Yang Qi, or core metabolic temp.

Wei Qi is supported by eating birds like chicken, turkey, quail or cornish hens. Bird meats can also have a warming and stimulating effect on Wei Qi so if you have a lot of allergies or if you’re trying to bring a fever down you may want to avoid making the classic chicken soup when you’re sick.

Skin issues can also be stimulated by poultry which can be inflammatory.

Wei Qi supports your mood. If your Wei Qi is weak, you really want to support your lungs. Fruits can help, including peels to relax the liver, so liver and lungs can be in harmony. Citrus fruits are also important and in season during the winter season which can help with hydration.

Always keep in mind that fruits are high in sugar so be mindful of the amount of fruit or citrus juices you consume. Vitamin C is useful for supporting the lungs Yin Qi.

Vegetarianism and Qi & Blood Vitality

For people who eat a vegetarian diet, who tend to be cold, who tend to feel lethargic, who tend to get sick easily and/or who tend to easily get depressed, it is encouraged to have some more meat in your diet, especially red meat to strengthen the core of your body and strengthen the Liver blood.

Of course, there is an ethical dilemma with the climate crisis and mass production of meats on the major markets. However, it’s important to be careful of making drastic changes to your diet without understanding the repercussions of how that can affect your physical, mental and emotional health.

While it’s important to eat less meat, it may not be beneficial to adapt an entirely vegetarian diet and to stop eating meat entirely.

It’s also important to make sure that you’re paying attention to how and from where you source your food, especially meat.

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Conclusion

In summary, a vegetarian diet and depression can be linked and it’s important to have awareness of what most can benefit your body by taking an informed, conscious approach to diet and nutrition.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences in the comments below after you’ve given this episode a listen!

Resources Mentioned This Episode

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