Summer 2009 Newsletter
In this issue:
- Happy New Year! - Welcome the year of the Earth Ox
- Latest research
- New Teas Available
- Food Therapy: Carrots
- Food Therapy: Eating In – Lentil, Carrot and Parsnip Soup
- Food Therapy: Eating Out – Richmond Hill Cafe Larder
- New Website
Happy New Year! - Welcome the year of the Earth Ox
January 26th marks the beginning of the Chinese new year - the year of the ox. Like 2008 - the year of the rat, the earth ox sign signifies new beginnings. Fortunately, being a yin rather than a yang year, it has the potential to be less tumultuous. Care needs to be taken however, as Chinese astrology warns of the destructive relationship the Earth has with the Ox's fixed element - Water. In fact 2009 is the fourth in a run of six years governed by this unlucky conflict of elements. With catastrophes like the downfall of the world financial markets and the war in the Gaza strip, the ox suggests individuals, organisations and the human race in general need to make good choices, as what we begin now has lasting consequences. However on the positive side, the true strength gained from the combination of the earth and the ox is durability. In the year of the ox, one can achieve more by going with the flow and reacting to circumstances rather than taking unnecessary risks and initiating aggressive action. The ox suggests that by cautious pragmatism, things will get done and 2009 can be a year of lasting accomplishments for all of us.
ACUPUNCTURE IMPROVES PREGNANCY AND BIRTH RATE
The 2008 Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine recently published results of a systematic meta-analysis on the benefits of acupuncture for women receiving embryo transfer. The results endorse the successful and effective treatment that Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine has developed to treat women suffering infertility and conception difficulties. Trials compared where patients were administered acupuncture within one day of embryo transfer with patients who received no acupuncture at all. The meta-analysis found that the use of acupuncture was associated with a significant increase in the pregnancy rate, particularly when administered on the day of embryo transfer.
A meta-analysis is the "strongest" study that can be performed, as it investigates and rates the validity of all research conducted previously on the topic. This result means that many high quality trials have found this treatment to be beneficial, thereby providing almost rock-solid evidence on the effectiveness of the treatment.
For those who attended last years' tea party at the clinic, you will be pleased to hear that many of the Chinese Herbal teas offered for tasting on the night are now available for purchase.
Immunity Tea - A warming blend to assist with cold, flu and hay fever. Also good for increasing energy levels.
Women's Blend - A delicate blend to help with the management of PMS and regulating menstruation. Also good for promoting general wellbeing in women.
Libido Tea - An energising blend to assist in boosting libido and increasing vitality.
Peaceful Tea - A relaxing blend to promote calmness and assist in a achieving a good night sleep.
The teas sell for $9.90 a box, with each box containing 6x10g tea bags. Each bag makes 2-3 cups of tea.
The Christmas and New Year period is a time where all of us are likely to have over-indulged. If your digestion is suffering, carrots are fantastic for strengthening the spleen and aiding in digestion. Cooked carrots and soups in particular, can be used to improve any digestion problems. They are slightly diuretic in action, supporting the elimination of waste, preventing constipation and lowering blood sugar.
Lentil, Carrot and Parsnip Soup
This light soup is great for an easy lunch. Carrots and parsnips are good for the digestion, lentils are low GI, help to reduce fluid retention and contain protein.
Serves 4
- 3 slices lean streaky bacon chopped (optional)
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 parsnips chopped
- 60g red lentils
- 4 cups vegetable stock or water
- salt and pepper
- chopped chives to garnish
Heat a large saucepan, add the bacon and dry-fry for 5 mins until crisp and golden. Add the onion, carrots and parsnips and cook for about 5 minutes without browning. Add the lentils to the saucepan and stir to mix with the vegetables. Add the stock or water to the pan and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender. Transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and blend for about 15 seconds until smooth. Return to the saucepan and reheat until almost boiling. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish the soup with chopped chives to serve.
Richmond Hill Cafe Larder
Just a short stroll from the clinic is a delightful cafe with incredible food. The menu changes seasonally, with an extensive specials list. The place can get very busy, and they don't take bookings, so it's best to arrive early to get a table - particularly if you're in a group of 4 or more. The service is polite and efficient and the meals are served quickly. We can highly recommend this one!
A Word On Cheese
For cheese lovers there is a larder inside where there are cheeses from all over the world available for purchase (and tasting). Chinese Medicine Food Therapy recommends that those with damp constitutions reduce or avoid cheese consumption, and if you must have cheese - to have goat's or sheep's cheeses instead. Cheese is fine in moderate amounts for those without dampness who have a yin deficient constitution. The larder does contain many sheep and goat cheeses, so it is easy to avoid cow's cheeses when making your selections here.
- Saltimbocca: Veal and sage wrapped in prosciutto, with zucchini flowers and ricotta, asparagus, red peppers and marjoram. This dish is great for those who have qi deficiency (fatigue, fluid retention, upset digestion). Best avoided by breast-feeding mothers: sage reduces breast milk production.
- Rocket pear and parmesan salad - good for nourishing yin and strengthening the lungs, especially if you experience dry cough and sweating at night. Avoid if you have a weak digestion, are feeling tired, or suffering from poor concentration.
- Roasted Spring Lamb: with butternut pumpkin, soft goat's cheese, toasted hazelnuts, mint and pomegranate. This is a dish best suited to those with qi or yang deficiency (fatigue, feeling cold, aching lower back). Best avoided by those with yin deficiency (dry eyes, night sweats, floaters in the vision) as this dish is a little too heating.
- Leek, sweetpea and asparagus tart with mozzarella di bufala, tomato and basil salad. A cooling dish good for those who have heat symptoms (feeling hot, flushed face, fast pulse, sweating), and best avoided by those with symptoms of cold or yang deficiency (feeling cold, fatigue, aching lower back).
- Rocket salad with pears, Parmesan & aged balsamic vinegar is a good dish for those with qi stagnation (hot temper, tightness in chest/ribs, headaches). Those who are very fatigued or have poor digestion should avoid the strong moving nature of this dish.
Richmond Hill Cafe Larder
48-50 Bridge Rd
Richmond VIC 3121
ph 9421 2808
http://www.rhcl.com.au
Today we are unveiling our new website. You will now have the choice of making appointment requests online. Our new skin care products and herbal teas are also available online (as well as in the clinic). Information on Chinese Medicine theory, the conditions that respond to treatment with Chinese Medicine and some articles that explain some topics in more depth. Our monthly newsletter is now available to view online too! Visit www.discovertcm.com.au and let us know what you think.
