Understanding Chinese Medicine & Qi Gong
Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Kay Hutchinson, who is our resident chinese medicine and qi gong expert and who is available to answer all your questions about chinese medicine and alternative health.
Kay has a private practice and is available for distance consultation, via telephone or email.
Kay answers all your chinese medicine and qi gong questions below:
Q: I have read according to the meridian clock system 9-11 am is the best time to eat, and one could have the most important meal of the day at this time.
I also noticed that 3PM is the time when the gall bladder is in full force, and science has also confirmed (I think) that gall production peaks at this time.
Does this mean that consumption of fats is best after 3PM, or fats should also preferably be consumed in the morning?
Also, what kinds of foods are recommended to be eaten in the evening if one is very hungry?
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A: One has to look at other factors in addition to the meridian clock when determining how and what to eat. For people who have sensitive digestive systems, eating a heavy breakfast may tax the system, so it may be more wise to eat a small amount of low fat, low carbohydrate foods upon rising and have warm to hot soups or tea with the meal to awaken the spleen and stomach. Then, a few hours later one would eat a mid-day snack, then lunch. In this way, nourishing foods are coming into the body during that 9 to 11 am time.
I would not recommend eating higher fat foods after 3 pm - most people have a metabolism that starts to slow down in the afternoon - so this may lead to excessive weight gain although the gallbladder meridian clock is in the afternoon. I would focus on eating the heavier meal around mid-day so that one has time to burn off those calories as one moves through the rest of the day.
In the evening time, think once again about low carbohydrate and low fat foods with a higher protein and calcium content. The amino acids in protein help to promote restful sleep as does calcium. So a sandwich with whole grains or gluten free bread, with poultry or seafood and plenty of fresh vegetables and low fat cheese, along with a warming low-fat vegetable or chicken soup is a light choice. Or three ounces of a grilled lean meat with stir fried vegetables (in a pay lightly coated with oil so as not to contribute too much fat to the meal), and a whole grain such as brown rice, amaranth, quinoa. You can also make breakfast foods a light "dinner" snack - a bowl of whole grain cereal with organic milk, and some fresh fruit on the side. A protein smoothie made with organic milk, fresh fruit and extra soy protein powder can also work well.
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using herbs in your healing process.
Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.
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Enjoy better health!
