5 element theory and my tired ass

[yeloson]

So one of the things in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to generalize to 5 Element theory when looking at longer term systemic issues. In my case, I'm enjoying the triple combination of having a Wood Imbalance throw off my Earth, which is draining my Water.

Or:

Stress etc. at work are causing my nervous system to ramp up all the time (Nerves, Wood), which is causing me to hyper tense and fuck up my digestion (muscles, digestive tract, Earth), and between the stress-adrenal response and getting less nutrition in, burning out my energy reserves (Water).

If it were just one thing, it'd be a lot easier to treat. Seeing how this is basically year 2 of stress, it's hitting 3 elements and problematic. Some things are easier to address than others. I'm starting with food, since it also allows me to tie it into my plans for weight loss. Beets are good for Kidneys, which will help me not feel so exhausted, plus help me stave off illness. Carrots are good for both Kidneys and Liver. I'm going to start drinking 2 lemons of lemon juice a day, for the liver stuff (since it's the root problem). And finally, try to get more soups, since that'll help the Spleen/Stomach, Earth stuff.

Though treatment ends when you feel better, the fallback quote is "a treatment should last a season", and seeing how I've been digging a hole for 2 years, AND still in it, it's probably going to take a while.

Comments

[misadventurelad.livejournal.com]

Let me know if you want tips on infusing the elements you've described in super tasty ways in your diet.

I've got a beet miso bisque recipe that was pretty slamming. The Chef is a soup fanatic and he loves elements of Russian cooking, so I've got other beet/root soup combos coming out all over.

[yeloson.livejournal.com]

Hells Yeah! Beets are pretty new to my diet, so I've been mostly steaming them with other veggies for something in the morning. But miso is also a favorite of mine, so I'd love to hear how to hook it up!

[hari-mirchi.livejournal.com]

I love roasted beets diced up and served with miso-sesame-ginger dressing. Beets are also really yum with brussel sprouts, although right now is the wrong season for good sprouts. Here's an easy recipe: http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001671golden_beets_and_brussels_sprouts.php, and red beets work just as well as golden ones, and cost less.

The beet and kumquat chutney here (http://www.justhungry.com/2006/01/masterchef_chal_3.html) works really well, although not so much as an accompaniment to lamb pilau. Goes great with a dish that is not heavily flavored though.

[perlandria.livejournal.com]

The sweetness of beets (and carrots) works really well with roasting too. And roast veggies make good cold salads, and travel well.

Are you liking the way they taste? Cus that takes it to completely different directions, playing up the beet, or hiding the beet.

(and did I mention I miss beets. Full of estrogen goodness they are, waaaaa)

[yeloson.livejournal.com]

I'm kinda neutral on the taste right now. It's not bad, it's not great. I do like the texture- it's filling but not as starchy as potatoes.

I'm willing to try both ways and see if either direction appeals more to me.