(Written for the book, The Moon in Your Life—Being a Lunar Type in a Solar World, by Donna Cunningham) According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), women have seven-year cycles—like the phases of the progressed moon—culminating in menopause around age 49 (7 x 7). The functions of the spleen (digestion) and kidneys are responsible for blood and energy creation. The kidney system is like the pilot light of the body and dissipates as we age, as do the digestive functions. An early menopause is not considered healthy, nor is a too late one. Menopause serves as a natural homeostatic mechanism. While we view it as a sign of aging, it actually slows the aging process. By losing blood in menstruation beyond age 49, one could actually lose too much vital essence and could experience weakness. With the cessation of menstruation, the essence lost monthly can be consolidated and contained, and women […]

As Recommended in the book, Healthy Aging, by Andrew Weil, M.D. Many diseases today are caused by inflammation, e.g., heart disease, asthma and autoimmune disorders. Stress and stress hormones can also cause inflammation and pain, not to mention the acidic food and drinks we may consume. Andrew Weil maintains that the Mediterranean and traditional Japanese diets are the healthiest, and that the typical American diet is the least healthy. Following are Dr. Weil’s recommendations for an anti-inflammatory diet: GENERAL Aim for variety. Include as much fresh food as possible. Minimize your consumption of processed foods and fast food. Eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables. CALORIE INTAKE Most adults need to consume between 2,000 and 3,000 calories a day. Women and smaller and less active people need fewer calories. Men and bigger and more active people need more calories. If you are eating the appropriate number of calories for your […]

By Linda Joy Stone, O.M.D., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. A Different Way of Viewing A State of Being Depression seems to be affecting millions today, with anti-depressant medication becoming the most widely prescribed drug. In the past, this emotional state was referred to as melancholy, feeling mournful, gloomy or in grief. My Mac thesaurus lists “doldrums, down cycle, rut, apathy, boredom, emptiness”, as a few synonyms for depression. I prefer “gap, space and opening”. What is it we’re really feeling? Are we afraid to feel emptiness or our dark side, which may be essential to our growth? In a culture outwardly directed and geared to feeling good, darker, more reflective moods associated with depression can feel very uncomfortable. Thomas Moore, in his inspirational book, Care of the Soul, says, “because of its painful emptiness, it is often tempting to look for a way out of depression. But entering into its mood […]

By Linda Joy Stone, OMD., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. and Alex Holland, M.Ac., L.Ac. In the Chinese language the heart is related to all affections. It is not just that rhythmic organ that controls our circulation, but is also viewed as the sovereign ruler of the body and the master of the emotions. These definitions developed by way of the many interpretations possible that stem from the artistic nature of the Chinese written language, for each pictograph, or character, is a symbolic representation of an action, object or concept. The written language is beautiful and lends itself to numerous translations for any given character. Within the context of the Chinese culture this allows for creative and thoughtful renderings for the meanings represented by the many thousands of written characters. When reading Chinese medical literature, each character will then by nature have multiple meanings, some symbolic, some more concrete, but each open […]