MENDING THE MIND, BODY, MOUTH CONNECTION

Unhealthy eating patterns can be changed and healed over time by discovering what is “eating at you” on a fundamental, deep, no-nonsense level. These issues can be best eliminated through uncovering and releasing them, rather than the usual cover-up tactics of useless dieting. Periodic starving or following a strict, regimented diet provides a temporary fix that can have deleterious effects on the body. Having problems with food manifests as an exte al symptom that stems from a deeper underlying cause. Creating a better relationship with food comes from a place within, not outside of yourself. It is essential to learn how to deal with these issues from a deep, profound level to ensure improved nourishment for your mind and body. Turning to the ancient medical wisdom of Chinese medicine can help you reconnect with yourself on this deeper level in order to resolve issues with food as well as with any eating disorder. According to Chinese medicine principles, disease and illness come from the body’s vital energy (Qi) being out of balance. When Qi is strong, energy flows better and results in a more positive state of health. When Qi is weak, energy becomes stagnate within the organs and this results in disharmony, illness and disease. The Chinese have developed ancient Qi cultivation techniques as a way of creating and maintaining balance within the body, thus resolving disease and illness. These include the simple practices of Qigong (pronounced chee-GUNG), Tai Chi, acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese massage. These are “tried and true” methods for healing of the body, mind and spirit, embraced by people all over the world simply because they work. These Qi cultivation techniques are done to open and restore the flow of Qi throughout meridian (energy) pathways that run throughout the body. Qigong and Tai Chi accomplish this through exercise, Acupuncture through needle insertion into points on the meridians, Acupressure through finger pressure onto acupoints, and Chinese massage through a vigorous effleurage type of massage. All of these techniques can be done to help resolve and eliminate an eating disorder. The basic premise of Qi cultivation healing is that the body heals itself naturally. It teaches a person how to connect with themselves to access their own healing capacity. This happens on it’s own, without the need for one to understand how or why. Everything just falls into place as one learns to take charge of and direct their healing process. These ancient healing principles and resulting Qi cultivation techniques can truly make a difference for someone that is carrying around excess weight. According to Chinese Medicine, extra weight held onto the body is an example of stuck Qi, but when Qi is flowing freely this weight can be released along with physical and emotional attachments to food. When organs are operating harmoniously and Qi is abundant, it results in healthier food choices in the right amount and at the appropriate time. Additionally, when the Qi of the internal organs is strong, the body works efficiently to naturally shed the body of unnecessary, extra water, toxins and thus pounds. This is especially true when it comes to balancing energy of the Spleen meridian that according to Chinese medicine is responsible for the transportation and transformation of food within the body. In a nutshell, Qi cultivating techniques suppress appetite, reduce cravings, increase will power, boosts metabolism and release water retention. The human body works efficiently and maintains balance on its own. A re-established and renewed flow of Qi gives your organ systems the fuel they need to carry out daily life activities with optimal efficiency creating the experience of a new and improved bodily felt sense of power and connection. In this state, you look at life differently, manifest what you want, awaken each day feeling vibrant, move through each day effortlessly, speak your mind gently and honestly, and reveal your real self without regrets, and effortlessly make the right choices around food. Our bodies are absolutely meant to be in a perfect state of health. This happens through listening and honoring the true needs and desires of one’s inner voice to create, establish and maintain positive patterns of eating. This brings back memories of treating yourself with love and respect combined with the joy of nourishing and being good to oneself through food. A two step practical application for strengthening your mind, body and mouth connection is the following: Step #1 When you are reaching into the closet or refrigerator to choose a food stop for a moment and tune into your self. Notice how you feel. Notice what you are saying to yourself. Are you saying “yes” this is what we want and what we need or are you saying “no” this is the wrong food. If the answer is no, then certainly don’t eat it. If the answer is a resounded “yes”, then take it, eat it and most definitely enjoy it. If you’re not sure that remember the saying “when in doubt, leave it out. Step #2 There is another aspect to this action that is extremely important – the amount of the food that you eat. If you have problems with binging you know how true this is. At the same time that you decide if it is the right food for you, you must also determine the exact amount of it that is okay to eat. Ask yourself how much is the right, nutritious and healthy amount for you. Listen to your answer and hold yourself to it. Commitment here is the key. Commitment to listening to that little voice guiding you inside, trusting it as your guide, and really doing what you know to be the right thing for you. The only result if you do this is – being good to yourself and actually nurturing yourself with food, rather than using it as a sabotage. When you truly love and care for yourself you stop sabotage as it just doesn’t make sense anymore. Each person has his or her own, unique mind, body and mouth issues. No one can heal another person, as true healing is primarily derived within each person. Mending and re-establishing the mind, body, mouth connection through ancient Chinese Qi cultivation methods awakens and recalls the body’s inbo healing ability through opening and creating a free flow of qi (vital energy) within the entire being. This experience creates a balanced state of dealing with food – re-establishing a primary relationship with food that has existed since birth. Returning to natural cravings, eating to nourish the entire being, choosing the right foods and eating them in a regular pattern and proper amount to satiate your body, mind, and spirit.