Elements Balance Therapy

It’s always easy to get everything to keep you healthy through food.   Here are the top 7 “superfoods” other than veggies that can change your life.   1. Nuts   You might be eating nuts daily because of their benefits. Almond is calcium, fibre, and protein-rich nut. It contains magnesium and zinc, essential to keep your bodily conditions under regulation. Cashews are the next set of powerhouses that offer a healthy dose of protein, fibre and antioxidants to reduce the risk of chronic illness. We consume peanuts in the form of peanut butter spread- it is a protein-rich nut that offers the highest protein. Walnuts are also the best nuts for protein, with a good amount of protein, manganese and copper. Pistachios rank the healthiest nuts that improve motor function and reduce inflammation and stress.   2. Whole Grains   Grains are naturally a source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, fibre and minerals that helps in maintaining a healthy diet, lowering the risks of heart disease, diabetes and even certain cancers.   Which all are whole grains? - Barley - Brown rice - Oatmeal - Buckwheat - Quinoa - Millet - Popcorn - Whole-wheat bread, pasta or crackers   If you’re not sure about the whole grains ingredient in a product, check the presence of “whole grains” on the package.   3. Dark Chocolate   Many of you might not like the bitter taste of dark chocolate. It is a source of antioxidants. Many studies show that cocoa improves blood flow, decreases oxidized LDL cholesterol and even reduces the risks of heart disease.   Try to buy dark chocolate with around 80-85% cocoa content. Eat only 100 grams and do not consume it daily. 4. Legumes/cereals   Legumes are the best plant-based sources of protein. They’re highly nutritious with zinc, copper, phosphorus and vitamins. There are around 16,000 varieties of legumes in the world.   What are the common legumes that you can consume? - Beans - Peas - Kidney beans - Soybeans - Lentils - Navy beans   Legumes are low in fat, and no cholesterol helps you control weight.   5. Yogurt/curd   Though it’s a dairy product, most yoghurts contain added ingredients such as sugar and artificial flavours, but unsweetened yoghurt offers many health benefits.   Yoghurt provides every nutrient you require- calcium, vitamin B and even minerals. Consuming it every day increases your immune system.     6. Fish & meat   Fatty fish contain vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids to regulate serotonin levels in the body. The best fish to eat are salmon, cod, mahi-mahi, mackerel, sardines, tuna, shrimp, and oysters.   Meat contains iron and magnesium. Common Red meats: Beef, Lamb, Veal, Goat, Bison. White meats: Chicken, turkey, goose   7. Berries   Berries have antioxidants that can improve your skin and hair. They are juicy, containing a lot of water and no calories. Types of berries: blueberries, strawberries, cherries, goji berries, bilberries, acai berries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, mulberries, gooseberries.     Bottom line   Start eating the above foods and add extra energy to your healthy diet.

As discussed in our previous blogs, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practising back at least 2,500 years to 200 BC. According to several studies, TCM aims to correct the imbalances in our body mainly, addressing the external environment and stimulating a healing mechanism.   What are the major branches of TCM?   - Acupuncture - Moxibustion - Qigong - Herbal medicine - Massage - Cupping therapy   The main organs focused on during TCM treatments are Kidneys, Heart, Spleen, Liver, Lung, Gallbladder, Small intestine & large intestine.   Traditional Chinese treatment includes a combination of herbal medicines, therapies and treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping or massage.   Let us discuss the benefits of TCM treatments.   - Reduces Chronic Pain and Headaches   TCM treatments that reduce the pain are acupuncture & acupressure. Studies have proven that acupuncture can relieve chronic headaches and other symptoms related to injuries when combined with other treatments.   - Balances Hormones and Improves Fertility   Chinese herbal medicine contains compounds (antioxidants & anti-inflammatory) that can improve the body healing abilities and help in hormone balancing.   TCM therapies like acupuncture help in treating hormonal imbalances.   Massage therapy induces relaxation, raising the energy level helping people improve their living quality and sleep patterns.   - Protects Cognitive Health   Chinese herbs can protect brain health, reduce stress and regulate the body immune response.   Multiple studies suggest that various treatments in TCM benefit cognitive health for various disorders like dementia and Parkinson's disease.   - Lowers the Body Stress Response     Acupuncture is very helpful for managing stress. A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine shows the effect of tai chi in treating stress and anxiety!   It causes a positive effect on people dealing with depression.   TCM is a complementary health approach. Visit Xiehe medical centre for more information regarding TCM treatments!