Question

I would like to know which fruit has the highest source of energy. Or, if the highest source of energy does not come from a fruit, what other food does it exist in? Could you please let me know?

Answer

It all depends on what you mean by “energy.”

In general, energy in foods refers to the number of calories a food contains, but in Chinese medicine, we might also refer to foods having certain herbal properties that boost the energy of specific organs.

So, there really isn’t a definitive answer for a fruit with highest energy, as many things will cause the fructose (the constituent of fruit that tends to provide the most calories) to vary – growing seasons, soil conditions and other environmental factors influence the level of fructose fruits have.

Bananas typically have a high concentration of fructose (hence they tend to raise the blood sugar quickly in diabetics), but mangos and papaya can also be very sweet too – hence we often find these fruits in trail mixes that athletes consume.

Fats also provide a significant source of calories but typically fruits are low in fat, so one would have to look towards nuts to provide this type of calories – which is why we often see nuts and fruits combined in energy bars or trail mixes for active people.

The yellow and orange fruits tend to nourish the spleen energies more which rule muscles – so these type of fruits can be a good source of “energy” for people who are using their muscles vigorously.

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

Why are legumes part of the protein food groups?

Answer

Legumes (beans and peas) are considered to be part of the protein food group because they have a much higher content of protein than other vegetables and generally contain a number of the essential proteins (but not all of them) in adequate levels. Legumes can then be combined with grains, nuts or seeds to form a complete protein.

A complete protein is a food which contains all the 9 essential amino acids – all meats and meat products (eggs, dairy) are complete protein foods. The essential amino acids are required every day, as they cannot be produced by the body.

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

I have been diagnosed to have an ovarian cyst on my right ovary and I have been advised to undergo surgery to remove it. I am confused and worried about the type of surgery that they will have to perform to remove this cyst.

Is surgery inevitable? Is it safe and simple? Is there a specific type of surgery that is preferred or does it depend on the cyst? Are there some type of medicines I can take that can shrink the cyst to make it go away?

Answer

Ovarian cysts can be solid or fluid-filled. Usually medical doctors recommend surgery for the solid variety.

In Chinese medicine, we view solid cysts as stagnation and depending on size might give herbs to help release the stagnation and size of the cyst. Each person is different so a custom formula is usually best.

Acupuncture can also help to increase circulation to the ovary and break up stagnation as well as correct the underlying factors that have contributed to the formation of the cyst. You might wish to get a second opinion about the need of surgery from a licensed acupuncturist and explore how herbs and acupuncture might help.

In some cases, because of the size of the cyst and its impact on other internal organs, surgery is needed. So, be open to exploring what other options are available as well as considering the advice of medical physicians.

May you have blessings and healing.

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

Can you give me your opinion on the use of microwave oven technology and the loss of goodness (nutrients) from our food when we use microwave ovens to cook our food?

Answer

In Chinese medicine, it is thought that the method of the cooking influences the energy of the foods. For example, baking introduces more heat to the food compared to steaming. As microwaves produce a frequency of very hot and intense heat, this energy gets introduced to the food, so the Chinese medicine thought is that microwaves destroy the yin or moisture of the foods.

People who have heat related conditions such as cancer, gout, inflammation the body, might do best to avoid foods cooked in the microwave.

I personally do not own a microwave or use them as preserving the yin in foods helps me to preserve the yin in my body and allows me to age gracefully without the usual winkles and aches and pains people start to experience in their forties.

Women who are premenopausal and menopausal also benefit from using other methods than microwaving to cook foods as yin deficiency is one of the root causes of hot flashes.

So more reasons to cook the “old-fashioned” way – steaming, stir frying, grilling lightly or baking in convection or traditional ovens that do not use microwaves to heat the foods

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

My son recently had a large, flat polyp that was on a stem removed from his colon, after suffering severe constipation and pain from this condition. He also has an elongated colon.
Can you tell me what helps to manage an elongated colon and prevent constipation? Thank you.

Answer

It is extremely important to keep the bowels regular so that toxins do not re-accumulate in the bowels to play a role in the reformation of polyps.

A diet high in fiber and low in saturated fats is vital. If the diet does not contain much in the way of fiber, add it gradually.  Also, the use of raw oils and healthy servings of green vegetables will help detoxify the body and promote regular elimination without straining the bowels.

The healthy oils to use in moderation include avocado, olive and canola oil. These beneficial oils help to moisturize and lubricate the intestinal tract and make it easier to pass motions.

Lastly, try some qi gong massage, by gently rubbing the abdomen in clockwise pattern for 5 minutes several times a day will help increase circulation to the intestinal tract to promote healthier tissue.

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

Could you please give your opinion. I have had a split in my tongue for as long as I can remember. I also have a geographic tongue, which is not painful. Could you tell me what you think may be causing this?

Answer

A split tongue can have many causes.

In Chinese medicine, we often see deep cracks or splits in people who have a family history of cardiac issues – so depending on where the crack is, it might be an indicator of that type of family history.

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

How do you get rid of warts on the fingers. I have had them taken off by freezing but they grew back. This has been happening for about two years now. I am taking an immune support supplement, but nothing seems to help.

Answer

In the Chinese medicine system it is seen as an issue with liver blood although we recognize on the western side that viral aspect is important too. So, I would ask your herbalist to explore preparing custom herb formulation that nourish the liver blood and reduce what is known as liver wind, as well as building the immunity to address the viral pathogens.

Essential oils that are anti-viral and also break up excessive skin growth such a ravensare combined with castor oil and grapefruit essential oil can also be applied topically, but truly the deeper work is with internal herbs. Best of luck with your healing.

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

I have suffered from kidney stones for over 20 years and just had surgery to remove a large kidney stone. I am now trying to monitor my diet until they determine the type of stones I form, so I am curious as to what types of foods I should avoid in my diet. I’ve eliminated caffeine, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, certain fruit, red meat, peanuts, chocolate, sweet potatoes, green peppers, beets, wheat bran and tofu. Are asparagus and Brussels sprouts considered members of the dark green leafy vegetable family? I’m not sure what else should be eliminated. Can you please advise?

Answer

In Chinese medicine, we don’t advocate restricting foods as a way to manage kidney stones but work on correcting the underlying imbalances that cause us to not be able to process some of the acids in foods.

From the western nutritional perspective, these foods are high in oxalic acid and are often recommended as things to avoid if you have kidney stones: rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, beets, and tea.

Also, high amounts of sugar (refined and also other sources of simple carbohydrates), carbonated beverages, sodas, and fats should be reduced.

Our bodies need dark green leafy vegetables and Brussels sprouts etc, so it is not wise to completely eliminate all dark green vegetables or you will develop other health imbalances. So the key is to eat these items but in small quantities and with other foods that neutralize acid – such as a small amounts of diary or with foods like barley.

Also adjusting the acidity of the body with simple foods like apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are desirable.

Life is too short to live with so many restrictions – instead, focus on building up on the strength of the kidneys and digestive system so you can handle most foods without aggravating the kidney stone manifestations. You might also consult with an herbalist that can help you in this regard.

Best of health and energy.

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

My almost-3-year-old son has recently been diagnosed with asthma. It’s distressing  because I know how much children with asthma can suffer. For a child so young, is it safe to let him take Chinese medicine? My son sleeps on the tiled floor in a high rise apartment, because our place is usually warm at night. There is a layer of bamboo mat and blanket separating him and the floor. I was recently informed that sleeping on concrete floors may give rise to rheumatism in the future. If this true? Any harm in letting him continue to sleep on the floor? Thanks very much for your help.

Answer

I have used Chinese formulations with children as young as 1 years-old with very good success, especially the tea decoctions for asthma.

In traditional Chinese medicine, there can be several reasons why a child might manifest asthma. Their lung qi may be constitutionally weak and often times, we see some weakness with the kidney and spleen qi (especially when there is much mucus and congestion along with swelling of the lung tissues).

So, it is important to determine what patterns might be causing your child’s asthma so the correct combination of herbs can be given.

Acupuncture and acupressure can also be very helpful as well as qi gong massage (massaging the chest, the kidneys or low back).

As for concrete floors causing rheumatic arthritis or other joint/mobility issues, there is nothing in the research that supports that theory.

Sometimes people who sleep on hard surfaces may feel stiff in the morning because blood is not circulating properly as their bodies press against the hard surfaces.

However, usually doing qi gong movements and self massage upon rising eliminates that stiffness and prevents more permanent soreness.

Also, upon waking, teach your child to gently rub the shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands, lower back and legs and feet. Many of my clients make this type of self massage a fun activity, massaging along with the child while singing common nursery songs. Best blessings and healing.

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

I am 50 and have a lot of health issues and would like to know if you could help me find the path back to wellness. Here are some of the symptoms I have been experiencing lately:

Frequent headaches around the front of my head, but also on the sides

Tingling in my hands and cold feet

Angry outbursts and moodiness, including thoughts of suicide

Memory is really bad and very forgetful – unable to recall simple words when speaking and can not finish my thoughts or can not finish a sentence as I forget what I was talking about

Constantly clearing the throat, it feels like there is a lump there which cannot be cleared

Tired all the time, but conversely have a very difficult time getting to sleep at night

Lower back pain along with coldness around the back area

Fluid build up or fat build up and craving sweets all the time

Smell odd smells no one else can smell

Sometimes have a metal taste in my mouth

No sexual desire any more

Spotting in between my periods

There are so many odd symptoms going on with my body and I feel like I am falling apart. What would you recommend I do to help me get my health back on track again?

Answer

In Chinese medicine, we look at root causes for health challenges versus the symptoms, so I would suggest getting with a certified acupressurist or acupuncturist in your local area to get an an assessment to determine what the root causes of your issues are.

At the same time, I would consult with a medical doctor and get some blood work done. Often times, women can have low thyroid which can result in many of the symptoms you are describing so ask your doctor to do a full thyroid, endocrine and metabolic panel to rule out issues with your endocrine system. Your medical doctor might also request tests for CBC, kidney and liver panel. This should give some information about what root causes are. Ask for copies of this blood work to take to your holistic practitioner, as it is helpful for us to see blood work when formulating herbs or protocols for session work.

I wish you best healing energy.

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

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.