Used as a reference by students of acupuncture, this is a hefty, truly comprehensive
guide to the theory and healing power of Chinese medicine. It's also a primer on
nutrition--including facts about green foods, such as spirulina and blue-green algae,
and the "regeneration diets" used by cancer patients and arthritics--along with an
inspiring cookbook with more than 300 mostly vegetarian, nutrient-packed recipes.
The information on Chinese medicine is useful for helping to diagnose health
imbalances, especially nascent illnesses. It's smartly paired with the whole-foods
program because the Chinese have attributed various health-balancing properties to
foods, so you can tailor your diet to help alleviate symptoms of illness. For example,
Chinese medicine dictates that someone with low energy and a pale complexion (a yin
deficiency) would benefit from avoiding bitter foods and increasing "sweet" foods
such as soy, black sesame seeds, parsnips, rice, and oats. (Note that the Chinese
definition of sweet foods is much different from the American one!)
Pitchford says in his dedication that he hopes the reader finds "healing,
awareness, and peace" from following his program. The diet is certainly acetic by
American standards (no alcohol, caffeine, white flour, fried foods, or sugar, and
a minimum of eggs and dairy) but the reasons he gives for avoiding these "negative
energy" foods are compelling. From the adrenal damage imparted by coffee to immune
dysfunction brought on by excess refined sugar, Pitchford spurs you to rethink
every dietary choice and its ultimate influence on your health. Without being alarmist,
he adds dietary tips for protecting yourself against the dangers of modern life,
including neutralizing damage from water fluoridation (thyroid and immune-system
problems may result; fluoride is a carcinogen). There's further reading on food
combining, female health, heart disease, pregnancy, fasting, and weight loss.
Overall, this is a wonderful book for anyone who's serious about strengthening his
or her body from the inside out. --Erica Jorgensen --This text refers to an alternate
Paperback edition.
Download File Size:10.03 MB
|
