About the three elements that make up the body's "circulation" - Nutritionist's Column Vol.83
"Meguri" is a word that we hear often in our daily lives.
Many people know that "good circulation = good health," but what is actually circulating through our bodies?
This time I would like to talk about circulation from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine.
The balance of "Ki (Ki), Ketsu (Ke) and Sui (Sui)" is important
In traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese herbal medicine, our bodies are believed to be made up of three elements: "ki (energy), blood (blood), and water (water)."
The idea is that smooth circulation of these three elements within the body is essential for a healthy state of mind and body, and conversely, if any one of them is lacking or stagnant, it can cause discomfort or even illness.
Next, we will explain the roles of "ki, blood, and water," as well as recommended foods and lifestyles that will improve circulation.
What is “ki”?
It is like the energy that supports life activities and is the driving force that moves the body.
This is a unique concept not found in Western medicine.
"Qi" influences the functioning of the internal organs and mental state.
A state of energy deficiency is called " kikyo " and causes fatigue and loss of appetite.
Furthermore, when the flow of ki becomes poor, this is called " ki stagnation " and you may feel irritable, anxious, or depressed.
Various physical discomforts may appear, such as difficulty falling asleep, decreased concentration, a feeling of pressure in the stomach, and poor gastrointestinal function.
Recommended foods for good circulation of "ki"
Among the various organs, five organs that are considered particularly important for maintaining life in traditional Chinese medicine are called the five organs (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys) .
Among these, the liver is closely related to the body, as it works to balance the mind and autonomic nervous system through the flow of "ki" and maintain a healthy state.
For example, excessive stress can damage the liver.
When the Liver is under stress, qi and blood rise upward in the body, causing facial flushing, bloodshot eyes, and even headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus.
Therefore, we recommend foods that improve the condition of the liver, such as citrus fruits such as mandarin oranges and grapefruit, fragrant foods such as onions, celery, water parsley, mitsuba, shiso, chrysanthemum, and parsley, and sour foods such as umeboshi plums and black vinegar.
You can also try herbal teas such as mint, jasmine, or chamomile to help you relax.
A lifestyle that improves the flow of "ki"
Try to relieve stress and do some light exercise, such as stretching to stretch your body.
Also, don't forget to consciously take deep breaths, relax, and make time to relax both your body and mind.
What is “blood”?
It is a red liquid that flows through the blood vessels and carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, as well as removing unnecessary waste products.
A state in which there is insufficient blood is called " blood deficiency ," and as nutrients are not distributed throughout the body, the person tends to become anemic, have dry skin, have nail problems, and experience increased hair loss and gray hair.
In addition, poor blood circulation is called " blood stasis, " and symptoms include stiff shoulders, headaches, dark circles under the eyes, menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, and chills.
Women in particular experience physical changes such as menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth, and are closely related to "blood," so much so that women's health is said to be the health of their blood.
Foods recommended for blood circulation
In Chinese medicine, it is said that foods that are "reddish-black in color," similar to the color of blood, such as black sesame, black beans, hijiki seaweed, and berries, are good for replenishing "blood."
In addition, you can efficiently consume heme iron from iron-rich foods such as liver, red meat, and fish.
Non-heme iron from seeds such as sesame and komatsuna can be absorbed more efficiently when taken with foods containing vitamin C, so it can help build up blood.
Also, try to eat plenty of blue fish, which are rich in EPA and DHA, which help thin the blood.
Choose warm foods and ingredients that warm the body, such as onions, chives, ginger, Japanese pepper, and cinnamon, and aim for a balanced diet that is easy to digest.
Angelica, which is included in the Chinese herbal medicine "Tokishakuyakusan," is said to improve blood circulation and is used in many Chinese herbal medicines.
-> Functional soup containing angelica leaves Holy Moly Green
A lifestyle that improves blood circulation
Make sure to have a good breakfast.
Irregular lifestyle, stress and lack of exercise can also be the causes.
To improve blood circulation, get into the habit of doing gentle, light exercise and stretching.
When bathing, make sure to soak in the bathtub slowly to warm your body.
What is “Water”?
It is essential for maintaining life and refers to the fluids in the body other than blood (body fluids, lymph, tears, urine, etc.).
It circulates throughout the body, providing moisture, delivering water and nutrients to cells, and also acts as a lubricant to facilitate smooth digestion, excretion, and organ functioning.
A lack of water is called " yin deficiency " and symptoms include dizziness, dry skin, and numbness in the hands and feet.
When the circulation of water in the body becomes poor, it is called " water retention ," in which the metabolism slows down and excess water accumulates in the body, causing symptoms such as swelling, tinnitus, headaches, and fatigue.
Recommended foods for "water" circulation
In Chinese medicine, white foods such as radish, lotus root, mountain yam, pear, white wood ear mushroom, and white sesame seeds are said to hydrate the body, while beans and seaweed promote water circulation and excretion.
Also, since muscles act like a pump to push out excess water, be sure to pay attention to your protein intake.
Use less strong flavourings and avoid oily foods as much as possible.
Try to eat foods that warm the body, such as ginger, and consume room temperature or warm drinks.
The key is to drink small amounts frequently rather than drinking a lot all at once.
-> Golden Warrior, a spicy protein blend with yam and white wood ear mushrooms
A lifestyle that improves water circulation
To eliminate excess fluid, try to warm your body by doing moderate exercise or taking a bath and sweating.
Also, get into the habit of going to the toilet at appropriate times. Good quality sleep is also important.
Why not take a moment to examine your body and see what elements you are lacking?
These three elements of "ki, blood, and water" are said to interact with each other.
Rather than just focusing on the symptoms that bother you, be conscious of your overall diet and lifestyle and lead a healthy life free of illness.
GRØN's protein blends and soups also contain ingredients that improve circulation.
