Entries by Mark Gutkin

Spring 2023 Newsletter

Happy Spring!!! In the tradition of the Traditional 5 Element System Spring energetically emerges around the Spring Equinox, March 21st. Yet Meteorological Spring is marked by March, April, and May (Northern Hemisphere). So I’m being proactive. Spring is ruled by the element of Wood. The element of Water from the previous season (Winter) feeds the […]

Fall 2022 Newsletter – Long Covid (part 1)

As most of you know, Traditional Chineese Medicine (TCM) medicine is based on Patterns Diagnosis and I must admit that I’ve diagnosed and observed quite a rainbow. We’re now in the season of Summer, Element of Fire with the Circuit of Heart. You can also read here about how to make your own paystubs using […]

Fall 2022 Newsletter – Long Covid (Part 2)

In the last newsletter, I mentioned a common denominator in the Pattern Physiology of Long Covid being Kidney, Spleen, and Lung Qi (Chee) Deficiency. So far we looked into Kidney deficiency as being the most detrimental among the three. According to the Six Levels of Physiology In Chinese Medicine Spleen and Lung Circuits belong to the level […]

Peace through a Sattvic Diet

By thelivingcentre.com A Life Enhancing Diet to Balance the Mind “Food is a dynamic force which interacts with the human on the physical body level, the mind emotional level, and also the energetic and spiritual level. The study of nutrition is the study of the interaction with and assimilation of the dynamic forces of food […]

A TCM Perspective on Cooked vs Raw Foods

Most of my patients are surprised to hear the recommendation to skip salads and cold foods during winter months. Ever wondered why Chinese prefer to eat cooked food, drink warm water, and never include salad on either restaurant or home menu? The answer lies with better understanding how digestion works from a Chinese medicine perspective. […]

Post-Holiday ‘Cleanse’

Winter is associated with Water Element and represented by Kidneys. The temperature of the Element is Cold and the taste is bitter. Kidney network is closely related to bones and Spleen network controls muscles. Spleen is weakened by damp and sweet foods. It controls digestion, fluid metabolism and energy production just to name a few. […]

Healing the Common Cold with Food and Nutrition

Remedies to beat the Cold: Use ginger, cinnamon, clove, basil, rosemary in teas and foods regularly. Warming seeds and grains: – Oats, spelt, quinoa, sunflower seed, sesame seed, walnut, pinenut, chestnut, fennel, dill, anise, caraway, carob pod, cumin, sweet brown rice OK to use Neutral grains rice, corn, buckwheat and rye. Other grains are too […]

Tips for Well-Being in the Year of the Goat

Chinese New Year 
February 19, 2015 Based on the lunar calendar, The Chinese New Year falls about six weeks following the Winter Solstice and marks the beginning of spring (even if it doesn’t feel like it yet). In Chinese astrology each year is defined by of one of 12 animals, one of five elements ( wood, […]

Five Element Chili – A Recipe for Harmony

This hearty vegetarian fare, which is great served over brown rice, is one example of how the ideas in traditional Chinese medicine can be applied to a Western-style dish. The five colors — black, red, white, green, and yellow — represent all five elements working together to help balance and harmonize the body. Here is […]

Post-Holiday Food Tips: Spleen & Kidney Recharge

Winter is associated with Water Element and represented by Kidneys. The temperature of the Element is Cold and the taste is bitter. Kidney network is closely related to bones and Spleen network controls muscles. Spleen is weakened by damp and sweet foods. It controls digestion, fluid metabolism and energy production just to name a few. […]