October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In traditional Chinese medicine, we view the body in the holistic sense that all parts are connected. You might be surprised to know that we attribute healthy and cancer free breast tissue to a healthy liver!
In Chinese medicine, we say that health involves the free flow of blood and vital nerve energy throughout all areas in the body. Cancer develops when the flow of these two things, blood and nerve energy, slow down and stagnate over long periods of time. It is after this time that a cancerous tumor or a mass actually develops.
To keep the liver healthy, keep the blood and nerve energy moving, and maintain breast health, we recommend a number of things:
1. Exercise. The magic cure for all disease processes. Exercise keeps everything in the body moving smoothly and also promotes detoxification through the sweating process. Aim for three sessions of 30 minutes per week minimum.
2. Eat a cancer preventative diet. The absolute best foods for preventing the growth and spread of cancer include the following categories:
Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, chard, collard greens, etc.
Sea vegetables: Edible seaweeds, commonly found in cuisines around the world but uncommon here in America, provide a powerful anticancer function.
The onion family: Potent detoxifiers with high sulfur content, including onions, garlic leeks, chives, scallions and shallots.
Mushrooms: Certain edible mushrooms exhibit potent anticancer effects. Specifically the reishi mushroom, shiitake mushroom, the wood ear mushroom and the chaga mushroom are anti-cancer miracles.
Green tea: Fascinating research is coming out of Japan showing the ability of green tea to prevent angiogenesis, the process by which tumors hijack the body’s blood supply to feed themselves.
Turmeric: The yellow spice that makes up curry powder exerts tremendous anti-cancer properties. With its mildly spicy flavor, you can use this powder freely with all types of foods.
Foods to avoid: Sugar, processed foods with artificial ingredients and factory farmed meats and seafood all have been shown in independent research to feed the growth of cancers.
3. Reduce stress! The liver and its smooth flow of blood and nerve energy are particularly sensitive to stress and negative emotions. Try acupuncture to improve your mood, lower your stress levels and soothe your “stuck liver.”
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
