An Asian-Twist on Chicken Soup

Mon, Apr 06, 2020

Enjoy our weekly wellness tip from Licensed Acupuncturist, Michael Savalli, from the office of Elizabeth Martin.

Chicken Soup Recipe for Boosting Immunity System

This recipe comes from the Yinara Center website and offers a great example of food as medicine.  The basic version includes foods you can find at your local grocer that will boost your immune system.  The “supercharged” version includes potent herbs that strongly support your immune system.  I will list the English, and Chinese names of these herbs, to make it easier for you to find, either at an herbal dispensary or online.

The function of these foods all comes down to qi.  Qi has different forms, and when we’re talking about the immune system, we’re talking Wei qi.  Wei qi is the barrier that keeps out pathogens.  It circulates through our skin, lungs, and stomach; all the areas that come in contact with the exterior.  (Plus, the food we eat supports all the qi in the body, as it transforms the qi in food into the qi of our body.)

The foods and herbs in this recipe keep the qi flowing smoothly and nourish it to be strong.  Eat lots anytime you’re feeling weak, or think you may have caught something.  It’s also good after illness to help rebuild your strength.  Make a bunch of it and reheat it as needed.  The first four “supercharged” ingredients are considered medicinal herbs.  (If you decide to order the herbs, you can also make tea with them in the future.)  But like we said, it’s a thin line between food and medicine, and many of the food ingredients in this recipe have medicinal benefits.

Ingredients
3 sticks Huang Qi (astragalus)
½ cup you qi zi (goji, wolfberry)
2 2-inch pieces Dang Shen (codonopsis)
8 Da Zao (red dates)
6 dry Shitaki mushrooms
2 inches finely diced ginger
4 cloves sliced garlic
2 red chili peppers, chopped (optional)
2 onions chopped
6 boneless, skinless, chicken thighs, chopped into 1-inch pieces
6 cups chicken stock
¼ soy sauce
1 cup boiling water
Splash of Olive Oil

Directions
Pour boiling water over red dates, wolfberries, and shiitake, and set aside.
Saute onions in olive oil, on medium heat. Turn up the heat and add the chicken, stirring as they brown.  Add the peppers, ginger, and garlic.  Saute for 5 minutes, then add stock and soy sauce.  Bring to boil, then turn down to simmer gently.
Add Huang Qi and Dang Shen.  Chop the shiitake and add them along with wolfberries and dates.
Enjoy!

Meet Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Michael is a board certified NY State Licensed Acupuncturist, who received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from New York College of Health Professions.  While in this program, he also specialized in Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you or anyone you know is interested in staying healthy this season, schedule your appointment and learn how Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immunity. 

631-601-6491

Click to learn more about Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

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Sound healing is a form of meditation that is performed in a group where you lay on a yoga mat and let the sound transport you. 
Sound healing has many benefits including:

• reducing stress and anxiety
• improves circulation
• deepens relaxation
• increases mental & emotional clarity. 
• restores balance

Vibrational sound healing can be traced back from present-day trends to many ancient civilizations including India, Africa, Europe, and the Orient. The idea is to restore balance to the chakra system and clearing the blocked energy within ourselves. Sound healing is similar to reiki healing; It is a form of energy healing that allows your body to self-regulate and self heal.

Let the sounds vibrate through you to feel the power of self-preservation and healing.
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To enhance your healthy lifestyle experience we sell all forms of Chinese herbal linaments, to pain patches and liquids that help the pain, enhance healing, and promote wellness. Each product has been carefully selected and tested. We only sell high-quality medicinal grade products. Ask your practitioner what products would be right for you!

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Just a reminder to eat good food, and wishing you happiness and health!

With Love,

Liz

Elizabeth M. Martin, MSOM, L.Ac, LMT and the Staff at Hands on Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, P.C.