Nutrition for the Wood Season [Recipe inside]

Sun, May 3, 2020

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

TCM Approved, French Spring Soup

Soups make a fulfilling meal, and are a great way to add nutrition to your diet. Making soup is an easy way to mix different ingredients to make them more palatable; like a smoothie, only warm, which is also a big plus, as your body finds it easier to digest foods that are warmed. Soup also has low-caloric density, which loosely means, fewer calories, but more filling. Lastly, by varying the ingredients, soup flavors can be found that appeal to anyone. Here is an example of a French Spring soup, that uses seasonal ingredients, factoring well with TCM nutrition. It is taken from www.allrecipes.com.

The main organ system of focus in spring, is the Liver Wood element. In TCM the Liver helps maintain the free-flow of qi and blood, and filters out toxins that have built up over the winter months. All of this soups ingredients support the Liver, and clear heat which can occur with stagnation of qi. The carrots, potatoes, onions, and leeks also support the Spleen and Stomach, which are in charge of digestion. The asparagus and spinach clear heat from the stomach, (helping reduce reflux and GERD). Lastly, all of the ingredients support the Lungs, which belong to the metal element. Metal is the opposite of Wood, and therefor helps balance the wood elements of the body (Liver), from having excess.

Temperature-wise, the onions are warm and pungent, promoting circulation. Asparagus is bitter. Clearing away excess dampness, which can cause stagnation and hold heat. The carrots and potatoes are neutral, balancing, and nurturing. In spring, the focus is on promoting movement, draining excess dampness, and building up Qi (nourishment). Also, the warmth of the onions is balanced by the coolness of the spinach.

French Spring Soup – Prep: 25m Cook: 35m Total: 1 hr.

Ingredients

¼ cup butter

1 Lb. Chopped Leeks

1 chopped Onion

2 quarts water

3 large, chopped potatoes

2 large carrots chopped

1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces

1/3 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

4 tsp. Salt

½ Pound fresh Spinach

1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the leeks and onion, and cook until tender.

2. Pour water into the pot. Mix in potatoes, carrots, asparagus, and rice. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, until vegetables and rice are tender.

3. Stir spinach and heavy cream into the soup mixture, and continue cooking about 5 minutes before serving.

5 Elements to Freedom Self Care Course

In this self-study course, you learn about the elements of Chinese Medicine and how to diagnose and treat your own energetic imbalances. 

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When you cannot get into the office Acu-Pressure can be just as effective as acupuncture and insurance may cover! You will learn locations of custom acu-pressure points and will be guided through meditations. Liz has been practicing Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Medical Qi Gong, and massage since 2012 and is committed to educating her patients on ways to stay healthy and prevent disease through self care techniques.  

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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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Eating, local and in season is the best way to keep the body in balance!

With Love,

Liz

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