Yin deficiency means that the body is lacking in the moistening fluids that relax the body.
In times of extreme stress the body can generate severe amounts of heat which burn off yin fluids. Plus, stress and fear produce adrenaline and cortisol which contract the kidneys meaning further depletion of yin fluids.
Blood is one of the manifestations of yin within the body therefore any severe blood loss caused by accidents, operations or heavy menstruation, especially during menopause, will lead to a yin deficiency.
So choose food that nourishes the kidneys, fluids and mineral balance within our body such as Seaweeds, Spiriulina and Chlorella. Wheatgrass and other Chlorophyll rich foods will build healthy blood and therefore boost Yin. For a full list see my books where you will each organ broken down into flavour, function, emotion and season in Chinese medicine.
Avoid stimulants such as fizzy drinks and coffee and look at how you are cooking. Are you using cooking methods such as baking and steaming which support Yin or are you deep frying and microwaving? The latter two will weaken the Yin, blood and body.
Whilst it is great to have foods that promote Yin cooling fluids to counteract the Yang heat and dryness, it is important to have a practice that promotes Yin in the body such as Qi Gong or Yin Yoga. At an emotional level it is good to know how to switch off and let the universe be in control for a while.
Quite often, as women we run a busy house or have a busy job and we are used to being in control and multi tasking. If this is you it could mean that by the time you get to menopause, peri-menopause and beyond there is no Yin left in the tank to cool the body and support the natural process of ageing. Every Yang action needs to originate from the still Yin point within us. So take time to let go of control and receive the magic that is possible if we practice the art of allowing.
Find a practice or a time in your day to connect with that deep part of ourselves that can be nourished by rest and breath – this is Yin.
For the whole month of March we will be focusing on breath and movement for Menopause and beyond. Why not receive the free mini ebook with a recipe, acupoint and recipe or join me for the free class at the end of February.
From a Western Medicine point of view, oats are high in magnesium and help to calm the body and build sexual energy. They contain a nervine alkaloid called Avinine which, on a long-term basis, works to restore the nervous system.
Oats are a popular breakfast food and this recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch. It’s rich and sweet yet still full of soluble fibres to help remove cholesterol from the large intestine. In addition, oats are a great source of manganese, selenium, vitamin B1 and magnesium. They regulate hormones and the spontaneous sweating associated with fluctuating hormones.
Mixing the oats with pecans, which are full of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), further increases the usage of amino acids found in plant protein available
in oats. In terms of Chinese Medicine this means pecans transform nutritional essence, which feed the kidneys, into usable energy. In this way, they reduce nervous tension and overproduction of hormones; balancing the Yin & Yang
Baked Porridge
- 200g rolled oats
- 60g walnut or pecan pieces
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 475ml almond milk/goats milk or any plant based milk of choice
- 1 large egg
- 60g unsalted melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 60ml maple syrup
- 2 or 3 ripe bananas
- 200g mixed berries
Method:Butter a 20cm square (or anything similar) baking dish, chop the banana into medallions and line the base, cover with half of the berries. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and the wet ingredients in a jug. Cover the fruits in the baking dish with the oat mixture and the remaining fruits sprinkle on top. Pour the milk mixture slowly over the oats and fruits and pop it in the preheated oven at 190 degrees for 45 minutes. It is both breakfast and dessert.
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