Inflammation and Blood Sugar Levels Post-Menopause

Inflammation and Blood Sugar Levels Post-Menopause

Ask Me Anything

Inflammation and Blood Sugar Levels Post-Menopause

In my most recent episode of Ask Me Anything, Shelley asked about post menopausal inflammation and high blood sugar peaks and troughs. This is actually something that comes up a lot in Chi Flow with Jo! Most of the participants are peri, mid, and post menopausal so often these symptoms occur.

This is why we do intermittent fasting together as a group in January and February.

Symptoms of joint pain, low energy, putting weight on around the middle, all tend to happen mid and post menopause. This is usually due to liver congestion which can happen from a lifetime of eating fried foods, eating late at night, and alcohol.

So how do we clear the liver so that blood flows well, we don’t have big hot flushes, we don’t suffer from insomnia, and we have good blood sugar levels?

One of the first things we can do in intermittent fasting is Qi Gong. We need to have a good exercise routine to retain muscle mass. This will help things from rocketing out of control and help your resting metabolic rate. So even when you are sitting down at a rest, your body is working well because you have good muscle mass. Gentle squats using the arms are an easy exercise. We don’t need to run a marathon, we just need to stay active.

Qi Gong/Acupoints

A great point is Liver 13. Liver 13 is on the edge of the ribs and you can massage and press into that area.

We do a movement in Qi Gong called Scratching Monkey, so scratch and massage into that point.

It’s going to help loosen the waist area, so we can move and massage the liver with those movements.

Late Night Snacks

Another way to give the liver a good cleanse is by not eating late at night. That is why we do intermittent fasting. It’s really important, especially as an older woman, not to over stress the body. When we do intermittent fasting and we are older, if we suddenly launch into not eating for large periods of time our hormones will go crazy and our kidneys will not be happy. Our kidneys manage the balance of our hormones in the body.

So we want to do this gradually and can do that by making our dinner time earlier and earlier.

We do this together in Chi Flow with Jo over the course of six weeks. We start with not eating from 8pm to 8am and gradually extend that time.

The Meridian Clock

The time for the liver on the Meridian clock is from 1am to 3am.

In that time the body needs to be detoxifying, resting, and restoring. If you’ve eaten at 11 or 10 at night, your body is still digesting and can’t do those things.

You need to give your body time to rest and clear the liver as the liver stores the blood and purifies it.

Food for the Liver

Colour: The Colour for the liver in Chinese Medicine is green. A green and kind of yellow colour. You’ll see if people have problems with their liver they have yellow eyes and if they have jaundice they have yellow skin. So that helps us to remember that it’s that yellow green that actually nourishes the liver. 

Flavour: The flavour for the liver is sour. You can use sour foods like cider vinegar or lemon in hot water to help cleanse the liver. Other foods would include vinaigrettes on green leafy vegetables.

A food that I really like is milk thistle. Be careful when taking milk thistle though, it has such an effect on the liver that if you’re having a blood test, you must tell the people giving you the test that you are taking milk thistle. I would recommend taking it every other month.

And remember you can’t be eating loads of burgers and chips and then think milk thistle will solve my problems!

Another thing that I really like is turmeric. Turmeric is a stimulant for the bile in the liver and the gallbladder. So taking plenty of fresh turmeric in your everyday diet is really good. Also dandelion root, burdock root, chicory, and bitter greens are really going to benefit the liver. 

We also don’t want to stress the body and one thing that does that is coffee. If you’re drinking lots of coffee and you’re wondering why you’re having all these hormonal problems, try changing that out for dandelion root coffee. Dandelion root coffee is a wonderfully bitter flavour that’s going to benefit the kidneys and will help detox and clear the liver. 

Why not join Chi Flow and see how easy our Intermittent Fasting programme really is?

Intermittent Fasting (IF) is more than just a trendy health practice—it’s a powerful tool to reset your body, mind, and spirit. By alternating periods of eating and fasting, IF can help balance blood sugar levels, support weight management, enhance mental clarity, and promote cellular repair. It’s a natural way to reduce inflammation, improve energy, and align with your body’s innate rhythms.

Ready to kickstart your journey?

Join Chi Flow with Jo’s 6-Week Intermittent Fasting Programme and embrace a healthier, more vibrant you. Together, we’ll combine the ancient wisdom of Qi Gong, mindful self-care, and balanced eating to elevate your New Year energy. Let’s make 2025 your year of transformation!

With Love and Chi,

Self-administered acupressure or Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for visits to qualified healthcare practitioners.

Knowing how to treat yourself and your loved ones with complimentary therapies like acupressure can be greatly beneficial and convenient. However, for serious and chronic conditions, you’ll want to visit an Shiatsu therapist / Acupuncturist or other qualified healthcare practitioner who can develop a treatment plan based on your unique medical history and combination of symptoms.  

The information provided should not be considered medical advice.

Foods For an Overheated Menopause

Foods For an Overheated Menopause

Conscious Cooking - Use Food as Medicine, understanding your body with the 5element system of TCM, Energy of Food Blog, Recipes

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. 

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.

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.

JOIN CHI FLOW

Chi Flow with Jo is live, online Qi Gong classes every weekday morning. 

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Your journey to health and balance is unique, and embracing the wisdom of TCM can help you achieve lasting freedom from cravings. Be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and enjoy the process of nurturing your health.

Until next time, stay balanced and be well.

Self-administered acupressure or Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for visits to qualified healthcare practitioners.

Knowing how to treat yourself and your loved ones with complimentary therapies like acupressure can be greatly beneficial and convenient. However, for serious and chronic conditions, you’ll want to visit an Shiatsu therapist / Acupuncturist or other qualified healthcare practitioner who can develop a treatment plan based on your unique medical history and combination of symptoms.  

The information provided should not be considered medical advice.

Hot flashes, sore joints, low energy? – Rediscover your power

Hot flashes, sore joints, low energy? – Rediscover your power

Energy of Food Blog, Recipes

As we pass the Spring Equinox, Yang energy is on the rise.  Shoots are sprouting and bulbs that have lain dormant over winter are bursting forth with colour.  This is the upward energy of the season.

But perhaps you are left with post pandemic exhaustion. Emotionally burnt out after two years where there was little or no control over every day life.

Or perhaps you developed Long Covid with symptoms similar to that of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome where every time you get the energy to move ahead with new plans, you are floored with symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, shortness of breath, brain fog or muscle and joint pain?

“There is growing evidence*2 that fragments of the virus, such as protein molecules, can persist for months, disrupting the body functions even even if the virus is not infecting cells.”*1

In Chinese medicine, the Wood element is linked to the time of spring, when new shoots begin to emerge and wind their way up to the light. The organs of this element are the Liver and Gall bladder which ensure the detoxification and smooth flow of blood and emotions. In Western Medicine this also includes the metabolism and distribution of energy.

Usually we work to clear the liver and aid toxin elimination to encourage the upsurge of spring energy by using sour foods such as lemons, limes, vinegar, Umeboshi plum, rhubarb, plums and gooseberries. This would also encourage flexibility through the tendons, sinews and joints but if this isn’t working and you are still experiencing lethargic dragging energy, stiff joints, sore cramping muscles, cloudy foggy thinking then it’s time to look deeper.

In the Five Element cycle of Chinese Medicine the Kidney/Bladder system is the mother of Liver/Gallbladder. By treating this energetic system we can build energy so that any lingering pathogen or virus can be expelled either by the Liver, or by pushing it out to the exterior gates of the body.

The Kidney/Bladder system is related to winter and hibernation, where the soil humus is being prepared for the new spring growth. If the ground is depleted the seeds cannot sprout. If the Kidney energy is weak the Liver will struggle to flourish, detoxifying and energising the body.

In our modern lifestyle we can all too often deplete the Kidney energy through overwork, over-achieving and competitiveness. Kidney energy “can be described as determination, our will to survive, our will to succeed, our will to procreate and leave our mark on the world. Fight or flight, thrive and survive; These are basic instincts and they are all governed by the energy of the lowest organs in the body, the bladder and kidney.”*4

Kidney will power is amazing, completing projects, building houses, planning cities and creating families but if it is driven by fear, our Kidney energy will soon become exhausted and we may experience some of the other symptoms of Long Covid and Fibromyalgia such as hot flashes and anxiety.
Depletion of Kidney energy creates a knock on effect of not supporting the Liver in expelling the heat and toxins from the body. So before we begin manipulating the body or pressing the acupressure points to move the energy we need to nourish and build the roots of the body by supporting the Kidney.

The Kidney loves the salty flavour with foods such as seaweeds, spiriulina, oysters, oats, miso, tamari and of course because Kidney is of the water element ensuring hydration with plenty of water is key. But not all water is equal. In my previous blog post I share one of my favourite recipes for supporting and building Kidney energy – Barley Water. (scroll down for ingredients and instructions or watch video)

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When a stress response happens in the body either created by an external pandemic or an internal virus, the body tissues can become acidic. This stress response is perfectly normal and the acidity can help to kill or expel the internal bacteria, pathogen or virus. However if the stress response, acidity and inflammation remains prolonged, conditions can become chronic.

Studies suggest that “lingering inflammation and/or virus-induced damage to the endothelium (lining of the blood vessels) or immune system might be to blame”*3 for the symptoms of Long Covid, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue.

On a physical level, Barley water can help to alkalize the urine and maintain the pH balance in the bodily fluids. Energetically it slightly salty flavour supports the Kidney/ Bladder system, hydrating, moisturising and lubricating; restoring the cool, calm Yin balance and preparing the ground for the Yang energy to rise.

Save the cooked barley to use in some of the other recipes from my Good Food Cookbook such as Avocado Salad or Chilli Con Barley.

Throughout the month of April I will be sharing Kidney & Liver foods, guiding with gentle Qi Gong exercise movements that open the body and release viral fragments and other old patterns that can become lodged in the body causing pain and fatigue.

We will spiral the energy through the meridians smoothly with Chi Flow with Jo exercises, hold and tonify points, work with the deep marrow essence of the body and remember;   All action comes from stillness.  There is a time to be still and a time to move.  In Chi Flow with Jo you can find both.

Why not Register for a free class

Barley Water Recipe

  • 2 large handfuls or 50g of Organic wholegrain pot or pearl barley
  • 2 Litres water
  • 1/2 Lemon
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Sprinkle of Wakame or Dillisk Seaweed (optional)

Barley Malt or honey to taste

Place the barley into a heavy-based saucepan with a good fitting lid. Pour in the water, add the half lemon and pinch of salt. Bring it to the boil and simmer for an hour, make sure the lid is on firmly. After an hour of a slow simmer, use a fine mesh sieve and strain the barley from the water. Using the back of a spoon push on the barley into the mesh to get as much of the white gloopy mixture into the water. This water can be kept in a jug or a bottle in the fridge for about 5 days. Shake or stir the barley water before use as the sediment will fall to the bottom. I usually make a batch from which I take a measure in the morning and in the afternoon.

A measure for me would be 1/3 barley water, poured into a mug topped up with 2/3 hot water. You can use agave or honey to sweeten if you like. Its best to drink first thing in the morning, before eating to clear your system. Treat it like medicine because that’s what it is.

Emotional Healing & Community Support

The weight we carry isn’t just on our hips, it’s in our hearts.
 Feeling like you “want to be minded” is your body’s cry for nurture, not discipline.

When you join Chi Flow with Jo, you don’t walk alone.
We move, fast, cook and heal together. That shared energy keeps you accountable and loved through change.

You don’t need to fight your bodyjust listen to her again.
Start with small rhythms: stop eating after 8 pm, massage Liver 13, sip lemon water in the morning, and join our January program to be supported every step of the way.

💗 Ready to Join?

Click here to become a member of Chi Flow with Jo → CLICK HERE

Or drop in for a class and feel it for yourself (sign up below). Join the Chi Flow with Jo community for live sessions, practice, and support.

Self-administered acupressure or Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for visits to qualified healthcare practitioners.

Knowing how to treat yourself and your loved ones with complimentary therapies like acupressure can be greatly beneficial and convenient. However, for serious and chronic conditions, you’ll want to visit an Shiatsu therapist / Acupuncturist or other qualified healthcare practitioner who can develop a treatment plan based on your unique medical history and combination of symptoms.

The information provided should not be considered medical advice.

Libido in the time of COVID-19

Libido in the time of COVID-19

Home, Powerful Points and Meridian Flows

Fight or flight? Survive, thrive and procreate, these are the two basic instincts of human behavior controlled by the Nervous system. The first stimulates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which controls the body’s responses to a perceived threat by stopping digestion, triggering stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol plus prolactin, the celibacy hormone. It shuts down the lateral thinking parts of the brain, it contracts the vagina and releases the bladder. However, the second, parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is the opposite.  It controls natural balance in the body so it can relax, rest, digest, thrive and procreate.

At this time of COVID-19, most people seem to be falling into the first response section and procreating is the furthest from their mind. This flight or fight response is ok if you are under immediate threat but on a long-term basis, the body and mind will become unwell, causing the very situation that you were trying to avoid. So how can we calm down and replenish joyful love into everyday living? In my last blog, I described how to bring romance back to life with spontaneity and trying new things. But maybe you aren’t there, perhaps there has been too much change and you are feeling terrified in a world that doesn’t seem so certain anymore. Attending to your libido seems the furthest from your mind and that’s ok right now. You have to dig where you stand and take action in a way that suits you. So rather than forcing your sex drive to kick start, begin by simply increasing calm and focusing on relaxation, good health will follow.

The Kidney and Bladder are the organs in the 5element system of Traditional Chinese Medicine that govern the nervous system. Working on these meridians can release tension from the muscles, relax the organs and improve the breathing so that oxygen can feed the body and the mind. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we use food, acupuncture points and Chi Gong exercise to balance and relax the body.  The good news is that it is relatively easy to help the body switch to the parasympathetic nervous system where all parts of the brain are in use, heart rate slows, digestion, absorption and elimination of food happens. It also allows the erection of the penis plus lubrication and opening of the vagina to take place, all you need to do is breathe.

Many practices blend body and breath such as Chi Gong, Ujjayi breathing, Yoga and Tai Chi. Here I share a couple of simple breathing exercises from Good Food: Better Sex.

The first exercise – place your hands on your belly, just below the navel. Take some large breaths. As you breathe in feel your hands rise and as you breathe out feel your hands fall. The belly will decrease as the diaphragm pushes the air out. Focus especially on the out-breath. Breath out as long as possible, right to the end of the breath and hold it for three seconds, let the in-breath take care of itself. Do this at least ten times. Taking your attention along with your palms to the area just below the belly button.

The second exercise – sweep your arms up overhead to gather the energy all around you as you breathe in. As you breathe out, bring down your palms over the front of your face and body, as they come to your belly take them to the back, over the kidneys, sweeping them down the backs of the legs and up the inner legs. Come to rest with your palms holding just below your belly button. Do this ten times and feel your body relaxed, kidney’s restored and nervous system reset.

In the book you will find more exercises including breast and testicular massage, practiced to increase health and longevity, plus beneficial acupressure points and food medicine. https://joannefaulkner.ie/product-category/cook-books/

You don’t need a partner to have Good Food: Better Sex you simply have to be your own best lover. Put your health and wellness first and good things will follow. It is perfectly normal that libido changes especially during times of an unforeseen pandemic and hormonal shifts. Don’t begin to think there is something wrong with you or your relationship. Just breathe, and know that all this will pass.

If you would like to work with me to increase your vitality and energy, to connect with your body, balancing hormones and jump starting your libido – why not book a 1-1 session with me  and I can help you access the innate health of your body, to tune-in with your sexual energy which in Chinese Medicine is at the core of feeling well and ageing slowly.

Emotional Healing & Community Support

The weight we carry isn’t just on our hips, it’s in our hearts.
 Feeling like you “want to be minded” is your body’s cry for nurture, not discipline.

When you join Chi Flow with Jo, you don’t walk alone.
We move, fast, cook and heal together. That shared energy keeps you accountable and loved through change.

You don’t need to fight your bodyjust listen to her again.
Start with small rhythms: stop eating after 8 pm, massage Liver 13, sip lemon water in the morning, and join our January program to be supported every step of the way.

💗 Ready to Join?

Click here to become a member of Chi Flow with Jo → CLICK HERE

Or drop in for a class and feel it for yourself (sign up below). Join the Chi Flow with Jo community for live sessions, practice, and support.

Self-administered acupressure or Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for visits to qualified healthcare practitioners.

Knowing how to treat yourself and your loved ones with complimentary therapies like acupressure can be greatly beneficial and convenient. However, for serious and chronic conditions, you’ll want to visit an Shiatsu therapist / Acupuncturist or other qualified healthcare practitioner who can develop a treatment plan based on your unique medical history and combination of symptoms.

The information provided should not be considered medical advice.