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Female Sexuality & Chinese Medicine: Solving Sexual Problems Naturally

Female Sexuality & Chinese Medicine: Solving Sexual Problems Naturally

How can Chinese Medicine promote a healthy sex life

Having a fulfilling and healthy sex life is important for our physical and mental health and powerful for our personal growth. It depends on many different aspects including your physical state and emotional wellbeing. Therefore, we will take a look at how Chinese medicine can help us with difficulties we might experience. Let’s first understand the basic principle of TCM to see how this is connected with our sexuality.

Chinese Medicine and the principle of Yin & Yang

Chinese medicine is based on the theory that all imbalances and illnesses are due to a disturbance in Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are opposite forces but interdependent and they attract and complement each other.

Yin is feminine and stands for: black, dark, passive, the moon, cold, soft, receptive, sensitive and quiet.

Yang on the other side is masculine and represents: white, light, fire, creativity, warm, rich, hard, penetrating and active.

They both form a unity and everything in the universe can be seen through this perspective.

When you look at a hill, you will see a side exposed to the sun and another part in the shadow. Yang presents here the sunny part and Yin the shady side. In the transformation from day and night, the day is yang and active, bright and dynamic and the night associated with yin as it is passive, dark and calm. Yang will go over in Yin and Yin goes over in Yang.

Every single thing is going through this process of constant change and transformation. One cannot exist without the other.

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Yin & Yang and their role in Sexual Health

In sexuality, two people meet to express and experience themselves as one. They want to complement each other to enjoy pleasure, closeness and intimacy. Yin and Yang meet here to form a unity and then will separate again. Yin is the receptive, soft, passive and lubricating part and Yang the penetrating, hard and active one.

In each organ, a Yin and Yang part is represented and the organs most important for having a healthy sex life are the kidneys, liver and the heart.

The kidneys organ system consists of the kidney Yin, kidney Yang and kidney Essence. The Essence, also called jing, is inherited by our parents and considered to be the base for development, and human growth and vitality. In effect, the kidneys are the root of life and they influence our fertility, vital force, ageing, sexual vitality and procreative ability in men.

The heart governs blood, controls the blood vessels and sweating and is responsible for bringing oxygenated blood to all parts in the body. The heart hosts the mind “shen” which relates to spirit and mental health. If the mind “shen” is anchored in the heart we can experience joy, pleasure and open our heart to others.

The liver meridian (energy pathway) is circling the external genitals and goes through the chest and one of the main tasks of the liver is to ensure a smooth flow of Qi in the body.

All the organs are interconnected to each other and cannot properly function when one is out of balance, and therefore counteractive towards a healthy sex life.

The most common sexual problems women are experiencing are:

  • Lack of sexual desire or low libido
  • Lack of arousal
  • Difficulty achieving orgasm
  • Painful intercourse

Lack of sexual desire or low libido

Even when a healthy sex life is desired, low libido is often experienced due to a deficient kidney yang in combination with the heart yang. As a result, we experience too much cold and can feel slightly depressed, the kidney Yangs function to ignite the sexual fire is impaired. It can be accompanied by feelings of exhaustion and tiredness, spontaneous sweating, breathlessness, infertility, under-functioning thyroid, cold feet and lower back, nocturia, lower backache, abdominal distention and fullness, and water retention in the feet and around ankles. This state has usually developed over a longer period of time.

Possible reasons for having a deficient kidney Yang:

  • Diet: Too much raw foods, ice-cooled foods and drinks, sugar, refined carbohydrates, yoghurt, cow milk products, soft drink, soy milk products, black tea, green tea.
  • Excessive physical work and exercise.
  • Chronic illnesses e.g. Hypothyroidism
  • Inherited poor constitution.
  • Chronic anxiety.

Foods that strengthen kidney-Yang:

  • Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamon
  • Sardines, salmon, squid
  • Quinoa, oat, whole grain rice, wild rice, black rice
  • Walnut, chestnut
  • Pumpkin seed
  • Red wine (just here and there a glass)
  • Pumpkin seed oil, sesame oil (not roasted)

Eat regularly, never skip any dishes, prefer warm foods out of the oven, cooked and stir-fried.

Acupuncture and Herbs help to:

  • Tonify and warm kidney and heart yang
  • Promote the transformation of fluids

When lack of arousal hinders a healthy sex life

A lack of arousal can be experienced when the kidney Yin and kidney Essence is weak, often accompanied by heart Yin deficiency. You might still have a desire for sex but with the missing physical stimuli needed for a healthy sex life. Then the body lacks moisture it can show up in vaginal dryness. Depending on how long the deficiency has existed, other symptoms can occur as well like: dizziness, tinnitus, depression, poor memory, lower backache, night sweating and dry mouth during the night.

Possible reasons for having a deficient kidney Yin:

  • Diet: Foods poor in minerals, fast food, plenty of coffee, regular consumption of spicy and fried foods, alcohol.
  • Overwork over a period of several years.
  • Stress, lack of sleep, spending too much time in front of the TV and notebook.
  • Strong bleeding during pregnancy, birth and period or during operation.
  • Excessive sexual activity, especially during the teenage years.
  • Overconsumption of Chinese herbs that strengthen kidney Yang.
  • Chronic anxiety and worry.

Foods that strengthen kidney-Yin and kidney essence:

  • Algae
  • Amaranth, millet
  • Black beans, green beans and kidney beans
  • Lentils
  • Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, currants, mulberry
  • Coconut meat and milk
  • Olive oil
  • Raisins, dates, black grapes
  • Black sesame, chia seeds
  • Sesame oil
  • Shiitake (mushrooms)
  • Soy sauce (Tamari or Shoyu)
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Tempeh
  • Sardines, white fish, oyster
  • Wheat grain tea

Your preference should be for foods that are steamed, blanched or boiled in water.

Acupuncture and Herbs help to:

  • Tonify kidney Yin and heart Yin
  • Calm the mind
  • Clear heat if necessary

Conclusion: Give your body time to rebuild kidney Yin and kidney Yang. It takes patience but pays out in the long run for your health and sexual life.

Difficulty achieving orgasm

The inability to achieve sexual climax can be a result of a stagnant liver Qi. If the liver Qi stagnation occurs in the meridian it can lead to a decline of arousal in the breasts and difficulties to achieve an orgasm. Other symptoms that might appear are melancholy, moodiness, feeling of a lump in the throat, irregular periods, premenstrual tension, cold hands, feeling of distention in the chest or abdomen, tender breasts before period and feeling easily irritable and aggressive.

Possible reasons for having a stagnant liver Qi:

  • Diet: Too much meat, heavy and grilled foods, fast food and convenience products, overconsumption of: spicy foods, cinnamon, chai tea, garlic, sweets, coffee.
  • Eating too quickly. Overeating.
  • Excessive demands and overwork, the pressure to perform.
  • Not enough movement.
  • Stress over a long period of time.
  • Too much alcohol and some medications and contraceptives.
  • The most common symptom is excessive emotions like recurrent feelings of anger, resentment and frustration.

Foods that promote a smooth liver Qi flow:

  • Saffron, turmeric
  • Cider vinegar
  • Eggplants, artichoke, turnip cabbage, green cabbage, beetroot, radish, celery, olives, sprouts
  • Plums
  • Fresh green herbs like basil, cress, mint, chive
  • Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil
  • Teas like orange flower blossom, rose flower tea, dandelion, peppermint and jasmine

Don’t eat under stress, avoid heavy and greasy dishes, too much alcohol, grilled and deep-fried foods.

Acupuncture and Herbs help to:

  • Move liver Qi
  • Smooth the liver

Painful intercourse

Pain during sexual intercourse can put a strain on a relationship. Some women experience pain during sex as their vagina is too dry. Then all the advice above for a weak kidney Yin apply.

Other women have very tight vaginal muscles, also called vaginismus. In this state, they are unable to relax these muscles and consequently, penetration cannot happen. Sexual and physical traumas can lead to this condition. In this case, food cannot offer a solution, however, acupuncture has shown good results by balancing the Yin and Yang via liver and pericardium points.

In addition, trauma therapy and Bach flower remedies can help to overcome the trauma. Some Bach flower remedies that have shown good results are Crab Apple, Larch, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Vine, Walnut and Water Violet.

Some women diagnosed with endometriosis and fibroids experience painful intercourse as well. In their case, it is due to blood stagnation combined with other imbalances.

Please find more ideas about what to eat and to avoid in my articles:

Fibroid Diet – Best and Worst Foods to eat

Endometriosis and Diet – Foods to avoid and what you should eat more of

In my practice, I advise my patients on the use of herbs and acupuncture that encourages blood circulation, invigorates blood, clears heat and moves the liver Qi. Food alone cannot bring a solution when the diseases are already too advanced but it is crucial for the positive course of treatment. Women with fibroids and endometriosis must be accompanied by a Gyn.

Any questions? Get in contact with me and let’s discuss together how I can help you.

Also have a look at my article 5 Foods that Boost your Sex Drive”

How would it feel to free yourself from your symptoms?  Ready to change and invest time and energy to get to the root of your problem? Then book your session now. I am looking forward to meeting you.

Some resources:

Vaginismus Successfully Treated with Chinese Medicine – A Case Study

The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text by Giovanni Maciocia CAc( Nanjing)

Coffee – Is it Good or Bad for your Health?

Coffee – Is it Good or Bad for your Health?

The Benefits and Risks of Coffee as seen by Chinese Medicine

Let’s talk about coffee today. Do you belong to the group of people who have a strong love for coffee and cannot live without it? Most probably yes! I get regularly asked by my clients if coffee is healthy or not. The answer is, it depends! Coffee is not considered specifically good, or bad for people in general, instead, it is based on each individual’s circumstances.

Each food in Chinese medicine is classified by its properties and energy and how it affects your body in its current state. Therefore, we take into consideration the flavour like pungent, salty, sweet, bitter and salty and the thermal properties to see if the food has cooling, warming, heating or neutral effect on us and how it energetically works in our body.

We take a close look now at the benefits and risks of coffee.

Chinese medicine views coffee from a different perspective

Coffee is bitter to slightly sweet in taste, belongs to the element fire in Chinese medicine and has diuretic, deviating, digestive, drying, invigorating and stimulating effects.

Due to the bitter substances in the coffee, the direction of movement is downwards and therefore benefits the digestion by promoting a dynamic push after a heavy dish. It increases metabolism and promotes the absorption of fat and animal proteins. Thus, espresso or strong coffee after a heavy dish is not bad.

However, coffee also has drying properties and too much of it has a dehydrating effect and can promote constipation and dry skin. Make sure to always drink a glass of water on the side.

Coffee moves the Qi and heats the body up and especially when you feel generally cold and drained you will like the warming and uplifting impact on your body. But be careful. In Chinese medicine, we say this is due to the mobilisation of the yang of the kidneys, and a regular intake will, therefore, weaken the kidneys yang even more. As a result, you could feel colder and even more tired.

Coffee is known for its invigorating effects on our mind and concentration, however, shortly after this depletes our concentration and mental acuity. This explains the need for another and then yet another cup!

The stimulating effect of coffee moves the Qi of the heart and leads to excitement. Therefore, if you tend to be nervous and restless or you just drink way too much, you might know the overstimulating effects which in some leads to anxiety, severe restlessness and heart palpitations.

So, who should consume coffee and who should rather keep their hands off?

The upside of coffee

Who is benefiting from a regular cup?

In Chinese medicine, we say that people who suffer from internal damp heat can benefit from drinking coffee. The following symptoms indicate that you might be suffering from damp heat:

  • feeling of heaviness
  • puffiness of the skin
  • weeping eczema, acne
  • distended abdomen
  • frequent urinary tract infections
  • burning and foul-smelling stool
  • severe menstrual cramps
  • a feeling of fullness of chest or epigastrium
  • phlegm discharge
  • a tendency to fungal diseases
  • frequent nausea
  • swelling or water retention
  • nodular masses
  • intolerance of fatty food
  • loose bowels
  • gallstones

If you recognise yourself here, you are welcome to drink coffee – but in moderation! Please note that internal damp heat is the breeding ground for other severe illnesses like cancer and chronic diseases. On a long-term basis, you need to consider dietary and lifestyle changes.

The downside of coffee

Who is at risk when drinking a regular cup?

Many people suffer from energetic imbalances that indicate they should consume very small amounts or none at all. For them, there is a high risk that their symptoms will worsen when consuming it regularly. Consequently, avoid coffee when suffering from any of the following symptoms:

  • stomach problems
  • inner restlessness
  • tension and nervousness
  • sleeping disorders
  • dreams and nightmares
  • night sweats
  • dry skin
  • dry bowel movements and constipation
  • PMS complaints such as breast tenderness, mood swings, etc.
  • sensitivity to cold
  • low libido
  • nocturnal urination
  • being pregnant
  • heart palpations
  • increased heartbeat
  • low iron levels (coffee inhibits iron absorption)
  • hair loss
  • brittle nails and dry hair
  • exhaustion and burnout
  • menopause problems like night sweats, etc.

Some combinations to make your coffee more well-balanced

If you consume coffee on a regular basis, you can also try to moderate and improve its effects. You could

  • add cardamom to reduce its aggressive effect on the stomach
  • add organic cream to reduce its drying effect
  • buy organic to reduce the risk of herbicides and pesticides
  • eat something before drinking it to reduce the strong effect it has on an empty stomach
  • make sure to moderate your intake. The quantity plays an important role.
About the author Carina Greweling

She is a state-approved naturopath from Germany who studied after her exam Chinese medicine, craniosacral therapy and Bach flowers and deepened her knowledge of meditation and yoga while she was living in India. She offers in her practice in Paris tailor-made treatments and is specialised in women’s health. In regular workshops and yoga retreats she proposes to gain deeper knowledge and inspiration about a healthy body and mind. She also gives online consultations.

Congee: Health Benefits and How to Make this Rice Porridge

Congee: Health Benefits and How to Make this Rice Porridge

Congee is a healing rice porridge used as an everyday medicine to heal and sustain your health

Where does this healthy, simple rice porridge come from?

This ancient recipe from Traditional Chinese Medicine heals your gut health and is a real dish for kings. Food is one of the most important pillars of sustaining health and therefore, congee is high up the list! This silky, savoury porridge is an everyday breakfast in China and in some other parts of the world. Congee is also called jook, khao tom moo, and arroz caldo.

What are the health benefits of eating congee?

To be straight with you, you have probably eaten more intense flavoured dishes. However, this simple grain soup is easily digested and assimilated, tonifies the blood and the Qi, harmonizes the digestion and soothes inflammation. It ensures an optimal balance for Yin and Yang which results in good health. If you want to detox your body, cure your intestinal flora, lose some weight or enhance energy circulation, eat this creamy rice porridge on a regular basis.

Which health problems can be addressed with congee?

– red skin rashes like atopic dermatitis, eczema, acne
– water retention (oedema)
– overweight
– food allergies
– digestive problems, especially stomach burning, soft stools, diarrhoea
– hot flashes
– cellulite
– endometriosis
– cysts, fibroids and myomas
– chronic bladder infections and urinary tract infections
– headaches and migraines
– menstruation problems
– recurrent lung infections and respiratory allergies
– congested nose and sinuses

When should you avoid eating congee?

– during pregnancy
– if you are underweight or suffering from anorexia
– if you have chronic ice-cold feet and constant freezing
– if you are experiencing chronic constipation and hard, painful stools
– when feeling very weak and exhausted

Sign up for my free “7-Days to Boost your Metabolism” course and learn the basic principles of Ayurveda for a properly functioning metabolism. Find better sleep, boost your immune system and have a strong digestion.

How to make congee?

To prepare congee, you simply need to simmer a small amount of rice in a large amount of water for several hours (3-4 hours).

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice (around 100g)
  • 10 cups of water

The proportion must be 1: 10. If your digestion is weak, take white rice. Otherwise, I recommend you whole grain rice. Always take organic rice to lower the risk of having arsenic in your rice.

Equipment

Pressure cooker (needs less cooking time, around 1-2 hours) or saucepan with a lid.

How to cook

  • Combine the rice and water in the cooker.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and partially cover.
  • Continue simmering for around 3-4 hours (pressure cooker less). Stir the congee from time to time. If the porridge is getting too stiff, add more water.
  • Serve the congee in a bowl and enjoy with a spoon. No spices, salt and fat are added.

Congee can also be cooked from other grains depending on the therapeutic goals.

How often should I eat congee?

This depends on which issues and goals you have. You can replace one of your regular daily meals with a bowl of congee. Ideally eaten in the morning between 7 – 11 am as this is when the spleen and stomach are most active. The congee warms up the digestive system and sets a good foundation for the body to absorb the nutrients from the rest of the food that you will eat throughout the day.

If you want to do a rice cure, simply eat the congee for 3 to 7 days. At least 3 days are necessary, as it is during this period of time that a person’s gut bacteria changes. To further help the body rinse out the toxins, it is recommended that you drink plenty of hot, boiled water and herbal teas based on your personal demand. If you have slight problems of evacuation of the bowels, soak some chia seeds overnight in water and add them to your congee.

Thrive & Shine

Do you want a better and more aligned life to achieve deeply desired results? A life with more energy, a peaceful mind, and habits that go toward lifelong health and wellness?
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What are low AMH levels or Anti-Mullerian hormone and how does it affect fertility?

What are low AMH levels or Anti-Mullerian hormone and how does it affect fertility?

Low AMH levels detection

Many women come to see me for a fertility consultation after being diagnosed with low AMH levels by their gynaecologist.

This can be devastating news as they then believe that they have little or no chance at all of falling pregnant naturally, and also have a reduced success rate of artificial insemination (AI) or in vivo fertilisation (IVF). Furthermore, they often believe that their only option to conceive may be through the use of a donor egg.

What is the AMH hormone and how can it be measured?

The Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by cells in developing egg sacs within the follicles of the ovaries. Each woman is born with an ovarian reserve which is the total number of eggs that she will ever produce in her life. With age, the ovarian reserve of a woman naturally decreases until she reaches menopause and consequently, the AMH levels diminish as well. Therefore, the AMH level reflects the number of eggs carried through the maturation process and will always be looked at on an age-based scale.

The AMH level test can be done on any day of the menstrual cycle. The higher the AMH level, the more eggs a woman has, and consequently her chances of falling pregnant are increased.

Some patients have decreased or very low AMH levels and therefore fewer eggs, this condition is called diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

Can women with low AMH level or diminished ovarian reserve still conceive?

To better understand this, we need to look closely at the process of follicle maturation. Before follicles develop, they are microscopic in size and are named primordial follicles. Even though they do not produce detectable amounts of AMH, they are still in the tissue of the ovaries.

After a maturation process of approximately 10 months in the ovaries they develop large enough to appear in the ultrasound imaging and are called antral follicles. At this antral follicle size, they begin to produce quantifiable amounts of AMH.

If AMH levels are very low or undetectable, it does not necessarily mean there are no eggs left in the ovaries. However, it will tell us if there are fewer than normal, depending on the age of the woman concerned.

Therefore, women with very low or undetectable AMH levels still have a chance to conceive without an egg donor. The younger the woman, the better the chance of conception. 

pregnancy low ahm level chinese medicine

Which factors can contribute to reduced AMH levels?

  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Ovarian or cyst surgery
  • Endometriosis
  • Environmental toxins
  • Smoking and drinking alcohol regular
  • Overweight (BMI >25)
  • Accelerated aging due to lifestyle
  • Low blood circulation to the ovaries
  • Poor nutrition
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Chemotherapy medications
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Genetic factors

How can Acupuncture and Chinese medicine help with low AMH level

In my practice, we will embark on an investigation to work out any underlying causes for your low AMH level. As a result some nutrition and lifestyle changes may be necessary. And, although the egg quantity can’t be changed we can certainly improve egg health significantly and also create better health conditions.

Regular acupuncture sessions and herbal treatment are said to:

  • promote and increase blood flow to the ovaries
  • result in healthier eggs with higher fertilisation rates
  • create an optimal environment for the egg to mature properly
  • support you physically and emotionally in your process
  • improve correct hormone functions
  • maintain a healthy pregnancy and prevent miscarriage
  • helps optimal uterine lining
  • increase stress response
  • lower high levels of cortisol

Diet in Chinese medicine is another very important factor. The nutrition advice differs from person to person due to their given Chinese medicine diagnosis. However, some general advice exists for improving the chances to conceive.

Women with low AMH level should:

  • eat mostly whole foods and eliminate processed foods
  • eliminate sugar which can cause inflammation and other health issues
  • consume protein from vegetables, white meat and fish
  • reduce or avoid completely red meat
  • reduce coffee and black tea

Yoga – Can it improve fertility in women with low AMH levels?

Women affected with low AMH levels can increase their fertility with yoga. Through my diagnosis based on Chinese medicine, I know which meridians (energy pathways connected with the inner organs) are concerned and I can offer specific yoga poses which strengthen these meridians.

Hormon yoga for fertility will also help to:

  • reduce anxiety, worries and stress
  • improve the blood circulation to the ovaries and uterus
  • improve flexibility in the hip and pelvic area
  • can help to improve or heal underlying responsible conditions

A customised set of yoga postures is a real booster for conceiving more easily and can afterwards result in a healthy pregnancy and good delivery.

These articles could be interesting for you as well:

How to improve your fertility naturally

A Cold Uterus: How it influences menstruation, fertility and pregnancy

Chinese medicine: How the Kidneys influence your Fertility

Female Sexuality & Chinese Medicine: Solving Sexual Problems Naturally

Coffee – Is it Good or Bad for your Health?

 

How would it feel to free yourself from your symptoms? Ready to change and invest time and energy to get to the root of your problem? Then book your session now. I am looking forward to meeting you.

5 Foods that Boost your Sex Drive

5 Foods that Boost your Sex Drive

Libido-Boosting Foods that Improve your Sexual Drive

Do you need fuel for your bedroom fire? Every one of us experiences phases of low libido, and sometimes our need for sex does not match our partners.

However, if your lack of interest in sex lasts for long periods, even though you still desire your partner, it is possible that the cause lies in your health. There are natural ways to boost a low sex drive, and one way is to eat the right foods.

How can diet boost your sex drive

I have selected some sex drive foods that can help to light up your sexual fire.

  1. Oysters – Studies showed that a zinc deficiency can lead to lower testosterone levels and therefore influence the libido. Oysters are very rich in zinc, as well as other nutrients. Make sure to eat fresh ones of high quality!
  2. Black sesame seeds – These little treasures … contain a lot of zinc as well as other essential nutrients like magnesium, calcium and iron. Sesame seeds are therefore believed to prolong life in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Roasted, toasted and in the form of a tahini paste, they can add flavour to foods like a porridge, soup, salad and other dishes. Yummy!
  3. Walnuts – Rich in the plant-based essential fatty acid omega 3 while containing high amounts of copper and vitamin E they benefit, among other things, a healthy cardiovascular system function. They are best eaten in a porridge, salad or with chicory baked in the oven.
  4. Royal Jelly – A pretty amazing secretion made by worker honeybees which contains plenty of minerals, vitamins like A, C, D, E, and is very rich in most B vitamins. Royal jelly also has small amount of testosterone, which may help explain its benefits for libido. It is therefore not only a real boost for the sex drive, but also for the immune system as it is said to also have antibacterial and wound-healing properties. A real sweet and sexy honey bee product!
  5. Watermelon – Often referred to as the natural viagra, watermelon is said to improve sexual desire due to its compound L-citrulline. L-citrulline helps boost the blood flow and decrease tiredness. It is also commonly used in the treatment of high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction. A stimulating starter for every romantic invitation!

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Improve your diet = Improve your sex drive

Today’s diet rich in sugar, fatty foods, red meat and processed products has a huge impact on the health. An unhealthy diet can lead to inflammation in the body, low energy levels and reduced blood flow in the genital area and therefore a decreased libido function.

Simply eating the above listed foods, while continuing with a generally bad diet, will not produce the desired results. If you want to feel healthy and balanced, one of the first steps is to have a proper, satisfying and complete nutrition. Following the right diet will not just help achieve your dream weight and overall health, but it will also increase your libido.

Why not boost your sex drive right away by cooking something delicious and healthy?

Another Top Tip for increasing sexual pleasure

Have you ever heard of a Kegel exerciser? Regular exercises can train your pelvic floor muscles and therefore help boost libido in both men and women. With a kegel exerciser women can strengthen the vaginal muscles for a more powerful orgasm and it could help men to delay ejaculation. A strengthend pelvic floor can lead to better sexual function and satisfaction. 

 

How would it feel to free yourself from your symptoms?  Ready to change and invest time and energy to get to the root of your problem? Then book your session now. I am looking forward to meeting you.

Hypothyroidism – Diet and Medical Plants that Help

Hypothyroidism – Diet and Medical Plants that Help

Nearly everyone of us knows someone who is suffering from a thyroid disease, women are above-average more likely to be affected than men. Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid produces less thyroid hormones needed for metabolism, energy and other functions in the body. This can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Sometimes this condition remains undiscovered or is confused with other diseases because the symptoms are likely to be linked to other medical issues. A very common cause of hypothyroidism is the Hashimoto disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. Once discovered, symptoms of hypothyroidism, can be eased with the right foods and herbs. Which symptoms could you show when suffering from a hypothyroidism?

Possible symptoms of hypothyroidism could be

  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Constipation or low bowel movement
  • Weight gain without eating more
  • Irregular periods
  • Low libido
  • Fertility issues
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Hair loss
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Water retention

Chinese medicine and naturopathy offer effective solutions. All the listed symptoms are possible with hypothyroidism and according to Chinese medicine, belong to a kidney yang and spleen yang deficiency with the exception of hair loss which shows a blood/yin deficiency.

A kidney and spleen yang deficiency means not enough fire – warmth – in the body. An easy and very efficient way to build up more warmth in the body is to eat more cooked meals. It takes time, but after applying these nutritional tips for several months you should feel warmer, have a better digestion, more energy and less water retention.

The best foods for easing symptoms of hypothyroidism

  • Legumes (if you can digest it well): black and green beans, adzuki beans, lentils;
  • Seaweeds: kelp, nori, kombu and wakame;
  • Grains: wild rice, brown rice, oats, spelt;
  • Fruits: dates, cherries, coconut, figs, mulberry, rasberry, blueberry;
  • Meat: non-hormonally treated meats esp. animal kidneys, bone broth;
  • Shellfish and fish: oysters, clams, lobster, crayfish, calamari, salmon;
  • Nuts and seeds: walnuts, black sesame seeds, chestnuts;
  • Vegetables: parsnip, carrot, beetroot, corn, leek, chives, scallions, cabbage, winter squash, pumpkin, shitake, mushrooms;
  • Herbs and spices: parsley, anise, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, basil, rosemary, dill, caraway, cumin;
  • Others: yams, ginger root, turmeric, wheat germ, wheatgrass, coconut oil, sprouted seeds;

Millet is often advised not to eat as it contains contain goitrogens which could interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Many people suffering from hypothyroidism find relief in their symptoms when eating a gluten free diet.

Implementing the right diet will help you feel better and prevent symptoms getting worse. Herbal plants can support the process and are an efficient aid in your healing journey.

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The most powerful herbs for treating hypothyroidism

  • Echinacea – Improves the immune system function.
  • Ashwagandha – Helps to balance hormones, to boost endurance and to respond better to stress. It is said to help combat inflammation and to improve your immunity.
  • LicoriceMay help to lower levels of cortisol and to increase energy.
  • Motherwort – Can help to reduce heart palpitations, hot flashes, anxiety and hypersensitivity of the skin.

Besides eating the right foods and taking powerful herbs for the thyroid, the cooking method and some general lifestyle adaptions can be made for improving your condition.

General advices for hypothyroidism:

  • Eat a cooked breakfast like a porridge.
  • Eat a cooked lunch and if possible dinner as well.
  • Stews, soups and dishes from the baking oven should be eaten often.
  • Reduce cold drinks, sugar and cow milk products.
  • Don´t consume ice-cold drinks and ice-cream.
  • Reduce raw foods esp. tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers, watermelon and tropical fruits as they produce a lot of cold.
  • Don’t drink juice fruits.
  • Reduce coffee and alcohol.
  • Do without convenience foods.
  • Take warm baths and make sure your feet are always warm.
  • Exercise moderately.
  • Check your iodine levels regularly.
  • Verify that your body has enough zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, vitamin A and iron.

If you take levothyroxine medication, make sure to leave 4-6 hours between the intake and vitamin products that contain ferrous sulphate (iron) and calcium carbonate. The reason for that is it may interfere with the absorption of the medication. The same applies for consuming espresso, high fibre foods and soy products.

Healing exclusively with nutrition and herbs is not possible when suffering from a severe under function of the thyroid. They will however, help lower the intake of your medications or to support other natural medicine therapies. With the right foods and herbs you can stimulate the self-healing powers and assist your body. You can achieve better results by getting in contact with a health consultant who helps you decide which foods and herbs are the best for your individual case.

Also read this highly relevant article that talks about the numerous benefits of turmeric and how it can support a healthy thyroid gland. Read here.

How would it feel to free yourself from your symptoms?  Ready to change and invest time and energy to get to the root of your problem? Then book your session now. I am looking forward to meeting you.

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