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THIS WEEK ON WHAT’S THE JUICE PODCAST

This week we have a very timely episode lined up all about the gut, dampness, digestion, bloating, and dysbiosis. This is what we all need to be focusing on right now.

This episode is like juice from concentrate because we packed a ton of useful information into a short conversation with Dr. Kara. Get out your notebooks and let’s get Juicy.

Let’s get into the episode! 

Dr. Kara is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), a board-certified California Licensed Acupuncturist, a cupping specialist, and… an Aries! I totally should have guessed her sign because she’s basically a colorful glowing aura of TCM information and glittery heart emojis… check out her IG and you’ll see what I mean. Eastern Philosophy is second nature to Dr. Kara and intrinsic to her perspective on health and healing. Kara’s mother and father are BOTH Doctors of Oriental Medicine —talk about a generational knowledge transfer.

Wait, what’s the Qi?

Qi is the term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to describe your body’s vital life energy. It’s necessary for all life processes: proper organ function, circulation of blood, metabolism of body fluid, warming the body, defending against illness, and transforming food into energy. This episode specifically covers liver Qi stagnation, but we also focus heavily on the gut, the spleen, and the heart. If you’re craving more info on the Qi after you listen to the episode, read this article: Do You Have a Qi Deficiency + How to Heal w/ Food.

We all have Qi. Think of it as your energy or spirit. When your Qi is flowing, your life is flowing.

Dr. KARA

Symptoms for Qi deficiency:

1. Tiredness

2. Low immunity

3. Sweating easily

4. Digestive issues

So, What’s the Juice?

  • In TCM the Spleen is the representation of our digestion.
  • Dampness is the downfall of the Spleen.
  • The foods that we crave that hurt our stomach create a damp environment in the body.
  • Sleep and rest (PARASYMPATHETIC MODE) is one of the most important ways we can re-stoke our digestive fire.
  • So much of our immune system lies in our gut and the more we take care of our microbiome, the better off we will be in terms of any illness.
  • Liver Qi stagnation can be responsible for classic PMS symptoms like breast tenderness and irritability.
  • Frequent sighing (releasing stuck Qi) can be another symptom of liver Qi stagnation.
  • Tight clothing can restrict your Qi!

“What I love about Traditional Chinese Medicine is that it gives a cool pattern where connections come through. And everything makes sense.”

– Olivia

Damp foods include:

  1. Dairy
  2. Sugar
  3. Wheat
  4. Fried/greasy foods
  5. Raw foods
  6. Cold foods/iced drinks
  7. Peanuts
  8. Ice cream

Damp DRAINING foods include:

  1. THIS TEA (you can make it at home)
  2. Chamomile
  3. Raw Honey
  4. Good quality protein
  5. Pumpkin
  6. Ginger
  7. Onion + Garlic
  8. Cinnamon
  9. Bitter Vegetables (artichokes, asparagus, brocoli, etc)

ACUPUNCTURE POINTS TO USE AT HOME FOR LIVER STAGNATION:

LIVER 3

Photo Credit: Dr. Kara

LARGE INTESTINE 4

Photo Credit: Dr. Kara

SPLEEN 6

Photo Credit: Dr. Kara

SHOW NOTES

Dr. Kara’s Website: drkaraacculand.com

Dr. Kara’s Instagram: @dr.kara.acculand

Blog Post About Breakfast: https://www.organicolivia.com/2017/07/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-skip-breakfast/ 

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  • Alyssa says:

    Hi!
    First, just wanted to say I love your podcasts & always come away with something.
    From this episode specifically, can you elaborate on why peanuts / peanut butter are a damp food? And not other nuts? All the other foods to avoid were “obvious” to me except this one (and my son loves PB!)
    I tried to look online as to why but couldn’t find anything really.
    Thanks so much!

  • isaiah says:

    Hi does your immune shroom supplement help with mucus that you described as a factor towards no fingernail moons and bad circulation ? please help i have no moons on my fingers except a little on both thumbs and very bad digestive issues.

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