Your body was designed to heal itself, and it can rejuvenate naturally — without drugs, hormone replacement, or invasive surgery. You can live a long, healthy life by using the natural secrets of the Chinese medical tradition, which can revitalize your body, slow the aging process, and activate your body’s built-in regenerative powers. I have collected the very best of these secrets in my book “Second Spring.” Here are four secrets that will start you on your Second Spring!
1. Green Tea Combats Alzheimer’s
If you replace your morning cup of coffee with green tea, you’ll get more than a fleeting pick-me-up. Studies suggest that green tea may actually protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of mental degeneration. Green tea is packed with polyphenols, antioxidants that have been found to increase cognitive acuity and learning ability.
One particular polyphenol is responsible for these beneficial brain effects: catechin. The concentration of catechins in green tea is four times that of black tea. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why, but the minimal processing used for green tea may help to preserve a higher concentration of the antioxidants.
Another bonus to green tea is that studies suggest that you can lose more belly fat when you add green tea on top of your weight-loss exercise regime. My herbal formulation, B-Slim, also uses green tea, in combination with other Chinese herbs, to aid in overall weight management, reduce cravings, eliminate bloating, improve digestion, increase fat metabolism, regulate blood sugar, gently relieve constipation and balance the body. So drink up to reap long-term benefits for your brain and body. For more information on B-Slim, go to www.wellnesslivingstore.com or visit the Wellness Store in Santa Monica.
2. Magnesium for More Energy
Magnesium is an essential mineral that mitochrondria — the tiny power generators in your cells — required to help your body produce energy. Most of us don’t get enough magnesium because two common dietary habits leach magnesium from our bodies: too much dairy and too much salt. And most of us just don’t get enough magnesium to begin with due to the popularity of over-processed foods. For example, rice bran contains an ample supply of the mineral, but bran is only found in brown rice. White rice has none. In the same way, wheat germ has plenty of magnesium, yet there’s none in white bread and white pasta.
So keep eating whole grains for maximum magnesium intake. You can also get plenty of magnesium from nuts and seeds. Have a daily handful of pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews. Magnesium also helps your heart health, relieves muscle cramps, and protects your skin from UV damage. If you prefer capsule form, try taking 500 mg magnesium daily.
3. Try Chai for Revitalization
The herb that gives chai tea its main flavor is cardamom, a spice that has long been valued in Asia for its ability to increase circulation and improve energy. Cardamom is a stimulant that positively affects your overall well-being, as both a revitalizing tonic for the body and as an antidepressant for emotional disorders. Orchid bees are drawn to cardamom, and use it to synthesize pheromones.
Because of this combination of properties, cardamom is routinely prescribed by Chinese doctors — generally in doses up to 5 grams per day — to rekindle sexual desire. But that’s not all! Cardamom also reduces fever, eases indigestion, and combats intolerance to grains. So add some to your cereal or bake it into breads and cakes for a tasty treat free from digestive issues. And of course you can always drink the tea for this myriad of benefits.
4. Ease Nervous Eating with Magnolia
Millions of Americans experience the symptoms of chronic stress: nervous tension, restless sleep, irritability, difficult focusing — and eating disorders. Who hasn’t responded to stress by reaching for convenient comfort foods? Many people respond to situational stress by eating ice cream, cookies, or chocolates. When the stress becomes chronic, overeating becomes a habit — with predictable results.
To break the pattern, natural Chinese medicine uses magnolia, boasting a bounty of versatile benefits. Magnolia bark regulates appetite, improves digestion, and reduces swelling and bloating. The flower is a powerful remedy for allergies and sinus conditions. Studies have found that magnolia contains a phytochemical, honokiol, which is equipped with anti-stress properties that are helpful with appetite control and weight management. You can take a magnolia supplement by itself or in formulations with other herbs, in capsule form or as a tea. Bring these new rejuvenating secrets into your life on a regular basis, and you’ll have amazing results.
May you Live Long, Live Strong, and Live Happy!
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao, is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He practices acupuncture, nutrition and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, a Wellness Medicine group that won the “L.A.’s Best” Award. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica over 25 years ago. In addition, he is the cofounder and Chancellor of Yo San University in Los Angeles. To subscribe to a free newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com.
