Why Do I have Food Cravings?

I am asked this time and again in the treatment room. Food cravings can be a frustration all year but there are unique times of year, from a Chinese Medicine perspective to really look more closely at your nourishment to finally reduce those cravings.

But First, let’s geek out a little bit and talk about the Earth Element.

Seasonal Health In Chinese Medicine

If you’ve been reading my blog for some time you’re aware that Chinese Medicine advocates alignment with and attunement to the seasons for maximum health and ease.. And we just passed a seasonal moment of interest as well as….discrepancy… an opportunity to view life from a  both/and perspective.

Many Chinese Medicine text books reference a season called “Late Summer” which is ruled by the Earth element. It makes sense (for those in the Northern Hemisphere), we’re currently in a season where you can savor the bounty of your  garden, an  explosion of colors at the farmers market and a potency of flavor in tomatoes fresh from the vine.

So, do you want to geek out with me a little? There is another  perspective on the earth element that positions earth at the center of everything. This lens observes that the earth element comes up as a priority for attention and recalibration during a mini, 2-week seasonal moment. At these seasonal transitions, that happen between the solstices and equinoxes, you’ll notice new seasonal requirements for food, activity levels, themes, mood…

These two views are really NOT at odds with one another. The second view  is a widening lens of Chinese medicine seasonal health as well as a confirmation of the deep importance of the earth element.

So, you might be asking yourself:

How can I balance my food cravings with Chinese Medicine?

The Earth element – nutrition, digestion, energy level, metabolism, home, family, partnership, friendship, community – are foundational to  health. If these are out of balance for you (everyone’s needs and constitution are unique), the other elements, their corresponding organ systems and related health and emotional concerns can become unbalanced. The earth element season is a powerful moment to address where you’re falling short, feeling unfulfilled or feeling unwell in the context of earth element themes.

If, as you read this, you realize that the earth element is where you have the most work to do, start with what you have control over. For many people this is nourishment. So, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you have access to a functional kitchen? What can you do to improve your ability to cook food at home?
• Are you in control of your food? What conversations do you need to have with the person who cooks your food to ensure that you have healthy options?
• Do you suspect that you have food allergies or sensitivities causing larger issues?  What actions do you want to make to verify  this and choose better options?
• Are you too busy to cook? What can you do to ensure the healthiest food options when life is busy?
• How is your appetite? What do you need to do to improve it?
• Do you struggle with sugar cravings or blood sugar issues? Do you have a plan for “harm reduction” and reducing those cravings?
• Do you forget to eat and end up spaced out, hangry or binge on junk food to recover?
• Are you getting enough protein for your activity level and age?

NOW, are you may be wondering….

Can Acupuncture Help My Food Cravings?

Do you feel like your earth element needs support? Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can absolutely help. There are acupuncture points that help with food cravings. “Late Summer” is a perfect time to tend to this work. You can schedule your next session at my office in Albany (right on the border of El Cerrito) opens in a new window::HERE::