Theories and therapies, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, of Traditional Chinese Medicine can be used to effectively manage digestive dysfunctions. Megan R. Scott L.Ac Dipl.O.M, Licensed Acupuncturist and Certified Chinese Herbalist at RiverView Family Practice and Integrative Medicine Center in Crookston will provide a wellness talk titled Improving Digestion with Chinese Medicine at RiverView Health in Meeting Room 1 on Thursday, March 8 at 6 p.m. and again at the Healthy Living Expo at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks on Saturday, March 10 at 1:15 p.m.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine proper digestion is one of the most important aspects of health. When everything is functioning as it should, appetites are controlled naturally and cravings are reduced. The digestive tract derives the maximum nutrients from our diet and creates energy, which allows us to function. At the same time, it rids the body of waste from the digestive process without complication.

Digestive problems are a common complaint of people who seek care with an acupuncturist or a Chinese Herbalist. Many people struggle with symptoms such as: overeating or under eating, odd meal times, insatiable cravings for certain tastes or foods, heartburn, nausea, abdominal bloating and pain, constipation, diarrhea and food intolerances. These and other symptoms of digestive disease are signs that the system is not working properly. In addition chronic sufferers may experience poor energy and weakened immune systems.

You Are What You Eat Simplify your diet and unburden your digestive system. Your body can work with food when it is closest to the way its found in nature - modern food production and processing, artificial ingredients and additives and preservatives wreck havoc on digestive systems and whole body wellness. Avoid cold and raw food as the temperature shocks the digestive system. Drink warm or hot water or tea with meals and stay hydrated with room temperature pure water throughout the day. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake and add whole grains, beans, nuts for increased fiber. You Are How You Eat Slow down - take a moment and longer to enjoy your food Chew slowly and thoroughly Do not eat on the run - but do keep active otherwise as sedentary lifestyles can contribute to digestive dysfunction Eat regularly, dont skip meals and snacks as it will lead to decreased energy production and overeating later Hari Hachi Bu - an Okinawan phrase meaning Eat Only Until You Are 80 Percent Full Eat when you are calm - avoid stress or excessive emotions at the meal table Avoid distractions when eating - tv, loud music, working, etc. Respect and be grateful for food - notice how this affects your eating habits Spend more time on preparation and presentation - allow food to stop you in your tracks more than once in a while

For more information about Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, contact Scott at Riverview Family Practice and Integrative Medicine Center 281-9519 or visit riverviewhealth.org/services and click on Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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RiverView acupuncturist to present Community Wellness Talk