The human microbiome and its resident micro-organisms have in recent years come to represent a new frontier in health research and science. Yet this body of knowledge has hitherto been little addressed within Oriental Medicine theory and has consequently been underutilised in practice. The book proposes a novel and ground-breaking approach to understanding and influencing gut health and the microbiome by integrating the latest evidence from Western medical research and the long-established theory and practice of Oriental medicine. Building on an understanding of the body as a complete ecosystem where symbiotic relationships maintain balance in both mind and body, this integrative model sheds new light on an area that has seen rapidly growing interest both in and out of scientific communities, providing a more holistic and comprehensive perspective that both unites and broadens the potential applications of microbiome knowledge across medical and therapeutic traditions. The book's focus on the microbiome of the gastro-intestinal tract allows to explore the far-reaching and wide-ranging effects of the gut's micro-organisms on other body systems, on their ability to maintain good physical and mental health, and to fight disease and illness. This emphasis further provides readers with a practical guide to understanding and supporting a well-functioning gut and microbiome, through lifestyle choices and practices that focus on eating well, sleep hygiene, and mindful living. The booming interest in the area of gut health makes this compelling, accessible and informative hands-on book, an important tool for patients and practitioners of Oriental medicine and other relevant disciplines, offering readers a unique opportunity to add a new dimension to their knowledge of gut health. It will allow practitioners to deepen their professional development and enhance the quality of the care they provide by honing therapeutic skills and creating hybrid treatment plans that combine the latest findings from the gut-health literature and Oriental medicine.
Lisa Lee is a practitioner of Oriental Medicine who works with patients with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions from her clinic in Edinburgh, Scotland. She was classically trained in the Five-Element tradition of acupuncture at The Acupuncture Academy in Leamington Spa, UK, where she was awarded a Licentiate in Acupuncture. She also holds a doctorate in Social and Cultural Studies from the University of Sussex and worked for many years as an academic researcher. She has maintained her interest in research and is still involved in various European scientific research funding panels.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments. 6 Preface.. 7 INTRODUCTION.. 11 CHAPTER ONE - THE MAKING OF THE MICROBIOME.. 19 Microbial Omnipresence. 20 'Not Built in A Day'23 Widening the Net. 24 A Mind-Body System.. 26 Environmental Issues. 29 Defining The Balance. 34 A Field of New Possibilities. 36 CHAPTER TWO - BRINGING THE MICROBIOME HOME.. 38 Finding the Microbiome in Acupuncture Theory. 40 Yin-Yang. 41 San-Jiao and Mingmen Dantian. 43 Jing. 46 Outside Influences. 47 Disease. 49 Elemental Imbalance. 51 Food, Nutrition and Diet53 Conclusion: A Perfect Union. 56 CHAPTER THREE - THE GUT AND ITS AXES OF HEALTH.. 59 The GI Tract in Oriental Medicine. 60 Mapping The Connections. 62 The Gut-Brain Axis. 66 The Gut-Lung Axis. 71 Conclusion: The Parts That Make the Whole. 76 CHAPTER FOUR - FOOD ENERGETICS AND THE MICROBIOME.. 77 The Energetics of Foods. 77 Dampness. 78 Diagnosing Dampness for Microbiome Health. 81 Wider Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations. 84 Eating Patterns. 84 Movement86 Uniqueness. 87 The Fiber Mantra. 88 Fermented Foods. 92 Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance. 95 CHAPTER FIVE - FOOD FOR THOUGHT AND PRACTICE.. 97 Elemental Nutrition. 97 Getting Started. 99 How Everyday Recipes Nourish the Balance. 101 Building The Foundations: Kefir-Bircher. 101 The Path to Growth: Sourdough. 104 Feeding The Fire: Summer Tabouleh. 107 Nourishing the Earth: Seasonal Soups. 109 The Lightness of Breathing: Baked Tofu and Vegetable Rice Bowl110 Conclusion: The Way to Symbiosis. 112 CHAPTER SIX - THE PATH TO HARMONY: THE MICROBIOME WAY.. 113 The Microbiome Way. 113 Practice no. 1. Cultivating the Self115 Practice no.2: Sleeping Soundly. 118 Practice no.3: Eating Well121 Practice no. 4 - Synchronizing with Natural Rhythms. 125 Practice no. 5 - Conscious Living. 127 Conclusion: A Shared Path. 130 CONCLUSION.. 132 APPENDIX A.. 135 Elemental Guide to Selected Microbiome Beneficial Foods. 135 Earth. 135 Metal136 Water. 137 Wood. 138 Fire. 139 APPENDIX B.. 141 Chinese Medicine's Body Clock. 141 REFERENCES. 145 FURTHER READING.. 162
