1. Meal Times - Regular and Peaceful:
Keep the time regular each day. Eat breakfast between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., which is when stomach energy is strongest, according to the Chinese clock. Eat without the distractions of work or television. Sit down - and not behind the wheel of a car. Mindful eating ensures you will stop when you feel full. Get the most from your saliva by chewing slowly so the enzymes begin to break down your food.

2. Balance and Variety with the 5 Flavors:
Sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, salty. Examples include sweet fruits, sour tastes of vinegar or pickles, pungent spices used in Indian and Mexican cuisine, bitter greens like kale or collards, and moderately salty foods.

3. Avoid Damp Foods Which Hinder Digestion:
In Chinese medicine, the stomach needs certain foods and conditions to digest optimally. When it has to work harder at digesting, many problems occur, including fatigue, indigestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and couch-potato syndrome. Damp foods to AVOID include sugar, wheat, dairy products, greasy or fried foods, and foods that are cold in temperature (raw salads, ice cream, etc).

4. Basic Healthy Diet:
Mainly cooked veggies and whole grains, with small amounts of everything else. Rice is the preferred grain because it helps drain off dampness.

 5. Acupressure Tip:
In case of nausea, over-eating, or indigestion, massage this point on the Stomach Meridian, “Stomach 36”. It is located on the outside front side of the leg just below the knee. Find the bottom of your kneecap and go down about 2 inches on the outer edge of the main leg bone (tibia). If you are having digestive trouble, this point will be sensitive. Massage with a knuckle or two placed together for 30 seconds to 2 minutes on each leg.

Article Written By: Lauren Mathews is fully Licensed and Credentialed to practice acupuncture in the state of Colorado. She has both a Colorado State License and a U.S. National Certification in Acupuncture. www.frontrangeacupuncture.com