New studies by evolutionary anthropologists show that our metabolism is largely fixed.  Over the long-term, the amount of energy our bodies burn per day is pretty consistent regardless of activity level.  When you exercise more, the body simply lowers the calories required for other activities.  This shows why severe exercise may not be the best way to lose weight.  While exercise has a place in maintaining skeletal integrity and heart health, diet may be the way to go for weight loss.    Here diet does not mean starvation or fasting, but making simple changes.  These changes include: portion control, eating more “live” food and less “fake” food,  and even simply eating slower and with purpose.

As 2018 comes to a close, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday period.  As 2019 begins, it is never too early to begin making positive changes in all aspects of your life.  These changes will impact not only you, but also your family and friends.   No one will take better care of you than yourself.  Make the investment in yourself, restore your health naturally.

People think of “Qi” as an invisible mystery energy. I believe this was a mis-translation, as the symbol for qi means rice vapor, which can be thought of as oxygen. This is the physical aspect of Qi and relates to our levels of oxygen or energy in the body. On a mental aspect, we also have Qi, which is our thoughts, interests and mental beliefs.

How can we control stress, by protecting our mental Qi? For example, if someone illegally detained us in jail, we would shout out loud at the injustice. However if someone or something does this with our mental Qi, by absorbing our thoughts and inducing stress, we just try to bear it silently. Over time, studies show this is very harmful for our health.

Think about those things that you have no control over, try to let them go so that they do not absorb your mental Qi – they do not clutter your mind. This way you can use your mental energies for those things that you can control and hopefully live a more peaceful life. Remember, life is full of stress. You cannot control the stress, but you can control your reaction to it.

Kelly McConville, L.Ac. will be giving a series of lectures through Poway Adult School.  These classes, to be held in January, 2018 and March, 2018, will discuss the growing interest in complementary styles of Medicine, including Traditional Chinese Medicine.  If you’ve ever wondered how easy it is to take care of yourself naturally and simply, or why there is such a growing demand for these types of complementary healthcare, then you should attend this class.  Contact Poway Adult School for more information.  www.powayadultschool.com