This week I talk to Teri Mosey about her unique way of blending traditional Chinese alternative medicine with western philosophies to develop her approach to medical and nutritional strategies.  Her approach is to emphasize using the nutrition in food as medicine as well as sustenance. It is also a holistic approach to the body, including the interaction of various hormones, rather than taking each as a single entity as is usual in Western medicine and training.

She also makes it clear that there is less of a division between body and mind than is generally accepted. As a result, stress on the mind will naturally result in clear consequences for the body and for training. She states that we aren’t simply physical beings, and that our nature is both mental/spiritual and physical. Athletes are especially prone to the kind of simplification that leads to an imbalance through too much exercise.

Her approach to nutrition is also very important, and emphasizes the importance of a varied diet. Again, athletes can get focused on a few, specific types of food as easily as they get preoccupied with a single type of hormone. In addition, detoxification is happening all the time. So while you can help it along by the diet you’re using, the liver is constantly working to detoxify.

On the whole, Teri emphasizes the importance of balance and a holistic approach to all aspects of our life.

Teri Mosey has 16 years’ experience as a consultant, educator and exercise physiologist. Her knowledge and expertise has developed over the years to include studies of Eastern and Western philosophies, energy medicine and culinary exploration. She presents alternative perspectives of biochemistry; human physiology and nutrition by incorporating the principles of holistic living into her work, helping others discover their personal path to wellness. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, master’s degree in exercise physiology, doctorate in holistic nutrition and is a graduate of culinary studies. Contact Teri at [email protected], 516.280.8734, www.terimosey.com.

1. Introduction

A. Eastern and Western approaches to balancing hormones

a. Western medicine emphasizes functions of hormones and analyzing each one individually in great detail

b. Eastern teachings take the context in which the hormones function and how they relate to one another and the operations of the whole being

c. Together they form a HOLISTIC view.

2. Defining Hormones

A. What exactly is a hormone?

B. Who are some of the major players?

a. Epinephrine/norepinephrine

b. Cortisol

c. DHEA

d. Insulin

3. Stress and our Hormones

A. HPA (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal) axis and link to our immune system and our emotions

a. Our mind and body are not separate entities

b. How long does an emotion “chemically” last?

c. Experience dependent genes and behavioral state dependent genes

d. Link between stress and inflammatory nerve pathways

B. Growth versus Protection

a. Growth occurs when we feel grounded and connected to physical world…

b. Protection occurs when we are living in survival mode….

4. Finding Balance (everything is a duality)

A. There is a Universal energy that gives life to all Beings. There are two primary forces called yin and yang; referred to as the heartbeat of the Universe.

B. The Five Elements are: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water

C. Earth Element is the primary stabilizing force, the nurturer and stable center to all elements.

D. Strengthening the Earth element and digestive fire

a. The health of spleen and stomach determine digestive and overall health

b. Foods to nourish, cooking methods and the sweet flavor

E. Looking at the root chakra; grounding

a. The root is our connection to our physical body and the foundation that all other chakras build upon.

b. Relationship of grounding to eating

c. Foods to nourish the root chakra: Protein, blood, bone and immune supporters, root vegetables, red colored foods

5. Additional Nutrition Strategies

A. Detoxification and cleansing of liver

a. Blood acidity

b. Strengthening the liver using sour and pungent foods

c. Foods that improve liver function are beets, radishes, dandelion greens and all leafy green vegetables. Alkaline grains such as millet, buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth, root and cruciferous vegetables and legumes.

B. Digestive system health

a. Prebiotics: banana, raw garlic, onion, sauerkraut and a more plant based diet

b. Papaya and pineapple; natural digestive enzymes

c. Seaweeds

C. Boost immune system

a. Top antioxidant rich foods: prunes, berries, kale, plums, avocado, sweet potato, carrots, peas, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts,

b. Omega 3 fatty acids; salmon, halibut, yellow fin tuna,

D. Nourish the nervous system and brain

a. Natural anti-depressants

b. Calming foods

c. Foods to keep focused or remove “spacey” feelings

6. Lifestyle Strategies

A. Movement, physical activity and exercise

B. Meditation, breathing exercises, contemplative and reflective space

C. Are you living the life you wish to be living?

D. What are you willing to do differently in life to align your life with your soul’s desires?