Dr. Toni Camacho
  • Home
  • Store
  • Coaching/Classes
  • Testimonials
  • Freebies
    • Blog
    • Free Resources
    • Video Library
    • Interviews and Magazine Articles
    • Herbal Medicine - FAQ
    • External Resources
  • About
    • Toni's Story
    • Dr. Toni's Credentials/Bio
    • Contact Toni
    • Latest News

Dr. Toni's Blog

visit my store
NEWS!! My new book is out!
​"Eat Well, Move Well, Think Well, Age Well - 10 Steps for Health & Longevity in Your 40’s and Beyond
" Click here to Learn More!​
Picture

Why Eating slowly and Mindfully is Good for Your Health

11/5/2018

 
​In the 5-Element theory of Chinese medicine, the Spleen belongs to the Earth Element and the fall season. In this theory, the Spleen plays a fundamental role in digestion. It is paired with the stomach and pancreas, and together they are responsible for the absorption and distribution of food and nutrients throughout 
Picture
our body, rather than the western view of the spleen, whose primary function is merely to store blood. It is essential to keep our spleen healthy since through digestion it extracts energy (qi) from the food we eat to build immunity, to keep things moving freely for the proper functioning of the other organs, and to help to regulate emotions. ​
​The earth element energy connects us to ourselves. It is the time of year for centering, unity, and harmony. That is one of the reasons why overthinking and worrying can overload and damage the Spleen, causing a condition called Spleen Qi Deficiency. This condition can be recognized by loose stools, fatigue, decreased immunity and weakened digestion, such as bloating and gas. ​To protect our spleen, 
Picture
​we need to ​focus, calm and stabilize our body, and one way to accomplish this is through practicing mindful eating. As a practice, mindful eating can bring awareness of our emotions, actions, thoughts, motivations, and insight into the roots of health and contentment. Resting the mind and body during meal times also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, ​​
Picture
which optimizes the body’s ability to digest food properly.
​Mindful Eating is:
  • Being aware that you can make food choices that support health and wellbeing.
  • Being able to select and prepare food that is good for your health by respecting your inner wisdom.
  • Paying attention and being fully conscious of what is happening both inside and outside yourself—in your body, heart, and mind—and your surroundings while you eat.
  • Taking the time to chew food (about 25 times each bite) properly
  • Accepting our responses to the food we eat (likes, dislikes or neutral) without judgment or comparing yourself to anyone else.
  • Using all your senses when you eat or in choosing the food that is both satisfying to you and nourishing to your body.  
  • Becoming aware of physical hunger and satiety to not overeat.
  • Being mindful of the interconnection to earth, living beings, and cultural practices and the impact of their food choices on those systems.
Picture
​Taking the time to unwind during meal times and properly chewing food is highly alkalizing because it mixes your food with saliva, which is a very alkaline fluid. The chewing process also serves as the first step to proper digestion and allows you to absorb more nutrients from food, helps you maintain a healthy weight, allows for more natural absorption, and leads to fewer digestive issues like gas and bloating.
Picture
​A balance of mind and serenity are essential when making food choices and sustaining health. Slowing down is one of the best ways we can get our mind and body to communicate what we need for nutrition. Simple ways to slow down might include sitting down to eat, chewing each bite twenty-five times (or more), and setting your fork down between bites. 
​Multitasking does not allow you to listen deeply to your body’s needs and wants. When we are distracted, it is harder to listen to our body’s signals about food and emotional needs. This prevents you from being aware of the emotions and triggers that are causing you to eat. Slowing down before a meal will allow you to ask the question, I am hungry or am eating because I am sad, scared, depressed, bored, or stressed? Therefore, as much as possible, try eating with no TV, phones, or other distractions other than enjoying the conversation with whom you are sharing your meal.
Picture
​Finally, practice an attitude of gratitude. Pause for a minute or two before you start eating to ponder on everything and everyone it took to bring the meal to your table. Also, silently express your gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy this delicious food and the time you get to spend with the people you are sharing a meal.
Until next week,
​Toni


Comments are closed.

    Categories

    All
    Articles
    Essential Oils
    External Article
    Health And Wellness
    Herbs
    Nutrition
    Personal Growth
    Recipes
    Skin Care
    Video

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015

    Author

    Dr. Toni is a Best-selling author, Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) & Registered Herbalist in San Diego, California. She holds a PhD in psychology, and a Clinical Herbalist Certificate, an HHP certificate and is a Certified Trainer in the Success Principles. In private practice as a HHP  she has been influenced by a variety of clinical modalities and orientations, and by the diverse life experiences of her clients. Toni’s approach to healing is holistic & transpersonal. In her work, she integrates the principles of Eastern and Western nutrition, herbololgy, energy medicine, Buddhist mindfulness and personal counseling to assist others in working through their physical or emotional blocks to attain optimal health.

    RSS Feed

ABOUT US

Meet Dr. Toni 
Health Clinic
Customer Reviews

Contact Toni
​
​Get link
Endorsements
​
Thank you Page

RESOURCES

Herbal Medicine FAQ
Free E-Book
Blog
Instagram Posts
​Recipes

General FAQ
​Intake form

POLICIES

Ordering Information
Return Policy
Wholesale Discounts
​Privacy Policy

Website Disclaimer
​
Calendar
​Informed Consent Form

AHG Member

Picture

CERTIFIED Trainer

Picture
Dr. Toni Camacho ~ Moongazing Herbal Apothecary ~ San Diego, California
​American Herbalist Guild Professional Member
Jack Canfield Certified Trainer
Member of the National Academy of Best-Selling Authors

Member of the National Association of Experts, Writers, and Speakers
Picture
my downloads
Picture
*The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Advice on treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a trained health care practitioner.
  • Home
  • Store
  • Coaching/Classes
  • Testimonials
  • Freebies
    • Blog
    • Free Resources
    • Video Library
    • Interviews and Magazine Articles
    • Herbal Medicine - FAQ
    • External Resources
  • About
    • Toni's Story
    • Dr. Toni's Credentials/Bio
    • Contact Toni
    • Latest News