SPRING SELF CARE: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, HAVE YOU TRIED IT?

Spring Renewal With Apple Cider Vinegar: A Chinese Medicine Approach 

Spring is all about rejuvenation, and one powerful ally for your seasonal self-care journey is none other than apple cider vinegar (ACV). From traditional health benefits to its role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), let’s explore how ACV can be a key ally in your Spring wellness routine.

Traditional Wisdom of Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar, a probiotic with its own fermentation microbe, is a staple in many health-conscious routines. The benefits are not just culinary; they extend to holistic well-being. Here are some traditional reasons to include ACV in your daily regimen:

1. Blood Sugar Regulation: ACV has been linked to lower blood sugar levels, making it a valuable asset for those managing diabetes or wanting to stabilise glucose levels.
2. Weight Management: The acetic acid in ACV contributes to feelings of satiety, potentially aiding in weight loss and fat reduction.
3. Skin Freshness: A simple mixture of one part organic ACV to three parts pure water can freshen your skin, acting as a natural toner.
4. Produce Wash: ACV serves as an effective produce wash, eliminating harmful bacteria and pesticides from fruits and vegetables.
5. Marinades: The tangy flavor of ACV makes it an excellent base for marinades, enhancing the taste of your dishes.

TCM Perspective on Apple Cider Vinegar:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ACV is considered a healing tonic, particularly beneficial for the liver. The liver is the main organ of Spring and it’s wellbeing is a focal point during the season. One of the livers key functions is the freeflow of energy around the body. When it’s under par stagnation occurs which causes dis-ease in the body. Spring is a great time to support the liver,  detoxification is a great way to do that. Here’s how ACV aligns with TCM principles:

1. Warming Properties: ACV’s warming nature promotes temporary energy (qi) circulation and helps disperse stagnant blood, offering a quick remedy for emotional stagnation and bad moods.
2. Liver Support: The sour taste of vinegar is deemed beneficial for the liver, aiding in reducing stagnant bile, fat, and toxicity. This can lead to improved digestion, hormone balance, and emotional well-being.
3. Addressing Dampness: ACV helps circulate and dry damp conditions in TCM. Symptoms of dampness include heaviness, swelling, excess mucus, weight issues and inflammation.

Combating Spring Liver Stagnation:

Alongside ACV, TCM recommends acupuncture, qi gong and other practices to address liver stagnation symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, and mood swings.

Recipe for a Spring Detox Elixir:

Support your spleen, stomach, and digestion with this anti-inflammatory and acid-reducing elixir.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (organic from the mother – I recommend Willy’s ACV)
• 1 to 2 inches knob of ginger
• ½ tablespoon honey
• ½ cup warm water

Directions:

1. Rinse ginger; keep the skin on and roughly chop.
2. Add ginger and warm water to a blender and pulse until a smooth consistency is reached.
3. Strain the ginger mixture through a sieve or fine-mesh colander.
4. Add the remaining ingredients into a glass and mix until well combined.
5. Portion into a shot (about 2oz) and drink after a meal.
6. Refrigerate the remaining liquid and consume within 3 days (one shot per day).

In Conclusion: As you embark on your Spring wellness journey, consider incorporating ACV into your routine for its myriad benefits. Whether you’re looking to regulate blood sugar, support liver health, or simply refresh your skin, this ancient elixir aligns seamlessly with both traditional wisdom and modern research. Embrace the wisdom of Chinese medicine and the holistic benefits of apple cider vinegar for a rejuvenated and balanced Spring.

With Love,

Jo x

Sources:

• Acu Herbals – Spring Body Cleaning Tips
• Seaton Village Acupuncture – Six Surprising Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
• MKE Wellness – Blooming in Spring with Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Acupuncture Healing Center – Apple Cider Vinegar Elixir
• PubMed – Scientific Studies on Apple Cider Vinegar

SPRING SELFCARE

Please remember that Chinese medicine is a preventative medicine. When you take care of your health in Spring you’ll thank yourself in Summer! My advice, although based on 1000’s of years of ancient wisdom isn’t a substitute for your regular medical treatment. Chinese medicine respects that our health is very individual, if you have a specific health condition you may want to consult your treatment provider before starting. As with anything, if it doesn’t feel right or causes any discomfort please stop immediately.

About Jo Darling MBAcC Lic Acu, Founder Menopoised®

Jo Darling is an acclaimed Chinese medicine practitioner and retreat leader, with expertise in women’s natural health and the founder of Menopoised® She’s passionate about helping women transition through menopause, whether natural or medically induced and is an experienced oncology acupuncturist.

Jo’s mission is to empower women to live healthier, happier lives sharing her 15 years of clinical experience harnessing the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. She successfully works with patients to support them with mental and physical health imbalances from hot flushes to anxiety, low mood or low energy, migraines, insomnia and much more.

Jo integrates a range of Chinese medical techniques including acupuncture, gua sha, moxibustion and offers lifestyle advice (yang sheng) to help women help themselves. She offers both in person and remote treatment incorporating the use of essential oils to activate specific acupuncture points.

Jo Darling Wellness Retreats

Jo runs Chinese medicine retreats in the UK and abroad. Rooted in the principle of the Chinese clock, (when we do the right thing at the right time 1 day can seem like 3) Jo curates your stays to make the most of the energy of the day and season. Making selfcare effortless and lasting.

Her workshops are designed to make Chinese medicine a joy to embody, teaching selfcare tools to inspire you to take care of yourself. Enjoy gentle movement practices, acupuncture treatments, wonderful food and exquisite locations.

Spanish Wellness Retreat, Andalucia May 2024

Rest, restore and revitalise in the magical mountains, waterfalls and sunshine of Andalucia, Spain.

During our time together I’ll introduce you to the theory of the ‘Chinese Clock’ which explains that each organ has peak energy at a specific time of day. I’ll show you how to harness this energy to optimise your wellbeing.

We’ll live and breathe the concept through a series of workshops, gentle movement practices and acupuncture treatments to help you take care of yourself. With lots of spare time in between to enjoy the wonderful food, sunshine, pool and caves of our magical luxury retreat. More info here.

About Bazi Health Readings With Jo

Jo offers Bazi (chinese astrology) health readings to help you to understand yourself better. Through a reading with her you can find out what aspects of your health, mental and physical need more support and find out how to harness your strengths to help you feel better.

What you’ll get from a reading:

* Empower yourself with greater self knowledge

* Understand you physical, emotional and mental potential

* Recognise and hone your strengths

* Learn how to support your health weaknesses

If you’d like to find out more about a Bazi health reading with Jo click here.

How Jo’s Cancer Patients Changed Her Life

Her work with cancer patients, helping to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal treatment has been life changing not just for her patients but also for her.

She noticed her cancer patients often experienced immediate and intense menopause symptoms (as a side effect of their treatment) and for some their hot flushes were so overwhelming they couldn’t even drive to her clinic. Menopausal herself and rocked by her best friend’s cancer diagnosis she decided enough was enough.

Jo says:

“I looked around for effective natural solutions, aligned with my principles and ethos that I could recommend to my patients. What I found was nothing. At least nothing that was proven to be effective that women could use at home and get the same effects as seeing an acupuncturist.

That’s when I took things into my own hands and created Menopoised®. Effective, natural, side-effect free and beautiful to boot. Because, quite frankly why shouldn’t products for menopausal women look and feel gorgeous!”

Armed with her extensive knowledge, practise-based evidence and expertise in Chinese Medicine she set about creating beautiful, effective products herself under the brand name Menopoised®.

Menopoised® Products

The Menopoised Menopause Magnet

For when your menopause is too hot to handle, helps get your cool back naturally. Each box contains four ready-to-wear magnets and 24 replacement plasters. Fast-acting, wear anytime and side effect free.  Read our FAQs here.

Embrace Cool, Find Calm, Be Collected Aromatherapy Rollerballs

When your menopause is getting you down, our aromatherapy pulse point oils help you Embrace Cool, Find Calm and Be Collected. Each intuitive and thoughtful blend is formulated to harness the natural healing principles of Chinese medicine.

Let the oils ancient botanical wisdom take care of you. Set of 3 x 10ml pulse point essential aromatherapy oils.

Embrace Cool releases the natural essences of wise Clary Sage, calming and balancing Geranium, refreshing Lemon and Cooling Peppermint to help take the edge off those moments of feeling overwhelmed and overheated.

Find Calm with delightful and luxurious Neroli to float you to cloud nine, whilst Lavender calms, Patchouli soothes and Ylang Ylang relaxes. A welcome moment of peace when you need it most.

Be Collected is a clearing blend that releases the natural essences of Rosemary to help you keep it all together along with cool Peppermint and woody Cypress, for those times when you need to be on the top of your game.

Cool & Calm Aromatherapy Cream

This luxurious Cool and Calm cream blends pure essential oils to calm the mind, balance the hormones and cool you down when you’re feeling the heat.

When your temperature’s rising Rose Geranium supports hormonal balance and cooling Peppermint brings a breath of fresh air and clarity. Woody Frankincense instills a sense of peace whilst Lavender’s relaxing properties infuse calm. Wise and cool Clary Sage helps to calm the nerves, with an affinity for hormonal health.

Beautifully blended to nourish and restore this Cool and Calm cream harnesses the richly moisturising properties of cocoa and shea butters to help rehydrate and protect tired skin.

Jo Darling

Please Note

The information on our site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. If you experience any discomfort while using our products, please discontinue use immediately. Do not use our products on broken skin. Please refer to the ‘sensible precautions’ outlined on our packaging and product leaflets. Contact the Menopoised Team on hello@menopoised.co.uk if you need any further advice.