by Judy Pruzinsky

Autumn color in Alaska; aspen and poplar trees. Photo: Judy Pruzinsky

I just returned from a trip to Alaska, where I truly encountered big nature. The human footprint was small. The houses were modest, advertising almost non-existent, and the number of stores remarkably less than what we have grown accustomed to here. The lack   of excess was refreshing.

Chinese medicine originates from   a time of living within nature. The original Taoists observed nature’s laws to bring about better health. Being immersed in big nature, without many  distractions, brought me back to my Chinese medical roots.

Food

I remember my first Chinese dietetics class; it seemed like every recipe included “a little lean pork meat.” At first we thought this was obsessive, but this did not turn out to be true. The Chinese would include a tiny piece of meat, balanced by big helpings of assorted veggies and a moderate amount of rice. In fact, it is the average American diet that exhibits more excess.

In our culture, big pieces of meat with an insignificant vegetable serving — the vegetables almost a side decoration — is more the norm. In general, the portions are huge. No wonder obesity is rapidly increasing, even among our children. I often suggest people use smaller plates at home. When dining out they can bring half their dinner home and use it for lunch the next d ay.

Exercise

We have often heard about the weekend warrior. But full effort on Saturday or Sunday, with no exercise during the week, is not the optimal way to work out. I tell my chi gung students it is far better to do 10–20 minutes per day than to do a couple hours once per week. You can always build up to more time as you feel the desire grow.

Closeup of the colorful berry tundra in Alaska. Photo: Judy Pruzinsky.

The other aspect of moderation is to not push in any given workout. My chi gung teacher always encouraged the 70 percent rule. Work to 70 percent of your full potential. That way if you push harder than planned you’re still well within your 100 percent. We are a society of pushing to 100–120 percent, which only results in burnout. Our stressed nervous systems are great indicators of this in action.

Balance of mental, physical and spiritual

Many people’s employed work does not include physical labor. We need to find times to put physical activity into our schedule. One of the basic principles of Chinese medicine is that when energy is smoothly running throughout our bodies, optimal health occurs. It is when the energy — and subsequently the blood — gets stagnant that disease and pain result.

Physical workouts can be part of our playtime. Instead of getting together with a friend for a cup of coffee, how about sharing a more physical activity, like a walk?

Scheduling time for our spiritual roots is even more neglected. For many people, the start of the day is the easiest time to start to incorporate a spiritual practice. Once the day is underway it can fly by. Couples often feel they don’t have much quality time together. Sharing a 20-minute meditation session at the start or conclusion of your day might change the whole tone of your relationship.

Sleep

Alaska landscape. Photo: Judy Pruzinsky.

We have been raised on the concept that “more is better.” Our body, mind and spirit need rest. Since we no longer start and end our days with sunrise and sunset, we have lost track of our natural rhythm. People often feel it is acceptable to continually push their bedtimes later and later. As the days get shorter our need for sleep increases. We are of nature. It would be wise to pay attention   to our bodies’ requests for more sleep.

Holidays

As we approach the holidays we think we can stretch ourselves further. Perhaps simply prioritizing will make a big difference. Getting together with a friend or two and spending quality time — instead of trying to attend the bigger holidays parties — might end up satisfying us more.

Perhaps it is time to make our new motto “less is best.” As we let the unimportant drop away we may come to value how important quality time spent with intimate friends really is.

Judy Pruzinsky, L.Ac., practices  Classical Five Element Acupuncture and Herbology, teaches Wu-style Chi Gung, and is on staff at Five Branches Institute. She has offices in Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz and can be reached at 650-576-9749 or 831-426-5717, or visit her Web site at judypruzinsky.com. Pruzinsky thanks Toni Kinsella of Bay World Travel for her help in booking the Alaska trip.