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This
article briefly addresses the nurturing of the ‘mind/body/spirit’ within
the context of HIV/AIDS via foods through dietary issues.
THE POWER OF FOOD
Even western MD's
who are HIV positive realize the power of food. There are great disadvantages
to our ‘beings’ in the eating of ’junk foods’. Changing one’s eating habits
is not easy and takes time, effort and re-education.
The
Chinese Classic, ‘Huang Di Nei Jing’*, states that ‘all people live
on food’. Qi is often referred to as the life force (energy) of the body
that flowsthrough all things. It is the most deeply rooted intuition in
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Qi cannot be seen but is containing,
activating, transporting, protecting and warming. This energy source
can be directed to where it is needed and therefore more beneficial to
our well being. There are as many as fourteen (14) differentiation's in
the concept of energy or Qi (Table 1 - page two). Different types of food,
herbs, massage, acupuncture and other methods all help to support and balance
Qi.
Because of the invasion
of ‘evil-qi’ the body of the HIV/AIDS person is usually weakened. In addition
to overcoming the disease complexes, their bodies need to recover from
those injuries through sufficient nutrition from foods. Appetite suffers
throughout both the disease effects and the side effects of western medical
treatments. This leads to a vicious cycle leading to poor formation of
Qi, (Xue) Blood and (Jin Ye) body fluids, which affects the survival of
the person.
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