The Modern Healer Herman Siu & Martin Siu ood health is a God-given right; it’s our birthright. Yet, while we have made huge technological advances to facilitate cross-planet communication in real-time, we haven't been as progressive in keeping ourselves healthy. We may be living longer but, tragically, children are dying from cancers, diabetes is on the rise, and young adults are suddenly getting heart attacks. Chronic fatigue, depression, and anxiety assail us. We rely on drugs to fix our health problems and we spend billions of dollars on prescriptions that may alleviate the symptoms but leave the root cause untouched. In our fast-paced societies, we have lost the connection with nature and the natural elements that make up our bodies, Surely, there is an alternative way to heal ourselves, ‘or even to prevent disease from occurring in the first place. 1Herman Sin and Martin Sie The long and short of itis that we don’t have to drop out of society and reside in the woods to live happier and healthier lives. The answer to good health and longevity lies right at our fingertips — in the air we breathe, the foods we eat, and water we drink, That’s the best prescription for the Modern Healer, and these are the guiding principles we use in our healing practice. As Sth and 6th generation healers immersed in traditions that date back to ancient Chinese Shaolin practices, we adhere to the disciplined and holistic approach of our forefathers. We believe that a body in full balance has everything it needs to fight off disease, stay and look young, and be active and involved, regardless of the biological age. ‘This belief has been supported by patient outcomes through. successive centuries of practice by the healers in our family. We share this knowledge with you to empower you as a Modern Healer, so that you may take control of and assume responsibility for your own health and be the expert in your own healing and wellness journey. To be empowered as a Modern Healer, you must first understand the core concepts of energy or Qi (chi) as defined by ancient Chinese healing texts. Dr. Paul Unschuld, a highly-regarded authority on Chinese medicine and mult-book author said, “The core Chinese concept of gi bears no resemblance to the Western concept of ‘energy’. We perceive that there is a knowledge gap in the current understanding of eastern medicine in the western world. ‘Mindful of the wisdom suggested by the Chinese proverb, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” we have written this chapter as our first step towards bridging that divide. There are three primary components to balance Qi. Qi is a fundamental power underlying all of nature, and it is a vital life force that runs through our body. There are three primary components to balance our Qi. The first‘The Moder Healer ‘component to boosting our Qiis the air we breathe, the second is the food we cat, and the third is the water we drink AIR GIVES LIFE Almost all of life needs oxygen to survive. We take in oxygen from our surroundings to harness energy and use it to power the inner workings of our bodies. In the Huangdi Neijing, the ancient Chinese foundation medical text, the Jungs breathe in what’s known as, da qi, or “great qi”. Once we breathe in the air, the lungs extract the Qi from the da qi. Based on this understanding, we perceive that Qi relates to life sustaining oxygen. What is the secret to having great Qi? It is the harmonization of the mind, body, and spirit. In martial atts, we use our mind to harness Qi by controlling our breath. ‘We use our body to breathe, and we put our bodies through constant practice to master our Qi, Once it has been mastered, the Qi can be at our fingertips in a moment’s notice. We call it in this form the spirit. Viewed from this perspective, its simple to make the most of living and get the best use of your life. The first step to taking back control of your health is by learning to breathe correctly. Notice, right this moment, how you are breathing, Are you breathing from your diaphragm or the stomach, or are you taking in quick snatches of air? The majority of us take shallow breaths because we have forgotten how to breathe deeply and fully, and the only time we do so is when we are in yoga or meditation. Having become a society of superficial breathers, we are not 3Herman Sin and Martin Sie benefitting from the fact that 70% of the toxins in our bodies are released. through breath. By breathing shallowly, we are shortchanging, ourselves because hypoxia, or insufficient oxygen in the body’s cells, has been linked to degenerative diseases. ‘Remember, breath equals life and a long breath enhances 2 long life. Breathing correctly is your first responsibilty as a Modern Healer. FOOD FOR HEALING The second primary component to balance our Qi is food, ‘The ancient Greck physician, Hippocrates, who is widely known as the “Father of Medicine”, is quoted as saying “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Fast forward who discovered the B-vitamin, said in 1971, “The human body heals itself and cral centuries; Dr. Roger J. Williams, are well nutrition provides the resources to accomplish the task.” The Chines known to cat their food in its season. For example, no watermelon is eaten in winter since it grows in the hot summer climate. It is empowering to discover that we need look no further than our own gardens and our kitchens to find healing nutrition that supports health for our family. By making healthy food choices, we ensure that we age gracefully and. live out the rest of the twilight years harmoniously and peacefully, without the blight of Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other failing diseases. $0 many people spend their health gaining wealth & then have to spend their wealth to regain their health.” - Chinese proverb ‘Our philosophy is that, with right air, right food and right water (in this order), you detoxify naturally, without having to go on rigid short-term fasts. 4‘The Moder Healer With the right balance of foods that are appropriate to your body type, you'll get rid of excess fat and flab, find the correct body weight, be brimming over with energy, have the mental clarity to solve challenges with ease, and be in love with your life. If you're tired of feeling frustrated, angry, depressed, unsure, overweight, tired, and in despair, look to your shopping list, refrigerator and kitchen closets for the culprits. Are they full of processed foods and refined sugars? Are you eating natural grains, green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit? Inthis chapter, we'll draw on healing secrets that we share with our clients in our Toronto-based clinic. We'll discuss the major foods that prevent inflammation, help you recover ftom cuts and wounds, and help detoxify the system, But for the Modern Healer, the first line of defense is maintaining a healthy pH balance. Acid is corrosive and is the biggest culprit of many degenerative and deadly diseases. It’s truc that some acid is needed in the body. The stomach uses it to break down the food we eat into macronutrients such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals that it may be easily absorbed by the body, But most typical diets are packed with sugar, animal proteins, and processed foods. WHY PH BALANCE IS CRUCIAL TO GOOD HEALTH ‘The pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. The billions of cells that make up our bodies need an alkaline environment to function, to stay healthy, and to regenerate. Too much acid in our bodies creates ripe conditions for the growth of bacteria, yeast, fungus, viruses, mold and other diseases. Cells that are starved of oxygen are unable to regenerate. Once starved, they are unable to repair damage or rid the body of noxious chemicals and toxins. In time,Herman Sin and Martin Sie the cells die; research now points out that cancer is the result of an over-acidic body. An ideal balance for our bodies is measured between a pH of 7.2 ~ 7.4. You can measure this by dipping pH testing strips into a sample of saliva or urine. An acidic body will produce a pH reading of less than 7.2, which means there isa lack of oxygenation at the cellular level. Your body may even create more fat cells to store the corrosive acid, leading to unwanted weight gain. If the body is malnourished or lacking any Alkaline minerals, it goes in search. of calcium to optimize the pH level, and extracts calcium from your bones Goints), teeth and tissues which in turn leaves the bones weak. Calcium is one of the most important alkaline minerals as it increases the oxygen level in the blood. This calcium depletion results in arthritis and osteoporosis. In the initial stages of over-acidity, you may suffer from joint pains, headaches, and. weight gain, In an acidic state, the body is trying to expel excess acid through. your skin, causing muscle cramps, eczema, acne, swelling, irritation, and general aches and pains. People in this state get grouchier and irritable, and. they age faster than those with a balanced pH body. Other so-called modern diseases linked to an acidic body inchide diab irritable bowel syndrome, premature aging, muscle and chronic fatigue, bone osteoarthritis, acid reflux, loss and osteoporosis. “The only way to keep good health is 0 eat what you don't want, drink what you don’t like, & do what you'd rather not” -Chinese proverb GETTING YOUR PH BALANCE RIGHT THROUGH FOODS ‘Our experience has shown that a balanced diet should be 85-90% alkaline and 10-15% acidic. Body functions and hand-eye coordination work at their optimal state at these levels. It’s better for the body to be slightly alkaline 6‘The Moder Healer than it isto be slightly acidic, Now that we understand why the pH balance is the first line of defense and why it’s crucial to maintain the correct pH balance, let's explore quickly what foods contribute to a more alkaline state and more acidic state. A food is classified as alkaline or acidic according to its mineral content. Alkaline-forming foods contain more minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and potassium. Some acid-promoting, minerals include phosphorous, copper, and sulfur. Carbonated drinks are acid forming because they are loaded with sugar and phosphorus, which can lead to weight gain Have a healthy serving of kale or broccoli instead, which nourishes your body with helpfal calcium and magnesium for bone and muscle health, Alkaline foods include apples, apricots, cantaloupes, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, almonds, chestnuts and walnuts. The complete list is much Jonger and we will examine the healing qualities of alkaline-based nutrition in the section under Anti-Inflammation Foods, Acidie foods include manufactured processed foods with refined sugar, meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. This is not to say that all fruits and vegetables are alkaline. Some are in fact very acidic. Acidic vegetables include corn, onions, and garlic. In the fruit category will fall cranberries, blueberries, and currants, As you grow older, it’s harder to expel the acid that is in your body. The longer acid exists, the more it will congeal and the more it will attack your cells and immune system. Acidic conditions manifest one illness at a time. Symptoms include arthritis, muscle fatigue, and body aches. At the point that you are weakest is when you're most prone to infections and diseases because infections live off acidic waste products. At our clinic, we will examine the root cause of your health problems, not just the symptoms. We will customize a holistic healing plan drawing on our experience and expertise to restore you to the right balance, homeostasis, so you may live your life in joy and harmony.Herman Sin and Martin Sie “Tell me and I forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and Tt understand” - Chinese proverb ALKALINE AND ANTI-INFLAMMATION FOODS Inflammation is a natural body response to injury, You bruise when you hit your shin against tableleg orwhen yousprain an ankle. Chronicinflammation, if undetected, can result in debilitating illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s, Fried and processed foods, as well as foods that contain trans-fat, increase the risk of inflammation. We've mentioned that alkaline foods prevent inflammation, and these are ordinary fruits, vegetables, and herbs that you can find in your refrigerator, spice cabinet, and even in your own garden. There are many creative ways to prepare these foods for a delicious, nutritious, beneficial anti-inflammation diet/alkaline diet. Here is a small list of foods to keep your body in balance and in good health, Avocados: they contain healthy fats, phyto-proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber that is sorely lacking in the western societies. Low in sugar content, avocados may help to lower cholesterol levels, and increase resistance to diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer, while promoting a healthy body weight and body mass index (BMI). Avocados are best eaten fresh. Bamboo shoots: which is not a common vegetable on the western table, were identified by the Compendium of Materia Medica, the most comprehensive medical book in the history of traditional Chinese Medicine. Bamboo shoots promote the circulatory system, supplementing the body's natural energy, and ate recommended as a daily dish, A traditional forest vegetable in Chinese diets for 2,500 years, nutrient-rich bamboo shoots are being shown in modern research to help prevent cancer, and to aid in weight‘The Moder Healer loss, digestion, and the appetite. Bamboo shoots are rich in essential amino acids and fatty acids and, because of their low sugar content, they are useful for treating hypertension, hyperlipemia, and hyperglycemia, Broccoli: just about all vegetables are good, but some are more alkaline than othe as A, . Broccoli counts among the latter as it is rich in important vitamins such , K, B-complex and minerals including iron, zinc, and phosphorus, Broccoli is also rich in phytonutrients, which are natural chemicals that help protect plants and prevent disease in our bodies, Broccoli helps to prevent osteoarthritis, reduces the risk of cancer, and has been shown to help reverse diabetes and heart damage. Broccoli is best lightly steamed or gently stir-fried; overcooking will neutralize its benefits Cabbage: A source of Vitamins K, C, B6, folate, and thiamine, Cabbage is also a source of iodine to support the health of the brain and the nervous system. This vegetable, which is a staple in Chinese kitchens around the world, helps to lower cholesterol and is rich in glucosinolates that are shown to have cancer prevention properties. Carrot: Raw or cooked, carrots are a rich source of Vitamins A and C, calcium and iron, and the anti-oxidant beta-carotene that gives the vegetable its orange colour. Inaddition, carrots contain fibre, Vitamins K and E, potassium, folate, manganese, magnesium, zinc, and some phosphorus. Carrots improve our vision, delay aging, help with regulating blood sugar, improve digestion, and help prevent cancer. There is a side note to add: overconsumption of carrots can be toxic so, if you start turing orange, you may want to cut back fon your carrot intake! Cauliflower: The cauliflower is packed with vitamins such as B1, B2, B3,Herman Sin and Martin Sie BS, B6, BY, C and K, as well as being rich in omega 3, fatty acids, fibre, manganese, and potassium, Apart from delivering powerful antioxidants, cauliflower is a healthy source of protein and fibre, it enhances the body's ability to detoxify, reduces the risk of inflammation and the incidence of cancer, Cauliflower is best lightly cooked through a simple sauté, Spinach: Spinach is widely acknowledged to be tich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, and zinc. The dark green spinach is packed with anti-oxidants and health-promoting phyto- nutrients. If you're low in iron, spinach helps to make up the deficit. It is an aid in the management of diabetes, and works towards lowering high blood pressure and improving bone health. Spinach is best eaten lightly steamed, quickly boiled or sautéed. Ginger: Mankind’s historic cure-all, ginger is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals, and also contains omega-3 and omega-6. Shown to be anti- inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-nausca, and a powerful anti-oxidant, it greatly boosts the immune system. A versatile root, ginger can be chewed fresh, steamed, boiled in water to make tea, or grated and added to sautéed dishes. ‘The state in which it is consumed will affect its benefits greatly. Fresh ginger root fights the common cold, coughs, and asthma, while dried ginger root is better against abdominal pain, cold limbs, and rheumatism. If you were to use the fresh root for rheumatism, the condition will worsen but, fresh or dried, it is effective in preventing or stopping vomiting and diarrhea. Large quantities of fresh ginger are not recommended for those with high blood pressure, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, or intestinal blockage, and should be used. sparingly if you suffer from gallstones, Excessive consumption can cause a person to break out in a rash as an allergic reaction and may also lead to heartburn, bloating, gas, belching, and even some nausea. From ginger root, 10‘The Moder Healer welll move on to alkaline-forming fruit and herbs to round up our short list of recommended foods. Remember, some foods are mildly acidic and some are weak acidic foods, Not all acidic foods are tarred with the same brush, but the worst offenders include processed foods, sugar, tomatoes, onions, garlic, dairy, and vinegar. Apricot: the finit and the seeds are effective alkaline-forming. foods Packed with iron and protein, apricots are good for quenching thirst and fighting asthma, The seeds from the bitter apricot heal coughs, sore throats, and constipation, as does the sweet apricot seed. But those suffering from asthma should eat only the bitter apricot seed, or the condition will worsen, Laetrile, a naturally occurring substance found in the kemels, has been increasingly promoted to help in cancer treatment. The apricot ketnels have been documented to help fight against tumors as far back as 502 AD. The apricot oil has been used as far back as 17th century England to fight swellings, tumors, and ulcers Peppermint: a herb with healing benefits dating back to ten thousand years in the past, peppermint is commonly used to fight inflammation, It soothes abdominal pain, indigestion, irritable bowels and bloating, and prevents nausea and vomiting. It is a popular healing food for the common colds that are accompanied by headaches, sore throat and thick phlegm, However, if you are suffering a common cold but have a runny nose, cold limbs and diatthea, peppermint is not that effective. Although it is commonly thought of asan herb or a spice, itis actually cool and pungent, and should not be used. daily. Those suffering from anemia or low blood pressure should use only as directed. “Health is the greatest gift, Contentment is the greatest treasure, Confidence is she greatest friend, Enlightenment is the greatest bliss” Chinese proverb uHerman Sin and Martin Sie FOODS TO ACCELERATE HEALING OF CUTS AND WOUNDS Skin is the biggest organ in our bodies, and we tend to take it for granted because small nicks heal quickly. However, there are times when there is a deep cut or wound from an accident or from surgery when extra support is required for the connective tissue to regenerate, Connective tissue is different from most other tissues because it is made not so much of cells, but from protein, notably collagen, fibres encased in a unique covering called a fascia. ‘To boost your ability to heal quickly from cuts and wounds, look for foods with these four pivotal nutrients and minerals. ‘Vitamin C: Vitamin C assists in forming collagen to repair the connective tissue in the blood vessels, cartilage, muscles, and in the bones. Good sources of Vitamin C include fruits such as guava, kiwi, strawberries, and papaya. Vegetables include red and green sweet peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. Vitamin A: Some of the foods mentioned in the category above will be usefitl for sourcing Vitamin A because they are rich beta-carotene that is converted into fully active Vitamin A. This vitamin serves many functions. It promotes growth, maintains the immune system, and supports vision. Other Vitamin A rich foods are sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, spinach, turnip greens, and cantaloupe, Flavonoids: These are a group of pigments that give plants their colour ‘but are compounds that have been discovered to have anti-oxidant properties that are more powerful against a wider range of oxidants than the traditional antioxidants. They help the body detoxify, reduce inflammation, and prevent and reduce damage at the cellular level. Within this grouping, it’s the 2‘The Moder Healer flavonoid called catechin, which is found in great abundance in tea leaves, that is thought to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. In addition to green, black, and oolong teas, flavonoids are also found in dark coloured berties, bananas, all citrus fruits, parsley, gingko biloba, and cocoa with chocolate content exceeding 70%. Zine: This mineral repairs damaged tissues and aids in healing wounds by generating proteins and other genetic material, boosts cell division andcollagen formation, and regenerates tissue, all of which are crucial to wound repair. It boosts the system, develops and activates the ‘T-cells that fight off infection. Zinc is found in vegetables, nuts and seeds such as asparagus, bamboo shoots, Brussels sprouts, okra, potatoes, pumpkin, Swiss chard, lima beans, peas, pine nuts, cashews, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. KEEPING YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY Femando Gémez-Pinilla, professor of neurosurgery and physiological science in UCLA, describes food as a “pharmaceutical compound that affects the brain”, Studies conducted by him show that the brain is highly susceptible to oxidation damage, so foods that are high in antioxidants protect the brain cells from damage and dysfunction, Omega-3 fatty acids: These fatty acids support the plasticity of the synapses in the brain that affect critical functions, These include learning and memory, fighting off depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit disorders. The particularly important omega-3 fatty acid is docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, which reduces oxidative damage, improves synapse plasticity, and is needed in the brain’s cell membranes, Omega-3s are 1BHerman Sin and Martin Sie found abundantly in walnuts, avocados, flaxseed, chia, and kiwi fruit. Though typically recommended as a desirable source of fatty acids, we take a strong, stand against salmon as a source of omega-3s. The oceans are filled with toxins such as mercury, dioxin, and more recently radiation, and seafood is filled with, these dangerous elements. In our annals of healing, this leads to mental and. neurological disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis. It is much safer and healthier to find the fatty acids in nuts and fruit. Folic Acid: The brain needs sufficient folic acid for its functions, and folate deficiency leads to depression and cognitive impairment. Combining folic acid with other B vitamins has been effective in slowing the rate of age-related decline in cognitive function, and in preventing dementia, Folic acid is found. in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, romaine, dried or fresh beans and peas, as well as in avocados, beets, broccoli, peanuts, sunflower seeds, honeydew melons, cantaloupes, bananas, raspberties, and grapefiuits. FOODS FOR DETOXIFICATION In our view, a good detoxification is much more than a spring-cleaning, Its like a good oil change ~ you take out the gunk and replace it with good, clean nutrients that power the body. We design tailored and customized detoxification programs that both cleanse and support your system. ‘The concept behind our programs is that it's not enough just to flush out the toxins with a juice cleanse. Instead, you need to simultaneously put back nourishment and support that will revitalize and energize the organs and the immune system. ‘With that being said, the key organ that is most prone to work overload is the liver. ‘The liver supports almost every organ in the body. It is the second, “‘The Moder Healer largest organ in the body, and any alcohol or drugs taxes it severely. When that happens, the liver performs less than optimally, leading to an accumulation of toxins that in turn cause chronic illnesses. Natural detosification foods and herbs are best prescribed after a complete diagnosis to know what is best for your body constitution, ‘Natural diuretics: Foods that flush the body of toxins ate essential toa good detoxification or to counteract the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle, Among natural diuretics are watercress, dandelions in the form of tea, celery, and cabbage, in which is found the antioxidant ghutathione to improve the liver's detoxifying function, Be advised that natural diuretics must be used with care; the amount and type to be consumed will depend on your individual body type and constitution. THE TRUTH ABOUT WATER ‘The third component to balance our Qi is water. Water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface and is vital to all forms of life. Your body ranges between 50-75% of water as body composition varies according to gender and fitness evel, because adipose tissue contains less water than lean tissue. Suffering from fuzzy short-term recall, having problems with mental math or reading small print? Those are signs of dehydration. Be careful in your choice of what you drink. Tap water, sodas, and coffee are all acidic. ‘Our rule is 8x8, We recommend drinking at least eight 8-07. glasses of water a day to neutralize the acid in the bloodstream for better metabolism and more efficient absorption of nutrients. For those looking for alkaline water, we prefer AquaHydrate, which has a pH of 9+, but only use as directed. “When you are sick of scknes, you are no longer sick.” -Chinese prover 15Herman Sin and Martin Sie BE AN EMPOWERED MODERN HEALER We hope this journey into the healing properties of good nutrition will empower you to make the right choices. Whether it is to give you more energy, get you thinking clearly, accelerate recovery from illnesses, or to age with grace, the choice to eat well and live well rests in your hands. You may find the way ahead difficult and you may need a boost to get you started on the right footing. You may have inexplicable aches, pains, or chronic colds and allergies that just simply refuse to go away. Just changing your diet is not enough to get you on the healing path. Whether you seck preventative care oF deep healing, we have the alternative modalities to help you with the healing, transformation. The body is a finely-tuned mechanism. It works until it is out of balance and, even thy it seeks to right itself until the imbalance has buried itself too deeply. Once it does, we are assailed with all forms of diseases and ailments, some too deep to be cured with just nutrition. As practitioners, we tap into the secrets of our forefathers, into healing practices that have been refined and polished and provided to thousands and thousands of patients through six generations of healers. ‘These are intricate and sophisticated methods of diagnosis, healing, and remedies that are the result of centuries of observation and practice that have withstood the tests of time and the tests of western medicine. We are deeply immersed in a culture of healing and we drill down to the causes of disease and illness by identifying pattems of disharmony in your body. Our methods are gentle and non-invasive, and we examine not just the visible symptoms, but also take into account the subtle, intangible forces that make up all life. As healers deeply ingrained in a compassionate practice, 16‘The Moder Healer ‘we examine the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects because the body, mind, and spirit are inseparable. When you consult with us, you benefit not just from our knowledge and experience, but also from the cumulative wisdom and healing of our medical ancestors. ‘Martin and Herman are 5th and 6th generation healers steeped in Chinese healing traditions preserved through a lineage that dates back to Shaolin ‘Buddhist principles, As father and son, they run their Toronto-based clinic ‘on a mission to bridge the ancient and modern worlds to take healing to the next level. They seek to bring the body’s energies to balance through a holistic and compassionate approach to healing. They customize nutritional plans and draw on modalities such as acupuncture and Tong Ren, a specialized energy therapy, Qi Gong breathing and exercise routines to empower the patient in the healing journey. They are currently co-authoring an upcoming book in response to overwhelming demand from their clients. It will be a thorough Jook at the beneficial properties, compounds, antioxidants, and micronutrients found in food, and will include ancient breathing and exercise secrets that assist in the healing process. Get more information at htep://omaniclinic.com.