Blake Faulkner 
Lifestyle
We are pleased that you show interest in your health and in how we can best assist you at Lotus Center. We have noticed � and this has largely been confirmed through the thousands-year-old observations of Chinese medicine � that you will get the best of this therapy if you strive for the following:
Get plenty of rest - respect your biorhythms!
This typically amounts to about 8-9 hours of sleep (if you do not suffer from insomnia).
Allow for idle time�about 15 minutes during the weekday
This can take the form of meditation, in which case I do not have a maximum time for that. Make more
idle time on the weekends. Some people call this relaxation. This is essential to counteract the effects of stressful 21st century living. Note: Watching TV does not count!
Engage in moderate exercise�at least 20 minutes a day.
Exercising twice a day is even better. Do it everyday: all systems in your body and mind rely and thrive on it.
Do it for yourself, your loved ones, and your children; do it for your pets and the natural world.
If you can, walk or bicycle to work and all your little errands, for the same reasons just mentioned.
Exercise also releases stress, and eases depression.
Outdoor exercise is the best--it gives you air qi. Talk to me about tai chi and qi gong if you are so inclined.
Don�t worry, be happy.
This may sound
condescending or trite, but it is also essential.
Worry knots the qi and prevents its free flow, which
will lead eventually to a host of health problems,
psychological and physical. Try to do your best,
then let go of the results
Learn to identify which foods have vitality, and then
eat them because they will give you vitality.
Lightly
steamed fresh vegetables are the most superior
way to maximize qi of those foods. Whole grains
(i.e.: grains that need to be cooked 30 minutes or
longer) have the most qi in the grain group. Locally
grown also has the most qi. Remember small
amounts of meat is tonifying and too much is toxic.
The typical American ingests toxic amounts. A
good rule of thumb for your diet is: 40-60% whole
grain; 30-40% vegetables; 10-20% protein; and 5% (winter) -10% (summer) fruit
Avoid sugar both in its obvious and hidden forms.
You will have to read food labels to find "hidden" sugar. Note: Corn syrup and
foods ending in �-ose� = sugar.
Also avoid artificial sweeteners.
One huge way to accomplish this is to avoid processed, frozen, microwaveable convenience foods.
Avoid hydrogenated oils.
Learn about expeller
pressed and cold pressed oils and use them.