Interview with Caspar van der Poel - social media day June 30
Out and about
The acupuncturist's toolbox - Thierry de Vlieg on Dr. Tan's balance method
The Fire of Summer - joy, connection, and vitality
The toolbox of the acupuncturist - Ineke van der Ham on Applied Channel Theory
Nutrition lesson for medical students
Posted on 15/11/2019 in Current Affairs
Food and lifestyle took center stage in the Acupuncture Week. It was precisely during that week that the AD* reported that newly graduated doctors feel they lack knowledge about nutrition and are unable to adequately advise their patients on this matter. While poor nutrition is the leading cause of death worldwide, according to Gert Jan Hiddink, retired professor of nutrition education at Wageningen University. He conducted research on nutrition education in medical schools, both nationally and internationally.
A group of medical students at Radboud University has taken matters into their own hands. Together with the university, they have set up an elective course 'Nutrition as Medicine?!'. Unfortunately, too few students can participate in this course each year.
Acupuncture Study and Nutrition
Those studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) automatically also receive lessons in nutrition. In the initial classes on the Five Elements, the focus is already on the five tastes, prompting reflection on the 'nature' or energetics of food. Food can be warming or cold, set things in motion or slow them down, induce sweating, stimulate the intestines, and either enhance or inhibit the energy and functioning of organs.
TCM Integrated with Lifestyle
Nutrition is, alongside acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, Tuina, Qi-gong, and Tai-Chi, an important part of TCM. The human and their health cannot be separated from external influences, including what you eat. There are students who, after completing the acupuncture training (including nutrition), continue with an advanced course in Chinese nutrition or pursue a study in orthomolecular medicine. By combining insights from TCM and knowledge of modern nutrition, the acupuncturist or herbalist can provide practical and targeted advice.
Nutrition and Five Elements
For the Acupuncture Week, blogs have been written about nutrition and more broadly, about lifestyle, about all kinds of aspects that help you to do something about your health yourself. Below you will find the link to the starting article Vital with the Five Elements and much more.
Want to know more?
Or do you have more complaints where you could use help from a professional? At the top of the page, you can find an acupuncturist near you. Inquire without obligation or make an appointment.
