Does Whole Foods Provide Healing?

Healing with Whole Foods…Series
Paul Pitchford

Origins

Inspiration for Healing with Whole Foods originated from the experiences of the author and several close associates who lived and studied the major dietary and herbal traditions of the West and the East. Among our clients, a subject of intense interest was dietary healing, particularly those practices that clear and energize the body so that the spirit can flourish.

In the late twentieth century, food finally began to be recognized in the West as an important healing force. For the first time in United States history, the Surgeon General acknowledged (in 1988) the value of a good diet, while simultaneously condemning typical American eating patterns. According to his statement, fully two-thirds of all deaths are directly affected by improper diet, and poor eating habits play a large part in the nation's most common killers-coronary hear disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and some cancers.

Holistic practitioners have always seen marked improvements when individuals make appropriate dietary changes. These changes are actually a revival of ancient principles, but only in recent years has this consciousness reached mainstream America, as evidenced by the above government recognition. What is needed now are not only higher quality foods and better basic diets, but a clearer picture of which of these foods are best for overcoming personal imbalances and for maximizing vitality in each individual.

In my healing and teaching work with several thousand students and clients over the last two decades, I have gradually uncovered a more accurate way to determine which foods belong in a wholesome diet. It is based on insights generated by the interplay of East Asian traditions and modern nutrition. Frequently food therapies are used with little or no result or, worse yet, undesired results. In other cases, results are positive.

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