Full Spectrum Macrobiotics

Macrobiotics is the study of longevity. “Macro” meaning large and “bios” meaning life, is a philosophical approach to diet and lifestyle for sustainable health and wellness.  Ancient cultures practiced macrobiotics using the Philosophy of Balance.  The Greeks, through the work of Hippocrates, Galen, and Aristotle, used the Four Humors organized around the four elements of earth, water, air, and fire.  The ancient Chinese used Yin and Yang and the Five Transformations or Tree, Fire, Soil, Metal, and Water.  In India, the Ayurvedic doshas, or Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha, were used.

 Each of these systems used observations in nature to understand the human body,  diagnose illness or imbalance, and apply treatments to restore balance.  By understanding and following the Laws of Nature, people were longed lived and healthy for thousands of years.  During and after the Industrial Revolution, many developments in farming, food production, animal husbandry, and aspects of daily living ignored the Laws of Nature and people began to experience a disconnection from a traditional collective knowledge passed down through many generations.

 In the second half of the 20th century, this disconnection became apparent as chronic and degenerative conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer began to increase dramatically.  As people began searching for ways to deal with these issues, a resurgence of traditional approaches to health began. Ideas from Eastern culture began to influence Western thinking.  Modern Macrobiotics incorporated an Eastern worldview perspective, and became a popular healing approach in certain communities.

 Dietary recommendations consisted of mostly vegetable quality foods (grains, beans, vegetables, sea vegetables, and fruits), with some supplementation from natural animal foods.  This diet approach was used effectively in the treatment of conditions such as certain cancers and heart disease with notable success. Many people, during the time Modern Macrobiotics was introduced, were eating excessive quantities of factory farmed animals and dairy products. This led to a condition of excess in many people, for which a vegetarian style diet was suited to treat.  However, over time it became apparent that the exclusion of high quality animal foods and dairy was creating an imbalance in the other extreme. People were becoming weak and nutrient deficient, manifesting in conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, mood and behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and others.

 Full Spectrum Macrobiotics considers the Laws of Nature, the Philosophy of Balance, current research, empirical evidence, progressive biology, and the ever-changing environment when developing healing strategies for 21st century living. All food is considered for nutritional and energetic effects. Each individual is diagnosed and given diet and lifestyle recommendations based on their unique constitution and condition. The individual has an active role in healing, shifting the imbalance from doctor/patient relationships to intimate reconnection with nature, self, and universe.  

A typical counseling session starts with a health or medical history and a survey of current issues or desires.  Then integrative diagnosis techniques are used to determine aspects of an individual's constitution (hereditary strengths and weaknesses) and condition (current strengths and weaknesses). This is followed by dietary recommendations including: daily eating, foods and beverages to avoid, foods and beverages to incorporate, special remedies, herbs and supplements, and lifestyle suggestions. After a determined amount of time, re-evaluation of recommendations occurs. Occasional check-ins are provided to answer questions or address concerns.