[{"document_url": "https://www.utopiahealthcare.com.au/melbourne_acupuncture_news/2014/10/29/utopias-spring-2014-newsletter-edition.html", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56063cd9e4b08dbc6e774882/t/560f16b6e4b0014cd16fdc1d/1414565706803/1000w/white+spring+flowers.jpg", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56063cd9e4b08dbc6e774882/t/560f16b6e4b0014cd16fdc1d/1414565706803/1000w/white+spring+flowers.jpg", "formatted_filename": "white spring flowers"}, null]
Welcome to the mid spring time Newsletter, the Chinese Element of Wood.

It has taken me a couple of weeks to feel like I’m back in Melbourne; my adventure in China was intense to say the least. I spent a couple of days in Guang Zhou, used to be known as Canton, which is just over the border from Hong Kong or up the Pearl river, and such a beautiful city, very green, due to it’s humid climate and in comparison to Shenyang much warmer. It has been almost 30 years since I visited this city and it certainly has seen some changes. I arrived in Shenyang with enough time to settle into the hotel and doing a little comfort shopping, by that I mean getting a local mobile phone and favourite foods, I unpacked and settled myself in for the next 12 days. I move the T.V. out of the way to give me more desk space as I knew I had a lot of writing to do.

The breakfast bar opened at 7am, and I had to leave by 7.30 to be in the Hospital clinic starting at 8am, the morning sessions are generally busier than the afternoon with often 50 patients in less than 4 hrs. Lunch is anywhere from 11.30am – til 1pm depending on the caseload. The afternoon 1– 4 pm again depends on the caseload; 60–80 clients a day was a lot of information to take in. My first week was spent in paediatrics under 2 different Doctors. One I had spent time with on my last visit, so it was nice to reconnect. Kids are the same the world over, diarrhoea, constipation, sore throats, colds/ flu, over eating the wrong foods, not being able to absorb foods properly and poor sleep.

My second week was in obstetrics, equally as busy, and yes women have the same issues all over the world too. The main difference with the treatment protocol is the bi lateral diagnosis and treatment, blood tests, ultrasounds and all western medical tests are done to give a complete picture of health and predominately Chinese herbs are prescribed but western medicine is used when appropriate.

11 days straight with an afternoon off to write up some case files, otherwise I had homework each night, but the days finished about 4 pm; so I still had time do a few things before returning to my room.

I did manage to catch up with some old friends and have a few massages and relaxed for 24hrs in Hong Kong on the way home, and hasn’t that city grown, not one for shopping, which is one of the reasons why so many people go there. Just wondering through the city feels amazing and the laser light show at night was beautiful.

I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and getting in the groove after the winter, which for me is a distant memory. I really look forward to my local pool re opening and heading to the beach for another season of Nippers.

As you know, the summer season is just around the corner. I’ve already got back into the dry skin brushing to polish my skin and clear the winter coat. If you haven’t already got a Japanese Dry Skin Brush come into clinic and grab yourself one while stocks last. I’ve written a feature article on Cellulite, which describes how dry skin brushing helps along with the various branches of Chinese Medicine and its many benefits. So, if you’re interested, click on the link above to find out more.

I found a couple of recipes for you to try; I hope you enjoy them. I’m in the middle of trying to convert the German friendship cake to gluten free. If anyone is interested and has read this far and wants a starter, please let me know.

Zucchini slice (gluten free)


6 large eggs whisked
1 large brown onion finely chopped
3 medium zucchini grated
2 cup tasty cheese grated
1 cup Gluten Free SR flour
1 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
Sprinkle of cayenne pepper is optional
3 rashers of bacon, sliced mushrooms, steamed spinach are all optional.

Method: Preheat oven to 180degree c and grease and line medium sized baking dish with baking paper.

Sauté onions (and bacon, mushrooms if using) on medium heat until onions are soften. (If adding spinach, add when onions are almost cooked.) Allow mixture to cool before adding to the other ingredients.

In a large bowl combine zucchini, carrots, flour, baking powder, cheese, salt and pepper.

Add beaten eggs to mixture and fold until well combined.

Pour into prepared dish and bake for 30-40 mins until golden and cooked though.

Allow the Zucchini slice to cool slightly before cutting in squares and serve with salad.

Delicious school friendly cookies


I cup of mixed dry fruit, e.g. sultanas, cranberries, dates, apricots, apples, pears.
I ripe banana
1 cup wholemeal flour
½ cup ground linseed
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup pepitas
1 teas vanilla essence
½ cup coconut oil.
Optional 50 gm of cocoa

Method: Preheat oven 160 degree C.

Put dried fruit in bowl and cover with boiling water to soak.

Mash banana in medium size bowl, add flour, linseeds, sunflower, pepitas and cocoa.

Drain and rinse soaked fruit then add this to mixture.

Melt honey and coconut oil; allow mixture to cool before adding to mixture, stir until well combined.

Divide and shape into round cookies.

Cook in oven for about 25 mins or until golden brown.

Note these can be a school snack as they have no nuts in them.

For more great healther lifestyle Recipies click here.

I look forward to seeing you all in clinic soon.

In good health,

Mychelle Whitewood

Team Utopia