An Invitation to Five Spice: A Fusion of Culinary Art and Traditional Wisdom

On behalf of TIMC,

We would like to invite you to an exciting evening of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food with Jasmine Tong and Toronto Integrative Medicine Centre!

Five Spice: A Fusion of Culinary Art and Traditional Wisdom

Date: Saturday, September 28th, 2024 6PM ~ 9PM 

Location: 283 Spadina Ave. 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 2E3

Early Bird Pricing $99.99 per person (only until Sept 16th)

Regular Pricing: $129.99 per person (Limited Seating available)

Reserve your spot at the dinner today!

Five Spice seamlessly blends our love for food with the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This one-of-a-kind dinner features a meticulously curated multi-course menu designed to delight the palate while promoting holistic wellness. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted using TCM principles and philosophies, offering a dining experience that is both delicious and healing. 

Perfect for food enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike, Five Spice celebrates the fascination of how the flavours we savour can nourish not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well. It's the delightful journey of discovering how what we eat can profoundly impact how we feel.

Menu

Our menu for the evening draws inspiration from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), incorporating a balance of flavours and elements throughout the evening. With over six thoughtfully crafted courses, guests will enjoy a culinary journey that embraces flavours from the land to the sea. Expect a rich variety of flavours, textures, and aromas designed to nourish the body and excite the palate.

Dining will start with house-made tea and meze, and as per tradition, follow with Silkie Chicken Ginseng Soup. Various vegetable-based, meat and seafood dishes will follow, culminating in a soothing dessert. 

About Chef Jasmine Tong

Jasmine Tong is a transformative member of her community, dedicated to fostering authentic connections between her vast interests and sharing her findings. Her approach to everything is with humble curiosity and joyful inspiration - the Five Spice experience will show you nothing less. She is currently training under the extremely talented Chef Bianca Zupardo of Clay Restaurant.

Reserve your spot at the dinner today!

We look forward to having you!

TIMC Team

Torontointegrative.ca

(100% refund, 14 days prior to the event)

Acupuncture for Youthful Skin

As we age, our skin undergoes a natural transformation, gradually showing signs of the years lived. The production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity, begins to slow down, leading to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. A lot of people wonder if there is a natural way to rejuvenate our skin health?

Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial rejuvenation acupuncture, is a specialized form of acupuncture that focuses on enhancing the appearance of the skin, reducing the signs of aging, and promoting overall skin health. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the face and body to stimulate blood flow, collagen production, and the body's natural healing processes.

However, cosmetic acupuncture is not just about aesthetics; it also promotes holistic well-being. Many patients report feeling more relaxed, rejuvenated, and balanced after a session. The treatment can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall vitality.

Today, we invite R. Ac Jessica Waddell to share her experience in cosmetic acupuncture, understanding of its benefits, and learn how this practice can help us achieve both inner and outer beauty.

Can you describe your approach to cosmetic acupuncture?

Jessica: I have a holistic view towards my cosmetic acupuncture clients. This means that when they come to see me, they won’t just get needles in their face. I will do a deep dive into their whole health profile to see what may be contributing to their aging and which systems to focus on. For example, if you have high stress levels, poor sleep, or digestion issues, I will also work towards balancing those issues out as they will inevitably contribute to the aging process for you. This is why it’s important to be extra detailed in your intake forms!

How many sessions are usually required to see noticeable results?

Jessica: Cosmetic acupuncture works by bringing qi and blood flow into the tissues to make them healthier and more supple. I like to use facial gua sha and massage in addition to acupuncture to enhance its effects. One course of treatment could be 8-12 sessions depending on a person’s case. If an individual is looking for maintenance and prevention, they could come in on a monthly basis to reset and rejuvenate. If someone is already showing the signs of aging and is looking to smooth out some lines, they should come 1-3 times per week to really make an impact.

How does cosmetic acupuncture compare to other cosmetic treatments, such as Botox ?

Jessica: If I were to compare cosmetic acupuncture to Botox, I would say that cosmetic acupuncture works by bringing movement, and you will see the effects with consistency and lifestyle changes. While Botox prevents movement, and you will see the results right away with minimal lifestyle changes. I do have clients that get both cosmetic acupuncture and Botox, which is fine by me, just be sure to wait 4-6 weeks as per your injectionist's recommendations after receiving Botox and before scheduling your next cosmetic acupuncture treatment.

Cosmetic acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. In a world where we’re often pressured to seek perfection through artificial means, cosmetic acupuncture offers a refreshing alternative.

I want to know more about cosmetic acupuncture

Summer Mindful Eating Through Chinese Medicine Wisdom

In Chinese medicine, summer is associated with the Fire element, vibrant energy, and the Heart and Small Intestine meridians. It's a time for expansion, lightness, warmth, and outdoor activities. To support your body during this season, consider incorporating the following principles and foods into your diet:

1. Embrace Foods with cool nature

Enjoy fruits and vegetables that have cooling properties to combat the summer heat. Watermelon, cucumber, leafy greens, and mung beans are excellent choices. These foods can help clear heat, promote hydration, and support overall well-being.

2. Balance with Bitterness

Incorporate bitter foods like bitter melon, kale, arugula, and dandelion greens into your meals. Bitter flavors can help cool the body, aid digestion, and detoxify, promoting a balanced internal environment.

3. Herbal Tea for Hydration

During the hot summer months, it's crucial to stay hydrated. Opt for herbal teas like chrysanthemum or mint tea, coconut water, or infused water with cucumber and lemon. Hydration is key to maintaining energy levels, supporting organ function, and promoting glowing skin.

4. Enjoy Light and Refreshing Meals

Choose light, easy-to-digest meals during summer. Salads, raw foods, and steamed dishes are ideal options. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can weigh you down and lead to sluggishness.

5. Share therapeutic soup with family and friends

Winter Melon and Barley Soup

Ingredients:

• 300g winter melon, peeled and cut into chunks

• 50g barley

• 10 red dates

• 1 small piece of dried tangerine peel (optional)

• 1-2 slices of ginger

• 1 liter of water

• Salt to taste

  
  

Preparation:

• Rinse the barley and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.

• Rinse the red dates and remove the pits.

• If using dried tangerine peel, soak it in water until soft, then scrape off the white pith to reduce bitterness.

• Peel and cut the winter melon into chunks.

  
  

Cook:

• In a pot, bring the water to a boil.

• Add the soaked barley, ginger slices, and tangerine peel (if using). Boil for about 10 minutes.

• Add the winter melon chunks and red dates.

• Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes until all the ingredients are tender.

  
  

Season and Serve:

• Add salt to taste.

• Serve the soup warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a light meal or a refreshing beverage during hot summer days.

  
  

Benefits:

• Winter Melon: Cooling and hydrating, helps clear heat and promotes urination.

• Barley: Strengthens the spleen and stomach, promotes digestion, and has a cooling effect.

• Red Dates: Nourish the blood and calm the mind.

• Ginger: Helps balance the cooling ingredients, supports digestion, and prevents dampness.

Lotus Root and Pork Soup

Ingredients:

• 300g lotus root, peeled and sliced

• 200g lean pork, cut into chunks

• 10 red dates

• 2 dried figs (optional)

• 1 small piece of dried tangerine peel (optional)

• 1 liter of water

• Salt to taste

  
  

Preparation:

• Rinse the lotus root slices.

• Rinse the pork chunks and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to remove impurities, then drain.

• Rinse the red dates and remove the pits.

• If using dried tangerine peel, soak it in water until soft, then scrape off the white pith to reduce bitterness.

  
  

Cook :

• In a pot, bring the water to a boil.

• Add the blanched pork chunks, red dates, dried figs (if using), and tangerine peel (if using).

• Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour.

• Add the lotus root slices and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes until the lotus root is tender.

  
  

Season and Serve:

• Add salt to taste.

• Serve warm.

  
  

Benefits:

• Lotus Root: Cooling, helps invigorate the blood, and promote digestion.

• Pork: Nourishing and helps strengthen the body.

6. Practice Mindful Eating

Slow down and savor your meals. Mindful eating enhances digestion, allows you to appreciate the flavors and textures of your food, and fosters a deeper connection with your body's nutritional needs.

By incorporating these seasonal health tips informed by Chinese medicine wisdom, you can optimize your well-being and vitality during the summer months. Embrace the unique qualities of each season and adjust your lifestyle to harmonize with nature's rhythms. Let this summer be a time of nourishment, balance, and flourishing wellness.