Anti-oxidant Drink Promotes Alertness and Relaxation.
Matcha Green Tea is a prized drink of Japanese culture and Zen Buddhists since the 12th century. Japanese nobility, Zen masters and monks have traditionally consumed Matcha Tea for both relaxation and alertness which supports meditation and contemplation. Matcha tea has a smooth, balanced and delicately sweet flavor and pleasant green aftertaste. It may be used stand-alone as a full strength Matcha brew, or it may be used in mixed drinks, blender beverages and in culinary recipes. Matcha is very good for one’s overall health. It is an ideal Shen tonic and antioxidant. Shen tonics are a group of herbs that have a direct effect on the heart center and nervous system.
Matcha is a finely-ground green tea powder of the whole tea leaf rather than the extracted liquid of the leaf. It is one of the richest of all teas in valuable nutrients, providing the whole tea leaf benefits of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, co-factors and fiber. Matcha is grown in the sun like most plants and the last month before harvesting it is covered and grown in deep shade to enhance the development of chlorophyll and the consequent production of the unique tea amino acid L-theanine, which promotes clarity of thought, relaxation and a Zen state of mind when consumed. The shade cultivation also increases Matcha’s antioxidant level 15 times that of wild blueberries. Studies have linked green tea to a variety of health benefits, like helping to prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, and even encouraging weight loss. Matcha is high in a catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to have cancer-fighting effects on the body. We love to drink Shen tonics in the winter because the Yin season of winter is the perfect time of year to build our Shen.
Shen sits in our heart center and can become depleted through stress, lack of sleep, hormonal imbalances, worry, fear and other taxing emotions. Cultivating Shen can greatly alleviate stress and anxiety from past traumas, relationship challenges, perceived failures, depression and more. Culturing Shen can recalibrate the heart center, allowing us to perceive new ways of being, reacting and adapting to life's challenges. Because the heart is actually the first brain in the body - containing more neurotransmitters than the head brain - it is looked upon in neuro-scientific and subtle arenas of medicine, as the organ of perception, intuition, compassion, empathy and expression. Without the power of the heart, we cease to be whole, effective humans - in love AND in work. Shen building activities include getting quiet, self-reflection, letting go of old fears and beliefs that no longer serve, and sit in the heart center and listen to what seeds are being asked to get sewn for the next phase of our growth. We love Dragon Herbs for a high quality Matcha powder which is certified Organic, certified Kosher, Halal, Gluten-Free and Non-GMO: www.dragonherbs.com.
At Bradbury Clinic we provide chiropractic care and acupuncture, as well as herbal medicines, used in Chinese Medicine, for a variety of Shen tonics to support the nervous system. Come and meet us at our clinic Saturdays 10:30 - 6:00, Mondays and Tuesdays 10:00 - 6:00: www.bradburyclinic.com