Middle Burner disorder (Spleen and Stomach) is the key factor in candidiasis. It is difficult to diagnose at the early stages, and many people are completely unaware that they are developing a severe problem. When the disease gains ground, it spreads to the Upper Burner (thrush, cough, etc.), or to the Lower Burner (vaginal infection, etc.), or both. I was totally unaware of my Candida problem until it spread and manifested through skin, sinus and digestive disorders. After doing tons of research I decided on a multi-level approach. Please review 3 steps below plus 2 Qigong exercises /Meditation to regulate and improve Spleen and Stomach Qi. Another organ you need to pay attention to is Liver. Please review posts below for Liver health. Qigong for Your Liver Heal your liver and release the anger Heal all the internal organs with Qigong Liver Detox, Meditation and Qigong Self Massage Detox your Liver First, I started the Candida Diet. I eat grain free, sugar free (no sweeteners or any kind and no fruit) and starch free (no potatoes or carrots). I started adding some grains like buckwheat and gluten free oats after 4 month on this diet. I try to eat grains only once or twice a weeks. I also eat goat yogurt, goat cheese and bean pastas like TOLERANT, the Gluten Free, Organic, Non-GMO Legume Pasta I eat raw fermented Cabbage - tablespoon with every meal. "Fermented Vegetables strengthen your immune system, regulate your stomach acid and prevent the Candida colonies from expanding. Sauerkraut is a great food for Candida sufferers, but you should know that not all sauerkrauts are the same. The reason that manufacturers add vinegar is to get the flavor without going through the lengthy fermentation process. Many commercial sauerkrauts are pasteurized too, which will destroy all those ‘good bacteria’. To get the most from your sauerkraut, make it yourself or buy an unpasteurized, refrigerated brand that has been fermented in salt water." from www.thecandidadiet.com I make coconut or almond flour pancakes or bread. Paleo Chicken Sausage and Goat Cheese Bread Coconut Bread with Zucchini (Grain and Sugar free) Easy Zucchini Paleo Pancakes (Gluten free, Sugar free) Paleo, Grain-free and Sugar Free Raspberries Scones Please read about Veggies that you should include in your diet - Vegetables that eliminate Candida (includes recipes) You can find detailed description of this diet at The Candida Diet website. I don't know how reliable this is, but here the link you can visit if you need to determine if you have Candida. How To Test Yourself For Candida Second, I did the following Detox / Cleanse. In Chinese medicine, a thorough cleansing is the first step in dealing with candidiasis. When our systems are full of the waste, phlegm and toxins which contribute to yeast overgrowth, clearing them out of the system is necessary. For candidiasis, diet management alone is not strong enough to clear the system, or it can take a very long time. This cleanse definitely helped me to loose weight. It also helped with bowel movements. Yerba Prima Bentonite Detox , 32-Ounce Glass Bottle 1 tablespoon in the morning - only use plastic and glass (no metal). Please drink a lot of water when you take the clay. "Sometimes known as Montmorillonite, Bentonite Clay is an edible form of volcanic ash and one of the most effective cleansing clays used to treat a range of external and internal maladies. It is composed of small particles that increase in volume considerably in liquid. Due to these powerful absorbing properties, it is often used in colon cleanses to trap and absorb the toxins in the intestinal tract and can be applied to skin when used externally. For the Candida sufferer it is especially effective in helping absorb the toxins that are produced during the ‘Die-Off’ phase of the cleanse and thus making it more bearable. Adding a source of fiber, like Psyllium husks to the clay is advisable as this helps the intestines process the mixture and is even more effective at removing the dead Candida yeast cells." Read more at http://anticandidadietplan.com/bentonite-clay/ Yerba Prima Psyllium Husks , 625 mg, 180 Capsules I take 4 to 5 capsules in the morning together with Clay No other supplements in the morning. Clay pulls everything out including supplements. Wait 1 hour before taking your Acidophilus capsules. After the waste, toxins, and phlegm have been cleared out of our systems, we then have to tonify our bodies, repairing the damage and restoring the balance. I take Similase Digestive Enzymes with every meal. I take Renew Life Ultimate probiotic on an empty stomach Please only buy the refrigerated probiotics. I also take Thorne Research Bacillus Coagulans "Bacillus coagulans is a lactic acid-producing bacteria that represents a breakthrough in probiotic supplementation. This beneficial bacteria is dormant in the bottle, then reverts to a growing bacteria in the intestines. Because of this, it resists being killed by stomach acid; in contrast, many Lactobacillus probiotics lose most or all of their potency before use and do not survive their trip through the stomach." After 4 month, I started taking Nature's Wisdom Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth 1 lb. Jar I highly recommend it. I am only on day 11 and I feel so much better. I have tons of energy, improved sex drive and I feel very positive. You need to drink a lot of water or DE will dry you out. Qi Gong can be successfully used to improve candidiasis. Stomach and Spleen Qigong - Massaging the Abdomen By Grandmaster Shou-Yu Liang and Master Wen-Ching Wu The stomach and spleen both provide the material basis for human survival. According to TCM, the stomach receives and digests food, and the spleen transports the food essence. Therefore, they are often lumped together in discussion. After preliminary digestion, the stomach sends the chyme down to the small intestine. Therefore, stomach-qi is smooth when flowing downward. If it is not functioning properly, vomiting may occur. The spleen is known as the foundation of acquired jing because its function includes transporting acquired jing throughout the body. The spleen also transports acquired jing to the lungs. The lungs then in turn, distribute the acquired jing to other organs. The spleen is also responsible for nourishing the flesh and the limbs. Therefore, the problems associated with the spleen may manifest itself as weakness in the limbs. A sallow complexion is usually caused by a dysfunction of the spleen, indicating the presence of dampness and heat. Massage the abdomen to strengthen the stomach qigong and spleen qigong Part 1. Massage the Abdomen to Strengthen the Stomach and Spleen This technique is designed to strengthen the muscles around the intestines and stomach, to improve blood circulation, thus providing the abdominal muscles and organs in that area with more nutrients; and to strengthen the diaphragm. The stimulation of the nerves in the abdomen can also help with the production of digestive juices in the stomach, intestines, and liver; improving the movements of the intestines, and strengthening the stomach and spleen. This technique can be done while standing or sitting. Movement and Intention: Step 1. Use Drawing 1-13 as a reference. Place the three middle fingers of each hand on top of your solar plexus and massage clockwise, towards your left, 21 circles (Figure 1-38). Next massage down towards your pubic bone. Then separate the hands and circle back to your solar plexus (Figures 1-39 and 1-40). Next push down gently with both hands from your solar plexus to your pubic bone, 21 times (Figure 1-41). Relax your left hand and place your right hand on your navel, and massage clockwise, 21 circles (Figure 1-42). Next, relax your right hand and place your left hand on your navel, and massage counterclockwise, 21 circles (Figure 1-43). Step 2. Place your right hand on the left side of your chest and your left hand on the edge of your ribs. Gently squeeze and tug with your left hand on your waist (Figure 1-44). Massage your right hand down towards the inside of your left leg, passing your biguan point; and down towards the outside of your leg, passing your zusanli point, brush across the top of your feet until the back of your heel (Figures 1-45 to 1-48). Repeat 9 to 21 times. Step 3. Next bend your knees slightly and stand up. Repeat Step 2 on the other side by placing your right hand on the edge of your right ribs and gently squeeze and tug. Then place your left hand under your right nipple and slide down towards the inside of your left leg, passing your biguan point; and down towards the outside of your leg, passing your zusanli point, until the back of your heel. Repeat 9 to 21 times. Step 4. Repeat the entire exercise, Steps 1 through 3, for 7 sets. The above movements should be done slowly and with your mind focused on what you are doing. When first learning the above exercise, 3 sets are enough. Gradually increase to 7 sets as you get more comfortable doing this exercise. After completing, proceed to the next step. Step 5. Sit with your legs crossed (or sit on a chair), place your hands on top of your knees in a loose fist, and coil your toes in slightly (Figure 1-49). Rotate your chest from left to right, 21 times; then from right to left, 21 times. Do not overextend your body when rotating, and don't move too fast or with too much force. Allow the body to move as naturally as possible. Proceed to the next step. Step 6. Extend your legs and gently hit the zusanli points on each leg with your knuckles, a 100 times on each side (Figure 1-50). The zusanli point is located about four fingers widths down from your knee cap, on lateral side of your tibia. Key Points: A. When doing the above exercise, your mind should be focused, and your breathing should be natural. If possible place your hands directly on your skin when practicing. All movements should be done slowly and gently. Don't use too much force. B. Women should not do this technique while pregnant. During menstruation, women should train more gently, than at other times. C. Don't train when you are too full or are too hungry. D. Make sure you use the toilet before practice. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the stomach, spleen and pancreas are grouped together as an organ system that holds the negative emotion of worry and the positive emotions of trust, fairness and compassion. The Six Healing Sounds exercise to release worry (see below) uses smiling, deep breathing, vibratory breathing, visualization, touch and gentle movements to interrupt the dialogue between the stomach and the brain. The Spleen Healing Sound Figure 2 I hope you’ll take five minutes or so to do the following: Sit upright, with your shoulders down and relaxed and your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes, smile and inhale deeply through your nose allowing your belly to rise. Slowly exhale using your tummy muscles to bring your belly back in. Continue breathing deeply and when you inhale imagine you’re breathing yellow light and trust into your stomach. Connect with the feeling of seeing a beautiful sunset. Imagine that glowing yellow light of late summer sun has filled your stomach. Thank it for digesting your food and keeping you healthy. Lightly rub your stomach in a clockwise direction and think about yellow energy spiraling inside of it. Keep smiling and picture your stomach smiling back at you. Take a deep breath and inhale trust and compassion into your stomach. Open your eyes, lean forward a little and exhale worry with a “whoooooo” sound, imagining it leaving you as dark smoke. The healing sounds are a safe, natural way to transform unfavorable emotions, release heat, detox the body and cool the body. CDs and Books on Healing Sounds The Six Healing Sounds: Taoist Techniques Six Healing Sounds with Lisa and Ted Six Healing Sounds All Natural Kidney Restoration Program Six Sounds Approach to Qigong Breathing Exercises [With Instructional DVD] (Chinese Health Qigong) Its also a good idea to boost the immune system Please try the following Qigong to build up immune system and maintain good health How to build up Chi (Qi) to fight off Illness The Key to Longevity - The kidneys Eight Exercises for Fitness, Healing, and Longevity QIGONG WALK to increase Qi (vital energy) quickly Standing Qigong produced superior results What is stronger Qigong or Coffee for an instant “hit”? Heal With Qigong! My favorite Meditation for Self-Healing Here are Some ideas for dessert replacement since sugar is a big No No on this diet: Lily's Dark Chocolate Bar with Stevia, Almond, 3 Ounce (Pack of 12) - no sugar chocolate - Whole Foods has it Ice cream Tips, herbs, yoga and qigong for healthy Digestion: Ancient Health Tips to Manage your Acid Reflux, Bloating, Heart Burn and Indigestion Yoga practice to increase Abdominal Fire, Reduce Fat and Purify the entire system of Toxins Healthy recipes below: Super Easy Paleo Pancakes Easy Zucchini Paleo Pancakes (Gluten free, Sugar free) Kolrhabi latkes Paleo, Grain-free and Sugar Free Raspberries Scones Butternut Squash Coffee Pancakes (Grain and Sugar Free) I recommend the following books on Qigong: Qigong for Lifelong Health Qigong for Health and Vitality And I also recommend 8 Exercises for Fitness, Healing, and Longevity Resources: Against All Grain: Delectable Paleo Recipes to Eat Well and Feel Great The Paleo Kitchen: Finding Primal Joy in Modern Cooking TOLERANT, the Gluten Free, Organic, Non-GMO Legume Pasta Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation Livelight ~ Yoga and Meditation Music Wuji Qigong Meditation Spring Forest Qigong - Small Universe - Meditation Three Treasures Qigong Healing Meditation Qigong Meditation: Embryonic Breathing Shop KEYLIME Yoga Wear Exercise to improve immune system and heal the body: QIGONG WALK is an excellent exercise for everyone to increase Qi (vital energy) quickly The Key to Longevity Eight Exercises for Fitness, Healing, and Longevity Acupressure Point and Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids