Understanding Macrobiotics 2005 Phiya Kushi Presentation Objectives 1

Presentation Objectives 1. To introduce the logic and science of macrobiotics 2. To compare conventional and alternative medical vs. macrobiotic models of disease and illness 3. To clarify macrobiotic perspectives of disease 4. To introduce the Yin/Yang logic behind the macrobiotic approach to health and healing

The Four Distinct Objectives of Modern Macrobiotics 1. 2. 3. 4. Food As Medicine Longevity Yin and Yang Social and Spiritual Development Towards Peace

Five Paradigms of Logical Scientific Reasoning

5 Systems of Logic 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Intentional Manifestation Deductive Reasoning Statistical Probability Functional Analysis Historical Determination – Adapted and modified by Phiya Kushi from “The Structure of Science” by Peter Nagel

1. Intentional Manifestation • • • Logic of religion Everything has a “purpose” or reason Every occurrence has a purpose or reason Presupposes a divine intention Danger of self-justification of motives: – It is the way it is because it was intended to be

2. Deductive Reasoning • Aristotle, Pythagoras, etc • Used in solving problems that deal with infinity and infinite possibilities • Used in Math and Physics and Sherlock Holmes • Precise Evidence and Proof • “After eliminating the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth…”

3. Statistical Probability • Useful in solving problems that deal with finite yet un-countable sets • Used in epidemiology, chemistry, economics and gambling • Most PROBABLE evidence and proof

4. Functional Analysis • Atomic view of the universe (Democritus and Friends) • Study of Static Systems • Used in medicine and engineering • Generates Structural Innovation • Clinical or Closed System Evidence

5. Historical Determination • Study of Dynamic Systems • Used in history, weather, and ecology • Generates evidence based on cause and effect; stimulus/response in an open system • Foundation of Chaos Theory • Also known as Yin/Yang logic: “Everything Changes” • Evidenced based on trial and error

You ask: Where’s the evidence? I reply: What system of logic are you using?

Comparing Logical Paradigms #1: Is Cow’s Milk Good For You?

Conflicting Paradigms: Is Cow’s Milk Good For You? • Functional Analysis says “yes” based on increased bone mass during adolescent growth • Statistical Probability would say “no” based on overall negative effects on populations that consume milk • Intentional Manifestation would say “no” since cow’s milk is for baby cows and not for humans • Historical Determination would say “sometimes” depending on circumstance and situation • Deductive Reasoning would say “good” and “you” are subjective and relative; the question needs clarification

In Other Words: Different Logical Systems Produce Different Evidence

For Your Consideration: • What happens when you combine two or more logical system? • It would seem that THE “TRUTH” is that which is true under all logical systems… …does anything fit that criteria?

A Comparison Of Approaches To Cancer An Illustration Of Different Paradigms

Conventional Approach To Cancer Paradigm of Crisis, Emergency and War In 1971, President Nixon declared “War on cancer” Cancer became “the enemy”and fighting tactics include…

Conventional Approach To Cancer Paradigm of Crisis, Emergency and War SURGICAL STRIKES

Conventional Approach To Cancer Paradigm of Crisis, Emergency and War CHEMICAL WARFARE

Conventional Approach To Cancer Paradigm of Crisis, Emergency and War RADIATION

Result: Eliminate the enemy and hope the patient still lives

Preventive Approach To Cancer Paradigm of Defense Tactics include…

Pre-emptive removal of sites susceptible to cancer: The ideal cancerfree body – a machine with only essential biological parts

Defensive eating

Result: Living in fear

Alternative Approach To Cancer Paradigm of Ignorance and Faith Tactics include…

Trying anything and everything that doesn’t kill before the cancer does

Result: Increasing the odds and praying that at least one of them will work

Macrobiotic Approach To Cancer Paradigm of Education And Awareness “Win without fighting…” – Lao Tzu Tactics include…

Education – Cancer as “a friend” “The medical art must consider every disease as an evil which cannot be too soon expelled; the macrobiotic, on the other hand, shows that many diseases may be the means of prolonging life. ” - Dr. C. W. Hufeland, 1797

Education Cause And Effect – Addressing Causes Of Cancer “Modern civilization is the disease, cancer is the ‘cure’…we must recover our traditional ways of thinking, eating and living” - Michio Kushi

Result: Through learning and addressing causes (environment, lifestyle, diet) the cancer leaves the body without a struggle. “Winning without fighting” strategy

The Conventional Approach (Opposite To The Macrobiotic Approach) If one is sick then: Step 1: Crisis Intervention Step 2: If step one doesn’t work then proceed to step two, Alternative approaches Step 3: As a last resort, change diet and lifestyle habits Diet and Lifestyle Preventive and Crisis Intervention: Destroy The Enemy ASAP Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy Alternative Therapies Intervention

The Macrobiotic Approach Begins With Diet And Lifestyle – Because Sickness Is An Indication That Your Life Is Headed In The Wrong Direction If one is sick then: Step 1: Change diet And lifestyle first Step 2: If step one doesn’t work then proceed to step two, Alternative approaches Step 3: As a last resort Use crisis intervention Crisis Intervention Preventive and Diet and Lifestyle Intervention Alternative Therapies Surgery, Radiation, Chemo

Note: The macrobiotic approach is “selfmanaged” while Alternative, Preventive and Conventional approaches require the assistance of an “expert. ” In other words, if you can’t manage the healing process yourself, then the method is not “macrobiotic”

What is the macrobiotic approach to cancer?

The Kushi Institute Definition of “Macrobiotics” Macrobiotics is the art and science of health and longevity through the study and understanding of the relation and interactions between ourselves, the foods we eat, the lifestyles we choose to lead, and the environments in which we live.

The Primary Causes of Cancer: according to macrobiotics 1. Diet 2. Lifestyle 3. Environment

Diet

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1985 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1986 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1987 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1988 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1989 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1990 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1991 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1992 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1993 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1994 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1995 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1996 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1997 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1998 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1999 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 2000 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 2001 Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999; 282: 16, 2001; 286: 10.

Lifestyle

Environment

Kushi Macrobiotic Approach To Cancer Prevention and Recovery • Cancer is a dynamic open system and falls under the logic and principles of change, namely, Yin/Yang. • Treatment approach begins by correlating and adjusting diet and lifestyle with the corresponding Yin/Yang attributes of the disease

Basic Yin/Yang Classifications Yang attributes Yin attributes • Contractive • Expansive • Downward • Inward • Upward • Outward • Active • Passive

Yin/Yang Food Classifications Yang • Animal Source • Downward and inward growing (roots) • More Cooked • More dry Yin • Vegetable Source • Upward and outward growing (leafy greens) • Less cooked • More watery

General Yin/Yang Cancer Classifications Yang • Interior, lower • Examples: pancreas prostate colon cervix Mixed Yin • Interior & upper, • Outer, upper or outer & lower • Examples: skin lung brain uterus Breast bladder

Yin/Yang Foods and Cancer Causes Yang Yin Excessive intake of Yang foods such as: Excessive intake of Yin foods such as: • Red meat, eggs, chicken • Sugar, Chocolate, Ice Cream, Pastries • Heavier dairy products e. g. cheese • Overly salted, baked foods • Lighter dairy products e. g. cream, milk and milk products

Simplified Yin/Yang Dietary Adjustments for Cancers Follow general macrobiotic dietary guidelines, reducing or eliminating sugar, dairy and meat intake, plus: Yang Cancers • Temporarily reduce salt, baked foods, heavy greasy foods, other yang type foods Yin Cancers • Temporarily reduce some fruits, oily foods, raw foods, other yin type foods

General Dietary Guidelines • Selection – Whole, natural and organically grown ingredients • Preparation – Expertly prepared according to Yin/Yang principles • Proportion –Whole grains as a major portion (see next slide) with variation according to individual circumstance

The Great Life Pyramid Macrobiotic Proportional Dietary Guidelines for a Temperate Climate

Additional Suggestions • LIFESTYLE: Maintain an active and orderly lifestyle, keeping your personal effects and home clean, bright and fresh. • ENVIRONMENT: Examine environmental conditions and make appropriate changes, if necessary. Maintain a clean water and air supply and enhance natural environmental influences.

Summary 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The logic behind Macrobiotics and Yin and Yang is the same found in sciences that are based on Historical Determination Sickness is viewed as a “friendly” reminder to change the direction of one’s life including daily diet and lifestyle Primary causes of sickness include: environment, lifestyle and diet Proper diet is the biological foundation of the macrobiotic approach. Macrobiotic recommendations are primarily based on correlating Yin/Yang aspects of diseases with diet

End of Presentation