Happy Earth Day from New Jersey Natural Medicine!

We can’t help but recognize how some of the defining principles of Naturopathic Medicine might be relevant to our relationship with the earth and ensure a healthy and therapeutic environment for all of us and generations to come:

• First do no harm
• The healing power of nature
• Prevention

Classical Chinese Medicine understands that the human body is a microcosmic manifestation of the macrocosm. The contamination of the air, water, and earth that are part of the macrocosm is a contributing factor to the disease process in the human microcosm. By purifying the air we breath, the water we drink, and the soil in which our food is grown, we are purifying ourselves.

This year’s focus is putting an end to worldwide plastic pollution. From poisoning and injuring marine life to disrupting human hormones, from littering our beaches and landscapes to clogging our waste streams and landfills, the rampant growth of plastics is now threatening the survival of our planet.

Here are 5 simple things we can do to stop the pollution:

• Say no to plastic straws.
• If you must use a plastic cup, reuse it.
• Avoid takeout food in polystyrene foam containers.
• No single use drinking bottles.
• Do not accept plastic bags when shopping.

And remember, the three R’s are as important now as ever! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!