This delicate slow-cooked pork belly gives up a glorious floral aroma thanks to an unusual combination of fragrant spices. It’s surprisingly light to eat, especially served with some steamed rice, veggies and pickles, with the delicious broth spooned over.

In the clinic I’m often shocked to discover how little we understand about menopause as a society. Most perimenopausal women have never had the purpose of menopause explained to them and don’t understand what is happening in their bodies and why. We make the assumptions as a society that it’s going to be a terrible time, that there won’t be much we can do about it and that we’ll be relieved when it’s over. We certainly rarely discuss the opportunities that menopause presents a woman or how she can use this amazing transitional time to her advantage. And we certainly rarely celebrate the beauty, grace and wisdom of the older woman. I’m going to discuss all of this here, and my wish is that you feel empowered by this information as you move onwards with your perimenopause journey.

This article is a tribute to the brave, sensitive souls who are redefining what it means to live with autism. I’d like to celebrate the very special and essential gifts they have to offer the world and help to cut through another layer of misconception and stigma surrounding this poorly understood way of being. I’ll also offer a selection of acupressure points to try at home if you are struggling with overwhelm, hypersensitivity and trouble coping.

These days, leading a hectic life, getting your period often seems like a big inconvenience, especially if you suffer from period pain. Mostly it isn't possible to take time out, but period pain can make getting through the day more difficult, or for some even impossible. It may be 'normal' to experience discomfort and inconvenience with your cycle, but a healthy cycle should be pain free.

It’s nearly summer, but for many of us hayfever is still going! In fact, many are suffering with hayfever symptoms well outside of the hayfever season, and for some, it never completely goes away, even in the cooler months. If this is you, then read on. I’m going to explain hayfever from a Chinese medicine perspective; what causes it, why it tends to worsen over the years and what you can do to turn the tide for yourself and head towards milder hayfever symptoms every season.

I’d like to make greens exciting and tasty for you. I really hope you enjoy experimenting with these recipes.

Get inspired everyone! This is the breakfast that will change your life for the better!

Millet congee is a breakfast staple in China. Coupled with a protein and made exciting with a scatting of herbs, tamari and other aromatics, millet congee is hydrating, soothing and fortifying for the day ahead. I encourage you to make a big pot on the weekend, and eat it for breakfast throughout the week.

Dashi forms the flavour foundation for many Japanese dishes. It can be used as the base for soba or ramen, or as a poaching liquid for fish. I love to make simple miso soup as a snack. Just stir in some miso and it’s ready!

Eating a plant-based or vegetarian diet takes a little more care and thought than an omnivore’s diet. If you’re not eating meat, the key to getting all the nutrients you need lies in variety. It’s important to include all the food groups; vegetable, wholegrains, legumes, dairy, nuts, seeds and fruit, and to explore widely within these groups. Many of us tend to stick to our comfort foods – things we like that we know how to prepare quickly and easily. In order to truly experience vital health, it’s important to branch out, experiment, and discover what each of our wonderful, unique bodies requires. So go forth and graze widely!