acrobiotics is the art and science of health and longevity. A natural and holistic system which encompasses the relationships and effects of diet, lifestyle, and environment, macrobiotics provides a comprehensive and effective approach towards establishing and maintaining improved physical, mental and spiritual health.
The term "macrobiotics" comes from the Greek makro, meaning large, great or long, and bios, meaning life. It was first used by Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, who stated: "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine thy food."
The principles in macrobiotics as we know it today have been known to physicians, scholars, and philosophers throughout history, in both eastern and western traditions.
Kushi Institute founder and preeminent macrobiotic authority Michio Kushi first learned of macrobiotics in Japan through his studies with macrobiotic teacher, writer and philosopher George Ohsawa. During his lifetime, Mr. Ohsawa traveled extensively, promoting the macrobiotic approach to health and healing, and published more than 300 books and papers that combined his views of traditional methods of improving health and well-being from western and eastern approaches.
Over the past 50 years Mr. Kushi has continuously expanded and developed macrobiotic understanding. Living in the United States during this time gave him the opportunity to adjust and modify the macrobiotic approach to best suit the American population.
Contrary to common opinion, macrobiotics is not simply a "diet" or "what some people do when they are diagnosed with cancer" though this is often the first step for many. Countless thousands of individuals have used macrobiotics to support their successful recovery from a wide range of illness including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, digestive disorders, and many other health problems.
Macrobiotics is a holistic and natural lifestyle, which addresses not only diet, but all areas of one's life. The dietary component of macrobiotics is based on traditional dietary patterns, and emphasizes the use of whole foods such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Many scientific studies have proven the health benefits of foods used in macrobiotic cuisine. Other areas addressed in macrobiotics include physical activity and mental outlook.
Like any other practice, macrobiotics is best and most easily learned under the guidance of experienced teachers. As each human being has a unique set of health conditions and issues, Kushi Institute counselors adjust general macrobiotic guidelines for each individual during private counseling sessions. The Kushi Institute's week-long Way to Health seminar is a comprehensive, introductory program that gives students the knowledge and skills necessary to follow their counselor's advice correctly. This life-changing seminar is also helpful for individuals who are currently healthy and wish to optimize and maintain their good health.
