Diet + Nutrition
Chinese medicine classifies food according to its energetic effects rather than its component parts. For example, certain foods are understood to be warming and nourishing while others are cooling and eliminating, and some foods are useful for building qi while others have blood, yang or yin building properties.
The energetic or thermal nature of an item of food is determined by the tastes present in it, such as sweet, salty, pungent (sometimes called acrid), bitter, sour and bland. A diet balanced in the six tastes brings balance to the body.
Food is something we consume every day and so making even a small change consistently over time can have a big impact on our overall health.
How and what we eat is deeply personal and often layered with things such as our body image, socializing, habits and cravings.
Having an outside view can provide an opportunity to hone in on negative patterns and implement positive ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is TCM so focused on not eating or drinking cold things?
In TCM cold is perceived as a pathogen that can enter the system and disrupt the smooth flow of qi and blood. The organs of digestion are particularly sensitive to cold and consuming cold foods and beverages weakens them, diminishing their ability to perform their necessary functions. Over time this can create chronic issues that extend beyond the digestive system resulting in things like fatigue and low energy to name just a few.
What is your personal philosophy when it comes to food, diet and nutrition?
I believe that food is meant to bring us joy. When we source, prepare and eat food consciously and with awareness it becomes a potent act of self-care, learning and healing.
What is one thing I can start immediately that will benefit my digestion?
A glass of warm lemon water with a touch of raw honey first thing each morning. This is something that can benefit almost everyone. Lemon water warms the stomach, kindles digestion and provides hydration after a night’s sleep.
I like my diet, will I have to change everything about how I eat?
Absolutely not. When it comes to one’s diet I have found that making a few small, sustainable changes begins to produce beneficial results which grow over time. As you see the positive results of the changes you’ve made, your willpower and resolve increase which in turn makes future changes to your diet easier.