Detoks in TCM

 Traditional Chinese Medicine Detox: Cleansing Your Body and Mind for the New Season

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), detox is an integral part of supporting health and body balance. Instead of quick diets, TCM detox aims to gently cleanse the body and support natural cleansing functions, such as the liver, intestines, and lymphatic system. In TCM, it is especially important to match the detox to the season and the body's energy state so that the cleansing process occurs naturally and without undue stress on the body.

What are the goals of detox according to TCM?

Detox in TCM aims to:

Supporting the function of the liver – the organ responsible for filtering toxins and managing the flow of Qi energy. The liver, according to TCM, accumulates excess emotions and can be overloaded by stress, so cleansing supports its regeneration.

Strengthening Digestion – A healthy gut and spleen support our immune system. Detox helps improve digestion, remove food stagnation and aids in the absorption of nutrients.

Reducing Stagnation – According to TCM, Qi stagnation and blood stagnation can cause various ailments. Detox stimulates the flow of energy, which contributes to improved well-being and vitality.

Key principles of detox according to TCM:

Warm, light meals – Avoid raw, hard-to-digest foods that can burden the spleen. Instead, opt for cooked vegetables, soups, and warm herbal drinks.

Limiting fatty and processed foods – This will allow your liver to rest and eliminate toxins more effectively.

Warming Spices – Adding ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and cardamom supports the flow of Qi and blood circulation.

Hydration and Rest – TCM emphasizes the importance of hydration and regeneration during detox, so it is worth drinking warm water or herbal teas.

Recipe for a cleansing broth with herbs and vegetables

This light, cleansing broth supports the liver and digestion while providing minerals and natural ingredients to aid detox.

Ingredients:

1 carrot, sliced

1 parsley root, chopped

1-2 stalks celery, chopped

A piece of ginger (approx. 2-3 cm), sliced

1 small onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon dried goji berries (optional, for additional Qi support)

1 teaspoon of turmeric

Sea salt and pepper to taste

1.5-2 liters of water

Preparation:

Heat water in a pot and add all ingredients.

Bring the broth to a boil, then simmer for about 45 minutes.

Strain the vegetables and drink the resulting broth warm as a cleansing soup or drink during the day.

Summary

Detox according to TCM is a gentle process that supports the body's natural cleansing and restoration of energy balance. Properly selected ingredients and culinary techniques, such as cooking, stewing and the use of warming spices, support liver health, digestion and overall vitality. Have you ever thought about detoxing your body?

More about TCM Nutrition here