nutrition

 Nutrition in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – The Key to Balance and Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nutrition is not just a matter of providing calories, but is an integral part of maintaining the body's energy balance. According to TCM, each person has a unique constitution, and proper nutrition should be tailored to individual needs, seasons, and health. In TCM, food is viewed as medicine that can strengthen Qi, blood, and Yin, and help maintain the health of internal organs.

Principles of Nutrition in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Adjusting your diet to the season :

Spring : A light, cleansing diet, rich in green vegetables and fruits.

Summer : Cooling diet, supporting detoxification, with an emphasis on hydrating foods such as cucumbers, melons, tomatoes.

Autumn : Foods that strengthen Qi and moisturize, such as pumpkins, nuts, beaded grains.

Winter : A diet rich in warming and grounding foods such as spices, soups, meats, nuts.

Eating by "tastes" : TCM distinguishes 5 basic tastes that have different energetic properties:

Sour – strengthens Yin and blood, but if used in excess it can "drain" energy from the body.

Sweet – strengthens Qi and blood, gives energy, but excess can lead to stagnation.

Spicy – ​​dispels cold, stimulates Qi, improves circulation.

Bitter – clears heat, has a moisturizing effect, reduces moisture.

Salty – interacts with water in the body, has a cleansing and relaxing effect.

Avoiding excess cold and hot foods : In TCM, one avoids excessive consumption of foods that are very cold or hot in nature, which can disturb the body's balance.

Treatment and Diet in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, diet plays a therapeutic role, helping to treat various conditions through the proper balance of energy. In TCM, various diseases and dysfunctions of the body are seen as the result of imbalances in the flow of Qi, Yin, Yang, blood and moisture. A proper diet can aid treatment by strengthening these elements.

1. Herbs and Diet in TCM

Herbs are an essential part of the TCM diet. Combining the right herbs with your daily food can help balance your body and improve your health. Here are some popular herbs used in TCM:

Ginseng (Ren Shen) – strengthens Qi, supports immunity and improves energy.

Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) – strengthen blood and Yin, improve liver and kidney function.

Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi) – supports Yin energy, improves skin condition, and also acts as an adaptogen.

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) – improves blood circulation, especially in cases of blood deficiency.

2. Traditional Approach to Nutrition in TCM

Soups and Broths : In TCM, meat and vegetable broths, cooked for a long time, are a staple of the diet, especially for those with weakened Qi or Yin. They help to regenerate energy and support the health of internal organs.

Cooking whole foods : TCM recommends cooking whole foods because this preserves all the nutrients and energy in the food.

Avoiding eating excessive amounts of raw foods : In TCM, raw foods (especially vegetables) are considered cold and difficult to digest, so boiling or stewing foods is recommended.

Simple Recipes Based on TCM

1. Duck and Goji Soup

Ingredients :

500 g duck

10g Goji Berries

1 carrot

1 ginger root

1 onion

Salt to taste

Preparation :

Cut the duck into smaller pieces, place in a pot of water.

Add carrots, onion, ginger root and Goji.

Cook for 2-3 hours over low heat.

Add salt to taste and serve warm. The soup strengthens Yin and blood, supports liver and kidney health.

2. Strengthening Pumpkin and Ginseng Soup

Ingredients :

500g pumpkin

5g dried Ginseng

1 onion

2 cloves of garlic

500 ml vegetable stock

Salt, pepper to taste

Preparation :

Chop the pumpkin, onion and garlic.

In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil, then add the pumpkin.

Pour in vegetable broth, add ginseng.

Cook for 30 minutes until the pumpkin is soft.

Blend everything into a smooth soup, season to taste. The soup strengthens Qi and improves immunity.

3. Oatmeal with Nuts and Schisandra

Ingredients :

100 g oat flakes

5g Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)

10 g walnuts

Honey (optional)

Preparation :

Cook oatmeal in water or plant milk.

Add schisandra and nuts.

Cook for 10 minutes, then sweeten with honey.

Eat for breakfast. This porridge helps strengthen Yin, improves immunity and supports regeneration.

Summary

TCM nutrition is based on the philosophy of balance and adapting the diet to individual needs and the seasons. In TCM, food is not only a way to maintain energy, but also an effective healing tool. A proper diet, supported by the right herbs, soups and foods, helps improve health, strengthens immunity and helps the body balance. By remembering the principles of TCM nutrition, we can create a healthy, balanced eating plan that supports our long-term health.

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