Food as Medicine | TCM Nutrition Therapy

Food as Medicine

Discover the healing wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine through personalized nutrition therapy

"Healing with food is the highest form of medicine." - Huangdi Neijing

Constitution-Based Nutrition

In TCM, each person has a unique constitution that determines their dietary needs. Discover your type and optimal foods for balance.

Yang Deficiency (Cold Constitution)

Characterized by cold limbs, fatigue, and low energy. Needs warming foods to boost Qi.

  • Easily feel cold
  • Pale complexion
  • Low energy and fatigue
  • Prefer warm drinks
  • Weak digestion

Recommended Foods

Ginger, cinnamon, lamb, walnuts, chives, leeks, cherries, black beans, garlic, oats

Yin Deficiency (Heat Constitution)

Characterized by heat sensations, dryness, and restlessness. Needs cooling, moistening foods.

  • Night sweats
  • Dry skin and throat
  • Hot palms and soles
  • Irritability
  • Thirst for cold drinks

Recommended Foods

Pear, cucumber, tofu, mung beans, seaweed, spinach, watermelon, lotus root, mint, coconut

Phlegm-Damp Constitution

Characterized by heaviness, sluggishness, and excess mucus. Needs drying, activating foods.

  • Feeling of heaviness
  • Swollen body or face
  • Oily skin
  • Poor appetite
  • Sticky mouth sensation

Recommended Foods

Barley, adzuki beans, celery, radish, mushroom, green tea, pumpkin, onion, mustard greens

Seasonal Nutrition Therapy

Align your diet with nature's rhythms to support your body through seasonal changes and prevent imbalance.

Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Spring Nutrition Plan

Spring corresponds to the Liver in TCM. Focus on detoxifying and gently moving Qi.

Breakfast

Green Energy Porridge: Millet cooked with spinach, dandelion greens, and a pinch of turmeric

Lunch

Liver Cleansing Salad: Artichoke hearts, asparagus, lemon juice, olive oil, with quinoa

Dinner

Spring Stir-fry: Bok choy, mushrooms, bamboo shoots with ginger and garlic

Herbal Tea

Chrysanthemum and mint tea to clear heat and soothe the liver

Summer Nutrition Plan

Summer corresponds to the Heart. Focus on cooling, hydrating foods to prevent heat accumulation.

Breakfast

Cooling Fruit Bowl: Watermelon, cucumber, mint with lime juice

Lunch

Heart Nourishing Salad: Cucumber, tomato, lotus root, tofu with sesame dressing

Dinner

Mung Bean Soup: With seaweed, zucchini, and cilantro

Herbal Tea

Honeysuckle and green tea to clear summer heat

Autumn Nutrition Plan

Autumn corresponds to the Lungs. Focus on moistening and strengthening the respiratory system.

Breakfast

Pear & Almond Congee: Rice porridge with pears, almonds, and honey

Lunch

Lung Nourishing Soup: Chicken broth with white fungus, lily bulbs, and almonds

Dinner

Roasted Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and burdock with ginger

Herbal Tea

Pear skin and loquat leaf tea to moisten lungs and relieve cough

Winter Nutrition Plan

Winter corresponds to the Kidneys. Focus on warming, nourishing foods to support vital energy.

Breakfast

Black Bean Porridge: With walnuts, goji berries, and cinnamon

Lunch

Kidney Tonic Stew: Lamb with black sesame, chestnuts, and Chinese yam

Dinner

Braised Seaweed & Tofu: With ginger, garlic, and sesame oil

Herbal Tea

Ginseng and jujube tea to warm and strengthen the body

Condition-Specific Nutrition Therapy

Targeted food therapy for common health concerns based on TCM patterns of imbalance.

Respiratory Health

Strengthen Lung Qi and resolve phlegm

  • Pear and Lily Bulb Soup: Moistens lungs and stops cough
  • Radish and Honey Syrup: Clears phlegm and soothes throat
  • Garlic and Ginger Tea: Warms lungs and expels cold
  • Avoid: Dairy, cold drinks, bananas

Cardiovascular Support

Nourish Heart Qi and promote circulation

  • Hawthorn Berry Tea: Improves blood circulation
  • Salmon with Wood Ear Mushrooms: Clears blood vessels
  • Red Date Congee: Nourishes blood and calms spirit
  • Avoid: Greasy foods, excessive salt, alcohol

Mental Clarity & Focus

Calm Shen (spirit) and nourish the Heart

  • Walnut and Goji Berry Mix: Nourishes brain and kidneys
  • Chrysanthemum Tea: Clears heat from head
  • Lotus Seed Soup: Calms spirit and improves focus
  • Avoid: Caffeine, spicy foods, excessive sugar

Healthy Metabolism

Regulate Spleen Qi and transform dampness

  • Barley and Adzuki Bean Soup: Eliminates dampness
  • Bitter Melon Stir-fry: Regulates blood sugar
  • Green Tea with Orange Peel: Activates digestion
  • Avoid: Cold foods, raw vegetables, sweets

Sleep Quality

Calm the spirit and nourish the Heart

  • Longan and Lily Tea: Calms the mind
  • Walnut and Honey Milk: Nourishes Yin
  • Chamomile & Lavender Infusion: Promotes relaxation
  • Avoid: Caffeine, spicy foods, heavy meals

Joint Health

Strengthen tendons and bones, dispel cold

  • Bone Broth with Dang Gui: Nourishes bones
  • Black Sesame Paste: Strengthens tendons
  • Turmeric Ginger Tea: Reduces inflammation
  • Avoid: Cold foods, raw vegetables, nightshades

Energy & Vitality

Tonify Qi and nourish Kidney essence

  • Ginseng Chicken Soup: Boosts Qi
  • Goji Berry & Date Tea: Nourishes blood
  • Walnut & Black Bean Stew: Strengthens Kidneys
  • Avoid: Cold drinks, raw foods, excess sugar

Emotional Balance

Soothe Liver Qi stagnation and calm Shen

  • Rose and Chrysanthemum Tea: Moves Liver Qi
  • Lavender & Chamomile Infusion: Calms the spirit
  • Lemon Balm & Mint Tea: Relieves stress
  • Avoid: Alcohol, caffeine, fried foods

Important Precautions

While TCM nutrition therapy is powerful, it requires proper understanding and application:

  • Individual Diagnosis: TCM treatments are personalized. What works for one person may not be suitable for another.
  • Medication Interactions: Some TCM herbs interact with Western medications. Consult a professional if taking prescription drugs.
  • Pregnancy: Many herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy. Always consult a TCM practitioner.
  • Quality Matters: Use high-quality, organic ingredients for best results and safety.
  • Start Gradually: Introduce new foods and herbs slowly to observe your body's response.
  • Professional Guidance: For serious health conditions, work with a qualified TCM practitioner.

Begin Your Healing Journey

Discover personalized nutrition plans based on your unique constitution and health goals

Download Seasonal Recipe Guide Book TCM Consultation

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