Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) goes beyond healing methods and acupuncture. You can find out everything about TCM nutrition here.
TCM nutrition: introduction
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) integrates the basic elements of the Chinese philosophy of life. Thus, the harmony principle of Yin and Yang is also used for nutrition.
- And Qi, the energy for life , also plays an important role in the choice of food. Finally, the doctrine of the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – finds its way into the TCM diet. We tell you now which foods cause which effects in the body.
TCM Diet: Yin and Yang
The highest principle in Chinese medicine is a state of harmony and balance . This is especially true between Yang (energy) and Yin (matter). The traditional philosophies say that the life energy (qi) can only flow when yin and yang are balanced.
Yin is basically cold, while Yang embodies warmth. However, in terms of nutrition, this does not mean the temperature of the food, but the effect on our body.
The TCM diet is divided into yin foods, yang foods and neutral foods:
Yin foods:
- Fresh fruits (bananas, citrus fruits)
- Vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers)
- milk
- Green tea
Yang foods:
- beans
- meat
- fish
- ginger
- dried fruit
Neutral foods:
- carrots
- cabbage
- Grain
- legumes
TCM Diet: The Teaching of the 5 Elements
- Earth: Represents the sweetness in the food and should act as a fortifying and filling and build up the life energy (Qi). The bulk of the diet should be sourced from this item. Foods such as eggs, beef or potatoes belong to this category.
- Fire: Fire embodies the bitter taste in the food and should be particularly helpful in overweight. It also has a cooling and digestive effect. Vegetables such as beetroot, rocket or even feta cheese fall into the fire element.
- Metal: Now it’s getting hot! Metal increases the Qi significantly upwards and has a warming effect. Foods such as onions or mustard are included.
- Wood: The acid element embodies wood. It cools the body and strengthens the substance. You can eat for example oranges, chicken or tomatoes.
- Water: Represents salt and brings the qi down. Salt binds water in the body and has a softening effect. Which food is included? Fish, salt, water and olives for example.
TCM Diet: Important Dietary Rules
- Each meal should contain food of all 5 elements
- Sufficient time between meals (at least four hours)
- When the feeling of hunger begins, stop eating
- Eat regularly and do not skip meals
- The most important meal is the breakfast, followed by lunch. Only a little bit of food in the evening (not even after 7 pm)
- To prefer fresh and regional food
TCM diet: conclusion
- The TCM diet is not scientifically substantiated. It is based on traditional Chinese principles , including Daoism. Nevertheless, you can take advantage of many aspects of it, as they embody a balanced diet .
- This includes using regional and fresh products in great variety and, above all, to rely on fruits and vegetables. Also, it makes sense to eat intuitively and to see if there is a real feeling of hunger or satiety is already reached.