The cornerstone of health
Chinese Medicine is a rich and evolving tradition that has been practiced continuously for over 2000 years. Rather than discarding old theories as new ones emerge, it builds upon its roots, adding new layers of understanding while preserving the wisdom of the past. This approach allows Chinese Medicine to remain both deeply traditional and dynamically adaptive, with new insights often presented as commentaries on classical texts.
At its core, this medical system was shaped through centuries of clinical practice. Many of its greatest discoveries came from dedicated practitioners—often spiritual adepts—who refined their knowledge through direct experience and deep observation. Their wisdom was passed down through generations, whether in monasteries, families, or apprenticeships, ensuring a continuous lineage of learning.
While acupuncture and herbal medicine are widely recognized aspects of Chinese Medicine, dietary therapy plays an equally vital role. Good digestion is considered the cornerstone of health, and food is viewed as both nourishment and medicine. A well-balanced diet, tailored to an individual’s needs, supports not only recovery from illness but also long-term well-being. By understanding the intricate connections between physical, mental, and emotional health, Chinese Medicine offers a sophisticated and holistic approach to healing.
Understanding Diet Through the Lens of Chinese Medicine
The Spleen and Stomach: The Cornerstone of Digestion
In Chinese Medicine, the Spleen and Stomach are central to digestion. These organs work together to transform and transport nutrients throughout the body. The Spleen is often compared to the “fire” that warms the “pot” of the Stomach. It thrives on warm, easily digestible foods and is weakened by excessive cold or damp foods, which can extinguish the digestive fire.
Illness can disrupt digestion, making it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients effectively. When someone is unwell, the first thing we often offer them is soup—an easily digestible, nourishing food that requires minimal digestive effort. Similarly, in postnatal recovery, warm and slow-cooked foods support the rebuilding of Blood and Qi, essential for a mother’s healing.
Cooked vs. Raw Foods
Modern nutritional discourse often promotes raw foods due to their high nutrient content. However, Chinese Medicine considers digestibility just as important as nutrient density. Cooking breaks down the cellulose walls of vegetables, making nutrients more accessible and reducing the burden on digestion. Lightly cooking food—such as steaming or slow-cooking—allows for better absorption of nutrients while preserving their essence. This is particularly important for those with weakened digestion, including postpartum mothers and individuals recovering from illness.
Thermogenic Properties of Food
All foods can be categorised by their energetic properties—whether they are warming, cooling, damp, or drying. Understanding these properties is key to maintaining balance in the body.
- People who feel cold benefit from warming foods such as ginger, lamb, and cinnamon.
- People who run hot require cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens. Although sometimes, they’re so dried out on the inside that it’s not as simple as that. They actually need warming foods, especially broths and stews to replenish the “dry river bed”. That way they will become cool again!
- Those with sluggish digestion or excess weight should avoid damp foods such as dairy, sugar, and excessive raw fruits, favoring drier and more moving foods like lightly cooked proteins, lots of fibrous vegetables, legumes and easy to digest warm and wet wholegrains .
One common misconception is that cooling foods like salads, fruit, sushi, and dairy are beneficial for people who feel hot. While these foods may provide temporary relief, excessive consumption can also weaken digestion, leading to an imbalance where the body feels hot and hungry all the time. This can result in digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
Interestingly, in many tropical climates where temperatures are high, traditional diets emphasise cooked foods with spices. Spicy, warm meals help digestion and induce sweating, which naturally cools the body.
Building Blood & Supporting Postnatal Health
For those recovering from illness and postpartum mothers, building Blood is essential. Blood deficiency can manifest as fatigue, dizziness, dry skin, hair loss, and emotional instability. A diet rich in blood-nourishing foods is crucial during this time:
- Soups and stews made from organic, free-range animal bones (chicken legs, osso bucco, pork bones) provide deep nourishment.
- Dark leafy greens support both Blood production and circulation.
- Iron-rich foods, such as red meat and black beans, help replenish lost nutrients.
Stagnant Blood can lead to pain syndromes such as headaches, backaches, and constipation. Lightly cooked vegetables, warming foods, and circulation-enhancing herbs support healthy Blood movement.
Dampness & Digestion
Dampness refers to the body’s ability to generate and regulate fluids. While some dampness is necessary for life, excess dampness—often caused by rich, oily, or sugary foods—can lead to sluggish digestion, fatigue, and mucus buildup. Signs of excess dampness include bloating, loose stools, lethargy, and a thick tongue coating.
Beneficial damp foods, such as small amounts of organic dairy, bananas, nuts, and avocados, support hydration and nourishment. However, excessive consumption of cold dairy, refined sugars, and fried foods can overwhelm digestion, particularly in postpartum mothers. Finding balance and recognising signs of imbalance is key to maintaining digestive health.
A Baby’s Developing Digestive System
Newborns transition from receiving direct nourishment in the womb to relying on their own digestion. In Chinese Medicine, the digestive system is considered to be developing for the first seven years of life. Early dietary choices significantly impact a child’s long-term health. Warm, easily digestible foods—such as congee and cooked vegetables—support a baby’s developing digestive fire, ensuring they build a strong foundation for resilience and vitality.
The Integration of Acupuncture & Diet in Healing
Acupuncture and dietary therapy work together to restore balance, promote healing, and unlock the body’s innate ability to thrive. Each individual has unique needs based on their constitution, environment, and lifestyle. True health is not merely the absence of disease—it is the presence of balance and vitality.
By integrating these principles into daily life, we can clear the fog of conflicting dietary recommendations and return to an intuitive, effective approach to nourishment. Whether through acupuncture or mindful nutrition, the goal remains the same: to support long-term well-being through alignment with the body’s natural rhythms and needs.
Imagine feeling at ease
Book in a treatment today to find out what diet would benefit your daily life to ensure you can thrive. We provide dietary recommendations for fertility, pregnancy, the post natal period, for children and for people experiencing complex health issues.