Energetic Properties of Food：According to Chinese medicine, foods are not chosen solely for their nutritional content, such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. In a Chinese diet, foods are considered according to their energetic properties and actions. Foods are combined according to their flavors, hot, cold, or neutral nature, actions on the body, and interactions with other foods. For example, watermelon is cold in nature and can reduce internal heat; lamb is considered warm in nature, therefore can benefit Qi and nourish the blood. In this way, Eastern nutrition and herbal dietary therapy are used to address various ailments such as allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and so on. A variety of foods, including grains, nuts, vegetables, meats, fruit, dairy products, and fluids, each in moderation, are recommended according to an individual's constitution, and age, along with the appropriate season. An overabundance of any one particular food group can lead to an imbalance in the body.
Energetic Properties of Herbs: In TCM theory, a proper diet should be selected in accordance with a person’s individual constitution. Chinese herbs are divided into cool, cold, warm and hot temperatures, and can be selected according to the constitution, or to address a specific health condition. In general, warm, hot, therapeutic herbs such as ginger, green onions, red dates, walnuts, lamb, cumin, etc., can be used to treat patients with constitutional cold, with symptoms such as chills, fatigue, sweating, poor memory, backache, swollen knees, cold sensation in the stomach with pain, loose stools, poor sexual function, etc. Cool or cold therapeutic herbs, such as green beans, lotus root, watermelon, pears, water chestnuts, chrysanthemum, etc. can soothe the body, clear heat, detox, promote relaxation, and treat patients with constitutional heat, with symptoms such as heat intolerance, excessive thirst, sweating, sore throat , constipation, and dark and scanty urination.
