In TCM, The Outcome Of Proper Nutrition Is The Prevention Of Diseases

Chinese philosophy during ancient times was based on the principle of two complementary yet opposing forces known as, ‘yin and yang,’ which together comprise a balanced whole. The more conserving and passive force is ‘Yin,’ while the more thrusting positive force is ‘yang’. Disease occurs when the yin and yang of a person are not in perfect balance. Treatment focuses on building up the deficiency of either of these two forces rather focusing on the symptoms. The same rule applies to food potency to an herbal practitioner. Each food has certain properties that that influence the equilibrium of yin and yang. Aside from the symptoms, Chinese herbal medicine also needs to address the root cause. They all need to be known and treated with a diet that brings back the equilibrium.

The Tradition

The system of Taoism sprang forth from more than five millennia of human experience. The system’s main objective is the restoration of energetic and functional balance and the prevention of disease. During ancient times, Chinese naturalists have believed that the human being is a tiny mirror of the universe influenced by periodical patterns ruled by the principles of natural change.

People follow these same laws of natural changes that make possible the processes of birth, development, storage, harvest, and warehousing just as a plant develops from a seed, generate fruits, and collect its energy back to the root until the following growing season; these same laws of natural changes govern people allowing for the processes of birth, development, maturation, harvest, and storage. Based on these observations, the ancient sages learned the secrets to happy, healthy, and long life and formulated principles and their importance that portrayed the interrelationships between the natural world and people. They also concocted food formulas to help individuals to adapt effectively to nature.

The Healing Herbs

The trees, flowers, sunshine, pure air, collectively known as Nature, is the healing doctor. From the “Traditions of the Tao,” there are herbs that are low in fat, high in fiber, and contain high amounts of nutrient, minerals, and vitamins classified by modern medicine as being very intense vegetables. In addition, Chinese diagnosis is aware of the gentle qualities of some herb-foods as well as their Qi or Chi (life energy) attributes. In modern times, the herb-food’s qualities can be bolstered through appropriate herbal combinations. Insofar as the herb-food generates four directional reactions: downwards, outwards, inwards, and upwards, they ought to impact the proper organ with the necessary foods such as, among others, carrots for the eyes (these serve as vehicles to distribute nutrients from the herbs). The herbs that are used as dietary supplements that provide the right nourishment to the body are required to face the challenges of modern daily living.

The Five Elements

Metaphorically named the elements of Wood, Water, Metal, Earth, and Fire, the fundamental energy phases mirror the same composition of the five basic elements within the human body that further associate with the different aspects, systems, and organs of each person. In Chinese nutrition, formulas were designed as a natural and balanced whole food, putting special emphasis on one or more of these Elemental aspects. The Five Element formulas, when eaten in combination, can provide balanced and synergistic nourishment that harmonizes all the interdependent systems of the body.

Some say that the various flavors have a unique effect on the different body organs. These flavors and their affiliated organs include: salty for the kidneys, pungent for the lungs, sweet for the stomach and spleen, sour for the liver, and bitter foods for the heart. The correct herbs very much control this balance, restoring and rejuvenating our bodies to immaculate health.

Chinese Diagnosis

Much of what we know about oriental techniques come from TCM or traditional Chinese medicine in Bellingham that considers good health as a harmonious state between the ‘Yin and Yang’ phases in the act of change that occur constantly in the body and the balance in the Chi or energy of the body.

According to TCM, Chi circulates along an unseen network of channels called “meridians” that connect all organs and bodily systems. Any imbalance or blockage in the network is believed to lead to mental or physical illness. The aim of this diagnosis is to ascertain any blockages or trouble areas on the meridians in order to implement proper treatment.

A number of complicated techniques, many going back thousands of years, are utilized to make the diagnosis aside from asking questions about the way of life, habits, history, and symptoms of the patient. The practitioner carefully observes and takes notes about the color and texture of the skin, the sound of the patient’s voice, smell of the patient, as well as his breathing patterns and posture.

All these are taken into consideration to establish a detailed picture of the person’s health, although more emphasis is given to two specific procedures – the tongue and pulse diagnosis.

In reality, there are simple roots and herbs that every person can use. We are provided by Nature with antidotes for illnesses in simple plants. It is clearly understood that the outcome of proper nutrition is the prevention of these diseases.