In Chinese Medicine we address imbalances in the body that can be defined as ‘an excess or deficiency of Yin and Yang’. This is simple, very old language that was developed many of thousands years ago, however simple is often best and it still applies today.
Yin properties are: passive, dark, feminine, interior, cold, chronic.
Yang properties are: active, light, masculine, exterior, hot, acute.
The first imbalance we will look at is Dampness or Excess mucus in the body. This is considered a predominance of Yin.
Symptoms include:
- Sluggishness in the body with a feeling of heaviness & tiredness
- Accumulation of fluids in the tissues such as oedema or swollen limbs
- Excess weight
- Yeasts such as candida
- Weakened digestion
Avoid or limit foods such as:
- Raw food
- Cold/frozen food
- Sweet foods
- Highly processed foods
- Wheat products
- Dairy products
- Deep fried foods
- Rich, fatty foods
Examples: ice cream, peanut butter, excess fruit & cold salds, dairy milk & cheeses, breads/pastries/cakes, sweeteners, concentrated fruit juice, pork
These are difficult for the body to digest and promote dampness.
Consume more:
- bitter foods
- aromatic foods
Examples: rye, corn, adzuki beans, celery, pumpkin, alfalfa, shallots, turnip, white pepper, camomile, parsley, garlic, asparagus, rocket lettuce
If you can’t live without some of the foods on the ‘avoid or limit list’ there are always ways to balance a meal Eg. If you enjoy salads, use bitter leaves & add cooked shallots to your salad.
Next month we will look at the Chinese Medicine dietary principles of ‘Internal Heat’.
Warmest Regards,
Sandy