Three Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy
The charm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) lies in its unique dietary therapy. In this article, we will delve into the three fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapy, taking you on a journey to understand its mysteries.
Harmonizing Yin and Yang
TCM emphasizes the balance of Yin and Yang in the body, considering it crucial for maintaining health. Yin and Yang are opposing yet complementary forces in TCM theory, and their balance directly affects one's health. In terms of diet, we can harmonize Yin and Yang by consuming foods with different properties. For instance, during cold winters, consuming warm foods helps maintain body warmth, while in hot summers, it's advisable to consume cooling foods to lower body temperature 温度 (wēn dù).
温度 (wēn dù), noun, temperature
Examples:
- The temperature outside is very cold.
外面的温度很冷。
wàimiàn de wēndù hěn lěng. - She checked the temperature of the water before taking a bath.
她在洗澡之前检查了水的温度。
tā zài xǐzǎo zhīqián jiǎnchále shuǐ de wēndù.
Regulating the Five Flavors
TCM dietary therapy focuses on regulating the five flavors. According to TCM, foods have five flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty, each corresponding to different therapeutic治疗的 (zhì liáo de) effects. Properly combining these flavors can regulate the balance of Yin and Yang in the body and improve overall health. For example, bitter foods have the function of clearing heat and detoxifying, making them suitable for consumption in summer, while sweet foods have the function of nourishing and replenishing Qi, making them suitable for consumption in winter.
治疗的 (zhì liáo de), adj, therapeutic
Examples:
- The therapeutic effect of acupuncture is widely recognized.
针灸的治疗效果被广泛认可。
Zhēnjiǔ de zhìliáo xiàoguǒ bèi guǎngwǎn rènkě. - She underwent therapeutic massage to relieve muscle tension.
她接受了治疗性按摩以缓解肌肉紧张。
Tā jiēshòu le zhìliáoxìng ànmó yǐ huǎnjiě jīròu jǐnzhāng.
Adapting to Local Conditions
TCM dietary therapy emphasizes adapting to local conditions by adjusting diet according to the climate, geography, and season. Different regions have different climate conditions, and thus, different nutritional needs. Therefore, we should select appropriate ingredients and cooking methods based on local conditions. For instance, in hot and humid regions, it's suitable to consume light and cooling foods to relieve heat; whereas in dry regions, it's suitable to consume nourishing and moisturizing foods.
- Chinese medicine emphasizes Yin and Yang.
中医讲究阴阳。
Zhōngyī jiǎngjiù yīnyáng. - Moreover, there are five flavors to regulate the body.
并且还有五种味道去调理身体。
Bìngqiě hái yǒu wǔ zhǒng wèidào qù tiáolǐ shēntǐ. - Not only that, the body is also influenced by geographical location.
不仅如此，身体也会被地理位置影响。
Bù jǐn rúcǐ, shēntǐ yě huì bèi dìlǐ wèizhì yǐngxiǎng.