News & Lifestyle
Posted on 29 January 2010
Cinnamaon has been used in Chinese medicine as a remedy for diabetes and digestive problems for centuries.
Posted on 23 November 2009
As you move into Winter, you need to adjust your diet – the weather is colder so a diet that produces more heat is necessary. The Winter diet should be warming and substantial, with more wholegrains, less fruit, lots of...
Posted on 24 September 2008
Chinese food has a bad reputation in the UK. The rice-heavy meals and fatty meat dishes are thought to lead straight to obesity and heart disease. But properly prepared, says Chinese food expert Lorraine Clissold, the very...
Posted on 20 July 2008
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Seasonal Eating
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the world is a harmonious and holistic entity where all living beings are viewed in relation to the surrounding environment. Since ancient times, the Chinese have tried to explain different complicated phenomena by creating yin yang or the five element/Phase theories. Man is part of the holistic entity, and takes his cue from nature. He is influenced directly and indirectly by changes in weather and needs to make corresponding physiological and pathological responses. For example, a change of season causes the rate, rhythm, volume and tension of the pulse to vary. The pulse tends to be taut in spring, full in summer, floating in autumn, and sunken in winter. TCM physicians will take this into account when distinguishing the abnormal pulse from the normal. The occurrence, development and change in the pattern of many diseases are seasonal.
However, we can take active measures to prevent disease and maintain good health. One common method is to consume different foods according to the season. The Chinese widely believe that we are what we eat, and most dietary guidelines follow on from nature. According to TCM philosophies, if we eat seasonal foods that are similar in nature to the external environment, we remain in harmony with the environment, adapt better to changes in season and stay healthy. The basic applying principle is "nourishing yang in spring and summer time, and nourishing yin in autumn and winter time."
The ancient Chinese realized that in accordance with seasonal changes, yang qi tends to flow outwards and occupies the body surface in spring and summer and therefore, the innards get relatively depleted of yang qi and need replenishing. At the same time, the weather in autumn and winter is cold and dry and it is important to keep warm and prevent dryness. Through the methods of replenishing yin and nourishing dryness, TCM believes it is a way to build up energy and prepare for the coming seasons.
Posted on 11 June 2008
Spring and Chinese Medicine
The beginning of Spring is March 21st, the time of the Spring equinox when day equals night. For the next 6 months daylight, the sun and yang principle will be dominating our lives. Spring is a new beginning – the time of year to rise early with the sun and take brisk walks, yang activities, which reflect the ascending and active nature of Spring. This is nature’s birthing season – the time of creation, development and a new start. Like nature, we flourish in this season - it is the time for new growth in our lives, relationships and work.
Wood Element.
In the Chinese system of the Five Elements (Five Phases), the Spring season is correlated with the element Wood, which governs the gall bladder and liver. The Wood element refers to living, growing entities: trees, plants and the human body. They grow simultaneously out and upward, down and inward. The colour associated with this element is the predominant one of Spring – the green of young plants.