Eat in Harmony with Yourself and the Seasons
In traditional Chinese medicine, food is our first and most important form of medicine. The Five Elements theory provides a simple framework for understanding how different tastes and temperatures affect our bodies.
The Energetics of Nutrition
Every food has not only calories and vitamins, but also an energetic “temperature” (from cold to hot) and a “taste”.
Cold/Cool (Water/Metal):Cucumber, watermelon, lettuce. Cools the body, ideal in summer. Too much can weaken digestion.
Neutral (Earth):Rice, carrot, sweet potato. Harmonizes and builds energy.
Warm/Hot (Fire/Wood):Ginger, pepper, lamb. Warms the body, ideal in winter. Too much can cause restlessness and dryness.
The Flavors
Sweet (Earth):Strengthens the spleen (digestive system). (Naturally sweet, like carrots, not refined sugar).
Sour (Wood):Supports the Liver.
Salt (Water):Supports the Kidneys.
Bitter (Fire):Supports the Heart.
Sharp (Metal):Supports the Lungs.
Simple Tips
Eat with the seasons:Cooling in summer, warming in winter.
Eat warm and cooked:This is kinder to the digestion than eating raw and cold.
Ensure a balance of flavors:A meal with a little of each flavor is the most harmonious.
By consciously choosing what you eat, you can actively contribute to your own energetic balance.