Chinese nutrition applies the healing properties of food to correct disharmonies in the body. In practice for several millenia, food has been used for prevention and healing of disease. Chinese nutrition differs from Western nutrition because it does not talk about the biochemical nature of food. Chinese nutrition deals on an energetic level where balance is the key. Foods are selected according to their energetic properties of warming, cooling, drying or nourishing. Chinese nutrition would seek to warm the coolness, cool the heat, dry the dampness and nourish the dryness. By carefully studying the properties of food as medicine, one would choose the appropriate food to balance their health.

Meridians & Qi:

In Chinese medicine, different foods enter specific meridian pathways – the highway systems of our body. Medians are the channel pathways through which Qi, life-energy, flows. Specific foods respond to specific meridians and direct their effects towards specific organs for therapeutic use of the food.  It is believed that foods are directed to specific organs, and when done right, can remedy issues based in the organs.

Organs of the Body:

TCM views organs as having both Yin and Yang. Each pair has an energetic correlation, and each organ is correlated to one of the Five Elements.

Wood Element = Liver & Gallbladder

The Liver houses the soul, controls tendons, stores blood, and is responsible for keeping energy flowing. When energy is obstructed, it is likely due to the Liver. Anger, frustration, and depression relates to the Liver. The Gallbladder stores and excretes bile, protects the nervous system from overreacting, and helps to normalize a person emotionally. Gallbladder weakness may manifest itself through indecision.

Fire Element = Heart & Small Intestine

The Heart houses the Shen, governs blood, has taste as its sensory function, and joy is its related emotion. The Small Intestines absorb fluids and are responsible for transporting waste. The Heart is also responsible for communication.

Earth Element = Spleen & Stomach

The Spleen transforms and transports food into usable food essence, produces blood, opens to the mouth, and controls muscles. It is also responsible for keeping blood in blood vessels. Thus, bruising easily is a sign of weak Spleen function. The related emotion is worry or excessive thinking.

Metal Element = Lung & Large Intestine

The main functions of the Lungs are breathing, regulating water metabolism and descending and dispersing Qi throughout the body. The Lungs open out to the nose and control the skin, pores and hair on the skin. Sadness is a related emotion. The Large Intestines excrete wastes from the body and absorb water.

Water Element = Kidneys & Urinary Bladder

The Kidneys store Jing, are responsible for growth, development and reproduction. The Kidneys produce marrow, from the brain and spinal cord, control bones, open to the ears, and balance body fluid metabolism. The related emotion is fear.