Chinese food therapy is based on the principle of eating a variety of foods according to one’s own constitution. There is no single best diet for everyone. Our rates of metabolism are different, the climates that we live in vary, and our amounts of exercise differ. Furthermore, we all have different health patterns– some individuals are never ill, while others are frequently so; also the body sites that are affected by the same pathogen may be different in different persons.
Chinese Dietary Principles in this society of abundance, there is no reason to eat only fruits, or only vegetables, or to eat the same foods day in and day out. Ideally, one should primarily consume cooked vegetables and cooked grains. The former are an excellent source of fiber and nutrition. In terms of grains, rice, the staple of Asian diet, is an excellent food as it is easy to digest and is neither too hot nor too cold energetically. Other suitable staple foods include potatoes, sweet potatoes, millet, and the like.
From a Chinese energetic perspective, there is nothing wrong with a small amount of meat once a day. Even Tibetan Buddhist monks who believe in the sanctity of all living creatures, eat meat occasionally in order to sustain warmth against the harsh Himalayan winters. In this fast-paced world, most persons have busy lives with demanding schedules, and need the energy and nutrition that meats provide. Although it is possible to obtain adequate nutrition as a vegetarian, most individuals in our society are not proper vegetarians. Many Americans in their attempt to reduce or eliminate meat from their diet actually end up eating an excess of dairy products in the form yogurt, cheese, and milk.
According to Chinese dietary principles, only children should consume milk. One of the common energetic imbalances is a preponderance of dampness. Dairy products, in addition to being highly allergenic substances, are not suitable for individuals with this type of imbalance and should be avoided. In particular, cheese is too warm in property and also produces dampness. Thus, for individuals with a dampness pattern, they may be healthier by eating meat or by learning how to correctly obtain protein from vegetable sources rather than relying so heavily on dairy products.
Another Chinese dietary principle is that all food be eaten while it is warm or hot. In order to utilize food for energy, the body must first bring it to body temperature. Thus, if food is consumed while hot, the body can immediately transform it into energy. This is why drinks with ice, or those consumed upon removal from the refrigerator should be avoided. Preferably, all beverages should be consumed hot, even water, although this is not always practical. When eating out, request beverages without ice, and at home simply do not put ice in drinks, or allow refrigerated ones to come to room temperature before drinking. Since liquids facilitate the transformation of food into energy, hot water or herbal tea should be taken with meals.
Cooking of food actually helps in its being digested since the heating process breaks down the cellulose cell walls of vegetables where most of the vitamins and nutrients are located. By eating mainly warm or hot food, one will feel more energetic, and have fewer digestive complaints.
Another aspect of Chinese diet, which is common to many spiritual traditions, is chewing food carefully. Most individuals chew inattentively and then gulp their food down with liquids. By taking time to chew (usually seven or more times for each bite), digestion is enhanced, as is the enjoyment of the food. Mealtimes should be relaxed and without pressure to finish. The Chinese also advocate eating in season. For healthy persons, this means that when the climate is cold, hot food should be taken, and when the weather is warm, the food temperature may be cooler. Individuals who are not in good health should eat hot food only. Fruits should be eaten in their whole forms, and should not be consumed as juices since the latter are too concentrated.
Ancient Wisdom Li Dongguan, a famous physician of the Jin dynasty, stated that the primordial Qi of the Spleen and Stomach is the foundation of life. Pathogenic injury of the Spleen and Stomach can cause various diseases. Li advocated restraint in food and drink, eating more cereals than meat, being content with life without fame and wealth, and to shun worry and desire. To cultivate the primordial Qi, one should keep warm, avoid wind and cold, as well as overexertion.
Chen Zhongling of the Qing dynasty indicated in his Four Essentials of Health Preservation to eat and drink in moderation, avoid invasion of wind and cold, “spare the mind,” and to shun anger. According to Chinese medicine, if the mind is not calm, problems with the circulation of Qi and blood will arise. Perhaps one would do well to bear in mind the Chinese adage of “Laughter makes one ten years younger, distress causes one hair to become gray, and anger hastens one’s death.” A renowned Chinese poet once wrote, “… with the spirit improved and the mind in a pleasant frame, disease can be cured.”
TEA
Americans drink enormous amounts of coffee. However, not only is caffeine a stimulant with immediate effects, it also overstimulates the adrenal gland which leads to a delayed feeling of fatigue. Furthermore, the acids in coffee can cause digestive problems. In Chinese medicine, coffee is known to be sweet and warm in properties, which is why many coffee drinkers have a preponderance of dampness in their system. On the other hand, tea is slightly bitter and cool in properties, thus making it an important component of Chinese (and Asian) diet.
There are several kinds of tea, the more common of which are green, black, and scented. Green tea is cool in property; it is capable of reducing fever, and is taken in the summer. Black tea warms the spleen and stomach and is particularly suitable to drink in winter. Scented teas, such as jasmine, may be taken during all seasons.
The Tang dynasty poet, Lu Tong, once wrote, “Seven bowls of tea brings seven advantages: One, it promotes the production of body fluids and quenches thirst; two, it refreshes the mind; three, it helps digestion; four, it induces sweating to relieve the common cold; five, it helps fat people reduce weight; six, it activates thinking and strengthens memory; and seven, it ensures longevity.”
DIETARY GUIDELINES
Dietary changes should be introduced slowly, so as not to cause imbalance, exacerbate existing conditions, or even bring on new illnesses. To go too quickly from a high protein and/or junk food diet to one that consists mainly of vegetables and grains is unwise. It is also important to avoid overeating; a better method is to eat less quantity more frequently, and to stop eating before one is full. Breakfast and lunch should be the main meals, and dinner just a light repast. The following are guidelines according to Chinese dietary principles that may be helpful in improving one’s diet and health.
Foods and beverages that should be avoided : Alcohol (except individuals with cold patterns), Raw foods (except during summer months or in warm climates), Junk food, Greasy and fried foods, Sweets and diet foods, Ice cold foods and beverages, Fruit juices.
Recommended foods and beverages: Lean meat — 2 oz per day, Vegetables — Fresh, lightly cooked or stir-fried, with skins retained (skinless for irritable bowel sufferers), Eggs — In moderation, Fruits — Whole (candidiasis sufferers may need to avoid), Grains — Should be mainstay of diet, Rice, Whole grains (if not allergenic), Millet, Wheat (if not allergenic), Buckwheat, Corn (if not allergenic), Oats, Beans and peas, Stews, casseroles, soups.
Foods that may need evaluation: Soy products, Yeast-containing foods, Vinegar, Fermented foods, Nuts, Cereals (may exacerbate digestive conditions), Spicy foods, Citrus fruits, Tomato products, Shellfish.