Diet is part and parcel of treating injury and disease in Chinese medicine. Thanks to their ideology and value system, the Chinese have made this concept very practical: all foods are good, but certain foods are better for you right now depending on your condition. Six months later, your dietary needs and tolerances may shift.

Healing is a process which requires energy. We experience this everytime we get a cold and sleep for twelve hours, or when we when we need rest after surgery, or when we have a hangover and have to move half as slowly as usual. If our bodies are challenged by the intake of foods which tax the digestive system, it may delay or worsen the condition.  Most of this is common sense, and that’s how Chinese medicine approaches diet. A variety of foods when one is healthy, with a few slight exclusions and additions when one is not healthy, yield the best results in recovery.

If dealing with an injury, you may want to avoid foods such a shellfish, spicy, raw or cold foods, while paying attention to the amount of protein you ingest. For women with menstrual cramps, cold foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, iced drinks, ice cream, etc are not the best choices, while foods seasoned with cinnamon or ginger or other warming spices are usually better.  Chinese medicine sees all foods in terms of temperature, taste, effect, and meridian route.  It sees foods not in terms of vitamins, or oils, or components which can be removed and packaged, but as whole foods with actions and uses both general and empirical.

While I respect everyone’s choice to eat the way they want, if I think someone will benefit from practical modifications in diet based on Chinese medicine, I advise them accordingly. Not everyone wants to modify their diet of course, and that’s fine. If you choose to, however, you will find it an empowering part of Chinese medicine which you can use every day.