Diet in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Author: Martina Ilic, Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

The Spleen and Stomach in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen and Stomach are central to the digestive process. These organs are responsible for transforming and transporting food, ensuring nutrients are sent to the Heart and Lungs to be converted into blood. When the diet is poor or irregular, the Spleen and Stomach can become weakened, making it difficult for them to perform their vital functions. This can lead to an accumulation of coldness or dampness, which causes digestive issues.

Common symptoms of this include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, weight gain, fatigue (especially in the afternoon), sleep disturbances, menstrual problems, and even fertility concerns.

Food can be the best medicine, but it can also be a cause of illness.

In TCM, caring for your Spleen and Stomach is considered essential to maintaining overall health and wellness.

Advice for Digestive Health

To support the Spleen and Stomach, consider the following lifestyle and dietary tips. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can also help restore balance to your digestive system, potentially alleviating digestive issues and assisting with weight loss.

• Limit raw and cold foods – The Spleen and Stomach thrive on warmth. Eating too many raw or cold foods forces these organs to work harder, impairing digestion. It’s best to avoid daily salads or smoothies. Instead, incorporate warming foods like lamb or ginger. Soups and bone broths are also excellent choices for nourishing the body.

• Moderation is key – Aim for a balanced diet with a variety of flavours. Avoid overindulging in any one taste.

• Choose whole, organic foods – Processed foods and sweets can harm digestion. Pesticides and additives found in non-organic foods may also contribute to digestive issues.

• Follow the TCM eating schedule – In TCM, meal timing is important for proper digestion:

  • Breakfast: 7 am – 9 am

  • Lunch: 11 am – 1 pm

  • Dinner: 5 pm – 7 pm

  • Be in bed by 11 pm to allow your body to rest and digest effectively.

• Start your day with warm water – Drinking a glass of warm water first thing in the morning helps flush out toxins and rehydrates the body after hours of sleep. It also kick-starts the digestive process.

• Eat mindfully – Avoid distractions while eating. Chew your food thoroughly to aid digestion and absorb nutrients effectively.

By following these recommendations and considering acupuncture or herbal medicine, you can support your digestive health and restore balance to your system.

So if you have digestive issues, want to lose weight or want to feel better, book an appointment now, lettuce work through it together

Martina Ilic