The Dao of Medicine says, “Diet should be moderate.” Meaning, one should eat in accordance with the seasons, consuming foods that are in season. Even eating according to the changes of the 24 solar terms.
In the “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon,” in the chapter “Discourse on the Four Qi to Regulate Spirit,” it discusses how we should adjust our behaviors, thoughts, and actions in accordance with the regular patterns of spring growth, summer flourishing, autumn harvest, and winter storage.
1. Eating is not just about consuming food as a material substance, but also about absorbing the energy of growth, development, harvest, and storage.
The Dao of Medicine emphasizes moderation in diet, suggesting to eat according to the seasons and consume seasonal foods. Even following the changes of the 24 solar terms. In the “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon,” it is mentioned how to adjust one’s behavior, thoughts, and actions following the patterns of spring growth, summer flourishing, autumn harvest, and winter storage.
For example, in spring, one should eat tender shoots and green leaves and consume less meat. Spring is not a season for slaughter; as the “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon: Plain Questions” says, “Do not kill, do not seize, reward without punishment. This is the way of spring qi. Going against it harms the liver.” Therefore, it is advisable to consume less meat and minimize any harmful behaviors towards the environment, others, and other living beings.
In the hot summer, excessive sweating can cause salt loss, so one can consume slightly salty foods to replenish salt levels. Summer is also suitable for consuming some meat, as animal products provide essential nutrients. Despite the hot weather in summer, the body’s heat is mostly concentrated on the surface, while the stomach and intestines remain cool. Hence, consuming warm foods in summer is recommended. “The most foolish thing in summer is to eat ice cream!”
Autumn is a season prone to dryness, so eating fruits and seasonal produce that can nourish yin and moisten dryness is beneficial.
In winter, it is advisable to consume fruits from plants, nuts are especially good. Additionally, one should eat what can be harvested locally, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and radishes. Dried vegetables like dried eggplants are also delightful. Avoid consuming out-of-season leafy greens in winter; as it is a time for storage, consuming foods stored underground is more appropriate. Leafy greens that belong to the spring qi can send the body the wrong signal, promoting growth while the body should be storing energy, leading to confusion in the body’s signals.
2. The environment shapes dietary habits.
Due to variations in climate and environment, different regions have unique dietary habits suited to local conditions and crop availability.
The saying goes, “One region’s food shapes its people.” Our main diet should consist of foods produced within a radius of a hundred miles. This constitutes the “regular diet,” occasional deviations are acceptable, but excessive consumption can lead to imbalances and digestive issues due to non-adaptation to local conditions.
Non-adaptation to local conditions was a significant concern for ancient people. During the Three Kingdoms period, soldiers in the Battle of Chibi mostly succumbed not to battle wounds but to epidemics (malaria and non-adaptation to local conditions). When people traveled to foreign regions, especially northerners to the south, failure to acclimatize to the damp conditions often led to digestive disorders and weakened vitality.
Even in modern times, non-adaptation without traveling outside can be seen, like the common phenomenon of indulging in various cuisines available in Beijing, leading to non-adaptation. Creating non-adaptation can trigger various health issues even if apparent discomfort is not felt immediately after consumption.
3. Consuming a balanced regular diet preserves vital energy!
The more exotic the food, the higher the energy consumption. Consuming a regular diet minimizes energy expenditure. Thus, eating familiar foods from the local region results in minimal energy consumption. For instance, inland residents should consume less seafood and instead opt for poultry and livestock products. When consuming fish, prioritize freshwater fish as coastlines are not readily accessible.
Traditional Chinese medicine also assesses the nature of foods based on their seasonal production to determine their cooling or warming effects. For instance, while modern science may not distinguish much between winter and spring bamboo shoots, traditional Chinese medicine considers their seasonal production as essential – as winter shoots have storage qualities benefiting the kidneys, ideal for pairing with pork in dishes. Spring shoots, on the other hand, are invigorating for the liver – for some, this invigorating property may manifest as an allergic reaction due to the release of excess internal humidity.
Plants like mushrooms and moss, based on their growth environment, exhibit yin and cool characteristics, nourishing yin and suitable for individuals with deficient heat or moisture conditions. Such ingredients combine well with warm foods, like chicken stew with mushrooms, balancing out the warmth of the chicken with the coolness of the mushroom, creating a harmonious dish.
4. Food possesses its own essence, energy, and nature.
Western nutrition science primarily focuses on the quantitative nutritional differences between chicken and pork, considering them as meat without much distinction in essence. Traditional Chinese medicine, however, emphasizes the distinct qualities of food beyond just nutrients, recognizing the energetic and information nuances each food carries. For instance, birds tend to possess warm qualities, fish exhibit cool characteristics, and land animals lie somewhere in between. By consuming food, individuals are not only ingesting substances but also absorbing different energies and informational essences that impact their well-being.
Individuals consuming chicken regularly often exhibit hyperactivity and heat tendency. Children may develop inflamed tonsils, fever, and hyperactivity issues, often linked to excessive chicken consumption. Overindulgence in spicy chicken dishes affects one’s liver blood, leading to conditions like shallow sleep, early awakening, and difficulty falling asleep due to deficient yin and excessive yang. In such cases, moderation in consuming cooler foods like duck is advised.
For adults experiencing sleep disturbances and insomnia due to yang excess and blood deficiency, avoiding chicken consumption and opting for astringent foods like mulberry leaves can be beneficial. Mulberry leaves absorb abundant autumnal qi, uniquely toning the liver qi and enriching the liver blood.
People have different approaches to eating based on intuition, sensory perception, consciousness, or scientific knowledge. It is crucial to trust one’s innate sensations and feelings while eating, as these often surpass acquired knowledge and conscious decisions. Overreliance on scientific upbringing methods may not always be as effective as traditional practices that align with the natural order and simplicity of life.
Traditional Chinese medicine, after centuries of experimentation, has devised methods to alter the natural properties of food to match human needs. For instance, the processing of Chinese herbal medicine changes their natures to suit specific bodily requirements. Fermentation is another effective method that refines the energy essence of grains, turning them into wine, which impacts the body uniquely with its robust energy. Cooking techniques also play a role in altering the nature of food to harmonize with the human body, ensuring better compatibility. Understanding the essence of ingredients and aligning with their nature is vital for maintaining health and balance.
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