In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food is more than fuel—it is daily medicine. One of the most important dietary principles in TCM is eating warm or cooked foods, especially for digestion, energy, and mental clarity.
This idea centers around a concept known as digestive fire—the body’s ability to break down food, absorb nutrients, and turn what we eat into usable energy.
Cold or raw foods require the body to spend extra energy warming them before digestion can even begin. Over time, this drains digestive fire.
Warm foods, on the other hand:
Are easier to digest
Support nutrient absorption
Help maintain steady metabolism
Reduce bloating and stagnation
This is why TCM strongly favors soups, stews, porridges, and cooked vegetables, especially in the morning and colder months.
The Importance of Hot or Warm Foods in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture for autoimmune disease
Acupuncture has been increasingly studied as a complementary treatment for autoimmune diseases, with research suggesting several potential benefits such as reduction of inflammation, improvement of pain, enhanced quality of life and immune system regulation.
Long COVID Symptoms & TCM
The lung and kidney are viewed as a paired organ system playing a crucial role in maintaining respiratory health. This concept is rooted in the theory that the lung governs the qi (vital energy) and respiration, while the kidney is responsible for grasping the qi and ensuring its smooth flow throughout the body. Acupuncture points are selected to treat shortness of breath, diminished lung function, fatigue and allergies.
Acupuncture for Lyme disease symptoms
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that can help in the management of Lyme disease symptoms. Research shows that acupuncture can reduce pain, improve immune function, and enhance overall well-being. It works by stimulating specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy, clear heat and resolve dampness. These climatic factors (heat, dampness etc.) are involved in Lyme and various co-infections. Acupuncture points and herbal formulas are selected to bring balance to these conditions
Understanding Minerals
Minerals are the essential nutrients which play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. However, in today's fast-paced world, mineral deficiencies have become increasingly common. From soil depletion, chronic stress and the widespread use of medications, minerals are missing from our bodies.
Post Viral Fatigue
PVT is multi-factorial involving the nervous system, immune system, endocrine system and musculoskeletal system. From a cellular level there is loss of function in energy production.
Some key theories in post viral fatigue point to inflammatory cytokines and gut dysbiosis. In Chinese medicine theory it is the presence of pathogenic damp that correlates to a lingering pathogen. Pathogenic damp effectively “blankets” the nervous system, “dampening” the organs and decreasing their function.
Women’s Health Featured
Why Yin Matters in PeriMenopause & Beyond
Yin is the body’s cooling and nourishing foundation. It includes:
Fluids and Blood that moisten tissues and joints
Essence (Jing), our deep reserves tied to hormones and aging
The ability to rest, repair, and sleep deeply
When Yin is sufficient, we feel calm, grounded, hydrated, emotionally steady, and resilient.
Perimenopause and menopause are closely linked to the Kidney system in TCM, which governs hormones, aging, bones, and long-term vitality.
As women move into midlife, Kidney Yin naturally begins to decline. This is not a failure of the body—it’s a normal transition.
Think of it like a pond slowly receding.
When the water level drops, the sun feels hotter on the land.
In the body, this looks like less cooling Yin to balance Yang, which can create sensations of heat, dryness, and restlessness.
This stage is often called the “Second Spring” in TCM—a shift away from fertility and toward longevity, wisdom, and preservation. The key is learning how to protect and replenish Yin during this transition.
Blood Deficiency: The Hidden Root of Dry Skin, Hair Loss, & Fatigue
In TCM, Blood is one of the body’s essential substances. It works closely with Qi (energy) and plays a central role in physical strength, mental clarity, skin, emotional balance, and reproductive health.
Blood in TCM is about quality, circulation, and function, not just volume.
Blood also anchors the Shen (mind and spirit), promoting emotional stability, clear thinking, and restful sleep. In women especially, healthy Blood supports menstruation, fertility, and hormonal balance across all life stages.
Blood deficiency can look different from person to person. Common signs include:
Pale complexion or lips
Fatigue and weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Dry skin, hair, or eyes
Brittle nails or hair
Poor memory or concentration
Anxiety or restlessness
Difficulty falling asleep
Numbness or tingling in limbs
Scanty, delayed, or irregular periods
Fertility challenges
