The Importance of Hot or Warm Foods in Traditional Chinese Medicine

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.

Continue
hormone health, womens health, gut health, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM hormone health, womens health, gut health, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM

Hormone Health & Beans

Looking for simple ways to improve your health? Then look no further than the magical bean! Beans are high in fiber and nutrients essential for digestive health and hormone health. Beans play a significant role in supporting hormone health due to their nutrient and fiber rich profile. Fiber is essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels, which directly affects hormone regulation.

Read More
Nourish, womens health, fertility, gut health, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM Nourish, womens health, fertility, gut health, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM

The Importance of Hot or Warm Foods in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food is more than just fuel for the body; it is medicine that can restore balance and harmony. One important aspect of TCM dietary therapy is the emphasis on consuming hot or warm foods. This practice is closely tied to the concept of "digestive fire," which plays a vital role in how our bodies process food and absorb nutrients. By eating warm foods, we can nurture our digestive system, support overall health, and promote well-being on multiple levels.

Read More
Nourish, gut health, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM Nourish, gut health, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM

Bitters as medicine

Bitters have a rich history of use in various medicinal traditions for their profound health benefits. Whether you are looking to improve digestion, support detoxification, or simply enhance your overall well-being, incorporating bitters into your routine can be a natural and effective solution. Drawing from the wisdom of ancient Greek medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, bitters offer a holistic approach to health that is both time-tested and relevant in modern times.

Read More
gut health, hormone health, Autoimmune, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM gut health, hormone health, Autoimmune, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM

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.

Read More
Nourish, gut health, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM Nourish, gut health, Food Therapy Dr. Audrey Powell L.Ac. DACM

The Low FODMAP Diet

The principle behind the diet is simple. FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger digestive issues in sensitive individuals. FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can ferment in the gut, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Read More
Nourish, gut health, Food Therapy Inner Gardener Acupuncture Nourish, gut health, Food Therapy Inner Gardener Acupuncture

The Healing Power of Dandelion

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification, breaking down harmful substances and metabolizing drugs. Dandelion root tea aids in this process by stimulating bile production, which helps in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, its diuretic properties support the elimination of waste products through urine, further enhancing detoxification.

Read More