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
Understanding Spleen Qi: The Foundation of Energy, Blood, and Immunity
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen is one of the most important organs for overall health. It is responsible for transforming food into energy, building blood, and supporting immune strength. When Spleen Qi is strong, digestion is efficient, energy is steady, the immune system is resilient, and the body feels grounded and nourished. When it is weak, symptoms often ripple throughout the entire system.
Healing Eczema with Acupuncture & Herbs
According to TCM, the skin is closely related to the Lungs, Spleen, and Liver. The Lungs govern the skin and are responsible for dispersing and regulating fluids in the body. A weakened Lung system can lead to dryness or an inability to expel external pathogens, making the skin more vulnerable to eczema. The Spleen governs digestion and fluid metabolism. Poor Spleen function can lead to dampness or an accumulation of toxins that manifest as skin conditions like eczema. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. When Liver Qi is stagnant or Liver Heat is excessive, it can cause flare-ups of skin inflammation, redness, and itching.
The Power of Prevention and Early Action Against Colds and Flus
With cold and flu season looming, it’s essential to fortify your immune system. Whether you're traveling, attending large gatherings, or simply preparing for cooler months, prevention is key. Taking the right herbs and supplements at the onset of symptoms—or even preventatively—can make a significant difference in your body’s ability to fend off illness. For a comprehensive list of my go to's for cold and flu season, learn more.
Boosting Immunity with Acupuncture
As autumn approaches, it's important to focus on strengthening our immune system to stay healthy during the colder months. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on immunity, viewing it through the lens of seasonal energetics and the Five Elements theory. One of the key elements associated with autumn is the Metal element, which governs the Lung and Large Intestine organs, both crucial for maintaining a strong immune defense
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.
Finding Relief from Allergies with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
For allergies and allergic rhinitis, acupuncture can help by strengthening Wei Qi and boosting the body's defensive energy to protect against allergens. Acupuncture sessions can provide immediate relief from symptoms, while herbal formulas work to strengthen the body’s overall resistance to allergens over time. Consulting with a licensed TCM practitioner can help tailor treatments to individual needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing allergies.
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
