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 Autoimmune Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
The TCM perspective on autoimmune diseases provides a holistic framework for understanding and managing these complex conditions. By recognizing the patterns of dampness, heat, toxic heat, and wind, and employing targeted herbal formulas and acupuncture, TCM offers valuable tools for mitigating symptoms and improving patients' quality of life.
Enterovirus & Summer Colds: TCM perspective
During the peak of summer, the intense heat can deplete bodily fluids, leading to a condition known as "summer-heat." This can weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to viral infections such as enteroviruses and summer colds. Symptoms often include fever, sore throat, and gastrointestinal issues. Acupuncture and herbs are beneficial to building the immune system and resolving symptoms faster.
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
Sciatica Relief With Acupuncture
Acupuncture offers a natural, non-pharmacological approach to managing sciatica. By reducing pain, improving functionality, decreasing inflammation and enhancing quality of life, acupuncture can be a valuable treatment for sciatica sufferers. If you are struggling with sciatica, book a new patient appointment and explore how this ancient practice can support your path to recovery.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Chemotherapy Patients
TCM Acupuncture has garnered significant interest as a complementary treatment for managing chemotherapy-induced side effects in cancer patients. Numerous studies published between 2010 and 2024 in reputable medical journals highlight the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating various symptoms associated with chemotherapy. This summary synthesizes findings from eight studies, demonstrating the benefits of acupuncture for chemotherapy patients.
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.
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
