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
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.
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.
Acupuncture for Low Back Pain
Acupuncture can help in the treatment of low back pain, including conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, scoliosis and stenosis. Acupuncture is often recommended as part of an integrative treatment plan and has been found to reduce pain intensity, improve mobility, lower the need for pain medications and enhance quality of life.
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.
The Concept of Blood Deficiency in TCM
Blood deficiency is a condition where the blood is insufficient to nourish the body, particularly the organs, tissues and mind. It is not merely about the quantity of blood but also its quality and ability to fulfill its functions, such as nourishing and moistening the body and maintaining mental clarity. Blood plays a crucial role in anchoring the Shen. Shen is closely linked to mental and emotional health, and it is said to reside in the heart. Sufficient blood nourishes the heart and allows the Shen to be calm and stable, promoting clear thinking, emotional balance and restful sleep.
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
