ENERGY-BASED DIETARY THERAPY FOR WINTER
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is the season in which the Water element predominates, governed by the Zang-Fu (organs) – the Kidney and the Bladder. Diet is one of the therapeutic tools of this ancient medical system, alongside acupuncture, Tuina massage, herbal medicine, physical exercise, etc. Adapting our diet to the season is essential for both maintaining and restoring health.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
First and foremost, bear in mind that TCM bases nutrition on the energetic effect that foods have on the body, which is largely a result of their flavour. The salty flavour is characteristic of the Water element. Therefore, during this season, it is advisable to include foods with a naturally salty flavour (not processed salt), such as seaweed, seafood and miso, but do not overindulge in them so as not to force the kidneys to work harder than necessary. It is therefore not advisable to consume brine, mature cheeses, tinned foods or cured meats. Other foods that nourish our Water organs are those that are black or dark in colour, such as black sesame seeds, azuki beans, black beans, etc.
As the Water element is the most Yin of all the elements, we should include foods that are warm or lukewarm in both their nature and how they are cooked (no melon ;-).
We should highlight roots that invigorate the Blood and Essence (ginger, parsnip, carrot), warm-natured grains (buckwheat, quinoa, oats or millet), oilseeds that provide calorific value and essence (walnuts), and warming spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, etc.).
WHAT TO AVOID
Furthermore, we must bear in mind that the Earth element attacks the Water element according to the cycle of opposition; therefore, overindulging in foods high in sugar (cakes, sugar, sweetened dairy products, etc.) weakens our kidneys and our bones, which are nourished by the Water element (in fact, we now know that osteoporosis is exacerbated by sugar intake).
Another element that weakens Water is Wood (its child in the cycle of generation), so we should also avoid overindulging in acidic foods (pickles, citrus juices, etc.) at this time of year.
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