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Episode #12 – Liver Health in TCM: Nutritional Strategies for Harmony
Episode #24 – Heart Health in TCM: Nutritional Strategies to balance body & mind
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Show Notes
It’s finally my favorite time of year—fall! Here in Canada, the season transforms our surroundings into a mesmerizing palette of reds, oranges, and browns, thanks to the beautiful maple trees. It’s not only a time to pull out scarves and warm sweaters but also a season of preparation and reflection for both nature and ourselves. In this podcast, I talk all about how the fall season particularly connects to lung health and nutrition, according to TCM.
In TCM, the fall season is associated with the metal element and the lung and large intestine system. It’s a time when yang energy from summer begins to wane, and yin energy starts to ascend, preparing us for the winter season. Just as the harvest moon provides extra light for farmers to gather their crops, fall is a period of gathering and storing, both physically and emotionally.
Lung Health (and Large Intestine) – Functions and Challenges ⚙️
Our lungs are linked to breathing and immunity, while the large intestine is responsible for letting go. The cooler, drier air of fall can dry out our lungs and skin, making hydration crucial. Conditions like asthma and dry coughs often become pronounced, making it essential to nourish and protect these organs. Fall is also a metaphorical season of our lives, highlighting transitions like menopause, which brings about dryness in various forms.
Nourishing the Lung Health (and Large Intestine) in Fall 🍂
To maintain lung health during this season, consider incorporating warm, hydrating foods like pears, apples, and soups into your diet. Probiotic-rich foods are also crucial for supporting the large intestine. Breathing exercises and practices like journaling can aid in letting go of emotional baggage, thus supporting both mental and physical health.
Lung Health TCM Nutrition: Tailored for Every Individual 🫁
Principles of TCM Nutrition
- Eat Seasonal Foods: Align your diet with the natural rhythm of your environment.
- Consume Local Foods: Local foods are fresher and more harmonious with our surroundings.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Chew your food thoroughly and avoid distractions like phones during meals.
- Consider Genetic Background: Adapt your diet to your personal health tendencies and cultural background.
Common Patterns and Food Recommendations
Chronic Heat in the Lung: Symptoms: Dry cough, feeling hot, red tongue, yellow nasal discharge, itchy throat, smelly bowel movements, and constipation. Recommended Foods: Cantaloupe, apples, pears, peaches, radishes, cabbage, papaya, cauliflower, bok choy. Foods to Avoid: Alcohol, coffee, garlic, onion, ginger, and spicy foods. Sample Meal: Tofu stir-fried with greens on a bed of quinoa with mint tea.
Phlegm in the Lung: Symptoms: Chronic coughing of mucus, wheezing, hoarding tendencies. Recommended Foods: Mushrooms, seaweed, flax seeds, fennel, asparagus. Foods to Avoid: Dairy and overly cold foods. Sample Meal: Raspberries with quinoa and flaxseed porridge, lentil and mushroom soup, ginger lemon tea.
Lung Qi Deficiency: Symptoms: Fatigue, weak voice, shortness of breath, frequent colds. Recommended Foods: Carrots, oats, rice, sweet potatoes, yams, garlic, molasses, fatty fish. Foods to Avoid: Raw foods, excessive greens, dairy. Sample Meal: Steamed salmon with a side of sauerkraut and sweet potatoes, hot cacao with organic cacao.
Lung Yin Deficiency: Symptoms: Dry throat, dry cough, heat at night, red cheeks. Recommended Foods: Pears, apples, bananas, tofu, clams, tempeh, seeds, and nuts. Foods to Avoid: Bitter foods, overly hot or spicy foods. Sample Meal: Warm porridge with poached pear and honey, baked fatty fish with kale and roasted apples, stir-fried tempeh with greens and mushrooms.
Personal Story: The Importance of Lung Health 💪🏼
I was born 10 weeks premature and my mother smoked during her pregnancy. My delicate start in life left me with asthma, but as I grew, my lungs became stronger. Now, as someone who speaks and teaches often, I’ve learned the importance of nourishing my lung qi. This reflection reminds me of how crucial it is to maintain our lung health, especially as our voices are essential tools for communication and expression.
Conclusion
Fall is a beautiful season for reflection, preparation, and nourishment. Understanding the TCM approach to lung and large intestine health can help you adjust your diet and lifestyle to harmonize with this transitional time. For more TCM resources and personalized nutrition recommendations, visit Acupro Academy and download my free Chinese medicine nutrition PDF.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Keep nourishing your body, mind, and spirit, and embrace the wisdom of TCM this fall season.
Disclaimer
The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. As well as, users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.
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