Traditional Chinese Medicine is a system of medicine developed over 3 thousand years ago. It is a holistic approach to healing that promotes balancing yin, yang, and qi to bring harmony to the body. TCM providers look at the body as a whole, not separate systems to be treated differently or as stand alone entities.
Did you know that in TCM, each organ is associated with different aspects of health? In part 1 I’ll be sharing about the Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys, Lungs and Large Intestine and what roles those organs play in bringing balance to the body. Later in part 2, I’ll share how we can nourish yin, yang, qi and blood and why it is important to do so. Let’s dive in!
Spleen and Stomach | Earth Element | Sweet Flavor
In TCM, the spleen and stomach are known as the central source for building qi. These organs are responsible for the assimilation of nutrients by transporting and transforming the food we eat into blood and qi. The spleen and stomach is where TCM providers begin when treating any imbalance in the body, mind, and spirit.
Supporting the Spleen and Stomach
We can support the spleen and stomach by supporting our microbiome and being mindful of our food intake. Here are some practical ways to support your spleen and stomach:
Consume cultured foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha
- Take probiotic supplements
- Prioritize warm, cooked and easy to digest foods like soup, stews and bone broth
- Avoid cold and raw foods
- Limit ultra processed foods
- Be mindful of your sugar intake as it can lead to spleen damage and create dampness (yeast, phlegm, diarrhea, bloating, IBS, etc) in the body
- Keep your blood sugar balanced by eating within an hour of waking, consume a healthy balance of protein, fat and complex carbohydrates
Kidneys | Water Element | Salty Flavor
In TCM, the kidneys are often talked about in relation to “Jing” meaning “essence”. Jing is given to us at the moment of conception, containing our DNA and potential. In TCM, the kidneys hold this essence. A few of the major ways that our jing is depleted is through alcohol, substance use and excess sexual activity. Common signs that your jing is depleted include poor memory, pain in the low back or knees, premature graying, weak bones and tooth decay.
Supporting the Kidneys and Jing
Nurturing our kidneys through food, rest, managing stress and other lifestyle choices is vital for nurturing jing. Here are some practical ways to support kidneys:
- Prioritize rest by going to bed at a reasonable time and practicing good sleep hygiene
- Practice moderation with alcohol
- Manage stress levels by practicing mindfulness and letting go of what we cannot control
- Eat nutrient-dense and salty foods such as organ meats, bone marrow, oysters, clams, mussels, row, royal jelly, nuts and seeds
- Work with a TCM practitioner to add herbs that nourish the kidneys and adrenals
Lungs and Large Intestine | Metal Element | Acrid Flavor
In TCM, the lungs and large intestine support our elimination pathways and immune system and are also correlated to immunologic infertility. The lungs and large intestine are associated with both physical and emotional detoxification- the lungs breathing in what we need and the large intestine discarding what we do not need.
Supporting the Lungs and Large Intestine
To support detoxification, elimination and our immune system, it is important to prioritize the
health of our lungs and large intestine. Here are some practical ways to support the lungs and
large intestine:
- Prioritize rest and good sleep hygiene
- Eat a nutrient dense and varied diet
- Focus on minerals like zinc and selenium
- Practice holding healthy boundaries
- Get your bowels moving daily
- Reduce inflammation with systemic enzymes, NAC, vitamin C and turmeric
- Incorporate movement practices such as yoga, walking, pilates and strength training
TCM for Health and Healing
By bringing balance to the body through Traditional Chinese Medicine practices, you will promote holistic health and healing. There are many elements of TCM including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbs, diet, tai chi, qigong, massage and more that can be done to bring harmony to the body. By working with a TCM practitioner they can help you address the root of many issues and illnesses. TCM practitioners take into account the whole body when diagnosing certain problems because, as we discussed here, the body is made of many interconnected systems.
If you are interested in learning more about TCM, we would love to connect with you!