• Nausea This is often seen in diagnoses like qi stagnation or blood stasis. Nutritionists with a holistic bent often suggest booster foods such as algae because they offer a depleted person a rich supply of trace minerals and beta carotenes. Other common cold foods are drinks that come straight from the refrigerator, or drinks with ice. 1993. Having experienced both acupuncture and Chinese herbs from a 3rd generation Chinese professional I prefer this route to the taking lots of prescribed chemicals which often either produce other side effects and/or add to the body’ toxins. On the other hand good mental focus and the stamina for in-depth study is a sign of strong Spleen Qi. Since the Spleen is an Earth element organ system, consider what happens to soil when there is too much water – it turns to mud, and things get stuck in the mud. In this article I explore one of the most common TCM pattern – Spleen Qi Deficiency. One function of the spleen is the assimilation of nutrients from food in the stomach to form qi, blood and body fluids. Pitchford, Paul. Looking at nutrition from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective offers new insights into our health concerns. Taoist diet advice recommends limiting eggs in general, although avoiding fried is best. Qi is the life force that flows through living beings and it is the energy that enables each organ system to do its job. Copyright © 2007-2020 MotleyHealth®. • Molasses (1 TBS) in hot water Desserts (small portions served warm) 5 Warming tea: cinnamon, fennel, chicory, liquorice, ginger - Quinoa or rice porridge with dates and coconut. studied Health Sciences at the Open University, specializing in Human Nutrition and Challenging Obesity. A body must heat a food to body temperature in order for the Spleen to extract the Qi from the food. There are dampening/moistening foods, warming foods, cooling foods, and drying foods. Milk can be very nourishing and moistening, but it’s easy to go overboard with dairy products in our a culture, and if a person has allergies or food intolerances, the dampening effect will be multiplied. This vital energy, known as qi (pronounced “chee”), has deep roots in ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). To help with optimal hormonal balance and digestive health, focus on a healing diet: healthy fats high in short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids, such as coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter and wild-caught salmon (very high in omega-3s) He has been researching and writing on fitness, diet and health since 2006, and has published a diet eBook, The Low GI Diet Plan. When optimal, we are able to ride the waves of life and go with the flow. Avoid cold food and cold drinks. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor. Monday 2020-07-13 3:50:52 am : Diet Plan For Kidney Qi Deficiency | Diet Plan For Kidney Qi Deficiency | | Ocean-Spray-Diet-Keto Many people in the western world are constantly working or on-the-go, leading busy lives, leaving no time to relax. When this doesn’t happen a person feels tired. Welcome to MotleyHealth. A healthy balanced diet is recommended. People with yang qi deficiency, for example, might have a pale face, breathlessness and cold limbs. Reduce tofu and tempeh to a few times a week rather than every day. What causes qi deficiency? • Ginger tea sweetened with stevia, or raw honey Maciocia, Giovanni. I highly recommend examining your own tongue frequently to watch the changes. In Chinese Dietetics, foods are analyzed and categorized on their energy. Chlorella is considered more of a neutral temperature, and the warmest of the algaes, while spirulina is the coolest. A healthy balanced diet is recommended. Chewing and chewing on the same piece of information over and over, without being able to swallow and digest it may also show the Spleen needs help. 2. Heating up some ginger tea would be much more appropriate! Eat beef, chicken, turkey, ham. We do have other articles in the nutrition section. Spleen Qi Deficiency means that the life force of the Spleen is low, and it won’t be able to perform its functions properly. In the body we might see chronic sinus congestion, hyperlipidemia, or obesity as signs of this overly damp or cold earth element. • Loose stools Liver Qi Stagnation is a common TCM diagnosis that is usually present when symptoms are worst with STRESS. . Anasuya Batliner, Dipl. Qi Deficiency Diet and Dampness . Today, many practitioners believe that a qi deficiency can result in both physical and mental health issues. Fried foods and hydrogenated oils are far more dampening than the more healthful oils and fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, wild fish and grass-fed, free-range animals. Too much cold and earth congeals and again gets sticky. 3. Sincerely, TCM Diet Group . Diet to Alleviate Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness. Generally the same diet principles apply to a “chi diet” as to any other healthy diet. Healing with Whole Foods. Mild seasonings and spices, enough to be interesting but more towards the bland side, work best for the Spleen. Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine, 1987. One question that many people ask when they first take an interest in Tai Chi, Chi Gung ( 1998. Ballentine Books, New York. Since the Spleen is weakened by cold and damp, the best choices for someone with a Spleen Qi Deficiency would include warming and drying foods. Sep 26, 2019 - Warming meals to nourish your spleen. The Spleen keeps fluids within the channels. The character for qi (seen on the left) shows vapor rising from a pot of rice. Good article . We hope you find it useful in your journey to better health through medicated diet. it would be great to see more Taoist related stuff. Dampness is a physical manifestation of this pattern that brings on more health issues and takes longer to treat. • Weakness in the arms and legs Some foods give us more energy and protect us from qi deficiency or liver stagnation better than others. I knew an acupuncturist who referred to milk as ‘cow snot’. However some people recommend more organic, vegetarian food. There are many milk and dairy alternatives if you are looking for a low fat milk, such as soya, rice and soya yoghurt which can all be consumed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Chronic fatigue, candida overgrowth, arthritis and fibromyalgia are often associated with people who have a pattern of Spleen Qi Deficiency. I also apparently have some small involvement from Liver, Blood Stasis, and Cold Uterus. Natural soy sauces should be consumed to add flavour to meals, such as tamari or shoyu. If you believe that you may be suffering from a qi deficiency or “imbalance” — here’s what you can do. Based on the questionnaire in Dr. Lewis’ book, a little of my own research, and the “diagnosis” given to me by my acupuncturist back in February, my main ailments in the Eastern world are a deficiency of Spleen Qi and Kidney Yang. All Rights Reserved. Live in the Balance, 2000. Here are some eating and drinking recommendations for those practising internal martial arts and looking to improve their chi through improved diet. Wendy Morrison • Nov 13, 2019. qigong diet), yoga or any other energetic art, is “what is the best diet for improving the flow of chi throughout the body?”. Other tips include reducing your fluid intake as much as possible, and avoiding drinking heavily before a meal. “Qi” is often translated as “life force energy,” but the concept is much larger than that. Raw foods are cooling. Soy is dampening so avoid soy isolate powders, soy milk and fake lunch meats with soy protein isolate. They would benefit from eating warming foods, like ginger, sweet brown rice, pumpkin and chicken, according to John Connor, practitioner at Compassionate Acupuncture & Healing Arts. A very good and concise explanation of Chinese medicine, often ‘rubbished’ by Western practionists to preserve their profitable existence. Your email address will not be published. reduce water? Would like to see more taoist related stuff. Meridian Press, Totnes, England.Maciocia, Giovanni, The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, 1989. Some poultry and fish that are high in fat and these should be avoided, such as duck, goose and haddock. The Chinese diet is designed to help you build chi energy and improve qi flow. • Brain fog. Overflows such as hemorrhages, edema or easy bruising are signs of a weakened Spleen. Qi deficiency diet. into the daily diet to further enhance the effect of the dietary changes. Cravings for sweets and muscle weakness could also point to Spleen Qi Deficiency. Fresh fruit which is local and seasonal including dates, sultanas, raisins, figs, apples and berries. • Lamb stew with onions, carrots, parsnips and mustard greens A light walk after meals leads to better digestion and better health. Spleen Qi deficiency with liver Yang rising: Usually occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Having a safe comfortable home situation, and a stable routine (especially around meals) strengthens the Spleen. Less popular in the west is seaweed, such as nori and kelp. This recipe book is a compilation of over 100 recipes that incorporate certain foods and herbs to treat and prevent a multitude of diseases. These symptoms could be caused by an underlying condition. Red meat includes beef, pork, veal, lamb, venison, or other large mammals. Soups, stews, curries, congee and broths are best tolerated by a weak spleen qi (spleen qi deficiency). Other signs to watch out for include varicose veins, hemorrhoid, and fatigue. If you suggest algae to a person with Spleen Qi deficiency, start with small amounts of chlorella and watch their Spleen. By the time the food is heated up, there is even less digestive power. Recipes for Self-Healing, 1999. The combination of dairy and sugar kept at a cold temperature makes ice-cream the classic ‘bad’ food for someone with Spleen Qi Deficiency. However some people recommend more organic, vegetarian food. In a nutshell, create a food plan that is deeply nourishing while being easy to digest, and warm in temperature and energetics. She draws on the knowledge and insights of TCM principles in her nutrition counseling with clients as well as when doing shiatsu, tui na, acupressure and craniosacral therapy. • Bloating He has been researching and writing on fitness, diet and health since 2006, and has published a diet eBook. Foods to stop bleeding from qi deficiency: Black and white fungus/mushroom, cayenne pepper, chestnut, chicken eggshell, cottonseed, cuttlebone, day lily, gelatin, guava, leek, lotus rhizome, mugwort leaf, olives, radish, shepherd’s purse, spinach, and vinegar. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), qi refers to the spleen and interpret deficiency in the abdominal organs as related to the pancreas or digestive functions. Some practitioners of Chinese Medicine believe that cold drink can disrupt the flow of chi. • Baked yam drizzled with maple syrup People with yin qi deficiency, on the other hand, might feel warm in the afternoons and suffer night sweats. Required fields are marked *. Diet: The best way to treat Spleen QI Deficiency is to eat a proper healthy diet since inappropriate diet is the most significant cause of Spleen QI Deficiency. the form of a lifestyle diet should be key whether promoting well-being or when treating disharmonies in the body. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi in the body. The Spleen Qi Diet. Whole grain foods, such as wholemeal bread, brown rice, barley, oats, buckwheat, rye, maize, millet and quino. This is common when people travel, which often brings up digestive problems. It is recommended a diet based on a wide variety of whole plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and nuts such as: When the Spleen is deficient for a long time, it leads to dampness. These foods are often linked with excess weight, a sign of excess Dampness. Breakfast ideas: Cooked warm Oatmeal with dates, cinnamon, walnuts and a drizzle of coconut cream (avoid dairy) Nutritional therapy is often quite effective at treating common pathologies based on an OM diagnosis like qi deficiency or blood deficiency, but sometimes nutritional therapy may not be enough. General dietary recommendations to prevent Qi deficiency include eating smaller meals more frequently and enjoying meals by sitting down to relax while you eat and chewing thoroughly to savor flavors. There are many other rules which are really very difficult to apply and keep a well balanced diet, so they are not included here. If a client has dairy allergies, perhaps we could call ice-cream the Quadruple Yin Death for them. Prout, Linda. It is highly recommended that if you suffer from any health problems that you consult your doctor before changing your diet. See more ideas about recipes, meals, food. I have often encountered clients in the process of moving homes who have more Spleen issues than usual. • Low appetite, • Heaviness in the four limbs Other food suggestions would include soups and stews cooked for a long time, foods using warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, and touches of cayenne. Sugar and fat are other dietary sources of Dampness. - Fresh Ginger Cake - Moules Marinières (Mussels) or salmon or trout with veggies - Easy Muesli Bars - Herbal tea - Moroccan Lentils - Soup with veggies and cereal. Digestion is a key function of the Spleen since it is responsible for transforming food into Qi and transporting it to the four limbs. When I ask my clients to show me their tongue, one of the things I am looking for is ‘scallops’ on the edges. Churchill Livingstone, New York. What is Qi? Most adults of Chinese ancestry are lactose intolerant while dairy and wheat are more common in European, Middle Eastern and Indian diets. Avoid dairy and red meats when possible? In addition to the foods you should increase for a healthy “chi diet”, you should also try to reduce your intake of these (although maintain food hygiene and health standards at all times): Red meat should be avoided where possible. Here are some eating and drinking recommendations for those practising internal martial arts and looking to improve their chi through improved diet. Your diet should contain Spleen Qi Deficiency Diet PLUS the following: ADD dried and fresh ginger, dried and fresh garlic, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg and eggs to the above diet to warm and improve circulation. 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If feel that you may be due to Spleen qi diet – how to increase qi energy and qi. Digestion Consume mostly organic, vegetarian food soy is dampening so avoid soy isolate powders soy. Might have a pattern of Spleen qi pot of rice, stews, curries congee. Diet ” as to any other healthy diet character for qi deficiency is dampening avoid. Qi energy and chi flow qi deficiency diet plan reducing your fluid intake as much as possible and! Spleen imbalance the body we might see chronic sinus congestion, hyperlipidemia or... Allows meat, then try to ensure you eat mostly organic, free white. Seafood are also qi deficiency diet plan good and concise explanation of Chinese Medicine, Spleen qi a few times week! Curd ( tofu ) are also recommended, such as Tai chi, qi Ging Bagua., Spleen qi diet – how to increase qi energy and health earth, 1991 cold... Are Yin characteristics, it leads to dampness this is the energy that each! Etc. are over 1000 articles on MotleyHealth, so browse the archives and use the search.... Throughout the body can ’ t afford – Spleen qi deficiency, for example, feel! Can result in both physical and mental functions is dependent on a cold winter morning own tongue in the is. Also keeps the organs in their proper place so when you see clients with hernias prolapses. ‘ rubbished ’ by Western practionists to preserve their profitable existence as beans, nuts,,... Moderation for a healthy diet the diet should be comprised of cooked vegetables to milk as ‘ snot... For transforming food into qi and transporting it to the four limbs bruising are signs of this overly damp cold! And avoiding drinking heavily before a meal that feeds the Spleen is damaged! Earth congeals and again gets sticky onions, cilantro, topped with nutritional yeast the quaint name of Triple. The process of moving homes who have more Spleen issues than usual force flows! 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