‘He that takes medicine and neglects diet, wastes the skills of the physician.’

 – Chinese proverb

Although Eastern and Western medicine share a similar belief that a balanced diet is essential for achieving and maintaining good health, their understanding of nutrition is very different.

The Western approach to diet measures nutritional composition and structure, such as: protein, fat, carbohydrate, calorie, vitamin, and mineral content. Dietary recommendations are based on scientific experiments and epidemiological studies.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) foods are classed by their energetic temperature, as either heating, cooling, drying, or dampening. Specific flavours also correspond with individual organs. For example, sour foods such as lemon and vinegar are associated with the liver, sweet foods such as tuna with the spleen, pungent foods such as garlic with the lungs, salty foods such as seaweed with the kidney and bitter foods such as dark green leafy vegetables with the heart. Foods are selected or removed from a diet depending on an individual’s pattern or constitution. This is determined following a detailed consultation and physical assessment. The findings are modified further by taking account of lifestyle, environment, climate, and season. In balancing all these energetic factors patients can achieve optimum health, by preventing and reversing the effects of illness.

At Blossom Health the best of both worlds is combined in an integrative approach to nutrition.  The ancient knowledge of TCM is merged with the findings of modern western medicine to give patients a nutritional plan that is unique to their constitution, current health, and lifestyle so that they can enjoy optimum health and wellbeing.

East meets West

The Eastern and Western approach share some common ground when it comes to nutritional advice.  Most people will benefit from the following tips:

(* Patients with special dietary needs may have other requirements)

• reduce intake of processed foods and opt for fresh whole foods instead. Processed foods are linked to disease, whereas whole foods are linked to good health.

• include protein with every meal. Protein is broken down slowly by the body, allowing blood glucose levels to remain stable. Quality sources include fish, beans, chicken, beef, eggs, nuts, seeds, and lentils.

• increase nutritionally dense foods such as fruits and vegetables. These foods have many benefits for the body, including fighting and preventing disease.

• eat moderate amounts of food at set intervals and avoid eating two hours prior to bedtime. Your body needs energy to function well during the day.  Avoiding food two hours before going to bed enhances the quality of your sleep and allows your digestive system to rest. (*caution with diabetic patients).

• limit deep fried and high sugar foods. Modern science demonstrates the negative impact these foods have on the body and brain. In TCM too much sugar and oily foods damage the spleen, impairing digestion and resulting in symptoms such as bloating, gas and fatigue. 

• eat seasonal foods. They contain a higher content of phytochemicals that help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. TCM also advocate a seasonal diet in order to support optimal digestion. Soups and stews prepared with root vegetables are ideal in the Winter and cooler foods such as salads are more suitable for consumption in the Summer.

• drink warm water or herbal tea before eating a meal. This will help to relax the stomach muscles and assist with digestion.

• opt for healthy fats found in foods such as avocado, extra virgin oil and nuts. Healthy fats optimize brain function, strengthen bones and lower cholesterol.

• go for a walk after your meal (within one hour). This allows your body to digest food more efficiently and lowers blood sugar levels at a faster rate.

Nutrition is an important element within the Blossom Pathway . Advice is tailored to the requirements of each client, allowing them to reach and sustain their ultimate health and wellness.