Dietary Guide

Qi and yang are closely related concepts in TCM. Qi is the energy that enables the body to move, and our organs to function properly. Yang energy is what warms and activates the body. In the case of heart Qi or yang deficiency foods that strengthen and warm the heart are recommended. These will support not only the heart muscle, but also overall blood circulation and mental activity. It is best to consume foods that are slightly cooked. By lightly cooking food, you preserve the nutrients, and also ensure that they are readily digested and absorbed.

For heart Qi and/or yang deficiency, the ratio of food groups should be as follows:

40-60% easily digested complex carbohydrates like grains and root vegetables

30-40% cooked vegetables

10-20% protein

Foods that Benefit Heart Qi

cooked whole grains, rice, oats, roasted barley, sweet rice, spelt, millet, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, corn, parsnips, yams, peas, onions, leeks, garlic, turnip, mushrooms, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, fava beans, eggs, chicken, beef, goose, rabbit, mackerel, tuna, anchovy, perch, eel, catfish

lychee fruit, mulberries, longon berries, grapes, dates figs cherries

black pepper, fresh ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, molasses, rice syrup, barley malt

Additional Foods that Benefit Heart Yang

goat milk, lamb, cinnamon, dried ginger, ginseng, walnuts, Chinese chives

Foods to Restrict or Avoid

salad, raw vegetables, raw fruit, citrus, wheat sprouts, wheat grass, spinach, swiss chard, seaweed

tofu, dairy, nut butter, high oil foods

overly sweet food, refined sugar, high doses of vitamin C, chocolate

cold food like ice cream or smoothies, iced drinks

strong tea, coffee, chilies

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References:

Goldsmith, E. & Klein, M. (2017). Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine. Robert Rose Inc: Canada

MacLean, W. & Lyttleton, J. (2002). Clinical Handbook of Internal Medicine, Vol. 2. University of Western Sydney: Australia.

Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books, US.

Saper, J. (2006). Traditional Chinese Dietary Therapy. https://www.eastmountain.ca/resources.html#diet.

Walraven, J. (n.d.). Nutrition. https://joywalraven.com/nutrition/.

Disclaimer

This factsheet is not intended to diagnose or assess. The information provided is meant to complement rather than substitute for a consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner.