Dietary Guide

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wind and Damp are two factors that can block the meridians, obstruct the smooth flow of Qi and cause pain, numbness and/or swelling. Dietary recommendations aim to prevent aggravating these obstructions and to open the channels

General dietary recommendations include regular eating times, eating moderate amounts and chewing thoroughly. Raw foods and cold foods (ex: ice cream) will constrict circulation and should be avoided. Likewise, highly fatty foods, especially saturated fats will impair circulation. Eating while distracted or emotionally stressed should also be avoided.

For Wind-Dampness, the ratio of food groups should be as follows:

40% - 60% lightly cooked vegetables

30% complex carbohydrates like grains and root vegetables

40% vegetables

10% protein, with a focus on high quality sources

*The diet should also include plenty of fragrant and lightly spiced dishes

*avoid highly processed foods and preservatives

Foods that Expel Wind-Dampness

turmeric, basil, oregano, rosemary, ginger, flax seed oil or other sources of EFAs, rice, barley, rye, Chinese job’s tears (coix seeds)

alfalfa sprouts, cilantro, , mustard greens, turnips, mushrooms especially oyster mushrooms

cherries, papaya

black beans, kidney beans, lotus seeds, mung beans, black soya beans

eel, quail eggs, sardines

Foods to Restrict or Avoid

salads, raw vegetables, eggplants

raw fruits, persimmons

excess amounts of meats or dairy, refined sugars, high doses of vitamin C, cold foods like ice cream or smoothies

iced drinks including ice water

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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.