Introduction to Oriental Diet Therapy

In Oriental diet therapy, the approach to food is quite different than the common approaches in the western world. One of the principles, especially if one is unwell or weak, is to only eat well-cooked foods – foods in the form of soups, stews, casseroles and porridges and drink only warm tea and warm water. If we put in foods that are already broken down and warm, then the body can absorb it quickly and efficiently without requiring a great deal of internal energy to process it.

It is believed that each food or herb has either warming or cooling properties and depending on the person, season and/or illness, we adjust the foods and herbs to reflect the required internal warming or cooling for balancing the system. In relation to the seasons, because summer and spring have a lot of heat in the atmosphere which is also transferred into our bodies, we can get away with eating cooler foods like salads, fruits and raw foods. But in winter and autumn, it is generally recommended to eat more cooked and warm foods to nourish and warm the body. Therefore, it is best to avoid ice cold drinks, ice water and things like ice cream, especially in cooler climates or when sick or unwell.

For the traditional yogi and spiritual aspirant, a vegetarian diet is often encouraged as a way of reducing harm to animals and other living beings. While a vegetarian diet is recommended for the serious yogi, obtaining the right nutrients from a vegetarian diet is quite a science and therefore a yogi who practices vegetarianism will often also need to become somewhat of a nutritionist. To go into a vegetarian diet without adequate education in nutrition can lead the student into all kinds of unnecessary health problems which will actually distract and hinder the practice of yoga.

For example, in order to follow a path into vegetarianism, one must become familiar with the amino acids found in proteins. Proteins are the fundamental building blocks of human tissue and therefore essential for the growth and maintenance of a healthy human body. Proteins can be found in vegetable matter, but those in vegetable matter are considered “incomplete” because they only carry a limited number of the necessary amino acids. Therefore, when eating only vegetable matter, one must consume two complementary sources of incomplete proteins in order to make up a “complete” protein, which is most beneficial to the body. Meat is considered “complete” because it carries a majority of the necessary amino acids and therefore there is no matching of other foods required.

In Oriental medicine, meat is recommended for most body types and is considered a necessary component for those who are young and growing, or for those who are ill or weak. Taking meat in excess is potentially just as detrimental as not eating enough meat and therefore the rule of balance and common sense applies here too. Meat is seen as a necessary ingredient to keep blood and Qi strong and abundant. Eating meat does not always indicate that one is causing harm to another being. Through the practices of gratitude and mindful eating, negative karmas from eating meat can be effectively dissolved. In Oriental medicine it is said that there are only a few, rare people who can handle a raw, vegetarian food diet. A person gifted with a good constitution, a well-defined and strong body and fiery digestion is a sign of such a person. Though for most of us, taking on only a diet of raw and vegetarian foods without thorough education in nutrition and a suitable body type can cause unnecessary disturbance and deficiency in our Qi and blood stores.

Fasting is a recommended practice to undergo at least once a year. The primary purpose of a fast is not so much about detoxing the body, but about detoxing the mind. The act of fasting trains the mind to overcome attachments to those things associated with pleasure; food being the primary one. Therefore, the person who fasts works to cultivate a strong resolve which often proves beneficial to many other aspects of the yogi’s life.

The quality and regularity of your bowel movements provide an accurate indicator of your internal organs’ health. It’s important to spend a little time explaining what an ideal bowel motion involves because it is rarely discussed. Generally speaking, a bowel motion at least once a day is a good indicator and to have the bowel motion before breakfast is considered the ideal time to do it. The ideal bowel motion is brown in color, not too dry, meaning not pebble like, and not too wet and loose. Having a bowel motion should be rather quick, come without much effort and without the need to wipe much afterwards. It should also not produce a smell that peels the paint off the walls. If you consistently have signs of unhealthy bowel motions, then it would be advised to seek out a health practitioner to help steer your digestive system back on track. An acupuncturist, herbalist, naturopath or general medicine practitioner will all be able to offer you some assistance. It may be a little embarrassing to talk about this to your health practitioner but it is very important to address it early on because it can easily lead to further health problems later on.

Constipation is a regular occurrence in the modernized lifestyle and is a sure indication of an imbalance. Usually, it stems from energy stagnation and can often be cleared by more physical movement, a reduction in breads, pastas and other heavy types of foods and by adding some digestive tonics and stimulants to the digestive system such as some chili, lemon water or apple cider vinegar. Emotionally, constipation is connected to being unable to “let go” and this can manifest as constipation. In the Metal Element chapter found later in this book, we address this issue in much more detail. If you are unable to correct the constipation through your own efforts it’s advised to seek out assistance from a health practitioner.

General Principles of Oriental Diet Therapy:

- Eat to only 70-80% full. Overeating taxes life force and damages the stomach and spleen organs. It is also good for mental training. Overeating is a sign of attachment to the senses and a loss of equanimity of the mind.

- Eat with mindfulness, patience, with minimal distractions and chew thoroughly.

- Avoid extreme temperatures of foods. This means to avoid ice cold drinks such as ice water and avoid foods like ice cream. It is also better to avoid overly spiced foods, foods cooked on open flames and foods that are dried out.

- In most cases and especially in any case of illness, weakness, age or poor digestion, it is recommended to eat well cooked foods such as soups, stews, congees and casseroles. Only those with a strong constitution can handle raw foods for extended periods.

- Vegetarianism is recommended for the serious yogi, however education in nutrition is a must to avoid energetic and blood deficiencies.

- Meat in most cases is recommended, especially for the young and for those who are ill or weak.

- The quality and regularity of your bowel motions provide an accurate indicator of your internal organ health. It’s important to address any consistent signs of constipation or ongoing wet or loose stools. You can do this through adjusting diet, adding digestive tonics and adding more dynamic physical movements. If these options don’t prove helpful, seek assistance form a health practitioner.