By Danisha Bogue, L.Ac. - August 19, 2024
Categories: General

Today, we’re diving into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine and exploring something a little unusual: the energetic temperature of your food. Now, before you start visualizing flames shooting out of your ears after a bowl of chili, Traditional Chinese Medicine uses “temperature” a little differently. It’s not about the actual temperature of your food, but rather its effect on your body’s yin and yang. 

We’ve talked about Yin and Yang before, but if you’re new here, it’s all about balance. Yang is the fiery, masculine, active energy and Yin is the cooling, feminine, chill out energy. You need them both, and you need them to be in balance to feel your best. Most of us tend to lean one direction or the other though. 

Beating Chill

There’s nothing fun about feeling like a human popsicle. Cold hands, sluggish digestion, that constant urge to crank up the thermostat – ugh, been there, shivered through that. If you’ve got too much coolness in your energy, you might be experiencing: 

Physical Symptoms: 

  • Constant chills – feeling cold even in warm environments
  • Aversion to cold – disliking cold drinks or foods that others find refreshing
  • Digestion issues – difficulty digesting food due to sluggish digestive fire
  • Pale complexion and weak pulse – signs of poor circulation and energy
  • Fatigue and lethargy – feeling sluggish and lacking motivation
  • Aching joints and muscle stiffness – coldness can cause tightness and discomfort in the body

Mental and Emotional Symptoms:

  • Brain fog and difficulty concentrating – the coolness can affect mental clarity
  • Low mood and depression – feeling down or lacking enthusiasm
  • Anxiety and restlessness – difficulty relaxing due to your internal imbalance. 

Luckily, the foods you eat have different energies that can help you tone down your chills! These warming foods are like little internal furnaces, stoking your digestive fire and chasing away that cold feeling. 

  • Ginger, garlic, chilies – these flavor bombs aren’t just for adding zing. They get your blood pumping and your digestive juices flowing, like a built-in body heater. 
  • Cumin, cinnamon, cloves – these fragrant friends aren’t just for pumpkin spice lattes (although, those are pretty darn warming too!). They add a gentle heat that keeps your internal fires stoked.
  • Lamb, beef, and chicken – these meats are considered warming because they take more energy to digest, which in turn generates a bit of internal heat.
  • Radishes, carrots, beets – these underground gems are packed with nutrients that keep your body strong and, you guessed it, warm.

Want some warming breakfast magic? Whip up some ginger-infused oatmeal with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Feeling chill after a long day at work? Simmer a pot of stew with a bunch of warming spices and veggies!

Turning down the heat

Sun’s blazing, tempers are flaring, and you feel like a walking human bonfire – been there, sweated through that shirt. If you’re carrying around too much heat, you might be experiencing: 

Physical Symptoms: 

  • Feeling hot and flushed – a general feeling of warmth or even feverishness, often accompanied by a red, flushed face.
  • Night sweats – waking up drenched in sweat or having excessive sweating throughout the day
  • Thirst and dryness – feeling constantly thirst and having dry mouth, lips, or skin
  • Constipation and difficulty passing urine – the body struggles to retain fluids due to excessive heat
  • Canker sores, mouth ulcers, or acne breakouts – these can be signs of internal heat manifesting externally
  • Red, bloodshot eyes or irritated eyes – heat can rise and affect the upper body, including the eyes
  • Rapid pulse or high blood pressure – signs that the body is working harder to circulate fluids and cool itself down

Mental and Emotional Symptoms:

  • Irritability and short temper – excessive heat can lead to agitation and frustration
  • Restlessness and difficulty sleeping – the body struggles to quiet down and find rest
  • Anxiety and racing thoughts – feeling on edge and unable to relax

Cooling foods to the rescue! These are like internal air conditioners, helping you chill out and find some peace from the fiery discomfort.

  • Watermelon, cucumber, honeydew – these watery wonders are nature’s built-in coolants. They replenish fluids and keep your internal thermostat in check.
  • Lettuce, spinach, bok choy – these leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals that help your body function optimally, which in turn keeps you from overheating.
  • Dandelion greens, endive, arugula – don’t be scared by the slightly bitter taste! These guys work wonders for your liver, which plays a big role in regulating body temperature.
  • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.), pears, apples, peaches – these sweet and tart treats are full of antioxidants that fight inflammation, a major contributor to feeling hot and bothered.

Whip up a refreshing salad with watermelon and cucumber, or indulge in a chilled bowl of berries. It’s delicious, and oh-so-good for your insides!

It’s All About Balance

As tempting as it is to try and put yourself in one category or the other, it’s definitely more complicated than that. Your different body systems and organs can also have too much heat or coolness, rather than your entire body. Don’t worry though, your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner can help you identify what’s going to make the biggest difference in your well-being! And if you do find yourself relating to a set of symptoms above, you’ll definitely benefit from adding some of these foods to your diet!

 

Be well.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.