Have you ever felt tired, unmotivated, or constantly restless — even after sleeping well? You’re not lazy or broken. Your body has its own way of sending messages through a system that has guided humans for thousands of years: the Five Elements (五行). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health and energy are influenced by Water, Earth,…
Category: Alternative Medicine
The Sticky Truth About Dampness and Your Health
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dampness is considered one of the most common and lasting external causes of illness, much like Wind in its power to disturb health. The other major external pathogenic factors—often referred to as the “Six Evils” —are Cold, Dryness, Fire (Heat), and Summer-Heat. Each of these can enter the body on their…
Light, Sweet, and Healing: Snow Fungus Dessert Soup
We’ve been battling dry coughs in our house lately—one of those lingering, annoying kinds that just won’t go away. The weather’s been all over the place, and it’s left our throats scratchy and dry. So today, I made a pot of snow fungus dessert soup. What Is Snow Fungus Dessert Soup? It’s a light, slightly…
Understanding TCM Body Constitutions: A Beginner’s Perspective
I was born and raised in Canada, but growing up in a Chinese household, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was always present in my life, thanks to my mom. Whenever we were sick, it wasn’t Tylenol or the usual Western remedies. Instead, my mom would brew up some bitter herbal tea that, to be honest, tasted…
Eating Well in Winter: TCM’s Guide to Staying Warm and Nourished
Winter’s officially here, and let’s be honest – who doesn’t crave a cozy, warm bowl of something comforting? But it’s more than just satisfying those cravings. What we eat this time of year can seriously impact how we feel. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is all about holding onto your energy, supercharging your immune system,…
Fall Wellness: TCM Tips for Nourishing Body and Spirit
Fall is a time of change. The air cools, the leaves turn beautiful shades of orange and gold, and everything feels a little slower and more reflective. In TCM, fall is the season that corresponds with the lungs and metal element and it’s all about nourishing your body, mind, and spirit as we transition from…
Summer Foods to Keep You Cool and Balanced, TCM Style
Summer’s officially here, and you can feel it everywhere—longer days, sunshine, and that kind of heat that just screams for ice-cold drinks. But here’s the thing: in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cooling off isn’t just about chugging cold beverages. It’s actually about balancing your body with foods that naturally help you feel light, refreshed, and ready…
Nourishing Your Body: The Best Foods to Eat in Spring According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Spring’s that time of year when everything starts to shake off the winter slowdown. Nature wakes up -plants start growing again, animals come out of hibernation, and we feel that shift too. Maybe there’s a bit of winter weight or sluggishness hanging around, but as the days get warmer, we’re naturally pulled outside, craving movement…
The Nourishing Power of Food: Feeding Your Brain, Mind, and Emotions
Happy World Mental Health Day! Did you know that the colourful, balanced foods on your plate can do wonders for your mental well-being? They play a crucial role in supporting mental health and easing symptoms linked with mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Ever noticed how a bowl of homemade soup can warm not just…
Gut Talk: Understanding Leaky Gut
Ever had those moments when your stomach feels like a battleground, leaving you wondering, “What did I eat to deserve this?” Well, you’re not alone. Our gut, you know, the engine that keeps our bodies running, sometimes throws a curveball our way. One of those curveballs is the Leaky Gut Syndrome. It might sound like…
From Pain to Passion: My Path to Becoming a Nutritionist
Becoming a certified nutritionist wasn’t just a career change for me; it marked a significant turning point in my life. Before I stepped into the world of nutrition, I was grappling with my own health issues, desperately seeking answers and feeling utterly lost. One day, something in me just clicked. Pursuing nutrition wasn’t just a…
Black Sesame Euphoria
Hey there! I’m excited to share something deliciously simple and close to my heart today—Black Sesame Soup (黑芝麻糊). It’s the kind of sweet treat that just makes you feel at home. Imagine a creamy, nutty goodness with an earthy taste that’s not overly sweet but incredibly comforting. It’s a dessert that’s been a part of…