In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dampness is seen as one of the most common and persistent external pathogenic factors, ranking alongside Wind in its ability to disrupt 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 invade the body singly or in…
Category: TCM
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…
Breaking Free from Food Rules, Finding True Nourishment
I used to think “eating healthy” meant following a long list of strict rules: no carbs after 6, drink this before that, no more than 1,200 calories a day, count every gram of protein, fat, and carb and definitely no dessert unless it was made with dates and almond flour. I tried almost everything. Some…
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…