The energetic movements of food

The four movements of food: upward, downward, outward and inward.

LIFTING

TCM food movements: Lifting    

Actions: To move from lower region towards upper region   

 Effects: The upward movements arrest diarrhea, and hold internal organs in their proper places (to prevent them prolapse or sinking)   

 Food samples: Wine    

 Associated properties of food: Warm or hot in energy, pungent or sweet in flavor

FLOATING

TCM food movements: Floating    

Actions: To move from inside towards outside  

  Effects: The outward movements induce perspiration and dissipate body heat    

Food samples: Ginger

Associated properties of food: Warm or hot in energy, pungent or sweet in flavor

LOWERING

TCM food movements: Lowering    

Actions: To move from upper region towards lower region   

 Effects: The downward movements relieve vomiting, hiccupping, coughing and panting   

 Food samples: Salt    

Associated properties of food: Cool or cold in energy, sour or bitter or salty in flavor

SINKING

TCM food movements: Sinking   

 Actions: To move from outside towards inside 

Food samples: Vinegar  

Effects: The inward movements slow down bowel movements and relieve abdominal distention

Associated properties of food: Cool or cold in energy, sour or bitter or salty in flavor