Food as tonic

Tonics:

These are foods and herbs that rebuild the foundational components of the body, i.e. Qi (energy). 

 For example, if your Chinese Medicine diagnosis is that your yin is relatively less than your yang in your body (yin deficiency) you will want to emphasize foods that tonify (or build) yin.

Qi tonics:

Chia seed, congee, oats, quinoa, rice, beef, chicken, herring, lamb, mussel, shrimp, milk, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, watercress, winter squash.

Blood tonics :

Microalgae, sprouts, leafy greens, chlorophyll-rich foods, seaweed, spirulina, mochi with mugwort, royal jelly, gelatin, carp soup, muscles, oysters, the liver of beef, lamb, or chicken, chicken gizzard.

Categories of food in TCM

Categories of food

To use this section it is helpful to know what your Chinese medical diagnosis is. 

For example, if one has a lack of yin (yin deficiency), then one wants to choose foods to tonify yin.

 If one is too hot one wants to choose foods that are too cold. 

If one has stagnation one should choose foods to promote movement.

Tonification

Tonics:
These are foods and herbs that rebuild the foundational components of the body, i.e. Qi (energy).
 For example, if your Chinese Medicine diagnosis is that your yin is relatively less than your yang in your body (yin deficiency) you will want to emphasize foods that tonify (or build) yin.

Qi tonics:
Chia seed, congee, oats, quinoa, rice, beef, chicken, herring, lamb, mussel, shrimp, milk, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, watercress, winter squash.

Blood tonics :
Microalgae, sprouts, leafy greens, chlorophyll-rich foods, seaweed, spirulina, mochi with mugwort, royal jelly, gelatin, carp soup, muscles, oysters, the liver of beef, lamb, or chicken, chicken gizzard.

Foods that tonify yīn:
Grains and legumes: millet, barley, wheat germ, wheat, rice, quinoa, amaranth, seaweeds, micro-algae (especially chlorella and spirulina), tofu, black beans, kidney beans, mung beans (and there sprouts).

Animal: Cow’s or goat’s milk, yogurt, cheese, etc., chicken, egg, clam, abalone, oyster, sardines, duck, beef, pork.

Fruits: persimmon, grapes, blackberry, raspberry, mulberry, banana, watermelon

Vegetables: beets, string beans, kuzu,

– one should cook daily soups, stews, congees (some sort of watery medium).

Foods that tonify yang:
Animal: anchovy, mussel, trout, chicken, beef, lamb,

Fruit: cherry, citrus peal, date,

Grains, seeds, and spices: oats, spelt, quinoa, sunflower seed, sesame seed, walnut, pine nut, chestnut, fennel, dill, anise, caraway, carob pod, cumin, Sweet brown rice (and its products, i.e. moshi)

Vegetables: parsnip, parsley, mustard greens, winter squash, cabbage, kale, onion, leek, chive, garlic, scallion, cooked beans with ginger (e.g.  black beans, lentils, aduki beans), hot peppers are warming only in small pitches, otherwise they have a strong cooling effect. This is also true of concentrated sweeteners.

Promoting movement  
When things get blocked up in the body Chinese Medicine diagnoses, stagnation. Although sometimes there is a deficiency that needs to be strengthened to eliminate the stagnation (above category), most of the time, things just need to be moved, invigorated, or opened up. The below foods promote movement and accomplish this goal. Remember any type of pain in the body is caused from stagnation (or blockage).

Qi movers
Spearmint, rosemary, scallions, garlic and all onion family members, cinnamon bark and branch, clothes, fresh and dried ginger root, black pepper, all hot peppers, cayenne, fennel, anise, dill, mustard greens, horseradish, basil, nutmeg, peppermint, marjoram, elder flowers, white pepper, radish and its leaves, taro, turnip.

Blood movers
Tumeric, scallions, nutmeg, spearmint, chives, garlic, vinegar, basil, peach seed, weak, ginger, chestnuts, rosemary, cayenne, eggplant, white pepper, aduki beans, sweet rice, butter. 

Essence (jing) Tonics:
Mussel, lentil, lamb kidney, chicken, microalgae (chlorella, spirulina, wild blue-green), fish, liver, kidney, brain, bone marrow, human placenta, and cereal grasses, milk, ghee, nettles, royal jelly, beef, millet, wheat, black sesame seed, black soybeans, chestnuts, mulberries, raspberries, strawberries, and walnuts.

Foods that eliminate wind
These foods are best when you are getting a cold or flu. One should, although, pay attention to the thermal nature (hot and cold) of the condition and the foods chosen. If you are getting a cold (but feel hot and have other heat signs from a Chinese medical perspective) then one should emphasize cooler release the exterior foods.

Wind-Cold: oats, pine nuts, shrimp, ginger, fennel, basil, anise

Wind-Heat: celery, kuzu, mulberry, strawberry, peppermint

Neutral: black soybeans, black sesame seed, fresh flax oil

Internal Wind: celery, basil, sage, fennel, dried or fresh ginger, anise, oats, black soybeans, black sesame seed, kuzu, pine nut, coconut, fresh cold-pressed flax oil, shrimp.

Foods that eliminate damp
lettuce, celery, turnip, rye, amaranth, aduki beans, wild blue-green micro-algae, asparagus, white pepper, alfalfa, pumpkin, vinegar, papaya.

Foods that eliminate dryness
soy (tofu, tempeh, soy milk, miso), spinach, asparagus, millet, barley, salt, seaweed, white fungus, apple, tangerine, pine nut, persimmon, peanuts, pear, honey, barley malt, sugar cane, whole sugar, oyster, clam, mussel, pork, and pork kidney.

Foods that eliminate summer heat
lemons, apple, watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, pineapple, musk-melon, mung beans (in soup), summer squash, zucchini, cucumber, radish juice, bitter melon soup, watermelon juice.

Foods categorized by temperature
Every condition can be divided into a thermal temperature of hot or cold. 

One should emphasize foods that are the opposite of the thermal nature you are diagnosed with. 

For example, if you have too much heat in the body you should emphasize cooler foods. 

It is possible to have a mixed pattern of hot and cold, and these situations are best sorted out by your Chinese medical practitioner.

Cooling Foods which reduce heat signs:
Apple, banana, pear, persimmon, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomato, all citrus, lettuce, radish, cucumber, celery, button mushrooms, asparagus, Swiss chard, eggplant, spinach, summer squash, Chinese cabbage, bock choy, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, zucchini, soy milk, soy sprouts, tofu, tempeh, mung beans and their sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, millet, barley, wheat and its products, amaranth, kelp and all seaweed, spirulina, wild blue-green, oyster-shell calcium, wheat and barley grass, kudzu, yogurt, crab, clam.

Warming foods which warm cold signs:
Ginger root, black beans, aduki beans, lentils, cinnamon bark and twig, cloves, basil, rosemary, oats, spelt, quinoa, sunflower seed, sesame seed, walnuts, pine nuts, chestnuts, fennel, dill, anise, carraway, carob pod, cumin, sweet brown rice, parsnip, parsley, mustard greens, winter squash, cabbage, kale, onion, leek, chives, garlic, scallions, cherry, citrus deal, date, hot peppers, butter, and anchovy, mussel, trout, chicken, beef, lamb.

Foods categorized by flavors
Warming acrid: spearmint, rosemary, scallion, garlic, all onion members, cinnamon bark and branch, cloves, fresh and dried ginger root, black pepper, hot peppers, cayenne, fennel, anise, dill, mustard greens, horseradish, basil, nutmeg

Cooling acrid: 

peppermint, marjoram, elderflower’s, white pepper, radish and its leave

Neutral acrid: 

taro, turnip, kohlrabi.

Salty: 

salt, seaweed, soy sauce, miso, pickles, umeboshi; barley and millet (although primarily sweet).

Sour:

 Hawthorne berry, lemon, lime, pickles, rose hip, sauerkraut, sour apple (crab apple), sour plum

Sour-bitter: vinegar

Sour-acrid: leek

Sour-sweet:

 aduki bean, apple, blackberry, cheese, grape, huckleberry, mango, olive, raspberry, sourdough bread, tangerine, tomato, yogurt.

Bitter: 

Alfalfa, bitter melon, romaine lettuce, rye

Bitter-acrid: 

citrus peel, radish leaf, scallion, turnip, white pepper.

Bitter-sweet:

 amaranth, asparagus, celery, lettuce, papaya, quinoa

Bitter-sour: 

vinegar

Sweet:

 Apple, apricot, cherry, date, fig, grape, grapefruit, olive, papaya, peach, pear, strawberry, tomato, beet, button mushrooms, cabbage, carrot, celery, chard, cucumber, eggplant, kuzu, lettuce, potato, shitake mushroom, spearmint, squash, sweet potato, yam, almond, chestnut, coconut, sesame see and oil, sunflower seed, walnut, amasake, barley malt, honey, molasses, rice syrup, whole sugar.

“THE LION OF CASTOR OIL ALONE CAN KILL THE MADDENED ELEPHANT Of VATA AS IT STAMPEDES THROUGH THE BODY

Ayurvedic Detox - Castor oil and Ginger

This reduces excess Vata.

Vata, the air energy which governs movement, is actually the force which moves the other doshas to become imbalanced and also the cause of dehydration, muscle wasting, insomnia, anxiety, irregular digestion (resulting in bloating).  

Like a strong wind breezing through our bodies, Vata disrupts and dismantles many of our systems. 

This is recommended to reduce and relieve excess mucous and poor circulation that causes fluid congestion in the lungs and plugging vessels up thus impeding blood flow.

This will aide in better digestion, absorption and resilience during the cold, depleting season.

A concoction of castor oil and ginger tea is drunk on an empty stomach every morning for seven days.  

No long prep, no elimination diet.

Directions:

1 tsp of ginger powder 

1 cup water

2 tsps Castor oil

Make an infusion with the ginger and water.

Simmer and reduce to 3/4 cup.

  Then cool it with luke warm water.

Then add the two teaspoons of castor oil. 

Bowel Cleansing

 Chinese medicine offers some foods you can eat to help clear the colon, and the Lungs for that matter, because these two organs are interrelated energetically.

The first recommendation for creating a colon cleanse is this - add spicy foods to your diet. 

They actually protect and cleanse at the same time. 

Spicy foods help to disperse the stuck, mucous laden energy of the lungs and the large intestine (colon). 

It's the build up of sticky thick mucous (we call it dampness or phlegm in Chinese medicine) that is pathological or disease causing.

All spicy foods benefit these organs. 

They include chillies, hot peppers, onions, garlic, turnip, ginger, horseradish, cabbage, radish, daikon, and white peppercorn. 

Eating these foods when raw actually makes them more powerful. But cooking them slightly won't take off too much of the potency.

On the other hand, if you're prone to anger, try to balance it out, because too much hot spicy foods will overheat the Liver, which is especially affected by feelings of anger, frustration, and resentment.

The following foods are good for mucous membrane renewal because they remove the old thick mucousy deposits and replace them with a clean moist coating. 

The best foods for this include the seaweeds, fenugreek, and flax seed.

Grind your own flax seed. 

This way, it's always fresh and never rancid. 

You also get the goodness from the entire food, which is far more beneficial than just the oil.

 As a preventative, use whole ground flax seed. 

It also happens to be the cheapest way to buy flax.

Here's the best way to take flax seed.

3 teaspoons flax seed = 4 tablespoons ground flax seed

1. Grind in blender or coffee grinder.

2. Put in glass. 

3. Pour beverage (juice, water, almond milk)

4.Let sit for 15 minutes.

5. Drink it up.

Important: be sure to drink water throughout the day or this can be constipating. 

Avoid excessive amounts of coffee or avoid it altogether.

Next, dark green vegetables as well as golden-orange vegetables are extremely beneficial in a colon cleanse regimen. 

The rich sources of of beta-carotene have a protective effect on the surfaces and the mucous membranes of your body. 

These vegetables will boost your immune system, of which your Lungs and a clean colon is a part of.

The best beta-carotene foods are: carrot, winter squash, pumpkin, broccoli, parsley, kale, turnip, mustard greens, watercress, wheat grass, and barley grass.

The greens are especially important because the chlorophyll in them, boosts the immune systems by inhibiting viruses.

It helps the lungs to discharge toxic chemicals from all kinds of noxious fumes, coal dust, and cigarette smoke.

If you're eating a diet rich in a variety of plant foods, you'll be sure to get enough fibre simply from preparing your own wholesome meals and eating in a calm environment. 

The best way to do a colon cleanse is to eat a consistently good diet every day in order to have regular bowel movements every single day.

Warming Cold

Warming foods which warm cold signs:

 

Ginger root, black beans, aduki beans, lentils, cinnamon bark and twig, cloves, basil, rosemary, oats, spelt, quinoa, sunflower seed, sesame seed, walnuts, pine nuts, chestnuts, fennel, dill, anise, carraway, carob pod, cumin, sweet brown rice, parsnip, parsley, mustard greens, winter squash, cabbage, kale, onion, leek, chives, garlic, scallions, cherry, citrus deal, date, hot peppers, butter, and anchovy, mussel, trout, chicken, beef, lamb.

Asafoetida

Scientific Name

Ferula assafoetida

Fam: Umbelliferae

Other Names

Asafoetida, Assafetida, Assafoetida, Devil’s Dung, Devil’s Durt, Food of the Gods (Persian), Laser (Roman), Stinking Gum French: assa foetida, ferulr perisque German: Asafotida, Stinkender Asant Italian: assafetida Spanish: asafetida Afghan: kama-i-anguza Indian: hing, hingu, heeng Tamil: perunkaya

History

Asafoetida, gets its name from the Persian aza, for mastic or resin, and the Latin foetidus, for stinking. 

It is a gum that is from the sap of the roots and stem of the ferula species, a giant fennel that exudes a vile odour. 

Early records mention that Alexander the Great carried this “stink finger” west in 4 BC. 

Its vile smell has led to many unusual medical claims, mostly stemming from the belief that it’s foetid odour would act as a deterrent to germs.

It was used as a spice in ancient Rome, and although not native to India, it has been used in Indian medicine and cookery for ages.

 It was believed that asafoetida enhanced singers voices. 

In the days of the Mughal aristocracy, the court singers if Agra and Delhi would eat a spoonful of asafoetida with butter and practice on the banks of the river Yamuna.

In several European countries a small piece of the resin would be tied on a string and hung around childrens necks to protect from disease.

The shock of the sulfurous smell was once thought to calm hysteria and in the days of the American Wild West it was included in a mixture with other strong spices as a cure for alcoholism.

What is Asafoetida?

Asafetida is a hard resinous gum, grayish-white when fresh, darkening with age to yellow, red and eventually brown.

 It is sold in blocks or pieces as a gum and more frequently as a fine yellow powder, sometimes crystalline or granulated.

Bouquet

 A pungent smell of rotting onions or sulfur

The smell dissipates with cooking

Flavour

 On its own, extremely unpleasant, like concentrated rotten garlic.

When cooked, it adds an onion-like flavour.

Hotness Scale: 0

Preparation and Storage

It is vital to keep asafetida in airtight containers as its sulfurous odour will effect other foods and spices. 

It is most commonly available as a powder or granules that can be added directly to the cooking pot. It is also sold in lumps that need to be crushed before using. 

This is a very powerful spice and even in its ground state lasts well over a year if stored properly, away from light and air.

Cooking with Asafoetida

Use in asafetida in minute quantities, adding directly to cooking liquid, frying in oil, or steeping in water. 

Asafoetida is used mostly in Indian vegetarian cooking, in which the strong onion-garlic flavour enhances many dishes, especially those of Brahmin and Jain castes where onions and garlic are prohibited. 

It is used mostly in south and west India, though it does not grow there. 

It is used in many lentil dishes (often to prevent flatulence), vegetarian soups and pickles. 

It is also suited to many fish dishes and some pappadums are seasoned with asafoetida.

Health Benefits of Asafetida

Asafetida is known as an antidote for flatulence and is also prescribed for respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough.

 

Plant Description and Cultivation

Asafetida is grown chiefly in Iran and Afghanistan from where it is exported to the rest of the world. In India it is cultivated in Kashmir. 

It is a perennial fennel that grows wild to 3.6 metres (12 ft) high, in large natural forests where little else grows. 

It bears fine leaves and yellow flowers. 

The roots are thick and pulpy and also yield a similar resin to that of the stems. 

All parts of the plant have the distinctive fetid smell. In March and April, just before flowering, the stalks are cut close to the root. 

A milky liquid oozes out, which dries to form a resin. 

This is collected and a fresh cut is made. 

This procedure lasts for about three months from the first incision, by which time the plant has yielded up to two pounds of resin and the root has dried up.

Essential Oils: Endocrine Support

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) has the fresh, sweet, citrus scent that is familiar to many as the flavoring in Earl Grey Tea. 

Uplifting and relaxing, it is good for building confidence and enhancing your mood. 

It has a long history of use for oily and troubled skin.

Diffuse or apply to temples and forehead. 

May be added to food or rice milk as a dietary supplement.

Caution:

 Bergamot is very photosensitive and should NOT be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light within 48 hours.

 If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician.

Ingredients:

Young Living Therapeutic Grade™ bergamot essential oil
(Citrus bergamia)

Essential Oils: Endocrine Support

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) has a sweet, soft, flowery fragrance that has made it a romantic favorite.

 In Indonesia, the petals are often strewn across a marriage bed. 

Ylang ylang is extremely effective in calming and bringing about a sense of relaxation, and it may help with releasing feelings of anger, tension, and nervous irritability. 

It has a long history in skin and hair care products, particularly in Asia, where it is used to promote luxuriant hair. 

For dietary or topical use. 

When using as a supplement, dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid such as soy or rice milk.

Possible skin sensitivity.

 If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. 

Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin. 

Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.

Ingredients:

Young Living Therapeutic Grade™ ylang ylang essential oil
(Cananga odorata)

Essential Oils: Endocrine Support

SclarEssence™ supports normal glandular functions.*
It combines the soothing effects of peppermint with the balancing power of fennel and clary sage along with the gentle, calming action of sage lavender for an extraordinary dietary supplement.

Put 1 - 2 drops in a capsule.
 Ingest 1 capsule daily as needed.

Possible skin sensitivity. 
If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician.

Ingredients:
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
 peppermint (Mentha piperita)
sage lavender (Salvia lavandulifolia)
 fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Essential Oils: Endocrine Support

Lady Sclareol™ was designed as an exquisite fragrance. A seductive blend of nature's most aromatic and skin-pampering essential oils, Lady Sclareol creates a beguiling and alluring perfume.

For topical or aromatic use.
Possible skin sensitivity. 

If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician.

Ingredients:

The essential oils of rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)

 vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides),

 geranium (Pelargonium graveolens),

 orange (Citrus sinensis),

 clary sage (Salvia sclarea), 

ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)

sandalwood (Santalum album)

 sage lavender (salvia lavandulifolia)

 jasmine (Jasminium officinale)

 Idaho tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).

Endocrine System Support for the Emotions

 

Dragon Time™ is a blend of calming and soothing essential oils, including clary sage, which contains natural phytoestrogens - the perfect choice for women's emotions during special times and needs. 

Its balancing properties make it a perfect choice for supporting normal, healthy emotions during the female monthly cycle. 

Dragon Time is recommended for young and mature women.

For aromatic use. 

Rub over lower back region; use in a compress on the abdomen; or dilute with V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex for a full body massage.

Possible skin sensitivity. 

If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. 

Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin.

 Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.

Ingredients:

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)

 fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

 lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

 marjoram (Origanum majorana)

 yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

 jasmine (Jasminum officinale).

Endorine Support for Women

 

Progessence™ Plus serum is formulated for maximum performance. 

All natural, USP-grade super-micronized progesterone from wild yam is melted in vitamin E and essential oils for optimal absorption. 

Studies indicate that limonene from frankincense and bergamot and menthol from peppermint oil can enhance substance penetration through the skin. 

Progessence Plus does not require the cycling of application sites.

Directions:

 Apply 2-4 drops daily on neck area.

 For added effect, apply 1-2 drops along forearms daily. 

Do not exceed two applications per day. 

Does not need to be rotated on different areas of the body or cycled throughout the month. 

Caution: 

Keep out of reach of children.

 If pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use. 

Do not use in conjunction with contraceptives containing progesterone. 

Storage:

 Keep in a cool, dark place.

Ingredients:

Copaifera Reticulata (Copaiba) Oil

Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Oil

Cedrus Atlantica (Cedar) Bark Oil

 Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides

 Vitamin E

 Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Furanocoumarin free Bergamot) Peel Oil

 Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil

 USP Progesterone (from Wild Yam Extract)

Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Oil

Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil 

Formulated by D. Gary Young 100% pure YLTG quality essential oil

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/drleanne/blog/2010/07/27/troubleshooting-with-progessence-plus#.USGJDcvTGmU.email 

Healthy Endocrine Support

FemiGen™ capsules were formulated with herbs and amino acids designed to balance and support the female reproductive system from youth through menopause.

    FemiGen combines whole food herbs like wild yam, damiana, and dong quai, along with synergistic amino acids and select essential oils to supply nutrition that is supportive of the special needs of the female systems.

Dosage:

Take 2 capsules with breakfast and 2 capsules with lunch.

Pet care with essential oils

Veterinarian Dr. Mary Hess of Madison , Wisconsin , recommends that every pet owner carry an essential oil care kit for pets.
Based on her experience as a veterinarian, Dr. Hess suggests these Young Living essential oil blends to keep pets feeling their best.

•Purification® essential oil blend: 

Useful for external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

•Thieves® essential oil blend: 

Perfect for minor wounds, abrasions, and lacerations, Thieves blend can also be used for dental concerns. 

It is safe for kittens and puppies.

•Melrose™ essential oil blend: 

Used in conjunction with R.C. and Raven blends, Melrose blend provides respiratory support and can also be used on minor wounds,
abrasions, and lacerations if Thieves blend can't be tolerated.

•R.C.™ essential oil blend: 

Ideal for respiratory and urinary tract support, R.C blend is practical for cats that require bladder fortification, when conventional therapies fail.
 (It can be paired with Raven blend for added support.)

•Raven™ essential oil blend: 

Used for respiratory and urinary tract support, Raven blend is more powerful than R.C. blend and features essentials oils not found in the latter. 

Combined, the two oils are highly effective.

•Di-Gize™ essential oil blend: 

Gastrointestinal systems respond well to this blend. 

Nutmeg and ginger can be added for additional support.

•PanAway® essential oil blend:

 Valuable for relieving discomfort and relaxing the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. 

This oil blend can be used alone or in addition to other essential oils that aid in general discomfort. Using a moist towel over the area increases the effectiveness of the oils.

•Relieve It™ essential oil blend:

 Especially beneficial for relieving discomfort

 Relieve It blend can be alternated with PanAway blend.

NOTE:
** if you are new to the oils,  please keep in mind that Thieves blend is "hot" and that 1 drop goes a long way. 

When in doubt
      do dilute with a mixing oil.**
 

Interpretation of Facial Zoning

Forehead   
In descending order down the forehead: Bladder, Large  Intestine, Small Intestine. 

Usually lines across the forehead reflect an imbalance. 

Congestion or acne in this area represents digestive congestion and possibly poor detoxification.

 Red and dry or flaky skin is an indication of lack of fluids in the digestive tract.

Between the Eyes    

This is the liver zone. 

A red patch between the eyes is a possible indication of poor liver detoxification and even heavy metal toxicity (particularly mercury).

 Vertical lines in this zone indicate Liver imbalance.

Under the Eyes    

The top of the eye and directly below the eyes is the kidney zone. 

Puffiness and fluid retention in this area is a sign the body is holding on to too much fluid (watery and swollen with a blue tinge) or is mucus congested (fatty and swollen with a yellow tinge). 

Salt intake should be monitored, as should excessive sugary drinks such as fruit juice and soft drink. To reduce mucus congestion, reduce fat and dairy consumption.

Blue circles or white under the eyes indicates tiredness or even exhaustion. 

A yellow tinge shows the liver and gallbladder are working too hard.
Dry, flaky or red skin in the creases above the eye shows liver stress.

The Nose    

The nose tip corresponds to the lungs while the bridge reflects the health of the stomach. 

Congestion in the form of blackheads usually represents poor stomach digestion and possibly low hydrochloric acid levels.

If the nose is red or has broken capillaries, this usually indicates excessive intake of heating liquids including alcohol, coffee and tea.

The Cheeks    

Represent the respiratory & circulatory systems. 

Pimples or congestion in this area are often the result of a high fat and mucus forming diet (simple sugar, dairy and processed foods).

Pale cheeks may be a sign of low iron levels whereas overly flushed cheeks show poor circulation and the consumption of too many hot foods such as alcohol, coffee and spices and poor elimination. A greenish tinge indicates liver congestion.

The Mouth    

Generally represents the digestive function. 

White or very pale lips may indicate low iron levels and poor circulation. 

Dry flaky skin or wrinkles can indicate dehydration.

Cracks or sores in the corners of the mouth are signs of low B vitamin or iron levels. 

Red, hot or bleeding gums are a sign of a hot or over-acidic stomach and so animal fats, simple sugars and heating food & drink needs to be avoided.

The Chin   

 Corresponds to the kidneys and digestive system. 

Once again congestion in this area can be a sign of a diet high in processed foods, sugars and fats.

 It can also indicate unbalanced kidney function, which is usually the result of pushing the body by working too hard, stress or going beyond normal physical endurance.

The Jaw and under the jaw line    

Often a hormonal influence, particularly if worsens in accordance with monthly cycles. 

Cysts rather than pimples may indicate lymphatic toxicity, which may result from medications, environmental toxins or a highly processed and sugar rich diet.

TCM and Facial Zoning

From Greek medicine to Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), facial analysis has been used as an indication of the health of the organs or to provide useful clues as to the systems involved in any health issue.
 In particular TCM has a detailed map of the face including lines, organ zones and color indications. Using TCM facial analysis principles with relation to skin conditions, the map and colors of the face can help indicate the underlying causes and support the choice of treatment.

Skin conditions that affect the face such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne don’t usually affect the entire surface of the face. 
The affected areas are often confined to particular areas or zones so just by looking at your face you can find out more about the underlying cause of any skin condition. 
This technique is not confined to skin conditions. 
It can also be used as a tool to assess wellbeing or to improve skin tone in general.

Methods of cooking according to TCM

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Stir-frying

 Yang energy increases in food that is prepared by stir-frying, especially over a (gas) flame.  Stir-frying infuses cooked food with extra yang chi for a person who is yang deficient, and most people will benefit from this during the winter month.

 

Steaming and Blanching  

A moistening, purifying and ultimately yin cooking technique. 

Foods that have been steamed or blanched become infused with condensation and accent the fluid added by this cooking process. 

When steamed food is ingested it engenders heat cooling and yin preserving to the body.

Baking

   Creates a cauldron of heat which is absorbed by the food and imparted in the digestive process.

Soaking/Sprouting

   Makes seeds, grains, nuts and beans more digestible.

Roasting and Toasting

   Increases bitter flavor in foods.

Stewing

   Offers balanced, hydrating, warm energy to foods and cultivates greater inherent digestive nourishment.

 

Pressure Cooking

   Holds energy in

  Boiling

 Releases heat and essence of foods.

Sautéeing (long cook method)

  Softens foods and stores inherent chi.

Braising

   Moistens foods.