Balancing the Body with Food and Herbs: The Power of Nature’s Direction

In Oriental medicine, food and herbs are not just nourishment—they are powerful tools for healing and restoring balance in the body. Each ingredient carries a specific taste and energetic nature, guiding the flow of vital substancesin a way that aligns with the body’s needs.

By understanding the movement of energy—whether inward or outward—we can tailor our diet to correct imbalances and promote natural healing.

Cooling Foods for Excessive Heat 🔥➡❄️

If your body tends to run too hot, you may experience symptoms such as:

✅ Persistent warmth

✅ Inflammation or redness

✅ Excessive thirst

✅ Restlessness or irritation

This excess outward movement means that your body loses vital substances too quickly, leading to depletion. To restore balance, you need foods that enhance the inward flow of energy, cool the body, and help retain essential fluids.

Best Cooling Foods:

🦀 River Crab – Helps clear internal heat and replenish deep reserves

🌿 Burdock – Draws energy inward and supports detoxification

🥒 Bitter Melon – Naturally cooling, reduces heat-related inflammation

🌱 Purslane Greens – Cools and moistens the body

👉 Pro Tip: If you feel weak or heavy in your lower body, try burdock with chicken or pork to strengthen your foundation. Those with sensitive digestion should opt for chicken, while others can benefit from pork for deeper nourishment.

Warming Foods for Excessive Cold ❄️➡🔥

If your body is too cold, you may struggle with:

✅ Constant chills

✅ Cold hands and feet

✅ Slow digestion

✅ Fatigue or sluggishness

This lack of outward movement prevents heat and energy from reaching the surface, leaving you feeling cold and depleted. To restore balance, focus on foods that promote outward circulation and generate warmth.

Best Warming Foods:

🍤 Shrimp – Enhances blood circulation and generates warmth

🌿 Chives – Stimulates outward energy movement and supports digestion

🧄 Garlic – Naturally warms the body and strengthens immunity

🐑 Lamb – Deeply warming, boosts circulation and energy

👉 Pro Tip: If you suddenly break out in rashes, stir-frying chives (about 10-20g per serving) can help relieve discomfort. Since rashes often result from abnormal blood flow, the warming nature of chives restores proper circulation and calms the skin.

Understanding How Foods Influence Your Body

Each food and herb carries a directional movement:

• Cooling foods help draw energy inward, reducing excess heat and preventing fluid loss.

• Warming foods push energy outward, increasing circulation and warming the body.

By matching the right foods to your body’s needs, you can restore balance naturally—without needing drastic changes.

🌿 Want to personalize your diet for optimal health? Consult a practitioner to find the perfect foods for your unique constitution!

Dr.Ahn's Acupuncture and herb

703-375-9057