Integrative Nutrition
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a preventative medicine with the aim to maintain and restore optimal body function and well-being through the use of acupuncture, herbal therapy, massage and nutrition. Nutrition aligned with the principles of TCM has been used for thousands of years for maintaining health and support the body’s ongoing healing processes. You are what you eat. TCM takes it one step further: You are what you can digest.
Cooking according to TCM principles is the practical application of TCM nutrition for the Western cuisine - called 5 element nutrition. No need to cook Chinese recipes. In 5 element nutrition, calories, fat, protein and carbohydrates do not play a roll - crucial is what food does when entering the body. What is ultimately crucial is how food is being processed by the body and how one feels after the consumption. Do I feel bloated? Do I feel cozy and well nourished? Am I tired? Do I crave sweets after a meal? 5 element nutrition aims at optimising the movement of energy in the body, so that all body parts are nourished and we feel energetic, calm and at ease.
Foods in the 5 element system possess different thermal qualities which determine their effect on the human body: hot, warm, neutral, cooling or cold. Next to the thermal qualities, foods are assigned a taste directly correlated to a transition phase represented by one of the 5 elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water that stand for a a certain impact in the body. The foods assigned to these elements support the corresponding organ in it’s optimal function.
In Western nutrition on the other hand, the focus is on vitamins, minerals, amino acids, calories, carbohydrates, fat and protein. The theory is that certain amounts of these nutrients cause a specific reaction in the body. The enhancement of these nutrients in a specific amount and combination with one another support optimal body function.
I believe that both traditional Chinese and Western nutrition can compliment one another beautifully, providing a wealth of knowledge how to nourish the body optimally. In my nutrition coaching programs, I am combining both systems to support my clients in finding the way of nourishment that works for their body.
Want to know more?
You may want to discuss whether I am the right nutrition coach to help you. You can call or email me to chat. Please get in touch, I am happy to to listen and help.