Renee Lehman

"Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food."
            Hippocrates, 400 BC

(6/2012) Last month, part one of Healing Foods, reviewed specific Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and foods that nourish the basic substances of the body. This month’s article discusses foods that can help the specific organs of your body function more smoothly.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Principles

As a reminder, TCM deals with balancing the flow of the natural vital energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee") which flows through all living things. This Qi flows through the body on specific invisible energy pathways called Meridians, and is essential for health. The Meridians run through the body and connect the body’s structures and organs. When the Qi is unbalanced, blocked or stagnant, disease or dis – ease, will occur. This dis – ease may show up as symptoms on a physical, mental/emotional, or spiritual level. When the Qi is balanced, flows smoothly, and in sufficient quality and quantity, your organs will function in harmony.

Also, from previous articles, remember that your body’s organs are related to an Element found in nature. Together the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) help us to understand the process of dynamic harmony and balance in ourselves and the whole universe. Therefore, when it comes to our health, if all Five Elements (and their corresponding organs) are in balance within us, then we are at a state of optimal health/wellness.

Healing Foods for Your Organs

The organs that correspond with the Wood element are the Liver and Gallbladder. In Chinese medicine, the Liver is considered to be the "architect of your life" or the "commander of the armed forces in defense of life." The Liver is responsible for assessing the circumstances within and around us, and creating a plan on how to flourish in life given these circumstances. Overall, the Liver’s function is regulating the smooth flow of energy in the body. The Gallbladder has the ability to see what is "just and exact" to fulfill your plans. So, if the Liver is like the architect of your "inner blueprint", then the Gallbladder is the "site foreman" who carries out the plan.

If the Liver and Gallbladder are not functioning smoothly on a mind/body/spirit level, you may notice: brittle, splitting fingernails; eye irritations; tendon problems; indigestion and bloating; chronic stress; chronic anger; menstrual problems; excess weight; and migraine headaches (especially on the left side of the head).

Foods that may help the Liver and Gallbladder function more smoothly:

• Bamboo shoots
• Bee pollen
• Broccoli rabe
• Dandelion greens
• Eggplant
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Safflower Oil
• Scallions
• Vinegar
• Avoid saturated fats, over-salted and over-processed foods (they may congest your Liver)

The organs that correspond with the Fire element are the Heart and Small Intestine. The Heart is considered to be the "Supreme Controller". In China 3000 years ago, there was an Emperor who governed his kingdom. The Heart is your Emperor/Empress who controls and co-ordinates all of the Officials within the body (your other organs) and at the same time relies on them for guidance in "running the kingdom." If the Heart radiates virtue, then all will be in harmony, balance, and peace. The Small Intestine is considered to be the "Sorter," giving us the ability to thrive through its ability to sort the pure from the impure.

If the Heart and Small Intestine are not functioning smoothly on a mind/body/spirit level, you may notice: high blood pressure; poor digestion; dry mouth; thirst (especially at night); cold sores; skin breakouts; and nightmares.

Foods that may help the Heart and Small Intestine function more smoothly:

• Broccoli
• Broccoli rabe
• Escarole
• Red beets
• Red plum tomatoes
• Licorice
• Watermelon
• Eat warming foods (paprika, cinnamon, red pepper, and black pepper).

The organs that correspond with the Earth element are the Stomach and Spleen. In Chinese medicine, the Stomach and Spleen functions like a "functional yoke." They are responsible for digesting and transforming the "nourishment" that we take into our bodies and then transporting it to every cell in our body.

If the Stomach and Spleen are not functioning smoothly on a mind/body/spirit level, you may notice: poor sleep; insomnia; a tendency toward bruising easily; migraine headaches (in the center of the forehead); high cholesterol; digestive problems; poor appetite; lack of energy; muscle problems; allergies; and Worry, Worry, Worry.

Foods that may help the Stomach and Spleen function more smoothly:

• Ginger
• Dates
• Peanuts
• Watermelon
• Chinese barley (also called Job’s Tears)
• Sweet potato
• Well cooked foods (warm foods)

The organs that correspond with the Metal element are the Lung, and the Large Intestine. In Chinese medicine, the Lung and Large Intestine have many functions on a body, mind, and spirit level. Overall, they allow for the natural flow of "letting go of the old and taking in the new." They are so interdependent, that if one does not function well, the other will fail.

If the Lung and Large Intestine are not functioning smoothly on a mind/body/spirit level, you may notice: asthma; constipation; diarrhea; chronic cough; problems with any loss of senses (smell, taste, etc.); and skin problems (rashes, dry or rough skin, acne, and blemishes).

Foods that may help the Lung and Large Intestine function more smoothly:

• Honey
• Mushrooms
• Pears
• Scallions
• Bamboo shoots
• Chestnuts
• Mint
• White sesame seeds
• Decrease rich, fatty foods and processed foods because they may create phlegm in your respiratory system.

The organs that correspond with the Water element are the Kidneys and Bladder. In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys and Bladder have many functions on a body, mind, and spirit level.

The Kidneys are at the root of all of our physical functioning. They are the source of our potential (they are considered to be our "battery pack"). The energy from our "battery pack" activates our metabolism and motivates us to live (think about surviving through the winter). The Bladder has the vital function of storing and regulating the water and flow of energy for the entire body.

If the Kidneys and Bladder are not functioning smoothly on a mind/body/spirit level, you may notice: loss of hair; easily broken bones; forgetfulness; frequent urination; thyroid problems; high blood pressure; chronic low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and heel pain; tinnitus; osteoporosis.

Foods that may help the Kidneys and Bladder function more smoothly:

• Walnuts
• Pine nuts
• Black beans
• Black sesame seeds
• Cinnamon
• Sesame oil
• Walnut oil
• Seafood (Salt water)

When it comes to your health, are your organs functioning smoothly on a body/mind/spirit level? Did any of the examples of the organs not functioning smoothly resonate with you? If you have observed any of the listed imbalances within yourself, consider incorporating the appropriate foods into your eating plan. Remember, that when you eat, you can be EATING FOR HEALING!

"Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food."
      Hippocrates, 400 BC

Resources used for this article include: Recipes for Self-Healing by Daverick Leggett and his website http://www.meridianpress.net/, and A Natural Guide to Weight Loss That Lasts, by Nan Lu, OMD.

Renee Lehman is a licensed acupuncturist, physical therapist, and Reiki Master with over 20 years of health care experience. Her office is located at 249B York Street in Gettysburg, PA.  She can be reached at 717-752-5728.