Traditional Chinese nutritional therapy is used to treat a variety of health issues ranging from uncomplicated hypertension to skin disorders. Dietary therapy considers foods for their five flavors, five energies, movements, the common actions of foods (e.g., to lubricate dryness, soften hardness, or nourish blood), and organic actions (the specific internal organs on which certain foods can act).

According to TCM a balanced diet means two things. The first is that one should eat a variety of whole foods in order to benefit from all the flavors, energies, and organic actions a varied diet offers. The second is that foods are selected according to one’s particular needs and physical constitution. A qualified Oriental medicine practitioner can evaluate you in this regard and help select foods that are specifically beneficial to you.

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• One should eat a variety of foods in order to benefit from all the flavors, energies, and organic actions of a varied diet.

• Foods should be selected according to one’s particular needs and physical constitution.