herbs- lecture 2 dk 1

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What is the fundamental principle of food therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Food therapy is based on pattern differentiation. The same food may benefit one person but not another because foods are selected according to the person's symptoms, constitution, and underlying imbalance

Why can two people with fatigue receive different food recommendations in TCM?

Because they may have different patterns (e.g., Qi Deficiency vs. Blood Deficiency), requiring different dietary therapy. 

What are the characteristics of a peaceful (balanced) constitution?

• Moist complexion

• Bright eyes

• Bright nose with a sensitive sense of smell

• Rosy lips and tongue

• Dense, shiny hair

• Easy-going, cheerful, energetic

• Resistant to cold and heat

• Not easily fatigued

• Sleeps well

• Normal appetite

• Normal stools

What is the core characteristic of a Qi Deficiency constitution?

Hypofunction of the Zang-Fu (internal organs) due to Qi deficiency.

What are the general manifestations of Qi Deficiency?

• Fatigue/tiredness

• Low voice

• Spontaneous sweating

• Palpitations

• Dizziness/vertigo

• Tinnitus

• Poor appetite

• Abdominal fullness

• Loose stools

• Tongue: Pale with white coating

• Pulse: Weak 

What are the manifestations of Heart Qi Deficiency?

• Palpitations

• Shortness of breath that worsens with physical exertion

What are the manifestations of Lung Qi Deficiency?

• Low-voice cough

• Shortness of breath

• No desire to talk

• Spontaneous sweating 

What are the manifestations of Spleen Qi Deficiency?

• Poor appetite

• No desire to talk

• Emaciation

• Abdominal fullness

• Loose stools

• Pale complexion

What are the manifestations of Kidney Qi Deficiency?

• Lower back and knee ache

• Frequent clear urination

• Lower-limb edema

• Low libido

What are the treatment principles for Qi Deficiency?

• Tonify the Spleen & Lung

• Tonify the Heart & Kidney as needed

• Favor neutral to warm foods

• If Qi & Blood Deficiency coexist, tonify Qi and generate/invigorate/control Blood

• Avoid cold and greasy foods

Which neutral-energy foods are recommended to tonify Qi?

• Egg

• Pork

• Carrot

• Rice

• Potato

• Fu Ling (Poria cocos) 

Which warm-energy foods are recommended to tonify Qi?

• Chicken

• Chestnut

• Peach

Name at least six foods from the Qi-tonifying food list.

Examples include:

• Sticky rice

• Millet

• Barley

• Chinese yam

• Mushroom

• Beef

• Chicken

• White lentils (Bái biǎndòu)

• Huang Qi (Astragalus)

• Chestnuts

• Peanuts

• Hazelnuts

• Brown sugar

• Malt sugar

• Pigeon

What recipes are recommended for Qi Deficiency?

• Huang Qi (Astragalus) & Chicken Soup

• Coix Seed Congee (Yi Yi Ren Zhou)

• Chinese Yam & Chicken Soup

• White Lentils Congee (Bai Bian Dou Zhou)

• Poria Cocos Congee (Bai Fu Ling Zhou) 

Case: A patient has low energy, weak voice, poor appetite, loose stools, and catches colds easily. What is the most likely TCM pattern?

Qi Deficiency.

Case: A patient recovering from pneumonia feels weak, sweats easily, has a low appetite, and lacks strength. Which food is most appropriate?

Chinese yam (Shan Yao).

Case: A patient has bloating after meals, loose stools, fatigue, and a pale tongue with teeth marks. Which food combination is best?

Pumpkin + Millet + Chinese Yam