herbs- lecture 1 dk 5

What are the 6 broad therapeutic functions of foods?

Warming, Cooling, Moistening, Supporting Digestion, Promoting Circulation, and Calming.

What therapeutic function would be appropriate for someone who feels cold?

warming

Case: Someone feels cold all winter. What therapeutic function might be helpful?

Warming would be helpful.

What therapeutic function would be appropriate when someone presents with Heat signs?

Cooling

Case: Jessica has been hiking for several hours in hot weather and feels hot, thirsty, and prefers cool foods. What function is most appropriate?

cooling

What therapeutic function would be appropriate for signs of Dryness?

Moistening

Case: Someone has dry skin and a dry cough. What therapeutic function is most appropriate?

Moistening

What therapeutic function would be appropriate for poor appetite and bloating after eating?

supporting digestion

Case: Emily frequently feels bloated after large meals and has a poor appetite. What therapeutic function is most appropriate?

supporting digestion

Which therapeutic function focuses on improving circulation?

Promoting Circulation

Case: Linda frequently has cold hands and feet and notices stiffness after sitting for long periods. What therapeutic function is most appropriate?

promoting circulation

What therapeutic function would be appropriate for someone who is stressed and has difficulty relaxing?

Calming

Case: Sophia works long hours, feels stressed, and has trouble relaxing before bedtime. What therapeutic function might be most helpful?

calming

What are the 5 guiding principles of a balanced diet in TCM

• Balance rather than extremes

• Eat according to the season

• Eat according to your condition

• Moderation

• Observe how your body responds

What concept forms the foundation of the principle “balance rather than extremes”?

Yin-Yang

What example does the lecture give for eating according to the season?

Eating bitter foods such as bitter melon in summer to nourish the Heart.

What are the 24 Solar Terms?

An ancient Chinese calendar system that divides the year into 24 seasonal periods.

What does “eat according to your condition” mean?

Food choices should correspond to the person's current condition rather than using the same foods for everyone.

which is more appropriate when someone feels cold: ginger soup or watermelon?

ginger soup

What is the main idea behind moderation in TCM food therapy?

Even healthy foods can cause harm when overdone, while a less-ideal food in a small amount may not necessarily cause harm.

Why is observing the body's response important in food therapy?

Because the same food can cause different reactions in different people, so dietary advice should follow the individual's response.

How might two people respond differently to the same cup of coffee?

Person A: feels focused and has more energy.
→ Person B: feels anxious, can't sleep, and experiences a racing heart.

Should two people who respond very differently to the same food automatically receive the same dietary advice?

No — advice should follow the individual's response.

What two pathological substances are grouped together

Dampness & Phlegm

What two impaired-movement patterns are grouped together

Qi Stagnation & Blood Stasis