Whole-Systems - Traditional Chinese Medicine (WS-TCM) offers a comprehensive approach to health that extends beyond treating physical symptoms by addressing the root cause to encompass mental and emotional well-being. One of the key pillars of TCM is dietary therapy, which uses food as medicine to balance the body's energy, or Qi, and maintain harmony within the body and mind. This approach considers not only the individual’s constitution but also the influence of the seasons on health, tailoring dietary recommendations to support mental health throughout the year.

The Role of Seasons in TCM Nutrition

In TCM, the year is divided into five seasons: spring, summer, late summer, autumn, and winter. Each season is associated with specific organs, elements, and emotional states. The foods consumed during these seasons should harmonize with the environment and the body’s needs, helping to maintain balance and prevent imbalances that could affect mental health.

The five Chinese elements represent different aspects of life and the natural world. Each person can be described by the Chinese elements based on their personality traits, behaviors, and health tendencies. As each element is associated with a season, understanding your dominant element can provide insights into your strengths, challenges, and how to achieve balance in life. We each have a little bit of the five elements within ourselves, but our dominant element is considered to be our five-element type. Take the five Chinese elements quiz by visiting the clickable link.

Spring (Wood Element, Liver):

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, associated with the liver and gallbladder. This season’s energy is about rising and expanding, similar to how plants grow upward. Emotionally, spring is linked to anger and frustration, which can arise from liver imbalances. To support mental clarity and emotional balance, we recommend consuming light, cleansing foods that promote the smooth flow of Qi. Bitter greens, sprouts, and sour foods like lemon and vinegar are beneficial during this time to support liver function and clear out any accumulated stagnation from winter. By searching for any Qi stagnation, we can diagnose and treat imbalances that may be leading to health consequences.

Summer (Fire Element, Heart):

The energy of summer is expansive and outward, connected to the heart and small intestine. The heart governs joy and is central to mental and emotional health. Overexcitement or agitation during summer can disturb the heart’s energy, leading to anxiety or insomnia. We recommend cooling, hydrating foods such as cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens that are ideal for summer, helping to cool the body and calm the mind. Bitter foods like dandelion greens can also help clear heat and support the heart’s energy.

Late Summer (Earth Element, Spleen):

Late summer is a transitional period linked to the spleen and stomach, organs that are central to digestion and the generation of Qi. The earth element is associated with nurturing, stability, and grounding. Emotionally, this season is tied to worry and overthinking, which can arise when the spleen’s energy is weakened. This is why we suggest foods that are warm, nourishing, and easy to digest, such as root vegetables, squash, and grains like millet. These foods support digestion and help stabilize the mind, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.

Autumn (Metal Element, Lungs):

Autumn’s energy is about gathering and consolidating, associated with the lungs and large intestine. This season is linked to grief and letting go, which can surface if the lungs are imbalanced. To support emotional resilience and prevent feelings of sadness or detachment, we suggest eating foods that are moistening and warming, such as pears, white radish, and ginger. Pungent foods like onions and garlic can help disperse any stagnant energy and keep the lungs clear.

Winter (Water Element, Kidneys):

Winter is a time of introspection and conservation, governed by the kidneys and bladder. The kidneys are the root of vitality in TCM, and their energy is crucial for managing fear and willpower. During winter, it’s important to eat warming, nourishing foods that support the kidneys and maintain internal warmth. This includes hearty soups, stews, beans, and seaweeds. Salty flavors are associated with the kidneys, so incorporating foods like miso, soy sauce, and sea vegetables can be beneficial for supporting mental and physical endurance during the colder months.

Dietary Therapy for Mental Health in TCM

In TCM, mental health is viewed as closely linked to physical health, with imbalances in one often affecting the other. We often provide educational support to our patients regarding dietary therapy as we use it to correct these imbalances as part of the comprehensive specialized plan we build. by choosing foods that support the organs and elements associated with different emotions.

Supporting the Heart and Calming the Mind:

For individuals experiencing anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia, we recommend foods that nourish the heart and calm the spirit. Red foods like goji berries, hawthorn, and red dates are believed to support heart health. Additionally, teas made from herbs such as jujube seeds or lotus seeds can help soothe the mind and promote restful sleep. Check out our blog post on other ways TCM modalities can improve sleep quality naturally.

Strengthening the Spleen and Reducing Worry:

Those who struggle with overthinking, worry, or digestive issues may benefit from a diet that strengthens the spleen. This includes warm, cooked foods like soups and stews, as well as sweet-tasting foods (in moderation) like sweet potatoes and squash. Avoiding raw, cold foods, which can weaken the spleen, is also advised.

Nourishing the Kidneys and Overcoming Fear:

Fear and a lack of willpower are often linked to kidney deficiencies. To nourish the kidneys, TCM suggests incorporating foods like black beans, walnuts, and dark-colored foods such as black sesame seeds and seaweed. These foods are believed to support kidney function and provide the resilience needed to face challenges.

Clearing the Liver and Managing Anger:

For those dealing with irritability or frustration, a diet that clears heat and supports the liver is recommended. Green, sour, and bitter foods such as leafy greens, lemon, and dandelion can help move stagnant liver Qi and prevent these emotions from becoming overwhelming.

The Benefits of TCM Nutrition for Mental Health

One of the many benefits of TCM nutrition is its emphasis on balance and harmony. By aligning dietary choices with the seasons and individual constitution, TCM dietary therapy can help maintain a stable emotional state and prevent the development of mental health issues. Additionally, TCM’s holistic approach ensures that diet is considered alongside other factors like lifestyle, stress management, and physical activity, providing a comprehensive strategy for mental wellness.

Our board-certified team at Garden Acupuncture has 40+ years of experience healing people naturally with Whole-Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine. We specialize in acupuncture for anxiety and depression as well as general mental health. Start your healing journey today. Learn why our clients think we’re the best acupuncture Park Slope has to offer.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Nutrition and Dietary Therapy for Mental Health