NOURISHING YIN FOODS

Every phenomena can be categorized as Yin & Yang. Noting is constant and everything changes, winter change to spring, spring to fall. Transformation happens either we believe in Yin & Yang phenomena or not. Here are some example of Yin & Yang:

Yin                                                               Yang

Earth                                                           Heaven

Feminine                                                    Masculine

Cold                                                             Heat

In Chinese Medicine, Yin considered as a feminine quality, and predominates in women. Yin is moistening & coolant of the body. It can easily get damaged by stress & competition. For this reason, specially women have to protect themselves from various forms of environmental harshness.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF YIN DEFICIENCY

• Ligaments & Tendons tightness and pain
• Dryness – Eyes or throat
• Itchy – Scalp, nasal passages, skin, hay fever, allergies
• Headaches, irritability
• Digestive disorder, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, floating stool
• Red pimples or acne on face and or neck

Some of these symptoms may get worse in Spring if related with Liver Yin Deficiency. Symptoms of Hay fever and allergies usually get worse in Spring time. Spring is the time that Liver Qi is the strongest in the body and best time to take care of your Liver. Spring is the season of rejuvenation and sprouting, Liver is the only organ in the body that has capability of regeneration.

HOW TO DEAL WITH YIN DEFICIENCY

“Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food”

Millet, Barley, Wheat germ ,Wheat rice, Quinoa, Amaranth, Seaweeds, Micro-algae, Tofu, Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Mung Beans, Beets, String Beans, Kudzu, Persimmon, Grapes, Blackberry, Raspberry, Banana, Watermelon, Chicken egg.

FOOD COMBINATION

• Eat your highest protein foods at the beginning. Legumes, Nuts, Seeds and animal product should be eaten at the beginning of meal since the need more digestive acid to break it down
• Proteins, fats, and starches combines well with green vegetables and non starchy foods
• Have a small cup of miso soup or any salty (seaweed, soy sauce) at the beginning of your meal to stimulate gastric enzymes production for better digestion.
• Fruits and sweetened foods should be eaten separately and in small amount at the end of the meal. If fruits be eaten at the beginning, they digest first and then the rest of food sit in stomach and get fermented.

FOOD TO AVOID

Avoid too much warming foods, such as coffee, alcohol, tobacco, lamb, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and other spices.

SYMPTOMS OF CONSTIPATION AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

Lack of body fluid or Yin deficiency in the body can cause constipation. Drinking more water may help but not taking care of root problem of the disorder.

1. Chew grains well, it will produce more enzymes (yin) for your body
2. Eat whole grain crackers or rice cakes
3. Flax seeds, fenugreek and psyllium are helpful to lubricate intestine and highly nourishing
4. Above seeds can be soaked and eaten 3 TBS of combination per day

FOODS THAT LUBRICATE INTESTINE

Spinach, Banana, Okra, Carrot, Apple, Walnut, Sesame oil/seeds, Seaweed, Sprouts of alfalfa, Honey, Pine nut, Almond

BENEFICIAL HERB

These herbs can be used as tincture or tea to cleanse liver and help with constipation: Dandelion root, Burdock, Milk thistle, Artichoke leaf

Thank you for visiting my site. To make an appointment call: Katayoon Hakim @ 831-426-5002

email: Katayoon@hakimclinic.com

Disclaimer: The above information is for educational purposes only and is not to cure any disorders. Consult your physician if you are dealing with any Chronic disorder.