We have all heard of a balanced diet, but what does that mean in terms of Yin/Yang. In Oriental Medicine we focus on the functions of the organs rather than the structure. So each organ system has a flavour associated with it. For example, the Spleen (the digestive manager) likes the sweat flavour ...... when we are hungry and need quick energy we often crave something sweat.

Because we all have a different "deficiency" or weakness in our systems (and this may change from time to time due to what is happening in our lives), we need some basic principles to stick to that will keep us at optimum health, and it is quite easy.

Eat a wide variety of foods with different colours, flavours and textures in small portions.


What types of foods should we eat? 
Humans and dogs are both omnivores, meaning we should eat both meats and vegetable matter. (A quick check of the type of teeth we have will confirm this). Of-course we can survive on many different eating protocols, but what is ideal for most of us? 

Humans are primarily vegetarians that benefit from meat. So eat mainly vegetables and grains with some fruits and meats (red, white and seafood).
Your dog is primarily carnivorous, so feed him mainly raw meat and bones with some fruit, vegetables and grains.

ENJOY.

Have you ever met anyone who seems to be good at absolutely everything? Sickening right, for us mere mortals. The fact is that this is not normal or even natural.

Yin/Yang theory in Oriental Medicine states that "if there is an excess of something (e.g.. skill or intelligence), there must also be a deficiency (something lacking)."

Yin/Yang theory has been in existence for thousands of years, but most of us in the west are unaware of how it is part of everyday life. It is all about balance.

We all know the symbol well, but it is a static picture. Nothing is pure yin or pure yang and these two opposites are constantly changing and merging together, just as our lives are constantly changing and evolving.

When our lives are well balanced, we are happy. It only takes one element of our life (eg. work, relationships, etc) to be out of balance to cause stress which then affects all of our life including the good bits. 

Stress or being unhappy is possibly the leading cause of disease which may simply be a stiff neck or headache, but may also lead to much more serious conditions.

Prevention is better than cure. Identify the cause of your stress or unhappiness and do what ever you can to fix it.

BE HAPPY

Watch this space for upcoming blog posts on Oriental Medicine traditions to help you improve your quality of life.