TCM IV - Directionality Flashcards
1
Q
Directions
A
There are five energetic directions (vectors) of food
1. Ascending
2. Descending
3. Consolidating
4. Centring
5. Spreading out to the exterior
2
Q
Ascending
A
- Energetically hot foods and substances are ascending:
o Hot spices
o Chocolate
o Onion
o Garlic
o Coffee
o Alcohol
o Sugar - They should be avoided, especially if you Heat signs prevail (such as headaches, high blood pressure, eye or ear infections)
- Sometimes however, this effect is desirable. A teaspoon of sugar, for example, can help stop diarrhoea: its strongly ascending vector neutralises the descending action of diarrhoea
3
Q
The Doctrine of Signature: Ascending
A
- The Doctrine of Signature: Stalky vegetables that grow upwards relatively straight and fast are ascending
- Examples include celery, broccoli, lovage, parsley and sprouted seeds and beans
- Stalky greens can be used to support the ascending function of the Spleen
- Stir-frying vegetables or dry-roasting grains will emphasise the ascending vector and add Yang Qi to your meals
4
Q
Descending
A
- Energetically cold or cooling leads are descending. They direct the energy and fluids of the body downwards and inwards.
- Examples include:
o Cucumber
o Peppermint
o Watermelon
o Strawberry
o Celery
o Raw foods
o Vegetable juices - They can be used to clear and descend Heat, particularly from the upper part of the body
5
Q
The Doctrine of Signature: Descending
A
- Downward pointing root vegetables such as carrots or parsnips have a descending effect
6
Q
Bitter tastes: Descending
A
- Bitter tasting foods also have a descending quality and are particularly effective in clearing Heat
- Examples include:
o Spinach
o Sorrel
o Rocket
o Kale
o Radicchio
o Radishes
o Cabbage
o Brussels sprouts
o Grapefruit - The descending quality of bitter leaves, with a splash of olive oil, can relieve constipation as it supports the descending function of the stomach and the large intestines
The bitter taste is also said to drain bitterness from the heart
7
Q
Centring foods
A
- Foods that have an affinity with the spleen are said to be centring
- Dishes prepared by wet cooking methods (steaming, boiling, braising) nourishing and warm the centre: soups, stews, congees, porridges, steamed or boiled vegetables
- Steamed whole grains such as rice, millet and quinoa and naturally sweet vegetables such as sweet potatoes and squash all nourish the Spleen
- These foods are great when the digestion is weak and the abdomen feels cold to the touch, or when someone is dehydrated
- On an emotional level, these foods can help the patient feel centred and grounded in themselves
8
Q
The Doctrine of Signature: Centring
A
- The Doctrine of Signature: round shaped foods such as celeriac, sweet potatoes, squash, beetroot, yam, Jerusalem artichokes or hazelnuts have a resonance with the abdomen and are centring
- Drink warm water and herbal infusionsSpreading to the exterior
9
Q
A
- Spreading out to the exterior is the energetic vector that resonates with the lungs’ function of spreading Wei Qi to the muscle and skin
- Pungent or spicy foods (e.g. black pepper, ginger, chilli ) support the action of spreading out to the exterior by helping the lungs to expel mucus, inducing a sweat, or aiding with the digestion of mucus-forming foods
- Foods I that spread out to the exterior also promote the circulation of Qi and Blood, in particular to the muscles and limbs. They are helpful in cases of chronic Qi stagnation
10
Q
Spreading to the exterior - used in conjunction
A
- Spicy foods can have a heating and dehydrating effect and should be used in conjunction with foods that nourish Yin
- Ginger tea with lemon and honey: the energetic vector of ginger = spreading out to the exterior – helps the lungs to induce a sweat and expel mucus
- Adding honey soothes the lungs and mitigates the heating action of ginger (as well as the Heat of the inflammation) and thus moistens lung Yin
11
Q
Consolidating
A
- Consolidating is the energetic vector that resonates with the kidneys’ function of preserving the Essence
- The salty flavour moves inwards and downwards, drawing the action of the food towards the centre and the root
- Roasting meat or vegetables consolidates their volume and intensifies taste; it supports the kidneys function of preserving life
- Roasting is the cooking method of choice to support someone who is chronically fatigued
- Dishes cooked with bone, cartilage and marrow (e.g. bone broths) also have a consolidated action and are a great support for those recovering from chronic illness
- The sour taste (e.g. of naturally fermented foods) also has a firming or astringent action and helps consolidate the Blood
12
Q
The Doctrine of Signature: Consolidating
A
- Nuts and seeds are the energetically densest part of the plants – containing the blueprint and essential nutrients for life. They all resonate with and nourish the kidneys.
13
Q
Directionality and conditions:
A
Different directions should be emphasised to ease certain conditions:
Ascending
Descending
Centring
Spreading out to the Exterior
Consolidating
14
Q
Directionality and conditions: Ascending:
A
Ascending:
* Chronic diarrhoea
* Depression
* Lethargy
* Sadness
15
Q
Directionality and conditions: Descending
A
Descending:
* Headaches
* Migraines
* Eye or ear infections
* High blood pressure
* Anger
* Rage
