in·spire /inˈspī(ə)r/: arouse, animate, imbue with spirit, give rise to, possessing extraordinary quality as if arising from an external creative impulse, to breathe in According to Classical Chinese symbolism, autumn is associated with the energetic qualities of the metal element 金 (jīn) and the Lung organ network. This means that the energetic gestures behind these […]
Chicken Congee: Immune Boosting Comfort in a Bowl
Chicken congee is a well-known immune boosting dish in Chinese medicine. This is the one recipe I’d recommend to almost everyone during “sick season.” It’s delicious, comforting, and deeply healing, both boosting the immune system and supporting digestive health. Whether you’re coming down with a cold, want to nourish your digestive system, or simply craving […]
The Five Flavors and What They Do in Your Body
The ancient sages of Chinese medicine discerned that every flavor carries a unique energetic gesture which influences the body, mind, and emotions. Eating what’s in season is the simplest way to follow the natural balance of these flavors, as nature grows what we need. Rather than rigid rules or restrictions, think of this as an […]
Late Summer, the Spleen and the Earth Element
in·te·grate /in(t)əˌɡrāt/: to incorporate [separate parts] into a unified whole; to bring together or combine with another; to unify aspects of a system Classically, the Earth element 土 (tǔ) wasn’t associated with any particular season. It was instead perceived as the stable ground upon which all seasonal movements take place; a central hub of transformation. […]