FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DIETARY THERAPY
What Is
Dietary Therapy / Is Dietary Therapy The
Same As Nutritional Counseling / Will
I Lose Weight / Do I Have To Eat Chinese Foods /
Is It Difficult /
What Types Of Benefits Will I See
WHAT IS DIETARY THERAPY
Dietary therapy is the use of foods to both treat and
prevent illness, and to promote health.
IS DIETARY THERAPY THE SAME AS
NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING
No. Western nutrition is based on the knowledge of the
nutrient composition of food. There is an external standard
of good-for-you and bad-for-you based on the food
composition of macronutrients (protein, fat, and
carbohydrate) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Chinese medicine feels that this is only one part of food
dynamics, and discusses foods according to their type
(grain, vegetable, fruit, legume, nut, seed, meat, fish,
etc.) and to their individual properties (including
temperature and nature). Thus, each food has its own unique
properties, and dietary recommendations are based on
aligning these properties with a person’s constitution.
WILL I LOSE WEIGHT
Many people find that weight loss occurs with healthier
eating. Unless someone is specifically trying to lose
weight, however, Chinese medicine stresses eating
appropriately for your physiology. Weight loss and other
health benefits will occur naturally.
DO I HAVE TO EAT CHINESE FOODS
No. The principles of Chinese dietary therapy can be applied
to all types of foods. A healthy diet can vary greatly in
terms of foods that are eaten. The most important thing is
to have regular meals that are made from fresh, whole,
unprocessed foods.
IS IT DIFFICULT
Eating well does not have to be difficult. Chinese medicine
resolves many of the complicated issues people face when
trying to evaluate all of the varying diets that are around.
Following Chinese dietary suggestions does take some work, a
willingness to learn, and a commitment to change.
Considering the results that take place, it is worth the
effort.
WHAT TYPES OF BENEFITS WILL I SEE
Almost all conditions respond positively to dietary changes.
More energy, normalization of weight, improved digestion and
increased immunity are benefits that most people experience.
There are also specific benefits concerning gastrointestinal
disorders, allergies, cardiovascular illness, and hormonal
function.
For more detailed information regarding dietary therapy,
please refer to the About
Dietary Therapy section of this website.
