Diet

Traditional medicine is the connection between the wisdom of traditional cultures and the practices of those traditions for the purpose of healing and preventing illness. Over the centuries, traditional medicine integrated diet and lifestyle as an important element of its practice. In traditional Chinese medicine, diet plays an essential role in the ability to prevent and manage illnesses. Both the general diet choices and the specific food are considered for the pathology of each person. The systemic theory of traditional Chinese medicine often divides the diet into warm and cold, as well as aroma, taste, and sensations. Foods are classified by their effects on the qi which can help to balance or unbalance the energy within the body. Ayurvedic medicine also pays significant attention to nutrition and diet. Ayurveda stresses whole foods as unprocessed and free of additives and chemicals. Each food is also classified by its taste, energy, and post-digestive effect. Eating fresh, seasonal, and local foods is recommended whenever possible. The integration of diets from warmer climates should be monitored closely since they can disturb the balance of an individual. Indian medicine, for example, divides dietary products into three categories: sattvic which nourishes both the body and mind; rajasic which incites passion; and tamasic which disturbs the peace of mind. Ancient Greek medicine also stressed the importance of diet with the use of herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables. It is clear that traditional medicine systems take nutrition and diets as part of the whole healing picture. Each culture has developed specific ideas of dietary choices as a way for individuals to promote optimal health and wellbeing. Health practitioners in traditional medicines should continue to emphasize diet to their patients.