Although it's well over 2000 years since Hippocrates, the 'Father of Medicine' came up with made his famous maxim "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food", we still seem to be struggling with exactly what we should be eating to promote wellbeing, prevent illness and support healing from existing conditions.
Science has analysed food composition and describes nutrients in terms of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Advice is offered as to optimal quantities and combinations of these components to promote health and prevent disease. Many lab tests are available to analyse deficiencies, sensitivities and advice given as to how to rectify these. This can be helpful in terms of trying to achieve a balanced diet, and I have heard many reports from patients who found that removing certain foods or supplementing particular nutrients have made a palpable difference to their health. I am frequently asked my opinion on the latest 'Superfoods' and miracle supplements and my answers frequently disappoint the enquirer. I think that this is because we all love the idea of a 'Magic Bullet' or a 'Cure All'. It's a great story, it's easy and it works. What's not to love!
My answers are along the lines of 'It depends who is taking it, their natural constitution as well as existing 'patterns of disharmony', not to mention time of year, month and stage of life.'
In Chinese Medicine terms, foods (and medicines) are viewed in terms of their energetic function. They may be 'heating', 'cooling', Damp-forming or clearing , Yin and Blood supporting, or depleting. Advice and prescriptions from the Chinese practitioner take into careful consideration the individual's current energetic function and patterns of disharmony, as well as constitution and medical history. Herbal formulae, often based on those from the classical Chinese Medicine Texts, are carefully constructed to maximise the benefit for the individual according to their unique presentation. Whilst Chinese Nutritional and Herbal therapy does approach treatment in terms of clearing 'Pathogens' and correcting 'Deficiencies', using 'clearing', and 'tonifying' foods and medicinals as appropriate, great emphasis is given to the overall strength of the patient's Qi function. The herbal formula and dietary advice is regularly reviewed as the condition and patient's overall health improves.
As a Chinese Medicine practitioner, I view Health education as a vital aspect of what I do. I find that most people feel inspired and empowered as they learn and experience how food can be a powerful healing medicine when tailored to their specific constitutions and patterns.

Please feel free to contact me for further information.