Introduction to Macrobiotics (part 11) – Acid and Alkaline Forming Foods

In the Five Element Theory, Foods can be divided into Yin and Yang, which corresponds to Acid-Alkaline in Western science. The acid or alkaline quality of our blood is measured by a Ph factor. A Ph of less than 7 is acidic while above 7 is considered alkaline. Most illnesses and disorders are caused by…

Introduction to Macrobiotics (part 10) – Food and the Earth Element

In the 5-Element Theory, Earth corresponds to a sweet taste. The foods listed below, graded from greatest impact to least impact, support the Earth element. Glucose Soft drinks Sugar Honey Maple syrup Mirin Ripe sweet fruit Fruit juices Milk and cream Malted grain (amazake, rice malt) Squash, pumpkin, Onion Round yellow/orange vegies Sweet brown rice Millet Barley…

Introduction to Macrobiotics (part 9) – Food and the Fire Element

In the Five Element Theory, Fire corresponds to a bitter or burnt taste. The foods listed below, graded from greatest impact to least impact, support the Fire element. Drugs Alcohol Saccharin Tobacco Coffee Honey BBQ meat Fruit juices Tropical summer fruit Toasted bread Carrot tops Leafy greens – watercress, chicory Corn How does food fit into…

Introduction to Macrobiotics (part 8) – Food and the Wood Element

In the Five Element Theory, Wood corresponds to a sour taste. The foods listed below, graded from greatest impact to least impact, support the Wood element. Lard Dairy fats Refined oils Unrefined oils Toasted oils Tahini Fatty fruits: avocado, banana, paw-paw Fruits: citrus, plums, rasberries Sprouts Greens Oats Rye Wheat How does food fit into the Five Element Theory? In…

Introduction to Macrobiotics (part 7) – Food and the Water Element

In the Five Element Theory, Water corresponds to a salty taste. The foods listed below, graded from greatest impact to least impact, support the Water element. Drugs Salted meat Eggs Salted yellow cheese Anchovies Salt Seaweed Round vegies growing in Winter: Brussel sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage Beans Buckwheat How does food fit into the 5-Element Theory? In the 5-Element…

Introduction to Macrobiotics (part 6) – Food and the Metal Element

In the Five Element Theory, Metal relates to a pungent taste. The following foods, graded from greatest impact to least impact, support the Metal element. Preservatives Meat Poultry Yeast Fish Arrowroot Flour Curry Ginger Wasabe Miso Tamari Pickles Kuzu Nuts and seeds Seaweed Agar-agar Root vegetables Brown rice How does Food fit into the Five Element Theory? …

Introduction to Macrobiotics (part 5) – The Twelve Meridians and The Five Element Theory

There are twelve meridians or energy pathways incorporated in The Five Element Theory. The chart below depicts the twelve meridians or energy pathways that run through the body. These include: Lung Meridian Large Intestine Meridian Kidney Meridian Bladder Meridian Liver Meridian Gall Bladder Meridian Heart Meridian Small Intestine Meridian Triple Heater Meridian Heart Constrictor Meridian…

Introduction to Macrobiotics (part 4) – The Five Element Theory and Energy Functions

The Five Element Theory reflects the energy functions related our senses, environment food, time of day as well as positive and negative emotions. The table below provides some examples: These functions are used for diagnosis in Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Shiatsu. The Five Element Theory can help  balance the energy pathways in the body and help…

Introduction to Macrobiotics (part 3) – The Five-Element Theory

The Five Stages of Transformation The transformation or manifestation of energy into matter and matter into energy can be classified into five general states made up of the five elements –  Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. These stages reflect the interplay between the forces of  Yin (expansion) and Yang (contraction).   The Five Element Theory There…

Introduction to Macrobiotics (Part 2) – Yin & Yang Foods

Yin Foods Yin foods have a tendency to cool the body, loosen muscles, reduce tension, slow down things, create the need for more sleep. If eaten in excess, Yin foods can make you tired, cause anaemia, paleness, loss of appetite, loss of motivation, fear, and anxiety. Characteristics of Foods that are Yin  rich in potassium…