Digestion, Energy & Emotions: The Surprising Role of Your Gut in Chinese Medicine
Your Digestion is doing more than you think!
In Chinese medicine, your gut isn’t just where you process food, it’s also where we process thoughts, emotions, experiences and even old trauma. Your digestion is a central hub of transformation- physically, mentally and spiritually.
The meridians associated with digestion are responsible for transforming and transporting- Here’s what that means.
Transformation- the stomach breaks down food, but also starts the process of breaking down everything else that we consume- thoughts, ideas, etc.
Transportation- the spleen then takes what the stomach has transformed and distributes it throughout the body, sending nutrients, qi and fluids to nourish your organs, tissues, and your mind.
When these systems are strong, you feel:
- Energized and grounded
- Clear-headed and emotionally balanced
- Comfortable in your skin (literally- digestion directly affects our complexion and elasticity of our skin)
But when these systems are week, we can feel:
- bloated, tired, feeling “heavy/weighed down”
- brain fog, over thinking, worrying
- breakouts, puffiness/holding onto too much water, or dull skin.
Your gut isn’t just a physical space- it’s where your body, mind and spirit come together to process life. So, if you’re stuck, inflamed, or off-balance, start by supporting your digestion.
Here’s how to begin:
- Eat warm, cooked and simple meals: Think stews, soup, congee, roasted vegetables and simple proteins. Cold and raw foods can weaken your digestive fire, making it more difficult for these systems to do their processing. And remember to eat in calm and peaceful environments.
- Work with an acupuncturist: Acupuncture can find the root balance of why digestion may be off, tonifying the system, removing stagnation and reminding the body of its natural harmonious state. Sometimes there is an overload of things that our body’s need to process, and acupuncture can give it the space to do so.
- Get Plenty of Rest: The digestive system is within the Earth element in Chinese medicine, allow yourself space to slow down, ground and center to nourish your earth.
Below is a Golden Congee recipe designed to gently support your digestion—nourishing, grounding, and full of comfort:
Ingredients:
½ cup white rice
5 cups bone broth (or vegetable broth)
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
1 inch piece of fresh turmeric, sliced
Pinch of sea salt
Optional toppings- soft boiled eggs, sesame oil, scallions.
Directions:
Simmer everything together for 1.5 - 2 hours until its silky and porridge-like. Top with your favorite protein and veggies, enjoy slowly and mindfully.