Supporting Your Health with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine: A Guide to Eating Well & Foods to Support Each Organ System.
- Dr. Margie Virgo D.TCM, R.Ac
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Margie Virgo, a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, shares her insights on diet and wellbeing from her clinic at Weston Creek Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Rivett, ACT.
Chinese Medicine adopts a holistic perspective on health, acknowledging the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment. Instead of concentrating on individual symptoms, it examines patterns of imbalance and how the body's systems collaborate to sustain overall harmony and wellbeing. Within this approach, acupuncture treatments and prescribed herbal medicine are often used alongside dietary guidance to support balance and overall health.
In Chinese Medicine, there is a long-held understanding that what we eat is reflected in how we look and feel. The quality of our diet can influence the appearance of the skin, hair and eyes, as well as overall vitality and energy. When the body is well nourished and balanced, this often shows outwardly through a clearer complexion, brighter eyes and a healthier overall appearance. Conversely, a poor or imbalanced diet may contribute to signs such as dull or dry skin, puffiness, breakouts, brittle hair, or a lack of energy and radiance, reflecting underlying disharmony over time.
One of the easiest ways to maintain this balance is through our daily diet. This article delves into how diet is perceived in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), providing a practical guide to foods traditionally linked with supporting each organ system.
Understanding the Zang-Fu Organs in Chinese Medicine
The Zang-Fu organ system is a fundamental concept in Chinese Medicine, representing the body through interconnected functional systems that include physical, emotional, and physiological processes.
Understanding the Zang-Fu is crucial when discussing diet, as each organ system traditionally corresponds to specific functions and particular foods that may support those functions. Instead of viewing food solely in terms of nutrients, Chinese Medicine considers how various foods interact with these organ systems to affect balance and overall wellbeing.
The Zang organs (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney) are linked to nourishment, storage, and regulation. The Fu organs (Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Bladder, Gallbladder, and San Jiao) are involved in digestion, transformation, and movement.
Together, they explain how the body converts food into energy (Qi) and Blood, regulates fluids, supports emotional health, and maintains overall balance.
Note; In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the San Jiao (also referred to as the 'Triple Burner') is a functional system rather than a single physical organ. It is understood as the body’s pathway for the movement and regulation of Qi and fluids across three regions: the upper (respiration and circulation), middle (digestion and transformation), and lower (elimination and fluid metabolism). The San Jiao helps coordinate the activity of the other organ systems, ensuring that warmth, fluids, and energy are properly distributed throughout the body to maintain balance and efficient function.
The Role of Diet in Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, diet is considered one of the most important daily tools for maintaining health. Foods are classified by their energetic nature (warming, cooling or neutral), flavour, and their relationship to specific organ systems.
In Chinese Medicine, food is often understood through five primary flavours—sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty—each of which is traditionally associated with particular organ systems and functions in the body. Sour foods are linked with the Liver and are thought to have a consolidating effect, bitter foods are associated with the Heart and may help clear heat, sweet foods relate to the Spleen and support nourishment and digestion, pungent foods are connected to the Lungs and help to promote movement and circulation, while salty foods are linked with the Kidneys and are considered to support deeper nourishment and fluid balance. Including a variety of these flavours in moderation is seen as a way to help maintain balance and support overall wellbeing.
Foods to Support the Liver
In Chinese Medicine, the Liver is associated with the smooth flow of Qi and emotional balance.
Foods traditionally used to support Liver function include garlic, onion, chives, fennel and turmeric. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale, along with beetroot, carrot, goji berries and mulberries, are often used to nourish Blood. Cooling foods like celery, cucumber and bitter greens may help clear heat, while small amounts of lemon or vinegar, along with black sesame seeds and walnuts, may support regulation.
Foods to Support the Heart
The Heart is linked with mental clarity, emotional wellbeing and circulation.
Foods such as jujube dates, longan, beetroot, chicken and eggs are commonly used to support Blood. Lotus seeds, lily bulb and chamomile tea are traditionally used to calm the mind. Cooling foods like cucumber and watermelon may be used when there is excess heat, while hawthorn, tomato and red capsicum are often included to support circulation.
Foods to Support the Spleen
The Spleen plays a central role in digestion and energy production in Chinese Medicine.
Nourishing foods such as rice, oats, sweet potato and pumpkin are commonly used, along with easily digested proteins like chicken. When there is dampness, foods such as barley, adzuki beans and lentils may be included. Warming spices like ginger and cinnamon are traditionally used to support digestion.
Foods to Support the Lung
The Lungs are associated with respiration, skin health and immune defence (Wei Qi).
Foods such as pear, apple, almonds and honey are often used to moisten dryness. Rice, oats, mushrooms and chicken support Lung Qi, while garlic, onion and ginger are traditionally used to support immune function.
Foods to Support the Kidney
The Kidneys are associated with long-term vitality, resilience and ageing.
Foods such as black sesame seeds, mulberries, eggs and tofu are commonly used to nourish Kidney energy. Warming foods like lamb, walnuts and cinnamon may be used when there is a need for additional warmth. Bone broth, black beans, seaweed, sardines and oysters are often included for deeper nourishment.
Supporting Digestive Organs in Chinese Medicine
The Stomach and Spleen work together to digest food and produce energy. Simple, warm foods such as rice congee, soups, pumpkin and ginger tea are commonly recommended for digestive support.
The Large Intestine is supported by moistening foods such as pear, banana, flaxseed and prunes, while the Bladder may benefit from foods that promote fluid balance such as barley water, celery and watermelon.
General Chinese Medicine Food Categories
Foods to support Qi (energy): rice, oats, sweet potato, chicken
Foods to support Blood: beetroot, spinach, liver, goji berries
Foods to support Yin (fluids): pear, tofu, eggs
Foods to support Yang (warming): lamb, cinnamon, walnuts
A Balanced Approach to a Chinese Medicine Diet
In Chinese Medicine, there is no universally ideal diet. What benefits one individual may not be suitable for another, as dietary choices depend on personal constitution, health condition, and environment.
A balanced approach typically involves eating regular meals, opting for cooked foods when digestion is sensitive, adapting food choices according to the seasons, and steering clear of extreme or restrictive diets.
Food is regarded as a key element in supporting the body during times of imbalance in Chinese Medicine. When selected correctly, everyday foods can reinforce the same principles as acupuncture and prescribed herbal formulas, gently aiding digestion, circulation, fluid balance, and overall vitality. Dietary adjustments are not standalone treatments but are used to complement clinical care, helping to nourish the body, maintain progress between treatments, and support a more balanced internal environment over time.
Supporting Your Digestion Between Treatments
In Chinese Medicine, digestion is considered central to overall health, as it is responsible for transforming food into Qi (energy) and Blood. Supporting your digestion between acupuncture sessions can help maintain progress and improve how you feel day to day.
Practical tips to support digestion:
Eat regular meals at consistent times to support the Spleen and Stomach
Choose mostly warm, cooked foods such as soups, stews and lightly cooked vegetables
Avoid excessive intake of cold or iced foods and drinks
Eat slowly and mindfully, allowing time for proper digestion
Avoid overeating—aim to feel comfortably satisfied, not overly full
Limit rich, greasy and highly processed foods
Stay adequately hydrated throughout the day
Incorporate gentle movement after meals, such as a short walk
Manage stress, as it can impact digestive function
Pay attention to how different foods make you feel and adjust accordingly
These small, consistent habits can help support your body between treatments and complement the effects of acupuncture and herbal medicine over time.
References & Further Reading
· Pitchford, P. Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition.
· Kaptchuk, T. The Web That Has No Weaver.
· Chen, J. & Chen, T. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology.
· Li, S. et al. (2021). Traditional Chinese dietary patterns and health outcomes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
· Wang, J. et al. (2020). Diet therapy in traditional Chinese medicine: A review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
· World Health Organization. Traditional medicine resources.
Ongoing Care and Support
For many people, consistent care from a registered acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine can promote long-term wellness. Regular consultations can help track changes, adjust treatment methods, and offer tailored dietary advice.
If you're seeking acupuncture or Chinese Medicine assistance in Canberra, or desire tailored guidance on diet and lifestyle, you can find more information or schedule an appointment at:
www.westoncreekacupuncture.com.au situated at 1 Bangalay Crescent, Rivett, ACT, 2611
Margie – Weston Creek Acupuncture
Printable & Downloadable Reference here: TCM FOOD CHART.pdf
Chinese Medicine Food Chart by Organ System
Organ-Based Food Chart
Organ System | Foods Traditionally Used for Support |
Liver (Gan) | Garlic, onion, chives, leek, fennel, turmeric, peppermint, chrysanthemum, dandelion greens, kale, spinach, silverbeet, broccoli, beetroot, carrot, celery, cucumber, zucchini, goji berries, mulberries, lemon, lime, grapefruit, vinegar (small amounts), black sesame seeds, walnuts |
Heart (Xin) | Jujube dates, longan, beetroot, cherry, strawberry, red grapes, tomato, red capsicum, lotus seed, lily bulb, saffron, chamomile tea, green tea, asparagus, bitter lettuce, cucumber, watermelon, mung beans, eggs, chicken, cacao (small amounts) |
Spleen (Pi) | Rice (white & brown), oats, millet, quinoa, sweet potato, pumpkin, potato, carrot, parsnip, squash, chicken, beef (small amounts), lentils, chickpeas, adzuki beans, dates, figs, honey (small amounts), ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, fennel, orange peel |
Lung (Fei) | Pear, apple, white peach, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, honey, tofu, rice, oats, mushrooms (shiitake, button), chicken, duck, white fish, daikon radish, mustard greens, cabbage, cauliflower, ginger, garlic, onion, spring onion |
Kidney (Shen) | Black sesame seeds, black beans, kidney beans, adzuki beans, walnuts, chestnuts, mulberries, blueberries, eggs, duck, lamb, pork, bone broth, sardines, mackerel, oysters, prawns, seaweed (nori, kelp, wakame), miso, cinnamon, clove |
Stomach (Wei) | Rice congee, oats, potato, pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, squash, ginger tea, fennel tea, radish, turnip, cabbage, zucchini, apple, pear, banana (ripe), yoghurt (in moderation), soups, broths |
Large Intestine | Pear, apple, banana, prunes, figs, chia seeds, flaxseed, sesame seeds, sesame oil, spinach, silverbeet, kale, cabbage, broccoli, sweet potato, pumpkin, honey, almond oil |
Small Intestine | Rice, congee, oats, soups, broths, mung beans, lentils, bitter greens, asparagus, lettuce, tomato, zucchini, parsley, dill |
Bladder | Barley, barley water, watermelon, cucumber, celery, parsley, corn, corn silk tea, cranberry, asparagus, lettuce |
Gallbladder | Dandelion, chicory, rocket (arugula), endive, artichoke, turmeric, lemon, lime, apple cider vinegar (small amounts), radish, mustard greens |
Pericardium | Rose tea, chamomile tea, lavender tea, saffron, lotus seed, lily bulb, jujube dates, small amounts of dark chocolate |
San Jiao (Triple Burner) | Barley, mushrooms, seaweed, daikon radish, ginger, green tea, lightly cooked vegetables, soups and broths |
Disclaimer; This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and should not replace advice from your GP or another registered health professional. Individual needs vary. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are taking medication, please seek appropriate professional advice before making changes to your diet or health routine.
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