25. I Heal My Own Body ： Yangsheng in Food

In food, there is also the fundamental nature of yin and yang. For those with a yang-type constitution, it is better to eat more yin-natured foods. Conversely, for those with a yin-type constitution, it is better to eat more yang-natured foods. This is the principle of dietary yangsheng (health preservation).

In terms of form, the roots and stems of plants belong to yang, while the leaves belong to yin. Therefore, burdock root, onions, ginseng, lotus root, sweet potato, taro, potato, turnip, and pickled radish belong to yang (radish has high water content and is considered yin). Cabbage, spinach, lettuce, leafy vegetables, and high-water-content foods like cucumber, eggplant, and persimmon belong to yin.

According to yin-yang theory, when yang energy is deficient, foods like glutinous rice, brown rice, millet, corn, chives, broccoli, chili pepper, perilla leaves, ginger, garlic, green onion, onion, beef, chicken, seaweed, laver, soju, and whiskey are beneficial. When yin energy is deficient, barley, whole wheat, red beans, soybeans, tofu, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, pumpkin, eggplant, sweet potato, burdock, codonopsis, pork, seaweed, kelp, shellfish, squid, octopus, anchovies, and beer are recommended. Therefore, those who are sensitive to cold should consume more yang-type foods, while those sensitive to heat should consume more yin-type foods for better health preservation.

Our ancestors emphasized “small meals” (소식) and “moderate eating” (절식). Moderation means conserving food, also called “cherishing blessings” (惜福). Practicing moderation reduces the burden on the stomach, strengthens immunity, and purifies the blood. Various animal studies have shown that small meals significantly reduce disease incidence, delay aging, and extend lifespan by 20-40%. Nowadays, diseases mainly arise not from lack of food but from overeating or improper eating.

Dr. Jin-man Kim, director of Peace Oriental Clinic