Chinese Nutrition Therapy: Dietetics in Traditional Chinese Medicine

by Joerg Kastner

Kastner's Chinese Nutrition Therapy is an excellent introduction to Chinese dietetics for both, students and practitioners of Chinese medicine. - I wholeheartedly endorse his book. Nigel Wiseman For millennia, the Chinese have taught that a healthy, appropriate diet is an integral part of maintaining good health and healing myriad disorders, from the common cold and morning sickness to heart disease and diabetes. Here, Joerg Kastner demystifies Chinese Dietetics, one of the pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and an ancient method for achieving well being. Joerg Kastner provides an introduction to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the energetics of foods. Emphasizing a holistic approach throughout, Chinese Nutrition Therapy provides readers with tools for integrating the principles of Chinese dietetics into their daily lives. The book includes a comprehensive classification of more than 300 readily available foods such as vegetables, grains, spices and herbs, fruit, meat, seafood, dairy products, oils and fats, and more. Numerous clinical examples and treatment suggestions artfully combine Western medical conditions with Chinese diagnostic techniques. An essential reference for students and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this user-friendly book will also be valued by nutritionists, dieticians, physicians, and anyone interested in living a long and healthy life. Includes A useful overview of the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Dietetics Descriptions of Chinese Dietetics in practice and discussions of dietary factors, such as seasonal adaptations and differing requirements for children and seniors Practical tips on how to adapt Chinese nutritional therapy to Western products and cooking methods Clinical examples covering the major organ systems A handy A to Z list of common foods and their healing characteristics. Joerg Kastner, M.D., L.Ac., is Head of Acupuncture Education at the Academy for Continuing Medical Education of the State Medical Board of Registration of Westfalen-Lippe, Germany, and is the visiting lecturer of Guangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is also the founder and medical director of the Academy for Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Genres: Health, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2004

About the author

Jörg Kastner, LAc, Private Practice, Wessling, Germany

Reviews

[Michael Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely detailed, and thorough on how it details TCM general nutrition, common disease patterns and causes and food treatment, individual nutritional therapeutics, and food tables by energetics. I believe it will be very practical read for both the novice and experienced.

[Stacy Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a delectable banquet for the mind - rich with knowledge about the intricate relationship between food and health in Traditional Chinese Medicine. With a dash of history, a sprinkle of theory, and a hearty serving of practical advice, the author serves up a feast of information that will tantalize even the most discerning of palates.

The author delves deep into the principles of TCM nutrition, exploring the energetics of food and the ways in which it affects the body. From yin and yang to the five flavors, she breaks down the intricacies of TCM theory in a way that is both accessible and engaging.

But don't get too carried away with the feast - there are a few bones to pick. Some readers may find the book a bit dense and dry, with a tendency towards textbook-like language. And while the author does include some recipes and practical advice, those looking for a full-fledged cookbook may be left wanting more.

Overall, "Chinese Nutrition Therapy" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of food and health. Whether you're a practitioner of TCM or simply a curious foodie, this book will leave you with a satisfied stomach and a wealth of knowledge to digest.

[Finbar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a little more in-depth than an introduction. There is a lot of good information in this book, but you will need some degree of background in Chinese Medicine to crack the nut. Having said that, the authors do a good job presenting foods and their energetics according to the TCM principles. It reads as a textbook and can get pretty dry, but can also be used as a reference tool. I like Daverick Leggett's books and Healing with Whole Foods better, but this book gives more insight into food as a therapeutic (as opposed to a diet tool).