This is the
traditional symbol for the forces of yin and yang,
sometimes described as two fish swimming head to
tail.
How does the concept
of yin and yang relate to food? A basic adherence
to this philosophy can be found in any Chinese dish,
from stir-fried beef with broccoli to sweet and sour
pork. There is always a balance in color, flavors,
and textures. However, belief in the importance of
following the principles of yin and yang in the diet
extends further. Certain foods are thought to have
yin or cooling properties, while others have warm,
yang properties. The challenge is to consume a diet
that contains a healthy balance between the two.
When treating illnesses, an Oriental physician will
frequently advise dietary changes in order to
restore a healthy balance between the yin and yang
in the body. For example, let's say you're suffering
from heartburn, caused by consuming too many spicy
(yang) foods. Instead of antacids, you're likely to
take home a prescription for herbal teas to restore
the yin forces. Similarly, coughs or flu are more
likely to be treated with dietary changes than
antibiotics or cough medicines.
Almost no foodstuff
is purely yin or yang - it's more that one
characteristic tends to dominate. This is why there
is not complete agreement among experts as to which
foods exhibit yin or yang forces. It also
reinforces that it is not so much the individual
ingredients, as the the balance and contrast between
ingredients in each dish, that is important.
Interestingly, cooking methods also have more of a
yin or yang property, as the list below
demonstrates.
Cooking Methods:
Yin Qualities:
- Boiling
- Poaching
- Steaming
Yang Qualities:
- Deep-frying
- Roasting
- Stir-frying
Types of Foods:
