Spa Cuisine Of China
Chinese food varies widely even in China itself. However an ideal Chinese meal remains one that balances the elements of yin, yang and qi. Yin and yang are broadly described as two opposites of a central life force, and these opposites extend to food as well: certain foods have a cooling effect on the human body – yin; while other foods have a warming effect – yang. For instance, bamboo shoots and cucumber are considered yin foods, while chicken and ginger are considered yang foods. In between are the so called ‘neutral’ foods such as white rise. As healthy individuals tend to have a tendency toward yin or yang, a balanced meal can serve to either correct an existing imbalance or maintain the balance already present in the body. A balanced meal is also believed to strengthen and balance your qi. The Chinese believe that foods have a directional effect on the qi. A specific direction might be needed when you are ill: for instance, an outward energy flow can help reduce a fever by encouraging perspiration. Here are some recipes for a healthy Chinese spa meal. These dishes contain a blend of yin and yang ingredients and herbs such as mai dong, dang gui (Chinese angelica) and reb shen (ginseng). Chinese angelica and ginseng are both commonly found in tonic remedies – Chinese angelica is believed to nourish the blood and stimulate the liver while ginseng, a potent of qi tonic, combats fatigue and is especially beneficial to the lungs, spleen and heart.
