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Yin Yang Health

Sagen Ishizuka, an 1880's Japanese doctor found this wholegrain cereal and vegetable diet could treat many ailments. A writer named George Ohsawa then put these ideas into practice, claiming to be freed from his TB as a result.

This diet is based on the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. When one has more of the one than the other you get ill. These conditions can be rectified by eating more Yin/Yang foods to complement your condition and rectify the imbalance. It should also be noted that this diet is a way of life and not meant solely for those ill. Macrobiotics is derived from the two Greek words "macro" (large, long) and "bios" (life) and it is thus aimed to bring health and longevity.

Highly Yin people tend to be: calm, peaceful, relaxed and creative, social and serene. Too much of it brings lethargy and perhaps depression. Suggested diet in this case will include fish, whole oat porridge, root vegetables and bean stews. These Yang foods are also great for winters as they warm and energise. Recommended exercises will include swimming, jogging and skipping.

Highly Yang people tend to be: perfectionist, alert, energetic, active. Too much of it brings tension, anxiety and irritability. Suggested diet in this case will include salads, seeds, nuts, steamed vegetables and fresh fruit. Yin foods are excellent choice during warm summers. Recommended exercises will include yoga, T'ai-Chi Ch'uan and strolling.

Macrobiotic Foods
Wholegrain cereals - barley, oats, brown rice, wheat, buckwheat and maize, rye and couscous.
Vegetables - seasonal and fresh (organic) vegetables with a focus on root vegetables.
Pulses - kidney beans such as adzuki, lentils and chickpeas.
Fruit - only the freshest, organic local grown fruits, of all colours.
Seeds and Nuts - Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts, chestnuts, sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds.
Seasonings Sesame and sea salt, mustard, tahina, ginger, garlic, lemon juice and cider vinegar.
Sweeteners - Barley malt, rice syrup or fruit juice.
Oils - cold-pressed vegetable oils such as sunflower, olive, sesame and maize oils.
Spreads - Sugar-free, natural jams, barley malt, nut butters like peanut butter and tahina.
Snacks - Seeds, raisins, nuts, rice cakes and fruits.
Beverages - Carrot juice, apple juice, organic wine, spring water and herbal teas.

Yin Foods (for those that need calming)
Leafy green vegetables (&juices), fruit (&juices), seeds and nuts, tofu, barley malt and sugar-free jams. Avoid the overly Yin foods such as cakes, alcohol, sweets and sugar, tea and coffee as they will deplete you of energy.

Yang Foods (for those that need energising)
Brown rice, whole oat porridge and whole-wheat bread, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, cottage cheese, fish, beans and peas and lentils, sea salt and Miso. Avoid the overly Yang foods such as Meat, poultry and eggs plus hard salty cheeses as they will give too much nervous energy.

It should be noted, that the principle behind a Macrobiotic diet is to balance these two food groups and only adjust complications as they arise.