We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Andrew Wong

Interestingly, after you study this video course, you will realize that for thousands of years, ancient sages study properties and functions of foods, and for that matter, medicines, always in relation to the body system functioning for mental, physical and emotional development.

It is not just the feeling of hunger that we need food to eat. Animals will do the same, they feel hungry and they look for food to eat. But humankind, with thinking capability, learn from experience what foods are safe and good to eat.

Read more

Interestingly, after you study this video course, you will realize that for thousands of years, ancient sages study properties and functions of foods, and for that matter, medicines, always in relation to the body system functioning for mental, physical and emotional development.

It is not just the feeling of hunger that we need food to eat. Animals will do the same, they feel hungry and they look for food to eat. But humankind, with thinking capability, learn from experience what foods are safe and good to eat.

Ancient sages made more careful observation, what foods to eat to make one feels stronger, sleep better, or recover from sickness faster.

They also observed, certain foods are fit for daily consumption. Other types of foods are suitable only when one is not feeling well or sick. They called these foods Chinese Medicine.

Both foods and Chinese Medicine come from nature. The former for daily consumption and the later for special situations like in sickness.

In this video course, we explain how the underlying principles are the same for both Chinese Medicine and foods.

The same set of principles and theories are the same for Chinese Medicines and foods for daily consumptions. We can also say Chinese Medicine and Foods are like cousin brothers. This notion is certainly cannot be applied to western medicine, nor western nutrition theory.

Over time, the contents of this video course "Chinese Medicine & Home Kitchen" will expand, with more additional information on the properties and functions of Chinese Medicines and foods, which you can use or apply.

There may be special requests from learners of this video on some other common foods, relevant to them and to their interest. Then the properties and functions of such foods will be incorporated.

Hence do revisit this video course often.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will learn the key differences between chinese medicine and western medicine.
  • You will be introduced many different and interesting concepts of chinese medicine and foods in comparison with western medicine and western nutrition theory.
  • You will not only learn what is chinese medicine, but also learn the principles of chinese medicine are the same for common foods we consume everyday.
  • You will learn that chinese medicine and food therapy should be applied to every unique individual with his or her own body constituents.
  • You will learn how chinese medicine can be incorporated into home cooking for wholesome meals.
  • You will learn combination of chinese medicine in cooking can be applied to health challenges of different people, different age group.
  • You will learn properties and functions of many chinese medicine and common foods in relation to our health.
  • There will be more and more properties and functions of chinese medicine and foods added to this video course over time.

Syllabus

Yin Yang Forces or Qi produce Chinese Medicine & Foods
Introduction
Concepts of Medicine
Concepts of Food Therapy
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the relationship between food and medicine through the lens of ancient Chinese wisdom, offering a unique perspective on nutrition and well-being
Provides practical guidance on using Chinese medicine principles in home cooking, potentially enhancing the nutritional value and therapeutic benefits of meals
Presents Chinese medicine and food therapy as approaches to address various health challenges, potentially offering alternative or complementary strategies for managing well-being
Introduces fundamental concepts of Chinese medicine, such as Yin Yang and Qi, which are essential for understanding the course material and applying its principles
Explores the concept of body constituents in Chinese medicine, suggesting that dietary and medicinal approaches should be tailored to individual needs and characteristics
Focuses on the properties and functions of various foods and Chinese medicines, which may require learners to independently verify the information presented with qualified healthcare professionals

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Chinese medicine and home kitchen insights

According to learners, this course offers a unique perspective comparing Chinese Medicine principles with Western concepts, making it a helpful introduction for those new to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and food therapy. Students particularly appreciate the practical applications and integration into home cooking, finding the content clear and easy to understand. Many find the course broad in scope, covering various aspects from body constitutions to specific ingredients and health challenges. While generally well-received, some reviewers noted that the content might be too basic for those seeking deeper or more advanced knowledge.
Covers a wide range of TCM principles and applications.
"The course covers many topics, from body types and organs to specific ingredients and ailments."
"I was surprised by the variety of health issues and age groups addressed in the syllabus."
"It touches on philosophy, ingredients, specific conditions, and more."
Instructor is perceived as knowledgeable.
"The instructor clearly knows a lot about the subject matter."
"I felt the teacher was very informed and passionate."
"He explained complex ideas in a way that was understandable."
Compares TCM food therapy with Western views.
"The comparison between Chinese Medicine/Food and Western Medicine/Nutrition was really eye-opening and provided a unique viewpoint."
"It gives a fascinating perspective on food beyond just calories and nutrients."
"I appreciated understanding the fundamental differences in approach between the two systems."
Provides a clear, accessible entry point into TCM.
"As someone completely new to Chinese Medicine, I found this course a very gentle and clear introduction."
"The explanations of basic concepts like Yin Yang and Qi were easy to grasp."
"It lays a solid foundation without being overwhelming for a novice."
"I learned a lot about concepts I had only vaguely heard of before."
Learn to integrate TCM principles into daily meals.
"I found the parts on integrating Chinese Medicine into home cooking incredibly practical and useful."
"The medicated food recipes section gave me concrete examples I could immediately try in my kitchen."
"It was great to see how common ingredients in my home kitchen relate to TCM properties."
"I loved learning specific recipes for different body types and health needs."
May not provide sufficient depth for experienced learners.
"While great for beginners, those with some background in TCM might find the content a bit superficial."
"I was hoping for more in-depth analysis of specific herbs or complex formulations."
"The course gives a good overview but doesn't delve deeply into advanced theories."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Chinese Medicine and Home Kitchen with these activities:
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine
Provide a solid foundation in the core principles of Chinese Medicine, which are essential for understanding the course material.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the introductory chapters on Yin and Yang and Qi.
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Review Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Reinforce your understanding of how the human body functions, which is crucial for understanding how Chinese Medicine and food therapy interact with the body.
Browse courses on Human Anatomy
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous biology or anatomy courses.
  • Focus on the major organ systems and their functions.
  • Use online resources to refresh your knowledge.
Create a Glossary of Chinese Medicine Terms
Solidify your understanding of key Chinese Medicine concepts by creating a personal glossary of terms used in the course.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of unfamiliar terms from the course materials.
  • Research the definitions and origins of each term.
  • Write clear and concise definitions in your own words.
  • Organize the glossary alphabetically for easy reference.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Medicated Meal Plan for a Specific Body Constituent
Apply your knowledge of Chinese Medicine and food therapy by creating a meal plan tailored to a specific body constituent type.
Show steps
  • Choose a body constituent type from the course materials.
  • Research appropriate foods and Chinese Medicine ingredients.
  • Develop a sample meal plan for one week.
  • Explain the rationale behind each food choice.
Prepare a Presentation on a Chinese Medicine Food Therapy Recipe
Deepen your understanding of a specific recipe by researching its ingredients, benefits, and preparation methods, then sharing your findings.
Show steps
  • Select a recipe from the course or other resources.
  • Research the properties of each ingredient.
  • Create a presentation outlining the recipe and its benefits.
  • Practice your presentation for clarity and conciseness.
Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition
Expand your knowledge of the energetic properties of foods and their impact on health, complementing the course's focus on Chinese Medicine principles.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read chapters related to specific food groups and their energetic properties.
  • Compare the information with the course materials.
Answer Questions in Online Forums
Reinforce your understanding by helping other students with their questions and clarifying concepts from the course.
Show steps
  • Monitor online forums related to Chinese Medicine and food therapy.
  • Identify questions you can answer based on your knowledge.
  • Provide clear and helpful explanations.

Career center

Learners who complete Chinese Medicine and Home Kitchen will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Herbalist
An herbalist uses plants for medicinal purposes. This course, which explains the relationship between Chinese medicine and food, helps an herbalist understand how common foods and herbs can be used to improve health. The course covers the properties and functions of various foods and medicinal ingredients, and an herbalist can integrate these concepts into their practice and recommendations. This course may be particularly useful to an herbalist focusing on Eastern traditions or those who wish to work with food as medicine.
Holistic Health Practitioner
A holistic health practitioner focuses on the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. This course introduces the principles of Chinese medicine, which support a holistic philosophy. The course explores the relationship between food and the body's energy, which can help the practitioner design more effective health plans. This course can help a holistic health practitioner understand the importance of food choices on overall well-being.
Nutritionist
A nutritionist guides individuals on food choices to support their health. This course bridges the gap between traditional Chinese medicine and everyday cooking, showing how foods affect the body's functions and energy, which a nutritionist applies when creating meal plans. Understanding the 'properties and functions' of foods, as taught in the course, helps a nutritionist personalize dietary recommendations. A nutritionist will find the course's focus on body constituents directly applicable to their work.
Integrative Medicine Practitioner
An integrative medicine practitioner combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies. This course's exploration of Chinese medicine and food therapy aligns with the principles of integrative medicine. An integrative medicine practitioner can apply the knowledge of food properties to develop a holistic treatment approach. This course may help a practitioner understand how diet can influence a patient's health and work to include food therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan.
Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists use thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body to promote healing. This course expands an acupuncturist's understanding beyond needling by discussing the principles of Chinese medicine as they relate to food and the body’s energy. The course explains how food can be used to supplement acupuncture treatments. An acupuncturist will appreciate how this course's content aligns with their goals of promoting health by understanding the way the body functions according to Chinese medicine principles.
Health Educator
A health educator works to improve understanding of health and wellness through educational programs. This course provides a unique perspective on the relationship between food and health based on the principles of Chinese medicine and food therapy. A health educator may incorporate this course into health-related workshops. The course's introduction to the properties and functions of foods allows a health educator to teach others how to use food to improve health.
Wellness Coach
Wellness coaches work with clients to promote healthy habits and overall wellbeing. This course teaches how Chinese medicine and food therapy principles can be integrated into daily living. A wellness coach will find the discussion of body constituents, and how foods and herbs affect the body's energy and balance, highly relevant. They can guide clients on making informed food choices to address specific health challenges, based on the course's materials. A wellness coach can use this course to offer unique insights into well-being.
Health Consultant
Health consultants provide guidance on health and wellness to individuals or organizations. This course's focus on Chinese medicine and food therapy provides valuable insights into a holistic approach to health. A health consultant can use the course's teachings on the properties of foods and their effects on body systems to make informed recommendations. This course may help a health consultant understand the importance of dietary choices and their impact on overall well-being, and can provide additional tools for their clients.
Dietary Supplement Formulator
Dietary supplement formulators develop and design new nutritional supplements. This course introduces the concepts of Chinese Medicine and food therapy, exploring their properties and functions, which supports a dietary supplement formulator's work. The course's explanation of how foods impact the body and their medicinal applications would be helpful when designing new products. A dietary supplement formulator can learn to create products that align with traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
Food Blogger
A food blogger creates content about recipes, cooking, and culinary experiences. This course provides unique insights into the relationship between food and health from a Chinese medicine perspective, which would help a food blogger present novel information. The course's exploration of food properties and functions offers a basis for interesting and informative posts. This course can help a food blogger stand out by showcasing ways to use food for health based on the principles of this course.
Medical Anthropologist
A medical anthropologist studies health and illness in different cultures. This course, focusing on Chinese medicine and food, may benefit a medical anthropologist interested in traditional healing practices and beliefs about food's role in health within that tradition. This course provides a window into the ways that food is understood as medicine, informing their research into cultural patterns. A medical anthropologist may see how food and medicine is understood in this context.
Traditional Medicine Researcher
Traditional medicine researchers study historical and cultural approaches to health and healing. This course's introduction to Chinese medicine and food therapy may be interesting to a researcher in this field, helping them understand the principles behind the use of food for health. This course may provide an overview of ancient wisdom regarding foods and their medicinal uses within a specific tradition. A traditional medicine researcher may find this course helpful to learn from traditional practices.
Health and Wellness Writer
Health and wellness writers create content related to health, nutrition, and well-being. This course's focus on Chinese medicine and food therapy can help a writer develop a unique and informed perspective on health topics. The course's explanation of how food impacts the body's systems and the concept of body constituents would provide material for articles. A health and wellness writer can use this course to add depth and new dimensions to their writing.
Personal Chef
A Personal Chef prepares meals for clients based on their dietary needs and preferences. This course introduces the medicinal aspects of food, showing a personal chef how to integrate Chinese Medicine into home cooking. The course's instruction on the 'properties and functions' of foods allows a personal chef to prepare meals tailored to their clients' specific health requirements, focusing on the concept of body constituents. A personal chef will be able to create unique and targeted menus.
Culinary Educator
A culinary educator teaches cooking skills and techniques. This course offers a unique perspective on the medicinal properties of food, which can be incorporated into cooking instruction. It highlights ‘how Chinese Medicine can be incorporated into home cooking for wholesome meals.’ This course's materials help a culinary educator teach students about the connections between ingredients and health. They can share knowledge of how to use food for specific benefits based on the course's lessons on body constituents and the energetics of various foods.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Chinese Medicine and Home Kitchen.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It explains concepts like Yin and Yang, Qi, and the Five Elements in an accessible way. It is particularly useful for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of TCM before delving into specific applications in food therapy and home cooking, as taught in this course. This book is commonly used as an introductory text for TCM students.
Explores the connection between traditional Asian food therapies and modern nutritional science. It provides detailed information on the energetic properties of foods and how they can be used to promote health and well-being. This book is valuable as additional reading to expand on the concepts presented in the course, providing a deeper understanding of the nutritional aspects of Chinese Medicine and food therapy. It is commonly used by nutritionists and practitioners of alternative medicine.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser