Qi flows throughout my whole body because of its strength and vigor. The movement of Qi is called Mechanism of Qi that is 70% powered by food. The mechanism of Qi can be generalized as four aspect :
1.Ascending/upbearing/lifting (Yang)
Qi moves from the lower region towards the upper region of my body. Foods that give this strength to Qi mainly have sweet-acrid flavors and moderate thermal nature (warm, neutral). Example : green onion, garlic, alcoholic beverages. This movements arrest diarrhea and prolapsed of anus, uterus or stomach.
2.Descending/lowering/falling (Yin)
Qi moves from upper to the lower region of my body. Foods have a laxative or diuretic effect, and a cooling, mostly cold thermal nature, with strong salty or bitter flavor. Example : salt, crayfish. The downward movements can relieve vomiting, hiccupping and asthma.
3.Floating/exiting (Yang)
Qi moves from inside towards outside of my body. Foods that have strong thermal nature (warm/hot), sweet and acrid flavor. Example : cinnamon, ginger, pepper. The outward movements induce perspiration and reduce fever.
4.Entering/downbearing/sinking (Yin)
Qi moves from outside toward inside of my body. Foods that have cooling-neutral thermal nature, primarily sour flavor, partly bitter and salty. Example : yoghurt, lemon, vinegar. The inward movements ease bowel movement and abdominal swelling.
In general, leaves and flowers have a tendency to move upwards. Roots and seeds and fruits possess a tendency to move downwards. But, there are many other exceptions and some foods can move in two directions, for example : lettuce has both downward and inward movements.
The movements of Qi must be kept in harmony. In other words, the two opposite aspects should be balanced. A free flow of Qi as well as balancing the movements of Qi are known as the harmony of Qi activities.
Do you have a more extensive list of "downward" and "cooling" foods?
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