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Choi Man-soon's Medicinal K-Food: Applying Art of War to Nutrition

 

By Choi Man-soon, Food Columnist and Director of the Korea Traditional Medicine Food Research Institute

 

 

In recent years, the incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity has surged dramatically. Among the various contributing factors, one of the most significant is improper dietary habits, which often stem from poor food choices.

 

We find ourselves in a constant battle, not just with others but also with ourselves, as well as within the realms of business and governance. Sun Tzu's The Art of War is a famous military strategy book, yet its teachings extend beyond warfare. The underlying philosophy of Laozi's naturalism permeates this text. For instance, the first chapter, "Laying Plans," advises calculating before engaging in battle—a principle that can be applied to meal planning. It emphasizes the importance of not choosing food recklessly. For example, the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states, "All grains nourish the body's essential energy, fruits enhance it, and vegetables replenish it." It also warns that excessive consumption of fatty foods can lead to boils, while too much salty food causes blood clots, which are the root of all diseases.

 

◇ Foods to Consume After Cheoseo

 

Recently, we passed Cheoseo—one of the 24 solar terms marking the seasonal changes. Cheoseo signifies the end of summer, as its name implies. While the days may still be warm, mornings and evenings grow cooler, requiring us to carefully manage our body's yang energy.

 

Even after a scorching summer like this year's, the climate begins to dry out after Cheoseo. This can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, nasal dryness, dry cough, phlegm, constipation, skin dryness, wrinkles, and a gaunt appearance. These are typical symptoms of lung dryness and fluid deficiency, which is one reason COVID-19 tends to resurge during this time.

 

Traditionally, it has been recommended to consume bae (Korean pear) and baekhap (lily root) to prevent these issues. According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, pears moisten the lungs, stabilize the heart, clear phlegm, and detoxify the body. They also promote digestion and facilitate bowel movements. Lily root, as per the Shennong Bencaojing (Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica), helps prevent bloating, chest pain, and irregular bowel movements.

 

In terms of health maintenance, there are several key practices to follow:

 

Detoxify Harmful Heat and Moisten the Lungs: This will help prevent coughing and other respiratory issues.

 

Maintain Emotional Stability: The temperature variations during Cheoseo can lead to irritability and emotional instability. Deep breathing exercises can help restore vitality and calm the mind.

 

Protect the Body’s Yang Energy: The crossing of heat and cold during Cheoseo increases yin energy in the environment, weakening yang energy. Adequate sleep is essential to prevent fatigue and maintain mental clarity.

 

Dress Appropriately for the Weather: Sudden changes in temperature can lead to health issues such as sensitivity and weakened immunity, especially if the abdomen is exposed to cold winds.

Guard Against the Night Winds: Late-night breezes during Cheoseo can cause conditions like shoulder stiffness, frozen shoulder, cervical spondylosis, gout, and digestive disorders.

 

To combat these seasonal challenges, it is recommended to drink warm tea made with Western ginseng, chrysanthemum, goji berries, and honey, which soothes the nerves and clears the mind. A porridge made from equal parts of Job's tears, lotus seeds, and yam, eaten daily on an empty stomach, can improve sleep, prevent digestive issues, and stabilize the mind.

 

It is said that all diseases enter through the mouth. Therefore, it is crucial to consume appropriate seasonal foods to build immunity and stay healthy as we transition into autumn. Key ingredients for detoxifying heat and calming the mind during this period include cauliflower mushrooms, lily root, lotus seeds, honey, croaker fish, dried clams, seaweed, jellyfish, spinach, celery, glutinous rice, sesame seeds, and honey. Duck meat is particularly beneficial for stabilizing yin energy and producing bodily fluids, and herbs such as astragalus and codonopsis are also recommended. Fried foods, which dry out the body, should be consumed sparingly.

 

◇ Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Achieving Dreams and Hopes

 

Everyone has dreams, hopes, and goals. To achieve these goals, one must possess an unyielding spirit of challenge. But where does this energy, this driving force, come from? Can it be obtained by relying on herbal tonics, supplements, or functional foods? If so, one might neglect proper meals, opting for quick and convenient options. However, what the body truly craves is a good, wholesome meal. A nutritious meal strengthens the body and generates boundless energy.

 

There’s a saying that “spring is for jjukkumi (baby octopus) and autumn is for nakji (octopus).” Even the most resilient fighting bull's legs will give out after rigorous training. When this happens, the owner would pry the bull's mouth open and feed it a large octopus. The bull would regain its strength, lift its head, and bellow loudly. Nakji has long been recognized as a restorative food.

 

In modern times, people are under a lot of stress. This stress often leads to indigestion, as the tension in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines increases, preventing the release of necessary digestive enzymes and gastric juices. Excessive stress impairs metabolism and commonly results in indigestion. Many people eat hastily, prioritizing time over their meal. Some even eat while distracted by their smartphones, which exacerbates indigestion. When food is not chewed properly and the brain does not fully register that food is being consumed, the resulting hormonal imbalance caused by stress and anxiety significantly impacts the digestive system, eventually leading to chronic indigestion.

 

Fishermen refer to autumn octopus as “flower octopus.” Not only does it taste exquisite, but it is also virtually fat-free and rich in taurine, minerals, and amino acids. These nutrients help create healthy blood, boost energy, and aid in calcium absorption and metabolism.

 

In Jeong Yak-jeon’s Jasan Eobo (Fish Book), written in 1814, octopus is described as having a sweet taste, suitable for raw consumption, making soup, or drying for preservation. This indicates that octopus has long been enjoyed in various forms, including raw, boiled, stir-fried, in soups, skewers, stews, salads, and grilled. Different regions have their own specialties, such as Jobang Nakji, Mugyo-dong Nakji, and Mokpo Saebal Nakji.

 

According to Dongui Bogam (The Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine), octopus is sweet, salty, non-toxic, and neutral in nature, entering the spleen, stomach, and lungs. Its benefits include boosting the body’s energy, creating healthy blood, eliminating boils, and promoting lactation in nursing mothers. Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) also describes octopus as sweet, salty, non-toxic, and cool in nature, entering the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Its benefits include producing healthy blood, preventing various boils and cancers, enhancing muscle and skin elasticity, and healing old boils. Tianzhuben Cao mentions that those who suffer from fatigue, dizziness, and headaches can recover by boiling octopus with pork and dates.

 

Over the years, we have often pretended to care for our health while eating without a proper plan. However, foods that are seasonally appropriate can maximize our energy. In today’s world, even our dietary choices require strategic planning akin to The Art of War.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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