Harmonise (调和 Tiáo Hé) in Traditional Chinese Medicine is the action of restoring a dynamic balance between Zang-Fu organs, flavours, thermal natures and Qi movements. It addresses Shaoyang-type imbalances, conflicts between organs and digestive disorders.
Harmonise
调和
- Restore balance between Zang-Fu organs
- Harmonise Liver and Spleen, Stomach and Spleen
- Regulate Qi and Blood in case of conflict
- Soothe rising Qi and nausea
- Normalise digestive and emotional functions
Harmonising is the movement of the middle way. When two forces oppose or block each other, harmonisation makes them dialogue, restores communication and allows Qi to circulate freely between territories.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM theory, harmonisation is particularly indicated in Shaoyang-type syndromes, where the external perversity is halfway between exterior and interior, and in conflicts between organs. The main harmonisation targets include:
- Liver and Spleen: when Liver Qi stagnation invades the Spleen, causing bloating, lateral pain and changing mood
- Heart and Kidney: when Heart Fire does not descend and Kidney Water does not rise, causing insomnia and palpitations
- Stomach and Spleen: when the Stomach descends and the Spleen rises, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Qi and Blood: when Qi no longer governs Blood, causing bleeding, stasis or dizziness
Practical Applications
In Chinese dietary therapy, harmonisation is achieved through neutral nature foods, balanced flavour associations and moderate cooking methods:
Harmonising foods:
- Rice (米 Mǐ) - neutral nature, harmonises the Centre and tonifies Qi
- Carrot (胡萝卜 Hú Luo Bo) - neutral nature, regulates Spleen and Stomach
- Apple (苹果 Píng Guǒ) - cool nature, harmonises Liver and Spleen
- Dates (大枣 Dà Zǎo) - warm nature, harmonises Qi and Blood
- Fresh ginger (生姜 Shēng Jiāng) - warm nature, harmonises Stomach and disperses Cold
Cooking methods:
- Mixed cooking combining foods of different natures
- Clear soups that nourish without obstructing
- Regular meals at fixed hours to stabilise Centre Qi
- Avoid excess of single flavour (too sweet, too salty, too spicy)
Conclusion
Harmonise (调和 Tiáo Hé) is a fundamental strategy in TCM for restoring balance between organs, flavours and Qi movements. In Chinese dietary therapy, it is achieved through neutral nature foods, balanced associations and a regular lifestyle. This approach prevents internal conflicts, improves digestion and maintains emotional and physical peace.
To go further
Yin Shi ecosystem resources directly related to this article.
Harmonising the plate through the Five Elements
The free lesson from the free course builds a meal that reconciles the organs with one another.
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The Eight Principles test spots the axis to harmonise: Yin–Yang, Deficiency–Excess, Cold–Heat.
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