Chinese Food Therapy for ADHD: A Natural Approach to Calming the Mind

ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, affects kids and adults alike, showing up as symptoms like being easily distracted, acting impulsively, and being hyperactive. While medication and therapy usually help, lots of people are on the lookout for other ways to boost their focus and keep their emotions in check.

In TCM, food isn’t just about filling you up—it’s seen as a type of medicine. Every ingredient is believed to have certain energy properties that can help bring your body and mind back into balance. So, how can Chinese food therapy help those dealing with ADHD?

The TCM View of ADHD

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ADHD is not viewed as a single "disorder" but rather a symptom of imbalances within the body. Organs involved in this imbalance include the liver, heart, kidney, and spleen. The common patterns associated with ADHD are:

1. Liver yang rising/wind; it leads to impulsivity and hyperactivity.

2. Heart shen disturbance; it contributes to restlessness and sleep issues.

3. Kidney yin deficiency; it affects concentration and cognitive performance.

4. Spleen qi deficiency; it results in poor focus and fatigue.

By identifying these patterns, besides in-clinic treatments, your practitioner may suggest Chinese food therapy that aims to restore balance by using everyday foods and herbs.

Top Chinese Food Therapy Recommendations for ADHD

1. Calm the Shen (Spirit)

Foods that nourish the Heart and calm the Shen can help with emotional regulation and sleep.

• Lotus seeds – Calm the mind, improve sleep, and boost focus.

• Longan fruit – Nourishes blood and soothes the spirit.

• Jujube dates – Support the spleen and calm anxiety.

  Try a tea made of lotus seeds, longan, and jujube for a calming bedtime drink.

  
  

2. Nourish Kidney Essence and Yin

Supports long-term cognitive function and concentration.

• Black sesame seeds – Boost Kidney Yin and nourish the brain.

• Walnuts – Tonify the kidneys and support memory.

• Goji berries – Nourish Liver and Kidney, support vision and mental clarity.

  Add goji berries and walnuts to oatmeal or porridge for a brain-boosting breakfast.

  
  

3. Strengthen Spleen Qi

Enhancing the Spleen can improve attention, digestion, and energy.

• Millet or brown rice – Easy to digest and stabilizing.

• Sweet potato – Strengthens the Spleen and is naturally grounding.

• Pumpkin – Supports digestion and nourishes Qi.

  Avoid excessive sugar, greasy foods, and processed snacks which weaken Spleen Qi and worsen ADHD symptoms.

4. Clear Liver Heat and Wind

For hyperactive or impulsive behaviors, cooling and detoxifying foods are recommended.

• Celery – Cools Liver Yang, calms irritability.

• Chrysanthemum tea – Clears heat and calms the mind.

• Cucumber and mung beans – Detoxify and reduce internal heat.

• Serve a light mung bean soup during the warmer months to calm agitation.

  
  

Lifestyle Tips from TCM for ADHD

Maintaining regular meals is essential in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as it helps strengthen the Spleen and stabilize energy levels throughout the day. Good sleep hygiene is equally important, as restful sleep nourishes both the Kidney and Heart systems, supporting cognitive function and emotional balance. Incorporating moderate exercise such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong can help regulate the flow of Liver Qi, reducing feelings of restlessness and hyperactivity. Additionally, reducing screen time is recommended to prevent overstimulation of the Shen (spirit), promoting a calmer, more focused mind.

In addition to using food therapy as a home remedy, acupuncture can significantly enhance your care plan. By consulting a registered acupuncturist at the Toronto Integrative Medicine Center, you can successfully restore energetic balance, soothe the mind, and improve focus and emotional regulation.

Book an appointment today.

Boosting Fertility the Natural Way

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) infertility isn’t just a “reproductive system” problem, or a permanent “condition”. TCM sees the body as a whole, interconnected system. So when someone is having trouble conceiving, it’s not just about the uterus or sperm—it’s about imbalances that might be affecting the entire body.

Instead of saying “you have infertility,” a TCM practitioner will try to figure out why your body isn't in the right state for conception. That could be due to energy blockages, organ imbalances, or even emotional stress.

TCM Organs Related to Infertility: What’s Really Going On Inside?

Kidneys: the foundation of fertility in TCM

In TCM, the Kidneys don’t just filter water—they store your core life essence (Jing). Jing is like your reproductive battery—it's what supports egg and sperm quality, hormonal balance, and the ability to grow and nourish a baby.

Signs of Kidney imbalance: low libido, fatigue, irregular or long cycles, cold hands and feet, poor egg or sperm quality

Liver: the stress manager and cycle regulator

The Liver is in charge of keeping Qi (energy) and Blood flowing smoothly—especially to the uterus. It also plays a big role in regulating your emotions and menstrual cycle.

When you’re stressed, overworked, or emotionally overwhelmed, Liver Qi gets stuck—and that can mess with ovulation and hormone balance.

Signs of Liver imbalance: PMS, mood swings, irregular or painful periods, breast tenderness, anger or frustration

Spleen:the builder of Blood and energy

The Spleen (along with the Stomach) transforms food into Qi and Blood, which are essential for a healthy uterine lining, regular cycles, and hormone production.When your Spleen is weak (often from overwork, poor diet, or worry), you might not be making enough Blood or energy to support conception.

Signs of Spleen imbalance: fatigue, bloating, weak digestion, light periods, PCOS-type symptoms, dampness (cysts, mucus, weight gain)

Heart: the emotional gateway to the uterus

In TCM, the Heart connects to the uterus through a special channel called the Bao Mai. If the Heart is anxious, stressed, or overthinking, it can “block” communication to the womb—making it harder to conceive.

Signs of Heart imbalance: anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, emotional instability

Lungs: the Qi distributor

The Lungs help move Qi throughout the body, including to the reproductive organs. If your Lung Qi is weak, energy doesn’t circulate well, and that can impact your cycles and fertility.

Signs of Lung imbalance: shortness of breath, low energy, weak immune system, sadness or grief.

Enhancing Fertility Through TCM Food Therapy

Balanced diet in a way which can balance your body’s internal energy (aka Qi), nourishes your organs, and supports your natural rhythms. Different foods have different properties—some are warming, some are cooling, some build blood, some move energy.

For fertility, the goal is to:

• Nourish the Kidneys (the root of reproductive health in TCM)

• Support Blood and Qi

• Regulate your menstrual cycle

• Reduce internal Cold or Dampness (which can block fertility)

• Calm the Liver (which handles stress and hormone flow)

Foods That Support Fertility

Kidney-Nourishing Foods

The Kidneys are considered the foundation of reproductive energy in TCM—so nourishing them is key.

Eat more of: black sesame seeds, walnuts, goji berries,seaweed, bone broth, lamb,eggs ,dark leafy greens, black beans. These foods are warming and strengthening, and help support both Yin and Yang.

Blood-Building Foods

If you’ve got light periods, fatigue, or pale complexion, you might need to build more Blood (in the TCM sense—not just iron). Good options: beets,dates, liver (if you eat meat),dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard), red beans,molasses, cooked carrots and sweet potatoes, eggs. Blood helps nourish the uterus and prepare the body for pregnancy.

Warming Foods for a “Cold Uterus”

A cold uterus sounds strange, but in TCM it’s a real thing. Cold constricts blood flow and can interfere with implantation. To warm things up, eat: cooked, warming meals (think soups and stews), ginger, cinnamon, garlic, leeks, lamb or beef, brown rice, chai or ginger tea (avoid iced drinks!)

Skip the raw smoothies, salads, and cold foods if you're dealing with Cold patterns.

Foods to Clear Dampness (Especially for PCOS)

Too much internal Dampness can lead to blockages—common in conditions like PCOS.

Helpful foods: barley, adzuki beans, green tea (lightly), celery, turnips, mushrooms, millet. avoid dairy, greasy foods, sugar, and too much bread or raw food

Liver-Soothing Foods (Stress, PMS, Hormonal Imbalance)

The Liver keeps Qi flowing smoothly. If you're stressed, moody, or have irregular periods, the Liver might need some love.

Eat more: artichokes, green veggies, lemon water (warm!)

And again—don’t skip meals, and try to eat regularly.

How Acupuncture can Help with Fertility

Acupuncture may support hormone balance, which is key for regular ovulation and a healthy menstrual cycle. It also can boost blood flow to the uterus and ovaries—helping to create a thicker uterine lining and improve ovarian function. Stress messes with your hormones big time. Acupuncture can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, helping you feel more relaxed and less like you're in a constant fight-or-flight state.Many people use acupuncture alongside fertility treatments. Some studies suggest it might improve outcomes when done before and after embryo transfer.

Ready to support your fertility naturally? Book a consultation with our TCM practitioner and take the first step toward balance and wellness.

Menstruation: A Mirror of Women's Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menstruation is far more than a monthly biological process. It is a reflection of a woman’s overall physical, emotional, and energetic health. The menstrual cycle is closely tied to the body’s balance of Qi (vital energy), Blood, and the health of key organ systems—particularly the Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, and Heart.

Rather than isolating menstruation as a reproductive function alone, TCM views it as part of a woman’s entire constitutional well-being. A healthy, regular period indicates that the internal systems are functioning in harmony, while menstrual disorders are seen as signs of deeper imbalances.

The Role of Key Organs in Menstruation

The Kidneys: The Root of Reproduction

The Kidneys in TCM are the foundation of reproductive health. They store Jing (essence)—a vital substance that governs growth, development, fertility, and aging. Kidney Yin nourishes the uterus, ovaries, and eggs. Kidney Yang provides warmth and energy for ovulation and menstruation.Kidney deficiency, common with age, chronic stress, or overwork, can lead to irregular periods, infertility, or scanty bleeding.

The Liver: The Regulator of Qi and Blood

The Liver is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating the timing and ease of the menstrual cycle. Liver Qi Stagnation can lead to PMS, cramps, mood swings, or delayed periods.The Liver also stores Blood—essential for a healthy endometrial lining and sufficient menstrual flow.

The Spleen: The Producer of Blood

The Spleen transforms food and drink into Qi and Blood. It also governs the containment of Blood in the vessels. A weak Spleen leads to Blood Deficiency, which can cause light or delayed menstruation. Spleen Qi Deficiency may also result in heavy or prolonged periods due to the inability to hold Blood.

The Heart: The Overseer of Blood and Emotions

In TCM, the Heart governs the Blood and houses the Shen (spirit or mind). It is energetically connected to the uterus via a special channel called the Bao Mai. Emotional disturbances, such as anxiety or heartbreak, can disrupt Heart Qi and affect the menstrual cycle, causing irregularity or amenorrhea.

Common Menstrual Issues and What They Mean in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Painful Periods (a.k.a. Cramps That Make You Curl Up)

In TCM, pain means stuck energy or blood. If you’ve got intense cramps, especially with dark blood or clots, it’s often due to Blood Stasis—things aren’t flowing freely in the uterus.

If the pain comes with irritability or mood swings before your period, that’s usually Liver Qi Stagnation. The liver’s job is to keep things moving. If it gets jammed up (often from stress), it creates tension—physically and emotionally. Other signs: Breast tenderness, PMS, clots, dark or purple blood.

Super Light Flow or Skipping Periods

If your period is really light, short, or even missing some months, TCM might say you have a Blood Deficiency. This doesn’t necessarily mean anemia in Western terms, but it does mean your body doesn’t have enough nourishing Blood to fully support your cycle. Other signs: Dizziness, fatigue, pale skin, dry hair or skin, anxiety.

Irregular Cycles (Too Early, Too Late, All Over the Place)

If your period is unpredictable—some months 24 days, others 40—it could point to Kidney energy weakness. The Kidneys, in TCM, are like the batteries for your reproductive system. If they’re running low (due to stress, overwork, aging, or chronic illness), cycles can get weird.Other signs: Low back soreness, feeling cold, fatigue, or hormonal symptoms.

Heavy Periods or Long Bleeding

Bleeding heavily or for too long? TCM often sees this as Spleen Qi Deficiency. The Spleen helps keep Blood inside the vessels, so if it’s weak, things can leak or go on too long. If the bleeding is super heavy and bright red, with heat symptoms like acne or thirst, it might be due to Heat in the Blood. Other signs: Fatigue, bloating, bruising easily, craving sweets.

PMS Mood Swings, Bloating

PMS is practically the poster child for Liver Qi Stagnation. The liver manages emotional flow just like it manages physical energy. When things get blocked, you feel cranky, bloated, emotional, and uncomfortable leading up to your period. Other signs: Sighing a lot, frustration, digestive issues before your cycle.

A few tips from the TCM practitioners:

• Keep your belly and feet warm during your period.

• Rest more and stress less in the premenstrual phase.

• Eat nourishing, cooked meals (not cold smoothies or raw salads right before your period!).

• Check in with a licensed TCM practitioner for herbal and acupuncture support tailored to you.

Your period doesn’t have to be a monthly struggle. Let’s make it smoother, lighter, and a lot more manageable. Come by Toronto Integrative Medicine Centre, book a session and give your cycle the care it deserves.