Tastes on Both Sides
of the Mountain
In Chinese medicine the concepts of Yin and Yang and Five Elements have a strong influence, along with the internal organ systems (Zangfu).
In Ayurveda, the total system is complex, with a dominance of three Dosha (tridosha): kapha, pitta, vata (vayu). These are described in stages of transformation rather than physical structures and functional organs.
Many herbs used are similar and their healing actions are described in overlapping terms. The results from treatments of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine reveal one must look at underlying issues to treat a whole person. These issues can manifest physically through pain or poor health.
India and China share traditional ideas; Chinese describe conditions of excess and deficiency, while Ayurveda depicts excitation or disturbance (vitiation), and sluggishness of the doshas.
Taste groups are similar in both systems:
sweet, sour, salty, pungent/spicy, bitter and astringent
Chinese:
sweet, sour, salty, pungent/spicy, bitter and bland
The next time you crave a certain taste, notice what is going on in your life. Perhaps that sugar craving is for more sweetness (Sukha) in your life, or salt to soften difficulties (Dukkha) you might be experiencing.
Whether the goal is to balance Chi (life force) or just heal a cold or allergies, we can benefit from this type of wholistic medicine physically, emotionally, and mentally.
