Philosophy & Approach

My approach to wellness coaching stems from my studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

TCM is one of the most ancient medical systems in the world. Its earliest records date back to the 2nd century BC, although it likely goes back even further as it developed out of Shamanic tradition which has few recorded texts. It arose out of classical Chinese philosophy, general perspective of the world, and of humanity’s place within it.

The original practitioners observed that in the natural world exists a balance and flow. A system of checks and balances. They concluded that the human body, being part of nature, must also be balanced in order to be healthy; in fact, the body is a microcosm of the ecosystem of the natural world (a world within the world), and the seasons.

We are all familiar with the four seasons that make up our world — Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

“So why FIVE Season Vegan?”

“And what does it have to do with the vegan diet or lifestyle?”

Good questions! TCM views the world as having five seasons — Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Late Summer. Late Summer being the time of year that seems to bridge Summer’s heat and Fall’s cool, where the days are long and warm as if Summer will never end, even though there are signs of Fall approaching with cooler nights, trees starting to turn, and the final chance to squeeze in a family vacation before everyone heads back to school and work in earnest.

By living our lives tailored to the energy and purpose of each season, we can invite a sense of ease and balance into our lives. Small tweaks in the foods we shop for, the way we prepare our meals, and even when to go to sleep and wake differ depending on what season we are currently in.

Additionally, each season is motivated by an element (a building block in nature). Fall’s crisp weather is associated with the clear discernment of Metal, Winter’s depth with the tranquility of Water, Spring’s verve with the strident energy of Wood, Summer’s heat with the sizzle of Fire, and Late Summer’s mellow vibes with the harmony of Earth. Nature as a whole contains all of the elements, and so do each of us. But like the seasons, we each have a primary element that similarly motivates us, and influences everything from our personality to the best foods and lifestyle habits!

While TCM is not originally a plant-based or vegan philosophy, its teachings on the energetics of foods can be applied to any diet or way of eating, in order to promote vitality and optimize wellbeing. As a TCM-based health coach and vegan of almost 10 years, I have found that incorporating the wisdom of TCM into a whole foods plant-based diet has resulted in better energy, more clarity, a greater sense of purpose, and a deeper, richer connection to the world around me.

“If Chinese medicine is so ancient, is it even relevant today? ”

Yes. The teachings are ancient but are of a world that is constantly changing and evolving. A world that we certainly see today. The characteristics, customs, geography and cultural understandings may have changed, and will continue to change for future generations beyond us. But everything has always lived and played by the same rules.