Dietary therapy is based on the principle that all foods may be classified according to their properties eg hot, cold, sour, bitter etc. These qualities may be used to improve a health condition, or conversely may exacerbate symptoms if used inappropriately. For example a migraine headache patient ( diagnosis - Liver-Yang rising), should avoid sour flavours such as citrus fruits, gooseberries and rhubarb etc. In the case of a phlegm based headache with its typical band of pain across the forehead, the individual should avoid damp producing foods such as dairy, excess wheat, oily and greasy foods.
Dietary principles in Traditional Chinese Medicine focus on encouraging the smooth and sufficient flow of Spleen and Stomach Qi which together, are responsible for the transformation and transportation of food and fluid in the body. In addition to advice for specific complaints, there are a number of general principles which can be practised to encourage good health. As with most diet principles, work with your lifestyle to incorporate as many guidelines as feasible but don't be obsessive. These include;
Cold/Raw Food Avoid excessive raw and cold foods which can weaken the Spleen. This means avoiding iced drinks and limiting foods such as ice-creams and salads directly from the fridge. This is a point of conflict between Chinese and some Western diet theories which can promote high proportions of raw food/cold salads. Warming soups and stews are probably the most nurturing for the Spleen but climate and seasonal variations need to be considered. Ideally food should be eaten at room temperature or above.

Damp Food
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), all food has particular properties eg hot, cold, neutral, sour, bitter, salty, sweet etc which may be used therapeutically. In addition, certain foods may be classed as Damp and which, when eaten in excess or eaten with existing weak Spleen Qi, will further weaken the digestive function and cause internal damp in the body. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, sluggishness, a muzzy head and lethargy.

Damp inducing foods include; Wheat, dairy products, beer, tomatoes, bananas, concentrated fruit juices and sugar. Greasy and fat laden foods should also be avoided as they also promote damp in the body. From a TCM perspective foods like coleslaw or ice-cream should be restricted as both are cold, dairy based and generally high fat.

"Sweetness" is the flavour associated with the Spleen and can be beneficial in moderate amounts and from natural sources ex. in prunes or carrots however "sweets" in general are detrimental and should be avoided.

Don't Eat Late
Try to have your main meal early in the evening. According to your type of work, eating patterns may vary but your last meal should be finished a good 3-4 hours prior to bedtime.  If you eat late repeatedly, you can  damage Stomach Yin. If this pattern continues, it can result in stomach ulcers, stagnation and general heat symptoms.

Stop eating just before you are full
Eating excessively creates additional work for the Spleen and Stomach. Energy is diverted to the areas for this process and can leave you feeling tired.

Avoid eating when emotionally stressed
This can be difficult if you have a hectic lifestyle but, food eaten when uptight or stressed can stagnate in the Stomach causing local bloating and pain. Again, it's not always easy, but try to find time to relax over meals, chew well and avoid working lunches where your mind and energy are engaged excessively, depleting energy for digestion. 

Start your morning with hot water
A good way to kick start your digestive system is to have a glass of hot water with a little grated ginger in it first thing in the morning. The ginger is warming and will help to prime Spleen Qi for the day.

Reduce/eliminate your coffee intake
Although coffee can given you an energy jolt, it's best avoided because it does so by drawing on your Essence - a source of energy in the body which is much more difficult to replace and which, when depleted, can lead to more serious health problems.