Nourishing Yin and Blood: The Healing Power of Korean Seaweed Soup

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, Korean seaweed soup, known as miyeokguk, is highly valued for its ability to nourish yin and blood. In TCM, seaweed is classified as a "cold and salty" food, which helps balance the body's yin and yang energies[1]. Yin deficiency, common as people age, can manifest as symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, low back pain, poor memory, fatigue, ear ringing, dry skin, and loss of vaginal lubrication[1]. Blood deficiency, closely related to yin deficiency, is particularly prevalent in women, especially during menstruation and postpartum periods.

Yin and blood deficiencies are closely linked to dryness, tightness, and issues with tendons and ligaments in TCM. When yin is deficient, it can lead to dryness throughout the body, including the skin, joints, and connective tissues. This dryness can cause stiffness and tightness in tendons and ligaments, resulting in discomfort and reduced flexibility. Blood deficiency can result in insufficient nourishment and moisture for the body's tissues, including tendons and ligaments, leading to symptoms such as stiff joints, muscle soreness, and joint cracking or popping.

Korean seaweed soup helps address these deficiencies by replenishing yin and blood, supporting optimal organ function and overall well-being. The seaweed used in miyeokguk, typically miyeok (wakame), is rich in essential nutrients that contribute to its yin-nourishing properties[1]. It contains high levels of iodine, which supports thyroid function, as well as vitamins C, K, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron, and folic acid[1]. These nutrients help nourish the blood and support the body's yin aspects, providing moisture and lubrication to tissues, including tendons and ligaments.

The soup's ability to "soften hardness" and loosen phlegm in TCM terms means it can help dissipate nodules, soft swellings, and fat accumulation[1]. This property may contribute to improved flexibility and reduced stiffness in tendons and ligaments. Additionally, seaweed's high fiber content and low calorie profile make it beneficial for weight management and gut health, which can indirectly support overall body balance and reduce strain on joints and connective tissues.

Recipe for Korean Seaweed Soup (Miyeokguk):

Ingredients:

- 1 oz dried miyeok (wakame seaweed)

- 4 cups water

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon grated ginger

- 8 oz beef brisket, thinly sliced (optional; replaced with 1 block soft tofu, cubed)

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried miyeok in cold water for 20 minutes, then rinse and drain.

2. In a pot, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and beef (if using), and sauté until the beef is browned.

3. Add the soaked miyeok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.

4. Pour in the water (add tofu, if using) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

5. Add soy sauce and sesame oil; add more to taste.

6. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

Citations:

[1] https://tcmworks.com/sea-for-balancing-the-yin-and-yang-of-our-body-it-has-a-lot-of-micronutrients/

[2] https://thegoldenmother.com/blogs/recipes/yin-nourishing-soup

[3] https://hapafamilytable.com/2021/04/21/eating-cooking-with-seaweed-what-to-know/

[4] https://remedywellness.ca/acupuncture-posts/understanding-tcm/

[5] https://www.meandqi.com/tcm-education-center/patterns/yin-deficiency

[6] https://winghopfung.com/blogs/news/about-yin-yang-and-a-detoxifying-soup

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7710406/

[8] https://www.meandqi.com/symptoms/skin%20dryness