Shrimp
For Chinese dietary therapy, Shrimp (虾) is a food of Warm nature and Sweet flavor. A shellfish described as warm in the traditional repertoire and associated with the study of the Kidney and yang.
Traditional energetics
- Nature
- Warm
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Affinity
- Kidney · Spleen
- Direction of Qi
- Warming · mobilizes
- Season
- All year
- Group
- Fish & seafood
How tradition reads it
A shellfish described as warm in the traditional repertoire and associated with the study of the Kidney and yang.
Classic steamed with ginger, scallion, and a splash of rice wine; tradition regards it as an "activating" food (fā wù) and avoids excess during skin flare-ups.
In the kitchen
Quick stir-fries, soups, and steaming with ginger and scallion.
Commonly available; no substitute needed.
Current nutrition note
Lean protein with iodine and selenium; a common crustacean allergen.
Precautions
Crustacean allergen; cook thoroughly and, if eaten lightly cooked, freeze first because of anisakis; refrigerate and eat promptly.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
