Yin Yang Reset?

Is Your Gut Trying to Tell You Something?

Lately, I’ve noticed a common theme in my clinic conversations. More and more people are struggling with digestive issues—whether it's constipation, bloating, feeling uncomfortable after eating, or suddenly developing aversions to foods they've enjoyed for years. Many people assume these symptoms are just a normal part of getting older or living a busy life, but what if they're actually your body's way of asking for help?

A few months ago, I stumbled across a podcast featuring two incredible women who had written a book called The Yin Yang Reset. My first thought was probably the same as yours: "Here we go...another health book promising to fix everything without offering practical solutions."

I couldn't have been more wrong.

After reading the book, I was impressed by how practical and approachable it was. Instead of vague wellness advice, the authors provide simple explanations, easy-to-follow guidance, and delicious recipes that can actually be incorporated into everyday life. I was so inspired that I began introducing many of the concepts and recipes into my clinic, and over the past several months I've seen some wonderful results. Even more rewarding has been watching patients become curious about their own health and realize that supporting their digestive system doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Looking at Digestion Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The foundation of The Yin Yang Reset is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. One of the core beliefs in TCM is that the body is constantly communicating with us. Symptoms aren't viewed as random inconveniences—they're clues that something is out of balance.

For example, prolonged stress, working long hours, eating meals at irregular times, sleeping poorly, or relying heavily on processed foods can gradually disrupt the body's natural balance. Over time, your body may begin sending signals such as:

• Bloating after meals

• Indigestion or acid reflux

• Constipation or loose stools

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Trouble sleeping

• Food cravings or aversions

Rather than simply masking these symptoms, TCM encourages us to understand why they're happening and support the body in restoring balance.

A Practical Resource for Everyday Health

One thing I especially appreciate about this book is that it makes these principles accessible. Not everyone can see an acupuncturist regularly, and some people simply aren't comfortable with needles. This book offers another way to begin exploring TCM through food.

One of the first things you'll find is a self-assessment quiz (starting around page 20) that helps identify which TCM pattern may best describe your symptoms. From there, the authors guide you to chapters that focus on supporting that specific imbalance—such as Spleen Qi Deficiency—with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, and dessert recipes designed around those principles.

The recipes are realistic, nourishing, and, most importantly, enjoyable to eat. After a few weeks of consistently incorporating these meals, many people report improvements in digestion, energy, and overall well-being.

Why Am I Recommending This Book?

You might be wondering if I have some connection to the authors or if I'm getting something in return for recommending it.

The answer is simple: absolutely nothing.

I recommend it because I've personally seen how helpful the ideas have been for my patients. If one person reads this blog, picks up the book, tries a few recipes, and begins feeling better, then sharing it has been worthwhile.

As healthcare practitioners, we all have tools that we find valuable. This has become one of mine.

My Favorite Recipe: Black Bean Brownies

Now for my favorite part!

The book includes an amazing Black Bean Brownie recipe that has become a family favorite in our house. I've made a few small tweaks to suit our tastes, and honestly, no one believes they're made with black beans until I tell them.

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 2 organic eggs, beaten

• 3 tablespoons melted organic butter or virgin coconut oil

• ½ cup coconut palm sugar

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts (my addition)

• ¼ cup chocolate chips (my addition)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly grease an 8 × 8-inch baking pan.

3. Place all ingredients except the walnuts and chocolate chips into a food processor or blender.

4. Blend until completely smooth. This step is important—the smoother the batter, the better the texture of the brownies.

5. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

7. Bake for approximately 25 minutes.

8. Allow the brownies to cool before slicing.

Enjoy as a healthier dessert or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

Final Thoughts

Digestive symptoms are often easy to ignore until they become part of everyday life. But our bodies are incredibly intelligent and constantly provide feedback about what's working—and what isn't.

Whether you choose to explore Traditional Chinese Medicine, make a few dietary changes, or simply become more mindful of how your body responds to stress and food, every small step matters.

Sometimes the path to feeling better starts with something as simple as a nourishing meal...or even a black bean brownie.

Send me a message if you read the book and feel better, and want to let me know, or if you have questions, or if you want to sit down with me in the clinic and have me help you start feeling better but the idea of reading a book is daunting to you.

Cheers to good digestion everyone!