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may seem a bit strange when first 

learned, but it will be better compre-

hended as we examine the origins 

of the various tastes. Six tastes are 

recommended at most meals. 

The six tastes found in foods are 

sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and 

astringent. They are derived from the 

governing principle element influ-

ences in the following ways: The 

combination of Earth and Water 

in nature produces the sweet taste. 

The combination of Earth and Fire 

produces the sour taste. The combina-

tion of Water and Fire produces the 

salty taste. The combination of Air 

and Space produces the bitter taste. 

The combination of Earth and Air 

produces the astringent taste, and the 

combination of Fire and Air produces 

the pungent taste. 

It is easy to see that foods 

containing the governing principles 

which correspond to the governing 

principles which influence the body 

will have their effects. For instance, 

sweet, sour and salty tastes will 

increase the Water governing prin-

ciple and decrease Air. Pungent, bitter 

and astringent tastes will increase 

Air and decrease Water. Pungent 

and salty tastes will increase Fire. 

Sweet, bitter and astringent tastes 

will decrease Fire. Simply put, if the 

governing principle is present in foods 

according to their tastes, they will 

increase that influence in the body. If 

they are absent, that influence in the 

body will be decreased. This is an easy 

way to select foods for the purpose of 

balancing the governing principles of 

the body, and such body influences 

will also affect mental and emotional 

states. 
More Guidelines to  
Food Selection and Use 

Water should not be taken in large 

quantities for about one hour before or 

after a meal, because it tends to dilute 

the digestive juices. Milk and soups 

can be taken with the meal or small 

quantities of fluid if the food is too dry. 

The amount of food eaten at any one 

meal should be moderate. The general 

advice is to fill the stomach only about 

one-third full, perhaps the amount 

of food which would fill the cupped 

hands, but this is merely a statement 

to give a general idea. The better way 

is to eat in a relaxed mood, chewing 

the food well to assist digestion, and 

eating only until you feel comfortable 

and light. 

Many people overload the body with 

protein foods, not realizing that when 

they are healthy they will naturally be 

inclined to desire the nutrients they 

require, as they need them. Proteins 

are not stored by the body so excess 

becomes waste, which works a hard-

ship on the body when processed and 

can even lead to toxicity. A common 

mistake made by persons new to a