#Japan #Tokyo #Yakuzen Cafe #Seasonal Recipes #MyNavi Publishing

Eat Well, Feel Better

As the new year begins in spring, many experience feelings of fatigue or discomfort due to changes in their environment or lifestyle. To combat these seasonal challenges, MyNavi Publishing has released a new cookbook titled "Yakuzen Café Meals for Balancing Mind and Body". Set to be available on February 18, 2026, this book emphasizes the importance of using everyday ingredients found in supermarkets to create easily accessible Yakuzen (medicinal cuisine) dishes.

Embracing Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yakuzen is rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which boasts over 2,000 years of history. Instead of looking at illnesses, TCM focuses on the individual, striving to balance the body holistically to prevent and treat ailments. This involves combining seasonal ingredients with herbal medicine to boost natural healing powers. By integrating Yakuzen into your daily meals, you can enhance your health and prevent potential health issues.

Spring into Action with Yakuzen

The new spring season often brings hope but can also be a source of stress and fatigue due to lifestyle changes. Yakuzen often has an intimidating reputation, but this cookbook breaks that perception by suggesting recipes that can be made with easily obtainable ingredients. These recipes are designed to fit into busy routines seamlessly.

Thoughts on Seasonal Nutrition

With seasonal ingredients playing a vital role, the cookbook offers recipes tailored for spring through winter. Each recipe is accompanied by symptoms it can help alleviate, ensuring readers can easily find what they need to support their well-being.

Spring Recipes

In spring, traditionally, the focus shifts towards improving blood circulation. Ingredients like cabbage, sea bream, and bamboo shoots are suggested for their ability to support bodily functions and regulate energy flow. Strawberry, known for cooling, is included to reduce excess heat from the liver. Recipes include:

• - Earl Grey Scented Yakuzen Scones
• - Spring Cabbage and Ham Cheese Sandwich
• - Grilled Bamboo Shoot Salad with Sea Bream

Summer Adaptations

The heat of summer encourages physical activity and energy release. The cookbook suggests incorporating ingredients that help with hydration and cooling, such as corn and tomatoes. Key summer recipes include:

• - Avocado Tartine with Soft-Boiled Egg
• - Summer Vegetable Gazpacho

Autumn Preparations

As autumn arrives, the focus shifts to conservation of energy for the colder months. The cookbook suggests mushrooms and mackerel to bolster stamina and combat fatigue. Recipes include:

• - Roasted Fig and Pumpkin Salad
• - Mushroom Soup

Winter Comfort

Winter recipes are designed to warm the body, with dishes like shrimp and chicken stew. Fragrant ingredients are advised to stimulate energy flow, contributing to stress relief during the cold season. Recipes include:

• - Crab and Lily Root Gratin
• - Winter Nourishing Minestrone

Author's Vision

The author, Tomokiko Mashiko, who is also an internationally certified Yakuzen practitioner, conveys her philosophy through this cookbook. She encourages readers to savor meals that cater to their own preferences, creating moments of joy in their everyday lives. “To love myself through my meals can transform ordinary days into something truly special,” she emphasizes.

Conclusion

The "Yakuzen Café Meals for Balancing Mind and Body" cookbook opens the door to integrating traditional medicinal practices into daily life without complexity. It’s a resource designed for anyone looking to enhance their well-being through enjoyable and balanced meals. Available for purchase, this book invites you to explore the healing power of food.