Different from the concept of "preventing disease" in western medicine, Chinese medicine advocates "preventing disease", which is now called health preservation. So what is the essence of the traditional diet regimen theory? Sambora believes that traditional dietetic regimen refers to a subject that studies the nature of food, nourishes the body, maintains or promotes health and prevents diseases under the guidance of traditional medical theories. The traditional diet health theory emphasizes the view of correspondence between man and nature, regulating yin and yang and judging the cause of diet, which is unique in nutrition and health care.

The correspondence between man and nature means that the diet of human body should adapt to its natural environment. For example, people living in a humid environment eat more spicy food in moderation, which is conducive to dispelling cold and dampness; Spicy food is not suitable for people living in a dry environment, so the eating habits of various regions are often related to their geographical environment. Diet in different periods throughout the year should also adapt to the climatic conditions at that time. For example, people often like to eat red meat mutton, fat beef hot pot, instant-boiled mutton and so on in winter, which can enhance the body's ability to keep out the cold; In summer, people often drink dark plum soup and mung bean soup. It has the effect of relieving summer heat. These are the embodiment of the correspondence between man and nature in diet and health preservation. First, regulating yin and yang means regulating the balance of yin and yang through a reasonable diet. According to the traditional health preserving theory, the human body should maintain a healthy state of "Yin, Ping and Secret" under normal circumstances. If the human body loses the balance of Yin and Yang, diseases will occur. Yang Can of Yin and Yang can be adjusted through diet to keep healthy. For example, people often use soft-shelled turtle, turtle meat, tremella, bird's nest and so on. Nourishing yin and promoting fluid production, nourishing yin and moistening dryness to supplement yin deficiency; Mutton, dog meat, venison, shrimp, etc. It is often used to warm kidney and strengthen yang, replenish essence and marrow and yang deficiency. These are all manifestations of yin and yang in diet.

Secondly, taking meals on the basis of consideration refers to the reasonable distribution of meals according to one's physical condition. We know that the human body needs a comprehensive and balanced variety of nutrients, so Huangdi Neijing puts forward that "all grains, meat, fruits and vegetables should be eaten and raised". Under the premise of ensuring comprehensive nutrition, we should also adjust the diet structure according to everyone's different situation. For example, people with yin deficiency eat more food that nourishes yin; People with yang deficiency eat more food that supplements yang; People with qi deficiency eat more qi-invigorating food; People with blood deficiency eat more blood-enriching food; People who are overweight should eat more foods with laxative effect.