Macrobiotic healing (which was formerly called "Zen macrobiotics") is an approach to physical and emotional wellness through consuming foods that are balanced energetically (between yin and yang) and nutritionally. A macrobiotic healing diet is typically a well-balanced diet that is high in fiber and low in fat, incorporating lots of vegetables and grains, vegetable protein, and limited meat. Most macrobiotic healing diets emphasize locally grown and seasonal organic food.

Part of the skill of macrobiotic healing is achieving a balance among a wide range of nutrients. The thrust of macrobiotic healing is regulation of the intake of two elementary forms of energy: yin and yang. Categorizing a food as yin or yang depends largely on characteristics directly recognizable by the senses and is unrelated to nutrient content.

Yin and yang in macrobiotic healing can be thought of as two opposites that attract each other, much as magnets attract. In macrobiotic healing, yang represents the parasympathetic nervous system and yin the sympathetic nervous system. Optimal macrobiotic healing can be achieved by balancing these two forces.

Macrobiotic healing principles concerning food:

According to macrobiotic healing principles, four factors determine whether a food is yin or yang.

In general, yang foods are:

• High in sodium
• Warm or hot
• Small
• Grown beneath the ground

Yin foods are:

• High in potassium
• Cool
• Large
• Grown above the ground

In addition to yin and yang, there are five macrobiotic healing food qualities that also must be balanced: bitter, sweet, salty, sour, and pungent. The ideal macrobiotic healing meal includes all five qualities.

The principles of macrobiotic healing encourage a holistic approach in which life can be considered a work of art. By using macrobiotic healing, we can achieve the balance that keeps us healthy and happy as we care for ourselves and each other, express our creativity, and accomplish our goals. Achieving balance in all things, not just in meal planning, is an important feature of macrobiotic healing.

macrobiotic healing proponents, in addition to eating balanced meals, may incorporate energy healing such as acupuncture, astrological diagnosis, herbal medicine, prayer, and shiatsu massage. Macrobiotic healing is increased when meal planning and energy healing are combined.

Macrobiotic healing is sometimes recommended as a treatment for obesity, aging, skin disorders, cholesterol problems, high blood pressure, and cancer.

The seven universal principles of macrobiotic healing include:

1. There is infinite variety in the world, but there is only one Source.

2. Everything changes continuously.

3. Everything interrelates with everything else.

4. No two things are identical.

5. Actions are governed by cause and effect.

6. Great energy creates the greatest good.

7. Everything that begins must ultimately end.

The yin / yang theory and the seven universal principles make up the foundation of macrobiotic healing, just as the scientific principles and the laws of physics are the basis Western modern medicine.

Macrobiotic healing acknowledges that, because of the infinite variety and continuous changing flow of life, and the fact that no two people are exactly alike, each person’s macrobiotic healing experience and path will be unique.