Practitioners in the East have long understood the weave of emotion, the spirit and our bodily health. Western medicine is only just beginning to recognize that these beautifully complex factors are indeed interconnected. The Five Elements: The Water or Kidney Element takes a look at this synergistic relationship as we move through deep winter, the season of Zhi.

Cabbage is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, fiber, Vitamin C, sulfur and iodine. It helps to heal ulcers, strengthens digestion, and treats constipation. It is good for circulation as well.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable - a family of vegetables including mustard greens; kale; collard greens; all cabbages; all types of broccoli; cauliflower; Brussels sprouts; turnips and many others. It is considered one of the anti-cancer foods, but is, along with others from the crucifer family, potentially problematic for people with thyroid dysfunction.

When people think of cabbage, often it's the garden-variety green and red heads that come to mind, but there are several others worth trying. Savoy cabbage is slightly sweeter than common head cabbage, with ruffled, curly leaves. Napa cabbage is long, with a white base and bright green upper leaves, a high water content and crunchy, tender texture. Bok choy -or Chinese cabbage- is excellent braised or in stir-fries and has succulent white stalks with dark leafy tops.

Any of these is delicious for the Ginger Sautéed Cabbage recipe. Keep in mind that bok choy and Napa will cook more quickly than regular cabbage.

Try head cabbage, Savoy or Napa for the Asian Cabbage Salad. And last, but not least, use the sturdier red or green head cabbage, or Savoy, for the Pressed Salad.

In these new weeks of what will be a powerful and challenging year, I have been focusing on deepening my own connections to healing energy. For me this means lots of hikes in the hills, meditation, and really paying attention to what I eat and drink. As for many people, the holiday time took me slightly off track with my food, so it feels good to give my body a boost. Even in sunny SoCal, winter is not the time for a full blown cleanse, but I like to supplement my diet with cold-pressed juices and nutrient rich smoothies. Our farmer's market is bursting with exceptional citrus fruits and my Super Sunrise Citrus Smoothie is an edible ode to these beautiful fruits.

Ginger Miso Glazed Salmon with Greens and Brown Rice

Being back in the routine often means that time is less available to us, but it doesn't mean that good, wholesome, home cooked meals are a thing of the past. Here's a simple dinner that's colorful, delicious, and easy to make. A succulent filet of Ginger Miso Glazed Salmon served with pressure cooked brown rice and Savory Sauteed Kale can be prepared start to finish in under 30 minutes.

The miso glaze is great on any fish, tofu, or tempeh and keeps beautifully for a week, so keep it in mind for an informal dinner party. You can make extra rice and greens to be reheated the next day with stewed lentils or other beans (or even a bean soup from your local health food store).

If you want dessert, fresh berries with Vanilla Tofu Whip are a lovely, light finish. Be advised, though, that the whip needs to set up for a couple of hours, so either make the day before, (it keeps for several days), or take a breather after dinner.

Photo courtesy of Timothy Hill Photography