Wellness Guides

Free Chinese medicine guides. Understand your body's signals through 3,000 years of TCM body type wisdom, explained in plain English.

Qi Deficient10 min read

Spleen Qi Deficiency: Signs, Causes, and Foods That May Help

Fatigue after meals, bloating, and brain fog may point to Spleen Qi Deficiency. Learn the signs, what causes it, and which warm foods can help.

Yin Deficient10 min read

Kidney Yin Deficiency: Signs, Causes, and Cooling Foods

Night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, and low back pain at night may signal Kidney Yin Deficiency. Learn which cooling foods may help.

Qi Stagnant10 min read

Liver Qi Stagnation: Signs, Causes, and Foods for Relief

Irritability, sighing, breast tenderness, and rib-side tightness may signal Liver Qi Stagnation. Learn which foods and movement can help.

Yang Deficient10 min read

Kidney Yang Deficiency: Signs, Causes, and Warming Foods

Always cold, frequent night urination, and low back ache may signal Kidney Yang Deficiency. Learn which warming foods may help.

Qi Deficient10 min read

Lung Qi Deficiency: Signs, Causes, and Strengthening Foods

Shortness of breath, weak voice, and frequent colds may signal Lung Qi Deficiency. Learn which foods may support respiratory energy.

Damp Heat10 min read

Stomach Heat: Signs, Causes, and Cooling Foods

Bad breath, acid reflux, mouth ulcers, and big appetite may signal Stomach Heat. Learn which cooling foods may help.

Yin Deficient10 min read

Heart Yin Deficiency: Signs, Causes, and Calming Foods

Insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, and night sweats may signal Heart Yin Deficiency. Learn which foods may calm your mind.

Phlegm Damp10 min read

Spleen Dampness: Signs, Causes, and Drying Foods

Feeling heavy, sluggish, foggy, and bloated may point to Spleen Dampness. Learn which foods may help dry it out.

Damp Heat10 min read

Liver Fire: Signs, Causes, and Cooling Approaches

Red eyes, headaches, irritability, and bitter taste may signal Liver Fire. Learn which cooling foods may bring the heat down.

Yin Deficient10 min read

Blood Deficiency: Signs, Causes, and Nourishing Foods

Pale skin, dizziness, brittle nails, and poor sleep may signal Blood Deficiency. Learn which foods may help nourish your Blood.

Nutrition12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Insomnia: Why You Can't Sleep and What May Help

Falling asleep or staying asleep? Chinese medicine identifies four insomnia patterns. Learn which foods and habits match your type.

Qi Stagnant12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Anxiety: Patterns, Causes, and Calming Foods

Racing thoughts and chest tightness may signal Liver Qi Stagnation or Heart Yin Deficiency. Learn which foods may calm the mind.

Phlegm Damp12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Weight Loss: Body Types and Metabolism

Stubborn weight may be dampness in Chinese medicine. Learn which body types hold weight and which foods may support healthy metabolism.

Damp Heat12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Acne: Internal Heat, Dampness, and Skin Health

Acne may signal internal Heat or Damp-Heat. Learn which cooling foods may help clear your skin from within.

Qi Deficient12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Fatigue: Qi, Spleen, and Energy Foods

Always tired even after sleep? Chinese medicine views chronic fatigue as Qi Deficiency. Learn which warm foods may help rebuild energy.

Yin Deficient12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Menopause: Cooling Heat and Nourishing Yin

Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings may signal declining Kidney Yin. Learn which cooling foods may help ease the transition.

Qi Deficient12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Constipation: Patterns and Moistening Foods

Constipation may signal Heat, Dryness, or Qi deficiency. Learn which moistening foods may help restore regular digestion.

Phlegm Damp12 min read

Chinese Medicine for PCOS: Dampness, Phlegm, and Hormonal Balance

Irregular periods and weight gain with PCOS may relate to Phlegm Dampness. Learn which foods may help support hormonal balance.

Qi Deficient12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Digestion: Spleen Health and Gut Foods

Bloating and discomfort after eating may signal weak Spleen Qi. Learn which warm foods may help restore comfortable digestion.

Yin Deficient12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Hot Flashes: Cooling Yin and Reducing Heat

Sudden heat and flushing may signal declining Kidney Yin. Learn which cooling foods may help bring your temperature into balance.

Damp Heat12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Acid Reflux: Stomach Heat and Cooling Foods

Burning chest and sour taste may signal Stomach Heat. Learn which cooling foods may help calm your digestive fire.

Qi Stagnant12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Depression: Qi Stagnation, Spleen, and Foods That May Help

Depression in TCM may involve stuck Liver Qi, Spleen deficiency, or Kidney Yang depletion. Learn which foods may help lift the heaviness.

Qi Stagnant12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Migraines: Liver Fire, Blood Deficiency, and Foods That May Help

Migraines may involve Liver Fire rising upward or Blood Deficiency. Learn which cooling and nourishing foods may help.

Damp Heat12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Eczema: Damp Heat, Blood Deficiency, and Foods That May Help

Eczema may signal Damp Heat or Blood Deficiency. Learn which cooling and nourishing foods may help calm the skin from within.

Qi Deficient12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Hair Loss: Kidney Essence, Blood, and Foods That May Help

Hair loss may signal Kidney Essence depletion or Blood Deficiency. Learn which nourishing foods may help support healthy hair.

Qi Stagnant12 min read

Chinese Medicine for PMS: Liver Qi, Blood, and Foods That May Help

PMS may involve Liver Qi Stagnation, Blood Deficiency, or Cold in the uterus. Learn which foods may help ease premenstrual symptoms.

Qi Deficient12 min read

Chinese Medicine for Bloating: Spleen Qi and Gas Relief Foods

Always bloated? Chinese medicine views bloating as weak Spleen Qi or Liver Qi Stagnation. Learn which warm foods may help.

Overview10 min read

Yin and Yang in Chinese Medicine: Balance, Foods and Body Types

What is yin and yang? Learn how this ancient concept explains why you feel hot or cold, and which foods may help restore balance.

Overview12 min read

Five Elements Theory: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water

The Five Elements theory connects everything in nature. Learn what each element means for your organs, emotions, and health.

Overview10 min read

Meridians in Chinese Medicine: Energy Pathways Explained

What are meridians? Learn how Chinese medicine maps energy pathways through your body and what happens when flow is blocked.

Overview10 min read

What Is Dampness in Chinese Medicine? Signs, Causes and Foods

Feeling heavy, foggy, and sluggish? It may be dampness. Learn what causes it and which foods may help clear it.

Overview10 min read

What Is Shen in Chinese Medicine? The Mind-Body Connection

Shen is the Chinese medicine concept of spirit and consciousness. Learn how it affects sleep, mood, and mental clarity.

Overview10 min read

What Is Jing in Chinese Medicine? Your Vital Essence Explained

Jing is your deepest energy reserve. Learn how it affects aging and vitality, and which foods may help preserve it.

Nutrition10 min read

Chinese Herbs for Energy: Top Herbs to Fight Fatigue

Always tired? Learn which Chinese herbs and foods may help rebuild your energy naturally.

Nutrition12 min read

TCM Diet: A Complete Guide to Eating According to Chinese Medicine

What is a TCM diet? Learn the core principles of Chinese medicine eating and how to match food to your body type.

Yang Deficient10 min read

Chinese Medicine for Cold Hands and Feet: Causes and Warming Foods

Always cold? Chinese medicine says cold extremities may signal Yang Deficiency. Learn which warming foods may help.

Yin Deficient10 min read

Chinese Medicine for Night Sweats: Causes and Cooling Foods

Waking up drenched? Night sweats may signal Yin Deficiency. Learn which cooling foods may help reduce overnight sweating.

Qi Deficient10 min read

Chinese Medicine for Brain Fog: Causes and Clarity Foods

Can't think clearly? Brain fog may mean Spleen Qi Deficiency or Dampness. Learn which foods may help clear your head.

Nutrition10 min read

Food Therapy in Chinese Medicine: Healing with Everyday Meals

Food therapy is the first line of treatment in Chinese medicine. Learn the core principles and how to start today.

Overview12 min read

What Is Chinese Medicine? A Complete Beginner's Guide to TCM

Everything you need to know about TCM: what it is, how it works, the 5 branches, 9 body types, and how it differs from Western medicine.

Overview10 min read

Chinese Medicine for Beginners: A Practical Starter Guide

New to Chinese medicine? Learn the 3 key concepts, 5 must-know foods, a simple 7-day starter plan, and common mistakes to avoid.

Overview10 min read

The 9 Chinese Medicine Body Types — A Complete Guide

Chinese medicine identifies 9 body constitutions — each with unique physical patterns, emotional tendencies, and ideal foods.

Overview9 min read

What Is Qi (Chi) Energy? Chinese Medicine's Core Concept Explained

Qi is the vital energy behind every function in your body. Learn what it is, how it moves, and what happens when it goes wrong.

Overview8 min read

Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine: What Your Tongue Reveals

Your tongue is a daily health dashboard. Learn what color, coating, and shape mean in Chinese medicine.

Nutrition8 min read

Cooling Foods in Chinese Medicine: What to Eat When You Run Hot

Mung beans, pear, lotus root, and more. A complete guide to cooling foods and how to use them.

Overview7 min read

Eastern vs Western Medicine: What Each System Does Best

A practical comparison of Chinese medicine and Western medicine, and how to use both together.

Nutrition7 min read

Chinese Medicine Foods for Energy: What to Eat When You're Always Tired

The right foods can rebuild your Qi. Warm, cooked, easy-to-digest meals are the foundation of energy recovery.

Nutrition7 min read

Foods That Warm Your Body From the Inside

Ginger, cinnamon, lamb, and other warming foods stoke your inner furnace. Essential for Yang Deficient types.

Yin Deficient8 min read

Chinese Medicine for Tinnitus: Kidney Health & Ear Ringing Foods

Ringing in your ears? Chinese medicine links chronic tinnitus to Kidney weakness and sudden ringing to Liver Fire. Learn which foods may help.

Qi Deficient8 min read

Chinese Medicine for Nausea: Stomach Qi & Ginger Relief Foods

Always nauseous? Chinese medicine sees nausea as Stomach Qi rebelling upward. Learn which warm foods like ginger may help settle your stomach.

Overview9 min read

What Is Blood in Chinese Medicine? Xue, Nourishment & the Mind

In Chinese medicine, Blood does more than flow through veins. It nourishes the body, moistens tissues, and anchors the mind. Learn which foods build it.

Yang Deficient11 min read

San Fu Days in TCM: Summer's Window for Winter Wellness

San Fu is the hottest stretch of summer and a key window in Chinese medicine for supporting cold-type winter conditions. Learn the principles, foods, and habits.

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EastType
10 Foods Your Body Type Will Love
A Practical Chinese Medicine Guide
Chinese medicine identifies 9 body types. Each type has foods that suit it well. This guide covers 10 ingredients used in Chinese medicine traditions for centuries.
myeasterntype.com
1
Ginger
Also known as: Sheng Jiang (Chinese), Shoga (Japanese), Adrak (Hindi), Khing (Thai)

Ginger is the most widely used warming food in Chinese medicine. If your hands and feet tend to run cold, or if you feel heavy and slow after meals, ginger may be one of the simplest things you can add to your daily routine.

Who It Suits

Cold Sensitivity and Low Vitality body types (people who tend to run cold, feel fatigued, or have slow digestion).

What It May Help With
•Warming the body from the inside
•Supporting digestion after heavy or cold meals
•Reducing that heavy, sluggish feeling after eating
How to Use
•Slice 3 to 4 thin pieces of fresh ginger and steep in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink this in the morning, 20 minutes before breakfast.
•Add grated ginger to soups, stews, and stir-fries.
•Avoid ginger late at night if you tend to feel hot when trying to sleep.
Simple HabitReplace your first glass of cold water in the morning with a cup of warm ginger water. This single change can make a noticeable difference in how your digestion feels throughout the day.
2
Goji Berries
Also known as: Wolfberries, Gou Qi Zi (Chinese), Kuko no Mi (Japanese), Boxthorn Berries

Goji berries are small, sweet, red dried fruits that look similar to raisins but have a distinct tart-sweet flavor. In Chinese medicine, they are associated with eye health, liver support, and healthy aging.

Who It Suits

Internal Heat body types (people who tend to feel warm at night, have dry skin, or wake up between 1 AM and 3 AM). Also suitable for people concerned about eye strain from screens.

What It May Help With
•Supporting eye comfort during long screen hours
•Nourishing the body's cooling and moistening functions
•Providing a gentle energy source without caffeine
How to Use
•Eat a small handful (about 15 to 20 berries) as a snack.
•Add to oatmeal, yogurt, or trail mix.
•Steep in hot water with chrysanthemum flowers for a gentle tea.
Simple HabitKeep a small jar of goji berries at your desk. Eat 10 to 15 berries around 3 PM, when afternoon energy dips tend to hit. They provide a mild, steady energy without the crash that comes with sugar or caffeine.
3
Red Dates (Jujube)
Also known as: Chinese Dates, Hong Zao (Chinese), Natsume (Japanese), Injeol (Korean)

Red dates are dried jujube fruits, not related to the Middle Eastern dates you find in most Western supermarkets. They are sweet, slightly chewy, and have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to support calm sleep and steady energy.

Who It Suits

Low Vitality and Stuck Energy body types (people who feel chronically tired, anxious, or have trouble falling asleep).

What It May Help With
•Supporting calm and restful sleep
•Providing a gentle, steady source of energy
•Settling an anxious or overactive mind
How to Use
•Simmer 5 to 6 pitted red dates in water for 15 minutes. Drink the liquid as tea before bed.
•Add to rice porridge (congee) for a nourishing breakfast.
•Eat 2 to 3 dates as an afternoon snack.
Simple HabitBrew a small pot of red date tea in the evening. Let it steep while you wind down, and drink it 30 minutes before bed. Many people notice calmer, more settled sleep within the first week.
4
Black Sesame Seeds
Also known as: Hei Zhi Ma (Chinese), Kuro Goma (Japanese), Gingili (Indian)

Black sesame seeds look like tiny dark pearls and have a rich, nutty, slightly smoky flavor. In Chinese medicine, their dark color connects them to the body's deepest energy reserves. They are associated with healthy hair, skin, and the body's foundational vitality.

Who It Suits

Internal Heat and Blood Stasis body types (people concerned about hair thinning, dry skin, premature aging, or dark circles under the eyes).

What It May Help With
•Supporting hair strength and skin moisture
•Nourishing the body's deepest energy reserves
•Providing healthy fats and minerals
How to Use
•Grind 2 tablespoons of black sesame seeds and mix with a small amount of honey. Eat one spoonful each morning.
•Sprinkle on rice, noodles, salads, or avocado toast.
•Use black sesame paste (similar to tahini but made from black sesame) as a spread on toast.
Simple HabitBuy a small bag of pre-roasted black sesame seeds. Keep it next to your salt shaker. Sprinkle on everything savory. This is one of the easiest ingredients to integrate into Western meals.
5
Mung Beans
Also known as: Lu Dou (Chinese), Ryokuto (Japanese), Moong Dal (Hindi), Green Gram (English)

Mung beans are small, green legumes that cook quickly and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. In Chinese medicine, they are considered one of the most cooling foods available. They are traditionally eaten during hot summer months to help the body manage internal heat.

Who It Suits

Damp Heat body types (people who tend to feel hot and sticky, have oily skin, breakouts, or acid reflux). Also suitable for anyone during hot weather.

What It May Help With
•Supporting the body's natural cooling processes
•Helping the body process and eliminate excess fluids
•Soothing skin inflammation from the inside
How to Use
•Simmer 1 cup of mung beans in 4 cups of water for 30 minutes until soft. Add a little rock sugar for a simple sweet soup.
•Sprout mung beans at home for fresh, crunchy bean sprouts (takes 2 to 3 days in a jar).
•Cook mung bean soup once a week during summer months.
Simple HabitDuring hot weather, replace one meal per week with a simple bowl of mung bean soup. It is light, cooling, and easy to digest. People who tend to break out in summer often notice their skin calms down within 2 to 3 weeks of eating mung beans regularly.
6
Walnuts
Also known as: He Tao (Chinese), Kurumi (Japanese), Akhrot (Hindi), Nuez (Spanish)

Walnuts look like tiny brains, and in Chinese medicine, this visual resemblance is taken seriously. Walnuts are associated with brain function, memory, and the body's deepest warmth reserves. They are also one of the most accessible ingredients on this list.

Who It Suits

Cold Sensitivity and Internal Heat body types concerned about memory, focus, or lower back discomfort. Also suitable for older adults.

What It May Help With
•Supporting memory and mental clarity
•Warming and strengthening the lower back and knees
•Providing omega-3 fatty acids
How to Use
•Eat 5 to 8 walnuts per day as a snack. Chew thoroughly.
•Add chopped walnuts to oatmeal or yogurt.
•Simmer walnuts in porridge with red dates for a nourishing breakfast.
Simple HabitKeep a small container of walnuts where you work. Eat 5 pieces at 10 AM and 5 pieces at 3 PM. The steady supply of healthy fats supports focus and sustained energy without the spike-and-crash of sugary snacks.
7
Chinese Yam
Also known as: Shan Yao (Chinese), Nagaimo (Japanese), Ma (Korean), Mexican Yam

Chinese yam is a long, cylindrical root with a pale interior. When raw, it feels slippery and slightly sticky when cut. When cooked, it becomes tender and mildly sweet. In Chinese medicine, it is one of the most recommended foods for people with sensitive digestion.

Who It Suits

Heavy and Sluggish body types (people who bloat after meals, feel heavy and tired, or have irregular digestion). Also suitable for anyone recovering from illness.

What It May Help With
•Strengthening digestive function over time
•Supporting steady, consistent energy levels
•Reducing bloating and heaviness after meals
How to Use
•Peel, slice, and stir-fry with a little salt and sesame oil for a simple side dish.
•Cut into chunks and add to soups or stews.
•Slice thinly and steam for 15 minutes. Drizzle with a little honey.
Simple HabitIf you have a sensitive stomach that reacts to raw vegetables, try replacing raw salads with steamed Chinese yam twice a week. Its gentle, starchy nature gives your digestive system a break while still providing nutrients.
8
Chrysanthemum Flowers
Also known as: Ju Hua (Chinese), Kikka (Japanese), Gul-e-Daudi (Hindi)

Dried chrysanthemum flowers are brewed into a light, floral tea that has been consumed in East Asia for centuries. The tea is golden-colored, delicate in flavor, and naturally caffeine-free. In Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum is associated with cooling internal heat, especially in the head and eyes.

Who It Suits

Internal Heat and Stuck Energy body types (people who get headaches, eye strain, feel hot and irritable, or have trouble sleeping). Also ideal for office workers who stare at screens all day.

What It May Help With
•Soothing tired, dry, or strained eyes
•Cooling the head and reducing tension headaches
•Supporting calm focus without caffeine
How to Use
•Steep 8 to 10 dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink as is or add a few goji berries.
•Drink in the afternoon instead of coffee or green tea.
•Can be enjoyed cold in summer with a touch of honey.
Simple HabitReplace your afternoon coffee with chrysanthemum tea for one week. Many people notice their afternoon energy feels more stable and their eyes feel less strained by the end of the workday. You can find dried chrysanthemum flowers at most Asian grocery stores or online.
9
Longan
Also known as: Dragon's Eye, Gui Yuan (Chinese), Ryugan (Japanese), Lamyai (Thai)

Dried longan is a small, round, dark brown fruit that looks like a tiny pearl when shelled. It gets its English name, "Dragon's Eye," from the fresh fruit, which has a dark seed visible through the translucent white flesh. Dried longan is sweet, warm in nature, and has been used in Chinese medicine to support calm energy and restful sleep.

Who It Suits

Low Vitality body types (people who feel chronically tired, anxious, or have trouble sleeping due to an overactive mind).

What It May Help With
•Supporting calm, settled energy during the day
•Helping quiet an overactive mind at night
•Providing a gentle, non-stimulating source of sweetness
How to Use
•Simmer 10 to 15 dried longan in water for 10 minutes. Drink the tea before bed.
•Add to rice porridge along with red dates for a nourishing breakfast.
•Eat 5 to 6 pieces as a sweet snack.
Simple HabitIf you tend to snack on sweets in the evening, replace candy or chocolate with 8 to 10 dried longan pieces. They satisfy the sweet craving while supporting calm, restful sleep.
10
Lotus Seeds
Also known as: Lian Zi (Chinese), Hasu no Mi (Japanese), Bikh (Hindi)

Lotus seeds are small, ivory-colored seeds harvested from the seed pod of the lotus flower. They have a mild, slightly sweet, and slightly nutty flavor. In Chinese medicine, they are associated with calm, steady energy and clear thinking. They are one of the key ingredients in traditional East Asian desserts and savory dishes alike.

Who It Suits

Stuck Energy and Heavy and Sluggish body types (people who overthink, feel mentally scattered, or have trouble concentrating).

What It May Help With
•Supporting mental calm and clear focus
•Helping settle an overactive, racing mind
•Supporting steady, even-keeled energy
How to Use
•Soak dried lotus seeds overnight, then simmer in water for 30 minutes until tender. Add rock sugar for a simple sweet soup.
•Add cooked lotus seeds to soups and stews.
•Find canned lotus seeds at Asian grocery stores for convenience.
Simple HabitIf your mind races at night and prevents you from sleeping, try a small bowl of lotus seed soup as an evening snack. Its calming quality may help quiet mental chatter and support more settled sleep.
How to Start

You do not need to buy all 10 ingredients today. Here is a simple way to begin:

1Take the EastType quiz to learn your body type.
2Pick 2 ingredients from this guide that suit your type.
3Start with one habit from the "Simple Habit" section of each food.
4Give it 2 to 3 weeks. Notice how your body responds.
5Adjust from there. Chinese medicine is about consistent, small adjustments, not dramatic overhauls.
Where to Find These Ingredients
•Asian grocery stores (look for H Mart, 99 Ranch, Mitsuwa, or local equivalents)
•Online (Amazon, iHerb, Asian food specialty sites)
•Health food stores (ginger, walnuts, and goji berries are widely available)
•Regular supermarkets (ginger, walnuts, and mung beans are usually in stock)

Most of these ingredients cost between $3 and $10 and last for weeks or months. Chinese medicine eating does not need to be expensive.

A Final Note

This guide is for educational and wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice. If you have specific health concerns, food allergies, or are taking medication, consult a qualified healthcare provider before making dietary changes.

Individual responses to foods vary. The information in this guide reflects traditional Chinese medicine principles, which focus on patterns and tendencies rather than medical diagnoses.

Listen to your body. Start small. Be consistent. That is the Chinese medicine way.
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