Introduction to Food Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine: How to Choose Your Food Based on Your Body Constitution
Understanding the Nature of Food in Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, food is not just calories — it is daily medicine. Every food has a "nature" (thermal property) and a "flavor" that affects specific organs in the body.
The Four Energies (四气)
| Energy | Meaning | Examples |
| --------- | -------- | ------- |
| Cold (寒) | Very cooling | Watermelon, cucumber, green tea |
| Cool (凉) | Moderately cooling | Mint, celery, lettuce |
| Neutral (平) | Balanced | Rice, carrots, dates |
| Warm (温) | Moderately warming | Ginger, cinnamon, garlic |
| Hot (热) | Very heating | Chili pepper, clove |
The Five Flavors (五味)
| Flavor | Affected Organ | Effect |
| -------- | --------------- | --------- |
| Sour (酸) | Liver | Contracts and retains fluids |
| Bitter (苦) | Heart | Dries and lowers heat |
| Sweet (甘) | Spleen | Nourishes and moistens |
| Pungent (辛) | Lung | Moves and opens pores |
| Salty (咸) | Kidney | Softens and dissolves masses |
Ten Arab Foods Through the Eyes of Chinese Medicine
Dates (椰枣) — Warm nature, sweet flavor, nourishes the spleen, stomach, and kidneys. Ideal for general weakness and fatigue. Excellent for Ramadan suhoor because it provides the body with slow-release energy.
Olive oil (橄榄油) — Neutral to slightly warm nature, nourishes the liver and gallbladder. Helps move stagnant liver qi.
Yogurt (酸奶) — Cold nature, nourishes the stomach and intestines. Cools internal heat, especially in summer. Good after spicy foods.
Lamb (羊肉) — Very warm nature, nourishes the spleen and kidneys. The best meat for warming in winter and strengthening vital energy.
Chickpeas (鹰嘴豆) — Neutral nature, nourishes the spleen and stomach. An excellent source of sustained energy without causing excess dampness.
Cumin (小茴香) — Warm nature, nourishes the liver, kidneys, and stomach. Moves stagnant qi and relieves bloating.
Turmeric (姜黄) — Warm nature, nourishes the liver and spleen. Activates blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
Cinnamon (肉桂) — Hot nature, nourishes the kidneys, heart, and spleen. Warms the body and stimulates blood circulation.
Mint (薄荷) — Cool nature, nourishes the lungs and liver. Disperses heat, calms headaches, and improves digestion.
Pomegranate (石榴) — Neutral to cool nature, nourishes the heart and liver. Nourishes the blood and moistens dryness.
Principles of Chinese Healthy Eating
- 1. Eat according to the season — Cooling foods in summer, warming foods in winter
- 2. Eat according to your body type — A hot person needs cooling, and a cold person needs warming
- 3. Do not overindulge — Even good food harms if you overdo it
- 4. Chew well — Digestion begins in the mouth
- 5. Eat regularly — Regular meals at fixed times
