TCM Knowledge

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts can often feel foreign and intimidating, even if you grew up in the culture or speaking the language. Heat, wind, damp…what do these terms mean? 


Understanding these basic concepts is essential if you want to learn about TCM Nutrition, just as you need to understand “calorie,” “protein,” and “blood sugar” if you’re reading up on western nutrition. 


To help you, we sorted out some most basic and important TCM terms and concepts. 

TCM Nutrition Basics

Food Therapy & Nutrition

All the most basic, most essential principles for absolute beginners! 



9 Body Constitution

Each of us has a unique body constitution, influenced by both genetics and lifestyle, that makes us more susceptible to certain conditions and illnesses. 

TCM 101

Five Elements 五行


Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. The theory of five elements painted a splendid picture in ancient Chinese culture and later became one of the most important components in the system of TCM.

Yin and Yang 阴阳


The quintessential foundation of Chinese Medicine and Chinese culture. 




Qi, Blood, & Essence 气血精

Qi, blood and body fluid: the essential substances for life activities, flow constantly inside the body and all originate from the viscera.


What Are Meridians? 经络？

There is a distribution network for the fundamental substances of Qi , Blood and Body Fluids throughout the body. This distribution network called the Meridian System.

What Is Dampness? 湿气

Imagine a very humid greenhouse with molds and steam. That’s what dampness feels like.



Si Miao Collection Interviews

Shiroi 白石めぐみ

Shiroi is a Japanese TCM nutritionist and herbalist who makes exquisite medicinal desserts. 


Ervina Wu

Ervina is a Singaporean TCM dermatologist, licensed practitioner, and co-founder of one of our favorite beauty brands 5YINA.

Lulu Ge

Lulu is the founder of Elix, a clinically-backed, women’s health company rooted in the ancient power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). 

Samantha Kloss

Samantha is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, and founder of Five Flavor Kitchen. 


Adrian Chang

Adrian Chang is a 3rd-gen Asian-American and the creator of My Kitsune Café, a food blog that shares Asian dishes & traditional recipes.

Eat with the Seasons

Spring 春

Liver-friendly foods

Wood element

Sour/sweet flavors are recommended

Yang & uprising foods

Summer 夏

Heart-friendly foods

Fire element

Bitter/light/mildly sour flavors, instead of spicy or sweet

Calming and cooling foods

Late Summer 长夏

Spleen and Stomach health

Earth element

Naturally Sweet flavors

Dampness-reducing, Cooling, Yellow-toned foods

Autumn 秋

Lung health

Metal element

Aromatic flavors

Yin-nourishing, Moistening, White-toned foods

Winter 冬

Kidney health

Water Element

Salty and Sweet flavors

Replenishment and nourishment

Yang, Warming, Black-toned foods

TCM Food-Herb Library (Coming Soon!)

Goji Berry

枸杞

Hawthorn Berry

山楂

Chrysanthemum

菊花

Jujube Date

红枣