In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), everyone has a body “constitution” — kind of like your internal climate. Some people run hot. Some people run cold. And knowing which one you are? Game-changer.
Because that trendy smoothie or sauna might be doing your friend wonders — but totally wrecking your system.
First, what is a body constitution?
Think of it as your body’s default setting. Some people are naturally warm, fiery, and quick to overheat. Others are more yin — cool, slow to warm up, and sensitive to cold.
This isn’t about your personality (though, let’s be honest, it often tracks). It’s about your Qi, your blood flow, your digestion — and how your body responds to the world around you.
Signs you might have a cold constitution:
· You’re always layering — even in summer
· Cold hands and feet are your daily struggle
· You crave warm foods and hate icy drinks
· Digestion is sluggish or bloating is frequent
· Your periods may be painful, light, or late
In TCM, cold slows everything down. It weakens digestion, congeals blood, and can even lead to fertility issues. Cold types tend to do better with warm foods (ginger, lamb, black beans), gentle movement, and yes — avoiding raw salads, cold drinks and ice baths.
Signs you might have a hot constitution:
· You overheat easily or sweat at night
· Your skin is red, oily, or prone to acne
· You often feel thirsty or crave cold drinks
· You get irritable, impatient, or feel "wired but tired"
· Your periods may be heavy, early, or clotty
Hot types are all about excess heat — inflammation, overstimulation, too much yang. You’ll want to calm the fire with cooling foods (like mung beans or chrysanthemum tea), avoid spicy meals, and chill on the overworking.
Can you be a mix of both? Of course.
Many people are a little hot in one area (like digestion) and cold in another (like circulation). Or you may have started as cold but became hot from stress, overwork, or hormones (looking at you, perimenopause).
That’s why TCM is all about balance — it’s less about putting you in a box and more about helping you stay in flow.
So... now what?
Once you know your constitution, you can:
· Eat foods that support your body type
· Choose the right herbs or treatments
· Avoid wellness trends that work against you
· Understand your body’s signals instead of ignoring them
The bottom line
TCM doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all wellness. Whether you’re hot, cold, or a little of both, tuning into your constitution gives you the power to choose what truly nourishes you.
Because wellness isn’t just what’s “in” — it’s what’s in you.
