TCM Food Atlas

A searchable database of 80+ everyday foods classified by TCM thermal nature, the five flavors, meridian affinities, and body constitution. Find the foods that best support your body.

80+ Foods 7 Categories 9 Constitutions Nature-Flavor Chart
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Nature
Flavor
Constitution
Health Concern
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TCM Food Therapy Hub

Guides on using food as medicine for common imbalances.

My TCM Profile

Save your constitution and track personalized recommendations.

Constitution Quiz

Discover your TCM body type in a free 20-question test.

7-Day Wellness Plan

Get a personalized food, tea, and routine plan for your type.

Not Sure Which Foods Are Right for You?

Your TCM constitution determines which foods best support your health. Take the quiz to find your body type and unlock personalized recommendations.

Find Your Body Type

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TCM food therapy?

TCM food therapy (shi liao) classifies everyday foods by thermal nature (hot, warm, neutral, cool, cold), the five flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, spicy/pungent, salty), and the organ meridians they enter. By matching foods to your constitution and current imbalance, you use diet to prevent illness and restore balance.

How do I know which foods are right for my body type?

Start by identifying your TCM constitution (for example Yang Deficient, Yin Deficient, or Damp-Heat) using our Constitution Quiz. Each food in this atlas shows a constitution match score from 1 to 5 for all nine body types, so you can filter to the foods that best support your type.

What does food nature mean in TCM?

Food nature (also called thermal nature) describes how a food affects body warmth. Hot and warm foods (ginger, lamb, cinnamon) dispel cold and support Yang. Cool and cold foods (watermelon, mung bean, bitter gourd) clear heat and support Yin. Neutral foods (rice, pork, yam) are gentle and suitable for daily use.

What are the five flavors in TCM and what do they do?

The five flavors each act on specific organs. Sweet tonifies and harmonizes (Spleen/Stomach); sour astringes and absorbs (Liver); bitter clears heat and dries dampness (Heart); spicy/pungent disperses and moves Qi (Lung); salty softens masses and purges (Kidney). A balanced diet uses a mix of all five.

Can I follow TCM food therapy with my regular diet or medication?

Yes. Most TCM food therapy is built from everyday foods and gentle herbs and can be layered onto a normal diet. However, this atlas is educational, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a chronic condition, consult a qualified practitioner before using strong herbs like ginseng or dong quai.