What I’ve Learned from Chinese Medicine: Tongue Checks, Blood Type Eating, and the Art of Simplicity

Over the past few years, I’ve dabbled in many wellness practices—from modern fitness trends to ancient healing arts. But Chinese medicine? It has a unique kind of wisdom that feels both ancient and intuitive, especially when you start applying it to your daily life. Here are a few things I’ve learned that have shifted the way I look at food, health, and my body’s signals.

1. Check Your Tongue: It's a Window Into Your Health

One of the first things a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner will do is ask to see your tongue. Why? Because your tongue can reflect imbalances in your organs, circulation, and overall vitality. Whether it’s a pale color (possibly showing deficiency), a thick white coating (hello dampness), or a red tip (stress or heat in the heart area), your tongue tells a story.

Ever since learning this, I’ve made it a habit to peek at my tongue in the morning. It’s a quick check-in with my body—like reading a wellness report card before the day begins.

2. Eat for Your Blood Type

This was a game-changer. While not strictly a Chinese medicine concept, many holistic practitioners influenced by Eastern wisdom recommend eating in alignment with your blood type. Certain foods can either fuel you or drain you, depending on how they interact with your unique blood chemistry. For example, some people thrive on plant-based diets while others may need more animal protein to feel balanced.

I started eliminating foods that didn’t vibe with my blood type—and wow. Less bloating, more energy, and better digestion. It made me realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition.

3. Simplify Your Meals: Eat Foods Separately

Another big shift? Food combining. Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of digestion and keeping it simple. When you load your plate with a dozen different food groups, your stomach has to work overtime. By eating foods separately or focusing on one main component per meal, you give your digestive system a break.

This doesn’t mean your meals have to be boring—just intentional. For example, I might eat a bowl of steamed veggies with rice, and wait an hour before having fruit or protein. The result? Better energy and less sluggishness after eating.

4. Fasting Is Cleansing

Fasting has gained popularity in the West, but it's also deeply rooted in Eastern traditions. TCM views fasting as a way to allow the digestive system to rest, repair, and reset. It’s not about deprivation—it's about mindful nourishment.

Even a gentle overnight fast (12-14 hours between dinner and breakfast) can do wonders. I’ve found that when I allow space between meals, my body feels lighter, my skin clearer, and my mind more focused.

What I love about Chinese medicine is that it invites you to become your own healer. You’re encouraged to observe your body, trust your intuition, and work with nature—not against it.

These small but powerful shifts—checking my tongue, aligning my meals with my blood type, simplifying food combinations, and incorporating fasting—have created a deeper sense of balance and wellbeing in my life. I’m not perfect, but I’m learning. And that’s the beauty of it.