Is your body 'hot'? - A TCM perspective

As a daughter of Asian parents, we’ve all been told off at some point that what we’re eating is “too heaty.” Maybe it was after too many lychees, fried snacks, or late nights out. But what does that actually mean?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a “heaty body” isn’t about feeling physically hot,  it’s about an imbalance in your internal energy. When your Yang energy (your body’s fire) becomes too strong, and your Yin (the cooling, nourishing energy) can’t keep up, your system overheats.

This imbalance is what TCM calls “internal heat”, and it can affect everything from your skin to your mood and sleep.

What Does “Heaty” Feel Like?

When your body is running “hot,” you might notice signs like:

• Red face or flushed cheeks
• Always feeling warm (even in winter)
• Dry mouth or constant thirst, craving cold drinks
• Hangry, irritability or short tempered
• Trouble falling asleep at night
• Ulcers and breakouts / acne
• Night sweats
• Constipated
• Headaches

Basically, your body is saying: I’m overheated, cool me down!

Common Causes of a Heaty Body in TCM

In moderation, heat is essential, it fuels digestion, motivation, and vitality. But when your inner fire burns too high, your body’s balance tips.

According to TCM, these are the most common causes of a heaty body:

• Stress and emotional tension: Prolonged frustration, anger, or overthinking can make Qi stagnate and transform into internal heat.

• Lack of rest: Late nights and chronic fatigue deplete Yin energy, leaving Yang unchecked.

• Diet: Too much fried, spicy, or ultra-processed food — and alcohol — can all fan the flames.

• Environment: Hot weather or prolonged exposure to heat (even from screens!) can add to the internal warmth.

Too much stress, lack of sleep, emotional strain, and an excess of heaty foods can all stoke your inner fire. Over time, that heat builds up and radiates outward, showing up as inflammation, skin flare-ups, or irritability.

How to Cool a Heaty Body (TCM-Approved Tips)

To bring your body back into balance, focus on restoring your Yin, the cooling, calming energy that soothes excess heat.

Here’s how to support your body naturally:

Eat cooling foods – Incorporate cucumber, apples, pear, watermelon, tofu, mung beans, leafy greens such as bok choy, seaweed, mushrooms, green tea, less lamb meat and prioritise pork or chicken if choosing a meat protein.

Stay hydrated – Choose room-temperature or warm water to protect your digestion.

Prioritise rest and calm – Early nights, gentle yoga, and mindful breathing help replenish Yin energy.

Sip herbal teas – Try chrysanthemum, mint, or goji chrysanthemum tea for a gentle cooling effect.

Incorporate Yin-nourishing herbs into soups or bone broths - Solomon's seal, lily bulb, snow fungus and adenophora root. These are available blended in our Balance herbal tonic.

Reduce heaty triggers – Cut back on spicy, fried, and ultra-processed foods when your body feels overheated.

These small, consistent choices help your body release excess heat and rebuild balance from within.

Understanding Yin-Yang Balance in the Body

In TCM, health is about harmony between Yin and Yang, cooling and warming, stillness and movement, rest and action.

Your natural “fire” isn’t bad; it gives you drive, passion, and energy. But too much fire can burn your Qi, leaving you feeling drained and irritable.

When your Yin and Yang are balanced, your body feels grounded, your skin glows, and your energy flows smoothly.