Wellness Trends I Don’t Follow as a Chinese Medicine Practitioner

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Wellness Trends I Don’t Follow as a Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Not every wellness trend is right for every body. In Chinese medicine, health is never one-size-fits-all—we focus on balance, constitution, and understanding what each individual body truly needs.

Here are a few popular wellness trends I personally don’t follow, and the TCM reasoning behind them.

1. Cold Plunges & Ice Baths

In Chinese medicine, Cold is considered a pathogenic factor that can constrict blood vessels and slow the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood.

Repeated exposure to ice baths can drain Yang Qi, which represents the body’s internal warmth and metabolic fire. Over time, for some people, excessive cold exposure may weaken Yang Qi and contribute to internal cold.

While brief cold exposure may benefit some individuals, it is not suitable for everyone—especially those who naturally feel cold, have low energy, digestive issues, painful periods, or those who are young or elderly.

2. All-Day Fasting

TCM believes the Spleen and Stomach require regular nourishment to produce Qi and Blood.

Going long hours without eating may weaken digestion and reduce the body’s ability to generate energy. Over time, this may contribute to fatigue and low vitality.

This is especially relevant for people with Qi deficiency, frequent fatigue, weakened immunity, or digestive sensitivity.

3. Raw Green Smoothies & Salads

In Chinese medicine, the Spleen and Stomach are like a cooking pot that relies on warmth to properly digest food.

Eating large amounts of cold, raw foods is like pouring cold water onto the fire beneath the pot—it slows digestion and requires more energy from the body.

Over time, weakened digestion may impair the body’s ability to transform and transport fluids, contributing to Dampness. This can present as bloating, heaviness, loose stools, brain fog, fatigue, and in some cases, feeling cold or experiencing more menstrual discomfort.

4. “No Days Off” Culture

True health is a balance between Yin (rest) and Yang (activity).

Constant high-intensity training without adequate recovery can consume Qi, Blood, and Yin, gradually depleting the body’s reserves.

Pushing through exhaustion is not necessarily a sign of strength—it may lead to burnout, increased susceptibility to illness, and a higher risk of injury over time.

5. Using Lots of Supplements

More supplements do not always mean better health.

In Chinese medicine, health comes from restoring balance, not simply adding more substances. Taking multiple supplements without understanding the body’s underlying pattern may fail to address the root cause and can burden digestion.

From a modern perspective, excessive or unnecessary supplementation—especially in high doses or combinations—may also place additional strain on the liver and kidneys.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace personalised medical advice. Individual conditions vary, and it is best to consult a qualified healthcare or Chinese medicine practitioner for personalised guidance.