The 5 Flavors of TCM
Acupuncture is part of a system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes practices that promote whole-person health. In addition to offering guidance on how to adjust your diet to match the seasons, TCM recommends working toward a balance of different tastes in your diet to increase feelings of satiety and emphasizing specific flavors in different seasons. In TCM “flavors” or “tastes” are less about the actual taste, and more so descriptions of the effects in the body. 
Bitter is the flavor of Fire and is thought to have effects on the heart. If you read our blog post about summer in TCM, you know that bitter is a summer flavor!
Sweet is the flavor of Earth. In TCM, “sweetness” describes the flavor of grains and meats, rather than the simple sugars we find in modern foods. Sweet taste is considered to be gentle and nourishing. This flavor is suitable for everyone, but children especially tend to crave naturally sweet foods as they strengthen their digestive systems. Most tonic herbs, such as licorice, astragalus, and jujube dates, will have a flavor profile that includes sweetness.
Spicy (sometimes called pungent) is the flavor of Metal. The properties of this flavor are easily recognizable, even outside of TCM! Spicy tastes increase circulation and relieve congestion. For these reasons, spicy flavors can be great if you have a cold or are feeling under the weather. Spicy flavors can warm the body and even stimulate sweating.
Salty is the taste of Water, and as such is associated with the kidneys. Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that salty is a cooling, grounding, centering flavor. Although salt often gets a bad rap in Western medicine, it is essential for the body, and has many positive effects.
Sour is the taste of Wood. Sour foods work to contract and absorb. Also known as astringent tastes, sour flavors help to dry and firm tissues, and are useful for conditions like excessive perspiration, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids. These flavors are great for counteracting the effects of rich or greasy food. Sour flavors also help the body digest and absorb minerals (they’re good for the liver!), and help with concentration and focus.
