“You met me at a very Chinese time in my life”: A Commentary
Over the past month— in typical January fashion— I’ve had a few conversations with the people in my life about New Year’s resolutions. I’ve noticed that more so than last year and the year before, people are focusing on wellness and growth— But this time, from an internal perspective. We’re aiming to improve ourselves for the sake of our own bodies and minds, rather than the way we’re seen by others. Even in discussions of improving our physical bodies, the majority of reasons behind those resolutions negate the typical “beach body” ideals, the fetishization of thinness and protein intake. Instead, they address a desire for strength, a positive outlook on growing older, or an aspiration to improve discipline.
You’ve likely heard of several traditional Chinese medicine practices, many of which took the millennial world by storm in the early 2000’s. Tai Chi, cupping, acupuncture, etc. were all borrowed from Asian culture and became staples in American wellness circles. As Gen Z audiences tend to do, they’ve adopted various traditional Chinese practices, even going as far as joking, “You met me at a very Chinese time in my life” or “Ever since I became Chinese…” Many of the Chinese influencers I’ve seen online have been happy to share the practices that help them feel connected to themselves and the world around them, but we must ensure we are being respectful of their tradition, regardless of our intention. TCM shouldn’t be referred to as a “trend” or recycled into “new” wellness practices; an important part of living in harmony is respecting each other's culture.
Chinese medicine focuses on energy flow and holistic practices, treating the body as a lively ecosystem while denying the American ideal of productivity that pervades even our physical body. In order to sustain our bodies' provision of a vessel for life, we must ensure our energy is unblocked, flowing freely throughout the body, existing harmoniously with our outside environment. When we’re connected with nature’s energies, we’re connected to each other. The key element of TCM is qi: the body’s vitality & center, or the energy that flows throughout your body and between you and the universe. The Cosmic Onion, an herbalism writer on Substack, explains qi as “You already know qi through direct experience, even if you have never used the word.”
If you’ve seen people on your FYP slandering iced drinks and cold salads, they’re likely taking inspiration from the Chinese belief that the body works best when it's warm— Cold, raw drinks and foods shock the body, creating internal stress that worsens bloating and fatigue. Warm water throughout the day, warm foods (like soup or congee), and warm socks/slippers at home all help to ensure your energy is flowing properly. All people can be identified into categories like dry vs. wet, or cold vs. warm, helping us identify what practices our body needs most to function and flow at its absolute best.
With the belief that the body is governed by five elements, TCM emphasizes the natural human tendency to eat foods that help us feel balanced. Organs that help detoxify the body are governed by water, requiring water rich foods like soups and juices. As warm and spicy foods can help improve circulation, the heart and small intestine are governed by fire. The stomach is governed by earth, needing cooked “grounding foods,” like root vegetables and whole grains. The gall bladder and liver are governed by wood (breaking down fats) and the lungs and colon are governed by metal (eliminating waste).
In a time where many of us struggle with feeling present in our bodies and grateful for the lives we’ve been given, traditional Chinese medicine urges us to stay grounded, in tune with our bodies, and appreciate the singularity of our existence. In 2026, we’re reconnecting with the concept of yin and yang: balance.
Strike Out,
Mia Cadaret, Writer and Fashion Director
