TCM Pharmacist's Guide: Choosing Ingredients Based on Type Diagnosis is Just Symptomatic Treatment. Why Traditional Medicinal Cooking Starts with 'Why'

Introduction

I received this question during a TikTok Live session.

"I read a book on medicinal cooking and was diagnosed with the Blood Stasis type. Please tell me which ingredients I should eat."

I understand that feeling well. But please wait a moment. Isn't that type diagnosis just matching ingredients to a result?

Please note that the medicinal recipes introduced in this blog are for reference only. Authentic medicinal cooking is much more individualized and requires deeper consideration. That is what I would like to talk about today.

Conclusion

Matching ingredients to the results of a type diagnosis is symptomatic treatment.

Traditional medicinal cooking begins by exploring the cause: 'Why did you become this type?' If the cause is different, the necessary approach changes completely, even for the same type.

Reason

Type diagnosis is merely a 'result'

Recent medicinal cooking books often include type-based diagnostic tests.

• Qi Deficiency type (lack of energy)

• Blood Deficiency type (lack of blood)

• Yin Deficiency type (lack of moisture)

• Qi Stagnation type (stagnant Qi due to stress)

• Blood Stasis type (stagnant blood)

• Phlegm-Dampness type (disordered water metabolism)

Diagnose yourself and eat ingredients that match that type. At first glance, it seems logical. But this is symptomatic treatment.

The concept is the same as in Western medicine, where one might say, 'I have high blood pressure, so I will take antihypertensive medication.' Modern Kampo medicine is similar, with an increasing trend of using 'this Kampo medicine for irregular periods.' Applying something to a symptom or result—that is symptomatic treatment.

Traditional medicinal cooking starts with 'why'

The philosophy of traditional medicinal cooking is fundamentally different in this regard. We first consider "why you became that type."

For example, even for the same blood stasis type, the cause differs from person to person. Some people have it due to cold, some due to stress, and others due to their diet. The approach also changes completely depending on age, gender, and medical history.

Once the cause is understood, you can combine internal approaches (diet/medicinal cooking) and external approaches (bodywork/exercise/bathing) in a custom-made way tailored to that individual.

Even if the type is the same, what you need is different from what the person next to you needs.

Medicinal Cooking Recipes

May Medicinal Cooking Recipe: Stir-fried Chicken and Garland Chrysanthemum with Ginger

A dish that regulates the flow of qi and loosens blockages caused by cold.

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

• Chicken thigh: 200g

• Garland chrysanthemum: 1 bunch

• Shimeji mushrooms: 1/2 pack

• Ginger: 1 knob

• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon

• Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon

• Salt and pepper: a pinch

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

2. Julienne the ginger.

3. Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan and stir-fry the ginger until fragrant.

4. Add the chicken and stir-fry until browned.

5. Add the shimeji mushrooms and garland chrysanthemum, stir-fry briefly, and season with soy sauce.

Medicinal Cooking Points

• Garland chrysanthemum: Helps circulate Qi and regulates gastrointestinal function. Its aromatic components relieve stagnation of Qi.

• Ginger: Warms the body from within and relieves stagnation caused by cold. It has the effect of smoothing the flow of Qi and blood.

• Chicken: Replenishes Qi and provides energy to move the body. It is easy to digest and suitable even when the gastrointestinal tract is weak.

Summary

• Matching ingredients to type diagnosis results is merely symptomatic treatment. It shares the same fundamental approach as Western medicine.

• Traditional medicinal cooking begins by exploring the root cause of 'why it happened'.

• True medicinal cooking involves a customized approach to the cause from both the inside and outside.

Even with the same ingredients, you can transform them into medicinal food tailored to the individual through cooking methods and combinations. That is the fascination and depth of traditional medicinal cooking.

It is not the illness that is scary, but the lack of knowledge. Possessing the right knowledge leads to protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Course Information

The TCM Medicinal Cooking Techniques Introductory Course, a 6-month program, will begin on the second Monday of September 2026.

This is an introductory course that even beginners can learn with peace of mind. You will spend 6 months thoroughly learning the basics of medicinal cooking that are easy to incorporate into your daily meals.

• Format: Zoom and archive viewing

• Time: 20:00–21:00

• Tuition: 54,000 yen

Details and registration here:
https://kawamoto.my.canva.site/yakuzen-kawamoto

Feel free to consult with us via our official LINE:
https://lin.ee/h9PSpX2