How to Determine if You Have a Cold or Hot Body Constitution
Sep 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
To determine whether one has a cold or hot body constitution, it is generally possible to distinguish based on physical sensations of cold and heat, facial appearance and tongue coating, characteristics of stool and urine, as well as dietary preferences. Individuals with a cold constitution often feel chilly and are sensitive to cold, especially noticeable during autumn and winter; they are prone to discomfort caused by exposure to cold. Those with a hot constitution tend to feel hot easily, often experience body heat, warm palms and soles, and may become irritable and sweat more in warm environments.
To determine whether one has a cold or hot body constitution, distinctions can generally be made through physical sensations of cold or heat, facial appearance and tongue coating, characteristics of stool and urine, dietary preferences, and the temperature status of hands and feet. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Physical Sensation of Cold or Heat: Individuals with a cold constitution often feel cold throughout the body, especially during autumn and winter, and are prone to discomfort due to exposure to cold. Those with a hot constitution tend to feel heat easily, often experiencing body heat and warm palms and soles. In warm environments, they may feel irritable and sweat more.
2. Facial Appearance and Tongue Coating: People with a cold constitution may have pale or sallow complexion without luster. Their tongue coating appears pale and white, the tongue body is swollen with possible tooth marks on the edges. Those with a hot constitution tend to have a reddish complexion, are prone to acne and dry mouth, have a yellowish and thick tongue coating, and their tongue body appears thinner and redder.
3. Characteristics of Stool and Urine: Individuals with a cold constitution usually have loose, unformed stools and more frequent bowel movements. Their urine is clear, light-colored, and abundant. Those with a hot constitution tend to have dry, hard stools and difficulty defecating. Their urine tends to be yellowish, scanty, and some may experience symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency.
4. Dietary Preferences: People with a cold constitution prefer warm foods, such as hot soup, hot tea, and lamb. Consuming cold or raw foods can easily lead to bloating and diarrhea. Those with a hot constitution prefer cooling foods, such as icy drinks, cold dishes, and watermelon. Consuming warm foods can easily lead to symptoms like heatiness, dry mouth, and a dry throat.
5. Temperature of Hands and Feet: Individuals with a cold constitution often have cold hands and feet throughout the year; even with warmth, it is difficult for them to warm up quickly, especially in winter. Those with a hot constitution often have warm hands and feet. Some even need to expose their hands and feet while sleeping to feel comfortable. In summer, the heat in their hands and feet may affect sleep.
When determining body constitution, multiple aspects should be considered comprehensively to avoid drawing conclusions based on a single symptom alone. If the constitution tendency is obvious and accompanied by discomfort, one should consult a professional for syndrome differentiation and confirmation, followed by targeted regulation.
