The nine types of constitutions in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) include Pinghe Zhi (平和质, Harmonious Constitution), Qi Xu Zhi (气虚质, Qi Deficiency Constitution), Yang Xu Zhi (阳虚质, Yang Deficiency Constitution), Yin Xu Zhi (阴虚质, Yin Deficiency Constitution), Tan Shi Zhi (痰湿质, Phlegm-Damp Constitution), Shi Re Zhi (湿热质, Damp-Heat Constitution), Xue Yu Zhi (血瘀质, Blood Stasis Constitution), Qi Yu Zhi (气郁质, Qi Stagnation Constitution), and Te Bing Zhi (特禀质, Special Constitution). Below are the identification methods for these constitutions:
01
Pinghe Zhi
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Physical Characteristics: Well-proportioned and robust body shape.
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Common Manifestations: Complexion and skin are moist and radiant, hair is thick and shiny, eyes are bright, nose is moist, sense of smell is clear, lips are rosy, not easily fatigued, energetic, tolerant of cold and heat, good sleep, normal appetite, normal bowel movements, tongue is light red, thin white coating, pulse is harmonious and strong.
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Psychological Characteristics: Easy-going and cheerful personality.
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Tendency to Illness: Rarely falls ill.
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Adaptability to External Environment: Strong adaptability to natural and social environments.
02
Qi Xu Zhi
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Physical Characteristics: Muscles are soft and weak.
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Common Manifestations: Usually has a weak voice, shortness of breath, easily fatigued, low energy, prone to sweating, tongue is light red with tooth marks on the edges, pulse is weak.
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Psychological Characteristics: Introverted personality, dislikes taking risks.
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Tendency to Illness: Prone to colds, low blood pressure, and organ prolapse.
03
Yang Xu Zhi
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Physical Characteristics: Muscles are soft and weak.
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Common Manifestations: Usually fears cold, hands and feet are cold, prefers warm food, low energy, tongue is pale and swollen, pulse is deep and slow.
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Psychological Characteristics: Generally calm and introverted personality.
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Tendency to Illness: Prone to phlegm retention, swelling, and diarrhea.
04
Yin Xu Zhi
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Physical Characteristics: Generally thin body shape.
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Common Manifestations: Warm palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, slightly dry nose, prefers cold drinks, dry stools, tongue is red with little moisture, pulse is thin and rapid.
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Psychological Characteristics: Impulsive, extroverted, and lively personality.
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Tendency to Illness: Prone to deficiency-related conditions, sperm loss, and insomnia.
05
Tan Shi Zhi
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Physical Characteristics: Overweight body shape, soft and full abdomen.
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Common Manifestations: Oily skin on the face, excessive sweating and stickiness, chest tightness, excessive phlegm, sticky or sweet mouth, prefers fatty and sweet foods, tongue is greasy, pulse is slippery.
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Psychological Characteristics: Generally mild and steady personality, good at enduring.
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Tendency to Illness: Prone to diabetes, stroke, and chest obstruction.
06
Shi Re Zhi
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Physical Characteristics: Medium or slightly thin body shape.
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Common Manifestations: Oily skin, prone to acne, bitter and dry mouth, heavy and fatigued body, difficult or dry stools, short and yellow urine, tongue is red, coating is yellow and greasy, pulse is slippery and rapid.
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Psychological Characteristics: Easily irritated and anxious.
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Tendency to Illness: Prone to sores, jaundice, and heat-related conditions.
07
Xue Yu Zhi
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Physical Characteristics: No special features, but complexion is dark, tongue is purple and dark.
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Common Manifestations: Dry skin, easy to bruise, lips are dull or purple, tongue has dark spots or patches, varicose veins under the tongue.
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Psychological Characteristics: Impulsive and easily angered personality.
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Tendency to Illness: Prone to cardiovascular diseases and tumors.
08
Qi Yu Zhi
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Physical Characteristics: No special features.
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Common Manifestations: Low mood, anxiety, chest and rib fullness, sighing frequently, tongue is light red or dark, coating is thin white or dry, white and greasy.
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Psychological Characteristics: Introverted personality, low mood.
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Tendency to Illness: Prone to depression and anxiety disorders.
09
Te Bing Zhi
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Physical Characteristics: No special features, but may have allergic constitution characteristics.
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Common Manifestations: Individuals with allergic constitution often experience asthma, hives, itchy throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, and skin reactions such as scratches, hives, and itching, tongue may show deep cracks and a peeling coating.
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Psychological Characteristics: No obvious characteristics.
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Tendency to Illness: Prone to allergic diseases.