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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution refers to the totality of the physiological characteristics and disease susceptibility of the human body, representing an important form of human life activities.
It is formed based on innate endowment and acquired characteristics, including comprehensive features such as morphological structure, physiological function, and psychological state. The establishment and development of TCM constitution theory provide a theoretical basis for individualized health maintenance and disease prevention and treatment.
Relationship Between Constitution and Health
People with different constitutions exhibit differences in health status and disease susceptibility. For example, individuals with a Pinghe zhi (Harmonious Constitution) typically have a balanced body and strong resistance, while those with a Qi xu zhi (Qi Deficiency Constitution) are more prone to colds and fatigue. Understanding one’s constitution type helps in targeted health maintenance and disease prevention.
The nine types of constitution in TCM are an important aspect of TCM constitution theory, categorizing the human body into nine different constitution types, each with its unique physiological characteristics, pathological tendencies, and nurturing methods. Below is a detailed description of the nine constitutions:
1. Harmonious Constitution
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Characteristics: Yin and Yang, Qi and Blood are harmonized, with good physical condition. The body is well-proportioned and robust, complexion is rosy, energy is abundant, sleep is good, bowel movements are normal, and tongue and pulse are normal.
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Pathological Tendencies: Rarely falls ill, and if sick, it is usually due to external pathogens, with a quick recovery.
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Nurturing Methods: Maintain good lifestyle habits, balanced diet, moderate exercise, and keep a peaceful mindset.
2. Qi Deficiency Constitution
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Characteristics: Insufficient vital energy, manifested as fatigue, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, worsening after activity, prone to colds, pale red tongue, and weak pulse.
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Pathological Tendencies: Prone to colds and diseases related to Qi deficiency, such as organ prolapse.
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Nurturing Methods: Diet should include foods that strengthen the spleen and benefit Qi, such as yam, jujube, and astragalus; appropriate exercise to enhance constitution; avoid excessive fatigue.
3. Yang Deficiency Constitution
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Characteristics: Insufficient Yang energy, fear of cold, cold hands and feet, pale complexion, lack of spirit, pale and swollen tongue, and deep, slow pulse.
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Pathological Tendencies: Prone to cold-related diseases, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and reduced sexual function.
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Nurturing Methods: Diet should be warming, such as lamb, dog meat, and longan; appropriate sunbathing or warm therapy; avoid cold and raw foods.
4. Yin Deficiency Constitution
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Characteristics: Insufficient Yin fluids, manifested as heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, slightly dry nose, preference for cold drinks, dry stools, red tongue with little coating, and thin, rapid pulse.
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Pathological Tendencies: Prone to internal heat, such as insomnia, night sweats, and tidal fever.
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Nurturing Methods: Diet should nourish Yin, such as lily, white fungus, and goji berries; avoid excessive fatigue and staying up late; maintain emotional stability.
5. Phlegm-Damp Constitution
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Characteristics: Accumulation of phlegm and dampness in the body, with a plump body shape, fullness in the abdomen, oily skin on the face, excessive sweating that is sticky, chest tightness, and a slippery pulse.
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Pathological Tendencies: Prone to metabolic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.
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Nurturing Methods: Diet should be light, avoiding rich and greasy foods; appropriate exercise, such as walking and swimming; avoid prolonged sitting.
6. Damp-Heat Constitution
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Characteristics: Accumulation of damp-heat, with oily skin, prone to acne, bitter and dry mouth, heavy and fatigued body, sticky stools, red tongue with yellow greasy coating, and slippery, rapid pulse.
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Pathological Tendencies: Prone to urinary system diseases and skin diseases.
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Nurturing Methods: Diet should be light, with more cooling and damp-dispelling foods, such as mung beans and winter melon; avoid spicy and greasy foods; appropriate exercise.
7. Blood Stasis Constitution
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Characteristics: Poor blood circulation, manifested as dull skin color, pigmentation, easy bruising, dark lips, dark tongue with stasis spots, and choppy pulse.
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Pathological Tendencies: Prone to cardiovascular diseases and dysmenorrhea.
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Nurturing Methods: Diet should invigorate blood and dispel stasis, such as hawthorn and peach kernel; appropriate exercise, such as Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin; maintain a peaceful mindset.
8. Qi Stagnation Constitution
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Characteristics: Emotional stagnation, manifested as depression, anxiety, sensitivity, pale red tongue, and wiry pulse.
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Pathological Tendencies: Prone to depression, insomnia, and anxiety disorders.
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Nurturing Methods: Maintain a cheerful mood, participate in social activities; appropriate exercise, such as yoga and meditation; diet should soothe the liver and relieve stagnation, such as rose tea.
9. Special Constitution
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Characteristics: Congenital abnormalities, manifested as allergic reactions, such as asthma, urticaria, and pollen allergy, or hereditary diseases and congenital diseases.
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Pathological Tendencies: Prone to allergic diseases or hereditary diseases.
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Nurturing Methods: Avoid contact with allergens; diet should be light, avoiding foods that may cause allergies; enhance constitution and improve immunity.
Conclusion
The nine constitutions each have their characteristics. Understanding one’s constitution type helps in better health management and disease prevention. In daily life, one can choose appropriate diet, exercise, and lifestyle based on their constitution characteristics to achieve health maintenance goals.