Uncle Wen Says Making Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) more beautiful, interesting, and closer to life.
Why do “fat people have more phlegm, and thin people have more heat”?
Why are you not fat, but just have phlegm-damp?
Why do you need not makeup, but to resolve blood stasis?
Why does staying up late promote damp-heat?
Today, we have invited Teacher Wu
to share secrets for improving body constitution with everyone.
【Wu Shaochong】A TCM family member, herbalist, and Five Elements acupuncture practitioner. He learned from family teachings and later studied at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine. He was taught by Master Nona of Five Elements Acupuncture. His research direction includes Five Movements and Six Qi and innate constitution studies.
1. The Enviable Harmonious Constitution
The harmonious constitution is rarer than high beauty, making it the most envied. People with a harmonious constitution are full of vitality, have high attractiveness, and do not age easily.
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Constitution Identification
Complexion is rosy, hair is thick and shiny,
eyes are bright, nose is moist, sense of smell is clear, lips are red,
not easily fatigued, energetic, tolerant of cold and heat,
good sleep, good appetite, normal urination,
tongue is light red, pulse is soft and strong.
Personality is gentle and cheerful, rarely gets sick.
Harmonious Constitution Maintenance Methods
1. Do not overeat or starve, avoid cold and excessively hot foods. 2. Eat more grains, vegetables, and fruits, and less greasy and spicy foods. 3. For exercise, young people can choose running or playing ball, while older adults can take walks or practice Tai Chi.
Teacher Wu explains
People with a harmonious constitution are generally easy-going and do not need excessive maintenance. Nowadays, many people buy a lot of health products and take large amounts of vitamins and nutrients, which is unnecessary, especially for those with a harmonious constitution, who should not excessively interfere with their bodies.
Weak Qi Deficiency Constitution
Young people are in their prime, but if they have Qi deficiency, they will slouch in their chairs, needing to lean or hang to relieve body weight.
Martial artists aim to “stand like a pine, sit like a bell” to cultivate righteous Qi.
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Constitution Identification
Usually soft-spoken, short of breath,
easily fatigued, low energy, prone to sweating,
tongue is light red with tooth marks on the edges, pulse is weak.
Personality is introverted and risk-averse.
Disease Tendencies
Prone to colds, weak resistance after illness, and slow recovery,
also prone to organ prolapse such as gastric prolapse.
Qi Deficiency Maintenance Methods
1. Eat foods that tonify Qi and strengthen the spleen, such as Wuzhimaotao (Five-Fingered Peach), Niudali (Cowherb), Qianjinba (Thousand-Jin Grass), Dangshen (Codonopsis), Huangqi (Astragalus), millet, yam, fried white lentils, mushrooms, jujubes, longan, honey, etc. For patent medicines, consider Buzhong Yiqi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Boost Qi Pill), Jiansp Wan (Strengthen the Spleen Pill).
2. Engage in gentle exercises like walking, Tai Chi, and standing meditation, reduce stress, and talk less. Regularly massage and moxibustion at Zhongwan (Middle Cavity), Shenque (Spirit Gate), Mingmen (Life Gate), Zusanjiao (Three Mile Point). For those with kidney Qi deficiency, focus on Taixi (Great Stream), Mingmen, and Guanyuan (Origin Pass) points.
3. Those who sweat easily or catch colds can take Yupingfeng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) or Shenling Baizhu Wan (Ginseng and Atractylodes Pill) for prevention. (For reference only, please follow doctor’s advice).
Teacher Wu explains
Qi deficiency and Yang deficiency are very common constitutions. This is greatly related to current life pressures, work styles, intensity, and habits. People with this constitution are very prone to colds, and it usually takes a long time to recover after getting sick. The more Qi deficient a person is, the more sensitive they become. Therefore, such individuals have weak resistance and find it difficult to recover, and are also prone to organ prolapse.
For those with Qi deficiency, it is important to eat more foods that tonify Qi and strengthen the spleen. For example, the soup made with Wuzhimaotao (Five-Fingered Peach) is very effective for tonifying Qi and strengthening the spleen. Other helpful foods include Dangshen, Huangqi, pine pollen, yam, millet, jujubes, and longan.
Older individuals, generally men over 40 and women over 35, begin to experience Qi and blood deficiency, at which point they should be cautious in speech, avoid excessive talking, and pay attention to physical exercise. They can also practice sitting quietly and moxibustion at points like Zhongwan, Shenque, and Guanyuan to replenish Qi.
Stubborn Damp-Heat Constitution
Do you know what the top three constitutions that cause skin issues are? It is truly despairing: Damp-Heat is the number one constitution that makes people unattractive.
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Constitution Identification
Oily complexion, prone to acne,
bitter mouth and dry throat, heavy body and fatigue,
sticky or constipated stools, short yellow urine, tongue is red,
yellow greasy coating, pulse is slippery and rapid, easily irritable.
Disease Tendencies
Acne, gallstones, skin diseases,
sores, jaundice, gynecological inflammation, etc.
Damp-Heat Maintenance Methods
1. Eat light foods, favoring cool and neutral foods such as Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears), Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Beans), Tong Hao (Crown Daisy), Green Beans, Kang Kong (Water Spinach), Amaranth, Celery, Cucumber, Winter Melon, Lotus Root, etc. Avoid spicy and warming foods.
In cases of severe internal heat, one can appropriately drink damp-dispelling tea or cooling tea, but not for long periods, as it may lead to deficiency-cold.
2. Avoid smoking, alcohol, greasy, fried, and seafood. Avoid staying up late and overworking.
3. Suitable exercises include medium to long-distance running, swimming, hiking, various ball games, and martial arts.
4. Patent medicines include Fangfeng Tongsheng Wan (Siler and Ephedra Pill), Qingre Qushi Granules (Clear Heat and Expel Damp Granules). (For reference only, please follow doctor’s advice).
5. Damp-dispelling health soup: 25g of Wuzhimaotao (Five-Fingered Peach), 20g each of Tu Fuling (Earth Poria), Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears), Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Beans), Qian Shi (Fox Nut), Jigucao (Chicken Bone Grass), with appropriate amounts of red dates and ginger.
6. Recommended: Wild Tu Fuling (Earth Poria). For those who fear cold harming Yang Qi, this is the safest damp-dispelling food.
Teacher Wu explains
My personal insight is that one should not drink too much cooling tea, unless in cases of severe internal heat. Long-term consumption of cooling tea can lead to a deficiency-cold constitution, resulting in cold-dampness. Therefore, those with a damp-heat constitution can drink damp-dispelling health tea in moderation, but not excessively.
People with a damp-heat constitution should avoid spicy and warming foods. Smoking and alcohol are heat-promoting, especially strong liquor, which exacerbates damp-heat, and beer can also lead to damp-heat. Additionally, avoid staying up late and overexertion.
Staying up late can also promote damp-heat. This is because during the night, the gallbladder meridian activates, and TCM states that the gallbladder is associated with the lesser yang. At this time, the body’s Yang Qi begins to rise, allowing for the expulsion of dampness and toxins. If one does not rest in time, it will affect this function and promote dampness.
Try to rest early and eat light foods, including Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Beans), Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears), Tu Fuling (Earth Poria), and Yin Chen (Virgate Wormwood), which will greatly improve the constitution. Additionally, those with a damp-heat constitution should engage in exercise to promote sweating. The above damp-dispelling health soup should be made once or twice a week, which will also help those with a damp-heat constitution.
Unhappy Qi Stagnation Constitution
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Constitution Identification
Depressed expression, fragile emotions, unhappy,
tongue is light red, thin white coating, pulse is wiry.
Personality is introverted, unstable, sensitive, and anxious.
Disease Tendencies
Depression, neurosis, breast hyperplasia, etc.
Qi Stagnation Maintenance Methods
1. Eat more foods that promote Qi circulation and relieve stagnation, such as wheat, scallions, garlic, radishes, kumquats, hawthorn, dried tangerine peel, Fo Shou (Buddha’s Hand), and Xiang Yuan (Citron). Women can also use more rose, peony, and Harmonizing Flower teas or eat more daylilies.
2. Avoid drinking tea, coffee, and other stimulating beverages before bed.
3. Patent medicines include Xiaoyao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pill), Shu Gan He Wei Wan (Liver and Stomach Soothing Pill), Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan (Bupleurum Liver Soothing Pill). (For reference only, please follow doctor’s advice).
4. Frequently tap the liver and gallbladder meridians, and massage the Dan Zhong (Middle Cavity) and Tai Chong (Great Surge) points.
Teacher Wu explains
In TCM, common conditions like liver Qi stagnation and blood stasis fall under the Qi stagnation constitution. In the maintenance of this constitution, mood and mindset are very important.
According to the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), those born in years ending in 0 have an innate constitution of excessive metal, while those born in years ending in 7 have an innate constitution of insufficient wood. Both types are prone to liver Qi stagnation.
People with Qi stagnation should engage in exercise and connect with nature. Nature is a great healer, and many people find that their ailments improve after spending time outdoors. In terms of food, women can drink teas made from rose, peony, and Harmonizing Flower.
Qi stagnation often arises from emotional stress, and TCM states that it occurs when the liver and gallbladder meridians are blocked. Therefore, it is recommended to frequently tap the liver and gallbladder meridians and massage the Tai Chong point, located in the depression between the big toe and the second toe. Tai Chong is effective for soothing the liver and relieving Qi stagnation, and moxibustion at the San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Intersection) point is also beneficial for this constitution.
Dry Yin Deficiency Constitution
Yin deficiency is the most expensive constitution to nourish, as foods that nourish Yin are generally more costly.
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Constitution Identification
Heat in palms and soles, dry mouth and throat,
slightly dry nose, prefers cold drinks, dry stools,
red tongue with little moisture, rapid pulse.
Personality is irritable, extroverted, and lively.
Disease Tendencies
Prone to cough, dry syndrome, hyperthyroidism, etc.
Yin Deficiency Maintenance Methods
1. Eat more sweet and cool nourishing foods, such as Yin Er (Tremella), Bai He (Lily), Dang Gui (Angelica), Sheng Di (Rehmannia), Shu Di (Cooked Rehmannia), Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng), Huang Jing (Polygonatum), Sha Shen (Glehnia), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), Bai He (Lily), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), etc. Avoid warm and drying foods.
2. Maintain a certain amount of rest during the day, and avoid staying up late.
3. Avoid vigorous exercise, control sweating during workouts, and replenish fluids in time.
4. Consider taking Liuwu Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill) or Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycium and Chrysanthemum Rehmannia Pill). (For reference only, please follow doctor’s advice).
5. Moxibustion at Taixi (Great Stream) and San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Intersection) points.
6. Mindset: Avoid anger and irritability.
Teacher Wu explains
The main manifestation of Yin deficiency is insufficient internal fluids, which include sweat, blood, and kidney essence. Some individuals may easily develop gynecological inflammation or tonsillitis, or pneumonia, which are also manifestations of insufficient internal fluids. Many girls with blood deficiency also belong to the Yin deficiency category.
Young people with excessive internal heat or those who often stay up late can damage internal fluids. For example, dry eyes and tearing after staying up late indicate liver Yin deficiency or blood deficiency, and at this time, Qi Ju Di Huang Wan can be taken. Nowadays, people who stay up late, are irritable, and love fried foods are prone to insufficient internal fluids.
In terms of innate constitution, those born in years ending in 7 have insufficient liver wood, making them prone to blood deficiency; those born in years ending in 1 have insufficient kidney water, leading to obvious kidney Yin deficiency symptoms.
Yin deficiency can easily lead to excessive fire, and those with insufficient kidney water are prone to heart fire, which can cause insomnia, irritability, and a rapid pulse, as well as dry stools and a red tongue with little coating. Therefore, those with Yin deficiency should avoid spicy and warming foods, such as Shisanxiang (Thirteen Spices) and Rougui (Cinnamon), and avoid peanuts and fried foods, as these can deplete internal fluids. Some toothaches may be due to kidney Yin deficiency, which can be treated with Zhibai Dihuang Wan (Anemarrhena and Rehmannia Pill).
Low Energy Yang Deficiency Constitution
The Yang deficiency constitution can fully embrace the sun and radiate warmth. Personally, I feel that Yang deficiency is the easiest to regulate; one just needs to bask in the sun and gather Yang Qi—preferably under the summer sun.
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Constitution Identification
Generally cold-sensitive, hands and feet are not warm, prefer hot foods,
low energy, tongue is pale and plump, pulse is deep and slow.
Personality is often calm and introverted.
Disease Tendencies
Dysmenorrhea, infertility, cold diseases, diarrhea, impotence, etc.
Yang Deficiency Maintenance Methods
1. Eat more sweet and warming foods, such as walnut kernels, chestnuts, lamb, star anise, fennel, cinnamon, scallions, ginger, garlic, pepper, leeks, and black pepper.
2. Avoid raw, cold, and cooling foods like cucumbers, lotus root, pears, and watermelons.
3. Massage and moxibustion at points like Mingmen (Life Gate), Shenque (Spirit Gate), Guanyuan (Origin Pass), Yangchi (Yang Pool), Qihai (Qi Sea), Zusanjiao (Three Mile Point), and Taixi (Great Stream).
4. Patent medicines include Yougui Wan (Right Return Pill), Fuzilichong Wan (Aconite and Ginseng Pill), Jinkui Shenqi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill). (For reference only, please follow doctor’s advice).
5. Medicinal dishes can include Ba Jitian (Morinda Root), Du Zhong (Eucommia), Cao Cong Rong (Cistanche), Niudali (Cowherb) soup, and Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou (Angelica, Ginger, and Lamb Soup).
6. Recommended: Red Ginseng.
Teacher Wu explains
Clinically, many individuals with symptoms like dysmenorrhea, infertility, diarrhea, and impotence belong to the Yang deficiency constitution. These individuals are often cold-sensitive and are suitable for moxibustion at the above points.
For those with obvious Qi deficiency and cold stomach, Fuzilichong Wan and Jinkui Shenqi Wan can be used for maintenance, but these should not be taken for long periods. Generally, taking them for one to two months is fine; prolonged use may lead to adverse effects, so it is best to use them under a doctor’s guidance.
Medicinal dishes can include Cao Cong Rong (Cistanche) soup, Du Zhong (Eucommia), and Ba Jitian (Morinda Root) lamb soup, which is very suitable for those with Yang deficiency.
People with Yang deficiency are often prone to depression, so maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. It is best to sleep early and rise early, aiming to go to bed before 10 or 11 PM, and exercise in the morning while getting plenty of sunlight.
Greasy Phlegm-Damp Constitution
Constitution Identification
Oily skin, excessive sweating,
chest tightness, excessive phlegm, sticky or sweet mouth, prefers fatty and sweet foods,
greasy tongue coating, pulse is slippery. Personality is generally mild, steady, and patient.
Disease Tendencies
Obesity, lipomas, diabetes, stroke, chest obstruction, etc.
Phlegm-Damp Maintenance Methods
1. Eat light foods, favoring Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears), Yuxingcao (Houttuynia), Bai He (Lily), Water Chestnut, Lotus Root, Scallions, Garlic, Seaweed, Kelp, Winter Melon, White Radish, Kumquat, Mustard, etc. Avoid raw, cold, seafood, peanuts, fatty meats, and sweet, sticky, greasy foods.
2. Use Tu Fuling (Earth Poria) and Wuzhimaotao (Five-Fingered Peach) with a small amount of Chen Pi and Sha Ren (Amomum) to make medicinal soup.
3. Consider patent medicines like Chen Xia Liu Jun Zi (Six Gentlemen Decoction), Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pill), Jian Pi Wan (Strengthen Spleen Pill). (For reference only, please follow doctor’s advice).
4. Engage in exercise to promote sweating, such as jogging, yoga, and abdominal breathing.
5. Moxibustion or massage at points like Fenglong (Abundant Dragon), Hegu (Joining Valley), Yinlingquan (Yin Mound Spring), Zusanjiao (Three Mile Point).
6. Recommended: Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel).
Teacher Wu explains
In TCM, it is said that “fat people have more phlegm, and thin people have more heat.” Generally, those who are overweight belong to the phlegm-damp constitution. Many people who are “broad-minded and plump” also belong to this constitution.
For maintenance, it is important to eat light foods and consume more foods that resolve dampness and phlegm, such as Chen Pi, Yi Yi Ren, Water Chestnut, Yuxingcao, Lotus Root, Garlic, Winter Melon, Radish, and Kumquat, which are all very helpful for improving the phlegm-damp constitution.
Those with a phlegm-damp constitution should exercise more and increase their physical activity to expel dampness through sweat, so some vigorous exercise is recommended.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome and those with a slightly overweight constitution may find it difficult to conceive, which is also caused by the phlegm-damp constitution.
Dark Complexion Blood Stasis Constitution
Constitution Identification
Dark skin tone, pigmentation, prone to bruising,
dark lips, tongue is dark or has stasis spots,
sub-lingual veins are purple or thickened, pulse is choppy.
Easily irritated, forgetful.
Disease Tendencies
Dysmenorrhea, tumors, stroke, chest obstruction, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
Blood Stasis Maintenance Methods
1. Have a nutritious breakfast, and regularly consume foods like Mu Er (Black Fungus), Kelp, Nori, Carrots, Hawthorn, Sanqi (Notoginseng), Danshen (Salvia), Yimucao (Motherwort), Brown Sugar, and Vinegar.
2. Avoid greasy, raw, and fried foods, and ensure adequate sleep while increasing physical activity.
3. Consider taking Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon and Poria Pill), Dan Shen Di Wan (Salvia Drops), Sanqi Pian (Notoginseng Tablets), or Sanqi Powder. (For reference only, please follow doctor’s advice).
4. Moxibustion at Xuehai (Blood Sea), Zusanjiao (Three Mile Point), and Shenque (Spirit Gate).
5. Foot baths can include Hua Hong (Safflower), Dang Gui (Angelica), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon), Dan Shen (Salvia), Jixueteng (Spatholobus), and Ye Jiao Teng (Polygala).
6. Recommended: Sanqi Powder (Notoginseng Powder) that does not harm the righteous Qi.
Teacher Wu explains
Clinically, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, chest obstruction, tumors, and many rheumatic diseases, as well as joint and muscle pain, often occur in individuals with a blood stasis constitution. These individuals tend to have a dull complexion, are prone to pigmentation, and may have liver spots, which are often caused by liver Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
Additionally, individuals with this constitution are prone to bruising, dark lips, and dark sublingual veins, with a choppy pulse and irritability. The patent medicine Xuefu Zhuyu Tang (Blood Mansion Dispersing Decoction) can help improve this constitution.
For elderly individuals with blood stasis constitution, especially those over 50, I recommend regularly taking Dan Shen Di Wan (Salvia Drops) or drinking Sanqi Powder mixed with water once or twice a day. Cold, greasy foods hinder the flow of Qi and blood, so it is best to eat less of them. Additionally, ensure adequate sleep and increase physical activity.
Moxibustion can be performed at points like Xuehai, Shenque, and Zusanjiao, especially Xuehai, which is particularly effective for women with blood stasis.
Allergic Constitution
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Constitution Identification
Allergic to pollen or certain foods,
in TCM, this is referred to as a special allergic constitution.
This special group of people,
may often experience nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose even without a cold,
and are prone to asthma.
Disease Tendencies
Rhinitis, asthma, skin diseases.
Allergy Maintenance Methods
1. Eat a light and balanced diet, with a proper mix of coarse and fine grains, and a reasonable combination of meat and vegetables.
2. Avoid foods that are spicy, pungent, or contain allergens, such as buckwheat, fava beans, white lentils, beef, goose, eggplant, and strong tea.
3. Consider taking Yupingfeng San (Jade Windscreen Powder), Xiaofeng San (Wind-Dispelling Powder), or Fangfeng Tongsheng Wan (Siler and Ephedra Pill). (For reference only, please follow doctor’s advice).
4. Moxibustion at points like Zusanjiao (Three Mile Point), Zhongwan (Middle Cavity), Guanyuan (Origin Pass), and Taixi (Great Stream).
Teacher Wu explains
This constitution is often seen in those with hereditary predispositions, as well as those with lung Qi deficiency and weak liver detoxification functions. For example, those with weak liver detoxification may experience allergies after eating seafood or crabs.
Diet should be light and balanced, with an emphasis on whole grains, and avoid lamb, shrimp, and crabs, which are prone to causing allergies. In TCM, it is important to tonify the middle and boost Qi, as this will reduce allergies. Therefore, regular moxibustion at points like Zusanjiao, Zhongwan, Guanyuan, and Taixi is recommended.
After reading this, do you feel like you are weak in every way?
Do you feel like you embody Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, phlegm-damp, Qi stagnation… a combination of all weaknesses?
In fact, everyone’s constitution is quite complex. Aside from the enviable harmonious constitution, most people will have some imbalances, which can change with the body and environmental conditions.
Teacher Wu says that when regulating the constitution, one should first address the most prominent symptoms, starting with tonifying the middle and strengthening the spleen and stomach, as the spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal health. Only when the spleen and stomach are strong can food, supplements, and medicines be transformed into useful Qi and blood essence.
Next, one should tonify Yang Qi, and finally nourish Qi and blood. Nourishing Qi and blood is the last step; the previous adjustments to the spleen and stomach are all to prepare for nourishing Qi and blood. However, Qi and blood cannot be replenished immediately; if a person with a weak spleen and stomach is given strong Qi and blood tonics, it may instead lead to phlegm-damp accumulation in the body.
Once the constitution is well-regulated, one will truly feel comfortable!
Special Reminder: A beautiful day begins! I hope Uncle’s article brings you a good mood for the day. If you like the article, don’t forget to share it! Be sure to take the remedies shared in Uncle’s article under the guidance of a doctor.Due to limited energy and ability, WeChat regulations only allow for 100 selected comments, and I cannot reply to all messages. Please forgive me. May you become your own divine doctor.
Benefits are here!: Open the public account dialogue box and enter “irregular menstruation”, “cold”, “hair loss”, “cold hands and feet”, “stomach pain”, “liver Qi stagnation”, “injured essence”, “upper heat and lower cold”, “spleen and stomach”, “insomnia”, “dampness dispelling”, “Qi and blood”, “weight loss”, “constipation”, “diarrhea”, “kidney deficiency”, “acne”, “cough”, “rhinitis”, “cervical spine”, “depression” to obtain corresponding conditioning formulas.
