Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a unique perspective on the human body and its health. In TCM, the concept of body constitution types is an important part of understanding how to maintain good health and treat illness. There are three primary body constitution types in TCM: the Yang constitution, the Yin constitution, and the Phlegm-Damp constitution.

The Yang Constitution

The Yang constitution is characterised by warmth, activity, and a tendency to be restless. People with a Yang constitution tend to be thin and have an active metabolism. They may be more prone to sweating, feel hot easily, and have a preference for cold foods and drinks. However, when their body is out of balance, they may experience symptoms such as constipation, dryness, and a tendency to develop inflammatory conditions.

The Yin Constitution

In contrast, the Yin constitution is characterised by coolness, passivity, and a tendency to be more introspective. People with a Yin constitution tend to be larger and have a slower metabolism. They may feel cold easily and have a preference for warm foods and drinks. However, when their body is out of balance, they may experience symptoms such as fatigue, water retention, and a tendency to develop conditions that are more chronic and slow to heal.

The Phlegm-Damp Constitution

The Phlegm-Damp constitution is characterised by a tendency to accumulate fluid in the body, which can manifest as conditions such as edema, obesity, and a general feeling of heaviness. People with a Phlegm-Damp constitution tend to have a slower metabolism and a weaker digestive system. They may have a preference for sweet, greasy, and heavy foods, and may experience symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, and a tendency to develop respiratory conditions.

Each body constitution type is associated with a set of strengths and weaknesses, and TCM practitioners use this information to help their patients maintain good health and treat illness. For example, someone with a Yang constitution may be advised to eat more warming foods and to engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, while someone with a Yin constitution may be advised to eat more nourishing foods and to engage in gentle exercise that promotes circulation and energy flow.

Find Out What Is Your Body Constitution Type

To find out your body constitution type in traditional Chinese medicine, it’s best to consult with a licensed TCM practitioner. The practitioner will typically ask you a series of questions and observe your physical characteristics, such as your body shape, skin tone, and other factors.

Here are some common questions a TCM practitioner may ask to determine your body constitution type:

1. Do you tend to feel hot or cold most of the time?
2. Do you have a strong appetite or a weak appetite?
3. Do you tend to feel thirsty often or not at all?
4. Do you have a regular bowel movement or suffer from constipation?
5. Do you tend to sweat easily or not at all?
6. Do you feel fatigue often or have a lot of energy?
7. Do you tend to be more active or more introspective?
8. Do you tend to have a sweet tooth or prefer bitter foods?

The TCM practitioner will also examine your tongue and pulse to gather more information about your body constitution type.

It’s important to note that body constitution types in TCM are not set in stone and can change over time due to various factors such as diet, lifestyle, and age. It’s also possible to have a combination of different constitution types. The TCM practitioner will take all of these factors into consideration when making a diagnosis and creating a treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual needs.

TCM practitioners may also use a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other techniques to help balance the body’s energy and restore health. For example, acupuncture points may be chosen to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, while herbal formulas may be prescribed to support digestion, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.

Body constitution types are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. By understanding a person’s constitution type, TCM practitioners can provide personalised advice on how to maintain good health and treat illness. The Yang, Yin, and Phlegm-Damp constitutions each have unique characteristics and require a different approach to treatment. Through the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other techniques, TCM practitioners can help their patients restore balance to their bodies and achieve optimal health.