Introduction to the Nine Constitutions in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Constitution in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the individual characteristics of the human body that are inherited from nature, conditioned by the environment, and formed in the process of growth, development, and aging to adapt to the natural and social environment. Constitution in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the sum of a person's essence, qi, and spirit. Among them, there are nine constitutions in traditional Chinese medicine, namely, peaceful constitution, qi deficiency constitution, yang deficiency constitution, yin deficiency constitution, phlegm-damp constitution, damp-heat constitution, blood stasis constitution, qi stagnation constitution, and special constitution. Generally, people with a peaceful constitution are relatively healthy and less prone to illness, while the other eight constitutions are manifestations of imbalance of qi, blood, yin and yang, and are all biased constitutions.

Peaceful

Skin is moist, hair is thick and shiny, eyes are bright, energetic, not easy to get tired, tolerant to cold and heat, good sleep, good appetite, normal bowel movements, easygoing and cheerful personality. It is advisable to eat in moderation, eat a reasonable amount of meat and vegetables, and exercise moderately. Diet adjustment: The diet should be light and peaceful, and it is not advisable to have any partiality. You can choose foods that have the effect of slowing down the yin and yang to strengthen your physical fitness, such as glutinous rice, leeks, pumpkin, ginkgo, walnuts, etc.

Qi deficiency

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, preference for quiet, dislike of talking, low voice, easy to catch cold, frequent sweating, frequent fatigue and weakness, etc. It is not easy to work, and avoid strenuous exercise. Diet adjustment: Diet adjustment should be used to replenish, benefit and promote qi. Raw barley sprouts and raw malt can be used, preferably with the skin removed, to replenish stomach qi, help digestion and nutrient distribution. Pay attention to eating less fried food and drinking less soup.

Yang deficiency constitution

Always have cold hands and feet, wear more clothes than others, can't stand the cold, lack of energy, etc. Do not do strenuous exercise, but take it easy. Diet: focus on warming the spleen and kidney yang, and eat more sweet and warm foods. You can choose foods such as mutton, walnuts, chestnuts, carrots, yam, ginger, etc., which can nourish the five internal organs, replenish essence and marrow, and strengthen the physique. Do not eat too much raw, cold, and greasy food, such as watermelon, pear, cucumber, persimmon, bitter gourd, etc.

Yin deficiency constitution

They are usually thin and small, often feel hot on the face, dry skin, hot palms and soles, flushed cheeks, dry eyes or dry mouth and throat, prone to insomnia, and dry stools. They are suitable for small to medium intensity exercise and replenish water in time.

Phlegm-damp constitution

The symptoms are obesity, abdominal distension, sticky tongue coating, chest tightness, excessive phlegm, and sweating. Eat a light diet and exercise more. Diet adjustment: For those with Yin deficiency, nourishing Yin and suppressing Yang is the method. Eat more foods that nourish, replenish, kidney, and Yin. You can often eat sesame balls, glutinous rice, mung beans, etc.

Moisture and heat

The face is greasy and prone to acne, sores and boils. There is often bitter taste or bad breath in the mouth, heavy and sleepy body, sticky and uncomfortable stool, short and yellow urine, wet scrotum in men, and increased vaginal discharge in women. Suitable for high-intensity exercise. Diet adjustment: Do not eat spicy, fried and sweet foods, and eat less hot and nourishing foods, such as peppers, ginger, garlic, beef, mutton, wine, etc. It is advisable to eat more foods that can clear and eliminate dampness, such as lotus seeds, Poria cocos, red beans, etc. Eat more fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber.

Blood Stasis

The skin often develops ecchymoses (subcutaneous bleeding) without being noticed, the skin is often dry and rough, and pain often occurs, and the complexion is dark or pigmented. It is suitable for health care during the sports season to promote the circulation of qi and blood. Diet adjustment: Eat more foods that can activate blood, dissolve blood stasis, soften and disperse nodules, and relieve liver depression, such as black beans, soybeans, carrots, etc. Foods that are cold, warm, dry, greasy, and astringent should be avoided, such as black plums, bitter melons, persimmons, pomegranates, peanut kernels, etc.

Qi stagnation constitution

People with Qi stagnation are introverted and unstable, depressed, fragile, sensitive and suspicious. Try to participate in sports with high intensity or group sports. Diet adjustment: Drink a small amount of alcohol to activate blood circulation and improve mood. Eat more foods that can promote Qi, such as Buddha's hand, orange, barley, leek, lotus root, garlic, etc.

Special qualities

Also known as allergic constitution, even if you don't have a cold, you often have a stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, are prone to asthma, and your skin is prone to urticaria. Exercise more and get enough sleep. The diet should be light, balanced in nutrition, with a proper combination of coarse and fine foods, and a reasonable combination of meat and vegetables. Eat more foods that replenish qi and strengthen the exterior, as well as foods that have the function of nourishing the mind and brain, and regulating the spleen and stomach, such as walnuts, figs, pine nuts, black sesame seeds, etc. Eat less spicy food and fishy and smelly food.

Note: This article is for popular science only. If you feel unwell, please go to an offline Chinese medicine department for treatment.