A key pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice is the analysis of body constitution. Understanding your body's constitution can be extremely beneficial in disease prevention and treatment. Because of inherited and acquired factors, every one of us is unique in structural, physiological, and psychological features. These individual characteristics combine to form the body constitution, which also determines our susceptibility to pathogens and disease development. Some common determinants are shown in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Common determinants of body constitution
According to TCM theory, human body constitutions can be classified into 9 main types as shown below.
Physically fit, emotionally stable, energetic, have good sleep habits and a healthy appetite, adaptable to environmental changes
Prone to have acne on the face and neck area
Often complain of a bitter taste in the mouth, feeling fatigued and heaviness in the body, sense of incomplete defecation or dry stools
Excessive secretions or dampness at the reproductive organs, aversion to warm and humid weather
Easily fatigued, susceptible to the common cold, perspires easily with little physical activity, and easily affected by changes in weather
Individuals usually take a longer time to recover from illness
Often complain about feeling warm at the palms of the hand and soles of the feet, especially at night, dry mouth and nose, dry stools, or constipation
Aversion to hot and dry weather
Prone to excessive sebum secretions on the face and scalp, excessive phlegm production, chest tightness
Often have cravings for food high in fat and sugars, and aversion to humid and wet weather.
Prone to forgetfulness, irritability, often have dull complexion and pigmentation on the skin, dark-colored lips, unknown bruising, aversion to cold weather
Prone to bleeding disorders, and abnormal growths in the body.
Aversion to cold and humidity, often complain about feeling cold on the hands, feet, and abdomen
Often feel unwell after eating cold food
Copes poorly with stress, prone to mood swings, anxiety and depression, excessive sighing, palpitations, and aversion to autumn, winter, and rainy seasons
Inherent sensitivity to certain drugs, foods, scents, or other allergens
Often have allergies that affect the respiratory system and skin
Often sensitive to changes in temperature, weather, and seasons
Hence, understanding the individual's physical constitution allows physicians to design treatment approaches to best meet the patient's demands.
References
Author
Chester Ng
Chong Hoe Healthcare
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