Have you seriously considered what kind of constitution you have?#
Based on individual physiological characteristics, pathological tendencies, morphological structures, and functional performances, the following common constitutions can be identified.
1. Harmonious Constitution#
- Characteristics: Good physical function, balanced yin, yang, qi, and blood, manifested as moderate body shape, rosy complexion, abundant energy, good sleep, and normal bowel movements.
- Health Advice: Maintain good living habits, exercise appropriately, and have a balanced diet.
2. Qi Deficiency Constitution#
- Characteristics: Insufficient qi, manifested as fatigue, easy tiredness, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, susceptibility to colds, spontaneous sweating, pale or sallow complexion.
- Health Advice: Choose foods that tonify qi, such as astragalus, ginseng, and yam; avoid excessive fatigue.
3. Yang Deficiency Constitution#
- Characteristics: Insufficient yang energy, manifested as sensitivity to cold, cold hands and feet, pale complexion, lack of energy, loose stools, and clear, frequent urination.
- Health Advice: Eat more warming foods, such as lamb, ginger, and longan; avoid cold foods, and engage in warming exercises, such as moxibustion.
4. Yin Deficiency Constitution#
- Characteristics: Insufficient yin fluids, manifested as hot palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, five hearts heat, night sweats, dry stools, and a red tongue with little coating.
- Health Advice: Prefer light meals, eat more foods that nourish yin and moisten dryness, such as lily, white fungus, and goji berries; avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue.
5. Phlegm-Damp Constitution#
- Characteristics: Excessive phlegm and dampness in the body, manifested as obesity, fullness in the abdomen, oily skin on the face, heavy limbs, easy drowsiness, and a white, greasy tongue coating.
- Health Advice: Prefer light meals, avoid rich and greasy foods, and eat more foods that strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness, such as job's tears and winter melon; exercise appropriately to control weight.
6. Damp-Heat Constitution#
- Characteristics: Internal damp-heat, manifested as oily skin, bitter taste and bad breath, heavy body and drowsiness, sticky stools, short and red urine, and a yellow, greasy tongue coating.
- Health Advice: Eat light meals, consume more foods that clear heat and eliminate dampness, such as mung beans and bitter melon; avoid spicy and greasy foods, and exercise appropriately.
7. Blood Stasis Constitution#
- Characteristics: Poor blood circulation, manifested as dull complexion, rough skin, easy bruising, and a purple or dark tongue with spots.
- Health Advice: Eat more foods that invigorate blood and dispel stasis, such as hawthorn and peach kernels; engage in aerobic exercise to promote blood circulation.
8. Qi Stagnation Constitution#
- Characteristics: Qi stagnation, manifested as low mood, emotional sensitivity, easy insomnia, pain in the sides, and a thin white tongue coating.
- Health Advice: Maintain a cheerful mood, engage in outdoor activities, and eat more foods that soothe the liver and relieve stagnation, such as rose and Buddha's hand.
9. Special Constitution#
- Characteristics: Special endowment, manifested as an allergic constitution, easily allergic to certain substances.
- Health Advice: Avoid contact with allergens, eat light meals, and strengthen the body.