Back to ArticlesIn TCM, the concept of understanding one’s body constitution is emphasised upon. Every individual has a unique set of body constitutions that may change through their life. So what exactly are body constitutions? Similar to the five element theory, your current body constitution reflects your feelings, behaviour, and the types of illnesses or symptoms your body may portray.
The 9 types of body constitution
- Neutral
- Qi Deficient
- Yang Deficient
- Yin Deficient
- Phlegm and Dampness
- Damp Heat
- Blood Stasis
- Qi Stagnation
- Special Constitution
In TCM, undesirable health conditions and illnesses are usually attributed to an imbalance in one’s body constitution. Thus, understanding your body will enable you to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. Here are the different types of body constitution explained.
1. Neutral Constitution
People with this type of body constitution present a strong physique, radiant complexion, energetic manner, stable emotional or mental state, and are optimistic in nature.
To achieve this:
- Have a balanced diet
- Have balanced mental health including emotional, psychological, and social well-being
- Maintain a balanced physique
2. Damp Heat Constitution
This type of body constitution presents oily face and nose, pimples, mouth ulcers, bad breath, sticky bowel, yellowish urine, and eczema. They’re also usually medium built or are inclined towards a skinny body type. They usually have a red tongue with a thick yellowish coating.
Sources of the constitution:
- Inherited
- People who have frequent and long term consumption of alcohol
- Consumption of fatty, oily, and sweet food
The suggestion is to cool down the body and prevent further accumulation of metabolic waste.
3. Blood Stasis Constitution
This type of body institution presents bruises on the body surface and varicose veins, dull complexion and spots on the face, dark red lips, dark circles under the eyes, lustreless or rough dry skin, body aches, are impatient or forgetful, and experience abnormal menses. They can be both skinny and obese people, with darkish tongue with spots.
Sources of the constitution:
- Inherited
- Emotional issues
- Yang deficiency
The suggestion is to promote blood and qi movement to improve the body’s overall circulation.
4. Qi- Stagnation Constitution
This type of body constitution presents depressed and emotionally unstable characteristics — melancholy or suspicious. These individuals get easily nervous or anxious, express frequent sighing, experience heart palpitation, respond poorly to stressful situations, have insomnia, and have a poor appetite. Females might also experience bloatedness and tenderness in their breasts.
Sources of the constitution:
- Inherited
- Emotional simulation
- Having high expectations
The suggestion is to promote emotional management.
5. Special Constitution
These individuals present sensitivity to drugs, foods, smells, pollen or other environmental triggers. They often develop nasal congestion, sneezing, running nose, panting, itching. No special physique present.
Sources of the constitution:
- Inherited
The suggestion is to enhance immunity.
6. Yang Deficient Constitution
This type of body constitution presents cold hands and feet, and a cool feeling in your stomach. They’re also sensitive to low temperatures or noises, sleepiness, and experience discomfort after eating cold food. Their special physique includes a pale and bulky tongue, and they’re uncomfortable in windy, cold, humid environments.
Sources of the constitution:
- Inherited
- Environmental factors such as social condition and lifestyle
The suggestion is to protect the body by wearing warm clothing especially for the waist, abdomen, and lower body.
7. Yin Deficient Constitution
This type of body constitution presents warm palms and soles. They have mouth dryness, dry nose, and prefer cold drinks. They also experience dry stools or constipation. They have a thick physique and are outgoing and impatient in personality. Lastly, they’re uncomfortable in hot and dry environments.
Sources of the constitution
- Overworking or a high-stress environment
- Poor diet, polluted environment
- Having inadequate sleep and exercise
The suggestion is to keep the body cool.
8. Qi Deficiency Constitution
These individuals present flabby muscles and are introverted and timid in personality. They also often present feeble voices, shortness of breath, and have weak immunity. They have a pale and bulky tongue and are sensitive to environmental changes.
Sources of the constitution
- Inherited
- Affected by diet, emotions, habits
- Chronic stress and sleep deprivation
The suggestion is to enhance immunity.
9. Phlegm & Dampness Constitution
These individuals tend to be overweight, have a tummy, have a mild temper, and have steady and patient personalities. This type of body constitution often presents an oily face and has a sticky or sweet taste on the mouth. They experience excessive throat secretion, sweating, and chest stuffiness. They have a preference for sweet and greasy food. Special physique includes thick tongue coating. They’re also uncomfortable in humid and rainy environments.
Sources of the constitution:
- When the body’s metabolism is sluggish.
The suggestion is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight.
Final thoughts
To sum, there are 9 types of body constitution namely:
- Neutral
- Damp Heat
- Blood Statis
- Qi Stagnation
- Special Consitution
- Yang Deficient
- Yin Deficient
- Qi Deficiency
- Phlegm & Dampness
You may notice that the aim of the sets of diet, lifestyle changes, and exercises recommended is to bring the body back to the neutral constitution which is considered the most balanced and ideal type. This is why it’s still important to find out which one you are through Bazi and UCMHP readings in order to bring your body back to balance. You can also visit your TCM practitioner for advice.
Want to find out your body constitution? Take this quiz!
If you want to know how to bring the body back to balance (the neutral constitution body type), see which workshops are available for you here.
