I was born and raised in Canada, but growing up in a Chinese household, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was always present in my life, thanks to my mom. Whenever we were sick, it wasn’t Tylenol or the usual Western remedies. Instead, my mom would brew up some bitter herbal tea that, to be honest, tasted pretty awful. But somehow, no matter how unpleasant the flavour was, we always felt better afterward. It was like magic in a cup, and I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, but now, I see how much of an influence TCM had on my understanding of health. Over the years, my interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has grown, driven not only by curiosity but also by my own health challenges in recent years and a genuine desire to find answers. Like many people, I’ve had moments when I felt stuck—trying one thing after another with Western medicine and not really getting the answers or relief I needed. That’s when I started exploring TCM.

Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of seeing various TCM doctors, each bringing their own techniques and wealth of knowledge to the table. Every appointment has been a learning experience, teaching me more about how the body works and how everything is so deeply connected. It’s been fascinating to see how their different approaches complement one another, all while focusing on finding the root cause of imbalances.

The more I learned, the more it started to click for me. TCM isn’t just about treating symptoms; it looks at the root cause of why those symptoms are happening in the first place. This holistic approach really spoke to me, and honestly, it’s helped in ways I didn’t expect.

I’m still very much a student in this journey, soaking up as much as I can, but the insights I’ve gained so far have been eye-opening. It’s amazing how much TCM connects the dots between things like diet, emotions, and even the seasons. Today, I want to share a bit about one of my favourite concepts in TCM: body constitutions.

Understanding our body’s constitution is key because it shows us what we need to heal and stay balanced. It’s like a roadmap for choosing the right foods, making lifestyle changes, and even handling our emotions. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out why my health and mood were all over the place or why I wasn’t getting better. Over time, I realized that my TN pain would flare up whenever I was stressed, eating poorly, or neglecting self-care. It felt like this never-ending cycle—I’d have a few good days, think I was finally on the right track, then end up completely drained and miserable again. Finding balance felt impossible, no matter how hard I tried.

Learning about body constitutions gave me that missing piece of the puzzle. It’s like seeing your health through a whole new lens—one that actually makes sense and works with your body instead of against it. If you are interested and want to take a closer look at what body constitutions are and why they matter, read on!

What Are TCM Body Constitutions?

In TCM, your body constitution reflects your unique “blueprint” for health, shaped by a combination of factors. It’s influenced by your genetics—the traits you’re born with—along with your lifestyle, including your diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns, and emotional well-being. Environmental factors also play a role, such as the climate you live in, exposure to pollution, and even the changing seasons.

These factors play a big role in how your body reacts to things—whether it’s catching colds easily, feeling anxious, or getting overheated in the summer. TCM really focuses on individualized care, recognizing that no two people are exactly the same. The same diet or lifestyle can affect everyone differently depending on their unique constitution. Understanding your body’s constitution gives you the power to make choices that work for you, helping to bring your health back into balance and keep it there.

The Different Types of Body Constitutions

If you have access to a licensed TCM practitioner, it’s best to consult them for a proper assessment to determine your specific constitution. The descriptions below provide a general overview of each constitution and its own set of characteristics and needs for treatment or lifestyle adjustments, but it’s important to remember that these can vary from person to person. Additionally, your constitution isn’t fixed—it can evolve over time, especially with consistent lifestyle changes.

Qi Deficiency in TCM is all about having low energy (Qi), which can leave you feeling weak, tired, and low on vitality. Qi is like the life force that powers everything in your body, and when you don’t have enough of it, your body struggles to keep up with its usual energy and balance. In simple terms, Qi is like your body’s life battery—it’s the energy that keeps everything running smoothly. When you don’t have enough of it, you can feel tired, foggy, or just not quite yourself.

If you’re dealing with Qi deficiency, you might find yourself constantly tired—even after a full night’s sleep. Breathing could feel harder than usual, and you might be short of breath or struggle to take deep breaths. Your immune system may be weak too, leading to frequent colds or infections. Mentally, it can feel like you’re in a fog, and focusing is tough. Physically, you might notice pale skin, especially on your face, and you could lose your appetite or deal with digestive issues like bloating. Plus, you might sweat more than usual or feel weak during physical activities because your body’s energy reserves are just too low.

To support your Qi, you’ll want to focus on nourishing foods like warm soups, stews, and rice porridge. Complex carbs like sweet potatoes and oats are also great for boosting energy. Avoiding stress and overexertion is key too, as stress can zap your Qi even more. Make time for rest, and consider doing gentle exercises like walking or Qi Gong to help build energy without draining you.

In TCM, herbs like ginseng, astragalus, and licorice root are used to strengthen Qi and restore energy. The goal is to get your body’s energy flowing again, improve circulation, and make sure you have the stamina you need to feel your best.

Yang Deficiency in TCM is all about feeling cold, sluggish, and low on energy because your body’s warmth and vital energy are lacking.  In TCM, Yang is the “warming” force—it keeps things moving, fuels your metabolism, and gives you that inner fire to stay active and alert. So when your Yang is low, you might feel cold all the time, sluggish, or just not quite yourself.

For me, Yang deficiency shows up in small but persistent ways—my hands and feet are always cold, no matter how many layers I wear, and I’m constantly seeking warmth. It’s like my body is always trying to catch up to the energy it’s missing.

Fatigue is another big sign—feeling drained even after resting. Many people with Yang deficiency also have frequent urination, especially at night, which messes with sleep and adds to that tired feeling. You might notice a pale complexion and low blood pressure, making everything feel sluggish. Digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea are also common, and the stools are often loose. On top of that, there can be emotional symptoms like feeling down or a bit depressed, as the lack of warmth and energy affects mental well-being too.

To help boost Yang, warming foods and drinks are your best bet—think ginger, cinnamon, soups, and stews. Staying away from cold environments and doing gentle, energizing exercises like Tai Chi or yoga can also help bring some warmth back to your body. TCM often recommends herbs or treatments like moxibustion (burning herbs near the skin) to warm things up.

The goal is to restore warmth and energy, which can help reignite your vitality and bring everything back into balance.

Yin Deficiency in TCM is all about lacking the body’s cooling, nourishing energy—the kind of energy that keeps things hydrated, calm, and balanced. Yin is tied to things like body fluids, blood, and the cooling elements of the body. If Yang is the fire, Yin is like the water that keeps everything in balance—it’s tied to hydration, body fluids, and rest. When Yin is low, your body can feel dry, overheated, and a little out of sync.

Unlike Yang deficiency, which is all about coldness and low energy, Yin deficiency shows up with dryness, heat, and that restless, “wired” feeling. For me, it’s something I’ve been dealing with a lot. I often feel dryness in my mouth and throat, especially at night, and sometimes it’s like I can’t get enough water. There’s also this internal heat—like my palms or the soles of my feet get warm, which makes it hard to relax or get a good night’s sleep.

Night sweats are another common sign, and sometimes I feel overheated or get hot flashes. Sleep can be tough too, with frequent wake-ups, restless nights, or even full-on insomnia. My skin can get dry, and my eyes feel a little parched sometimes, too. And on top of all that, there’s this subtle feeling of internal heat or irritation that doesn’t seem to go away.

Emotionally, it’s like my mind won’t settle down—irritability, anxiety, and that “on edge” feeling are common with Yin deficiency. Some people with this condition find themselves really craving cold drinks (though I’m lucky in that department). It’s the body’s way of trying to cool itself down from that internal heat.

When it comes to diet and lifestyle, people with Yin deficiency should focus on cooling, hydrating, and nourishing foods—think pears, cucumbers, and leafy greens. Avoiding spicy, greasy, or overly hot foods is key, since they can make the heat worse. Staying hydrated and practicing calming exercises, like meditation or gentle stretching, can help the body cool down and restore balance to your Yin energy.

Blood Stagnation in TCM refers to a condition where the flow of blood in the body becomes blocked or sluggish, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms. In TCM, blood is thought to nourish and support the body’s organs, tissues, and energy. When blood stagnates, it can result in pain, discomfort, and a range of other issues, as it’s unable to circulate freely and nourish the body as it should.

People with blood stagnation may experience symptoms like sharp, stabbing pain, particularly in areas like the chest, abdomen, or joints. This pain can come and go, or it can feel constant, and it may be worsened by movement or pressure. There can also be a sensation of heaviness or a feeling of tightness in certain parts of the body, and the skin may show signs of dark spots or bruising. In more severe cases, blood stagnation can lead to the formation of lumps or masses, especially in areas like the abdomen or breasts.

Other symptoms can include irregular menstrual cycles, such as heavy periods or clotting, and emotional signs like irritability or frustration. Since blood stagnation often causes a feeling of being “stuck” or blocked, it can also affect mental clarity and cause a sense of stagnation or frustration in life.

In TCM, when blood stagnation is an issue, it’s all about using herbs and foods that help get the blood moving again. Things like beets, ginger, and turmeric are great for invigorating the blood. Plus, practices like acupuncture or cupping can give your blood flow a little boost. Exercise is also key—getting moving helps blood and energy flow more freely throughout the body. The goal is to unblock that stagnation and let the blood circulate smoothly again, which helps restore balance and bring back some much-needed vitality.

Phlegm and Dampness is a common body constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that happens when the body holds on to too much moisture, making things feel sluggish. Your digestion slows down, you might feel heavy or bloated, and your mind can get foggy too. When the body isn’t able to clear that extra dampness, it causes phlegm to build up and energy (Qi) to stagnate, which can mess with both your body and mind.

If you have a Phlegm and Dampness constitution, you might notice symptoms like bloating, sluggish digestion, and a feeling of fullness or heaviness. You could feel tired all the time, even after resting, and struggle with weight gain or losing weight. Your digestion might not be working right—loose stools, diarrhea, or that “stuffed” feeling after meals are common. Phlegm might also collect in the lungs, leading to coughing, chest congestion, or tightness. Skin issues like acne or eczema can pop up too.

On the emotional side, Phlegm and Dampness can leave you feeling mentally foggy, unmotivated, or just stuck. It can be frustrating when you feel overwhelmed physically and mentally, and mood swings are common because the excess moisture weighs you down.

From my own experience, I’ve felt some of these symptoms—like bloating or heaviness after meals, and the struggle to lose weight no matter what I try. There are days when my brain feels foggy and it’s hard to focus or stay motivated. My body just feels heavy, and I crave foods that are rich or heavy, which only makes things worse.

In TCM, treating Phlegm and Dampness is all about clearing out that excess moisture and strengthening the digestive system. Diet is key—foods that are light, warm, and easy to digest, like lean proteins, veggies, and grains, are super helpful. You’ll want to avoid heavy, greasy, or sugary foods since they make the dampness worse. Herbs, acupuncture, and exercises like Qi Gong or gentle movement can also help clear stagnant energy and promote the flow of Qi. It’s all about finding balance and clearing that dampness to restore your energy.

Damp-Heat is another constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves combination of excessive dampness in the body and the presence of internal heat. Think of it like a damp, warm environment inside your body that can cause irritation, inflammation, or infections. When dampness and heat combine, the body’s natural balance is disrupted, and this constitution can manifest in both physical and emotional symptoms.

People with a Damp-Heat constitution often experience symptoms like skin issues (acne, rashes, or eczema), a feeling of heaviness or fullness, digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, and a tendency to feel overheated. One of the hallmark signs is an oily complexion, often accompanied by a greasy tongue coating. There may be a strong body odor, as the excess heat and dampness can lead to increased sweating or an unclean feeling. In the digestive system, there can be an imbalance with a heavy or sluggish feeling, particularly after eating greasy or spicy foods.

Emotionally, Damp-Heat can lead to irritability, frustration, and a general sense of being “stuck” or overwhelmed. Because Damp-Heat can impair mental clarity, it’s not uncommon for people with this constitution to feel foggy-headed or mentally sluggish. This can affect concentration and the ability to make decisions, contributing to a sense of emotional unrest.

Personally, I’ve experienced symptoms of Damp-Heat in different areas of my life. I’ve had persistent skin issues like breakouts, especially when I’m under stress or eating foods that are too rich or greasy. My digestion often feels sluggish, and I can experience bloating or a feeling of heaviness after meals. On days when I feel overheated, even if the weather isn’t warm, it’s hard to get comfortable. I’ve also noticed that I feel irritable or frustrated, especially when I haven’t been mindful of what I’m eating or when I’m dealing with a lot of stress.

In TCM, the approach to treating Damp-Heat focuses on clearing the excess heat from the body, drying up dampness, and restoring balance. It’s important to avoid foods that are overly greasy, spicy, or sweet, as these can exacerbate Damp-Heat. Cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, and bitter greens can help soothe internal heat, while foods that support the digestion, like barley and oats, can help clear the dampness. Herbs like chrysanthemum, dandelion, and mint are often used to help clear heat, and acupuncture or acupressure can be effective in regulating the body’s temperature and energy flow.

Qi Stagnation is a condition in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body becomes blocked or slowed down. Qi is responsible for maintaining the smooth functioning of all the body’s systems, and when it stagnates, it can cause physical and emotional discomfort. Qi stagnation often manifests as a feeling of restriction or tightness in the body, leading to symptoms like pain, bloating, irritability, and a sense of being “stuck” or “blocked.”

One of the most common places Qi stagnation shows up is in the liver, as the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. When the liver Qi becomes stagnant, it can lead to emotional symptoms such as frustration, anger, and stress. Physically, this can manifest as tension, pain, or discomfort in areas like the chest, abdomen, or shoulders. In some cases, Qi stagnation may contribute to digestive issues, such as bloating or irregular bowel movements, as well as headaches or migraines.

People with Qi stagnation may experience a range of symptoms, both physical and emotional. This can include emotional irritability or mood swings, particularly when under stress, and digestive discomfort like bloating, constipation, or a feeling of fullness after eating. There may also be tension or tightness in areas like the chest, abdomen, or shoulders, and frequent headaches or migraines, often linked to stress or tension. A common feeling with Qi stagnation is a sense of being “stuck” in life, as if progress or movement is stalled. Even though you might not feel physically drained, fatigue can also be present, adding to the overall discomfort of the condition.

Personally, I’ve experienced moments where I’ve felt mentally overwhelmed or like my body wasn’t moving in the direction I wanted. During times of stress or when life feels stagnant, I’ve noticed a buildup of tension in my neck and shoulders. To relieve this, I turn to massages, which help ease the tightness and promote better circulation.

TCM approaches Qi stagnation by promoting the free flow of Qi throughout the body. Acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal remedies are commonly used to help release stagnation and encourage Qi to move smoothly. Regular exercise, particularly activities like Qi Gong or Tai Chi or yoga, is also beneficial for improving the flow of Qi. These practices not only help to move energy through the body but can also help reduce emotional tension and stress. For me, I’ve found that engaging in gentle movement, like a light stretch or a walk, can do wonders for releasing that pent-up energy and helping me feel more balanced. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and finding ways to manage stress—whether through meditation or self-care—has been a key part of addressing Qi stagnation in my life.

In terms of diet, it’s helpful to focus on foods that support the liver and improve the flow of Qi, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and warming spices like ginger. Avoiding heavy or greasy foods that can contribute to internal dampness or phlegm buildup is also important.

The Neutral (Well-Balanced) constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) represents a state of harmony within the body, where all the systems are functioning optimally and in balance. People with this constitution are generally healthy, with no significant physical or emotional imbalances. They tend to have a strong immune system, good digestion, and an overall sense of vitality. The body’s Qi, Yin, Yang, and Blood are in balance, making it less susceptible to illness and more resilient to stressors.

A well-balanced constitution means that the body can easily adapt to changes in the environment, whether it’s the changing seasons, dietary shifts, or emotional stress. These individuals are less likely to experience chronic health issues and can recover quickly from minor illnesses or fatigue. Their digestion is strong, their energy levels are stable, and they tend to have a positive outlook on life. Emotionally, they’re generally calm, adaptable, and resilient.

In TCM, people with a Neutral constitution are often considered to have a solid foundation of health. They don’t have specific imbalances in their body but may still benefit from regular maintenance to ensure that they stay balanced. It’s essential for individuals with this constitution to continue practicing self-care and make mindful choices about diet, lifestyle, and emotional well-being to preserve their health.

The Special Constitution in TCM refers to unique sensitivities and conditions, such as heightened reactions to medications, food, smells, pollen, or a tendency toward nasal and skin allergies. These cases often involve complex patterns of imbalance that don’t align neatly with other constitution categories. Individuals with a Special Constitution may experience a mix of symptoms that don’t fit traditional patterns, requiring personalized care to address their unique needs and restore balance effectively.

Some examples of Special Constitutions include:

• Allergic Constitution: People with this constitution are prone to allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, respiratory issues, or food sensitivities. These individuals may have an overactive immune system that is constantly reacting to environmental triggers like pollen, dust, or certain foods.

• Autoimmune Disorders: May have a unique constitution where the immune system is overactive and attacks the body’s own tissues. This can create patterns of imbalance, such as excess heat, dampness, or inflammation in the body, depending on the specific disorder.

• Excessive External Pathogenic Influence: This constitution is marked by someone who is very sensitive to external factors, such as climate, pollution, or strong weather conditions. Their body may react more strongly to environmental changes, leading to frequent colds, allergies, or other issues triggered by external influences.

These types are often marked by unique or complex symptoms that don’t follow the typical pattern of other body types, making diagnosis and treatment more individualized. TCM practitioners take into account the specifics of a person’s life, history, and health conditions to understand the root causes of their symptoms.

It’s definitely a lot to take in, and there’s so much more to explore when it comes to Traditional Chinese Medicine and body constitutions. But I hope this gives you a helpful starting point in understanding how TCM views our health. By recognizing and understanding your body constitution, you can start to make more informed choices about what your body needs to stay balanced and thrive. Whether it’s through diet, lifestyle changes, or simply learning to listen to your body, TCM offers a deeper, holistic perspective that can complement other approaches to wellness. I’m still learning along the way, and I hope this post has helped you get a bit closer to understanding how TCM can play a role in improving health and well-being.