Rule to standardize TCM assessments

China has released a national standard for classifying traditional Chinese medicine constitutions, a move aimed at modernizing how practitioners identify individual physiological traits in order to provide personalized healthcare.

Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, is built on the idea that every person has a unique physical and emotional makeup called a "constitution". For centuries, practitioners have assessed these types by observing a person's complexion, body shape, temperament, and age. They also look for specific internal markers such as qi, which refers to the body's vital energy; yin, representing coolness and moisture; and yang, representing warmth and metabolic fire.

The new standard, released on Monday and effective from April 1, officially recognizes nine distinct body types. While one type is considered "balanced", the others represent various imbalances. For example, qi deficiency is characterized by low energy or chronic fatigue, while yang deficiency involves a tendency to feel cold easily. Conversely, yin deficiency involves a lack of moisture that often leads to symptoms like a dry throat or night sweats. Other categories include phlegm-dampness, a buildup of heavy, sluggish fluids; damp-heat, which often shows up as oily skin or irritability; blood stasis, or poor circulation; and qi stagnation, involving emotional or physical blockages that can cause melancholy. A special constitution category generally refers to people with high sensitivity or allergies.

Developed by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the standard is based on research conducted between 2009 and 2024. Authorities said the update simplifies complex professional assessments into a user-friendly tool. It uses a graded scoring system and representative questions to help clinics, research centers, and public health facilities identify a person's type more accurately.

The goal is to shift TCM toward a more unified, scientific model. Under these guidelines, herbal treatments and physical therapies are customized to the individual. Jin Zhefeng, a sports medicine specialist at Wangjing Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, said that exercise should also be tailored to these types.

For instance, those with a damp-heat constitution are encouraged to practice baduanjin, a traditional set of slow, meditative movements. Jin recommends larger movements for this group until they reach a mild sweat. In contrast, those with qi stagnation, who may suffer from frequent sighing or chest tightness, should focus on morning chest-expansion exercises paired with deep breathing to help relieve the body's internal pressure.

The standard is expected to be applied across medical services and the broader health industry to improve health awareness across the country.