Understanding Your Body’s Constitution

Body Constitution basically refers to the individual’s body composition and condition such that every individual is different in terms of physical, physiological, and psychological functions. This in turn determines our behavioural traits and our susceptibility to pathogens and disease development. Naturally, our body constitution comes largely at birth from our parents. Yet, it is also very much influenced by our diet, emotions, lifestyle habits, and living environment after birth.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), body constitution is a basic concept used to diagnose ailments and provide suitable treatments. Understanding your body constitution and adopting the relevant lifestyle changes can help you achieve optimal health and prevent diseases.

Individuals who have a neutral body constitution are generally blessed with a strong physique, stable emotions, and a cheerful disposition. Their physical appearances usually consist of a lustrous complexion, bright eyes, thick, healthy hair, red and moisturised lips. They are also full of energy, adaptable to environmental changes, and have good sleep patterns, and regular bowel and urinary habits.

Individuals who have a qi-deficient body constitution tend to be more feeble, prone to fatigue and shortness of breath, and may easily catch the common flu. They are generally more sensitive to environmental changes and may have lower immunity which requires them to take a longer time to recuperate and recover from illnesses. Behavioural-wise, they are more introverted and soft-spoken.

Individuals who have a yang-deficient body constitution are more sensitive to the cold. They tend to have cold limbs, are unable to tolerate low temperatures and may feel sick after consumption of cold foods. This group of people may be more vulnerable to health issues like diarrhoea and puffiness. They are usually shy and quiet in terms of personality.

Individuals who have a yin-deficient body constitution are likely to adapt poorly to hot and dry environments, and may be more prone to constipation, warm palms and soles, and dry nose or mouth. They are highly susceptible to sore throat and fever and tend to be more outgoing and impatient.

Individuals who have a phlegm and dampness body constitution are usually overweight, have heavy limbs, and may be sweating profusely. They often appear with oily face due to excessive sebum secretions and tend to prefer sweet and greasy foods. This group of people dislike rainy seasons and a damp environment and are vulnerable to diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

Individuals who have a damp-heat body constitution lean towards oily skin and susceptibility to acne, jaundice, and ailments with heat symptoms. They usually experience bad breath and bitter taste in their mouths and may also not easily adapt to hot and damp environments. These people tend to be easily irritated and may have short tempers too.

Individuals who have a blood stasis body constitution tend to lack lustre on their skin, often appearing with dark eye circles, a dull complexion and skin pigmentation issues. Their skin may be easily bruised, and they are vulnerable to bleedings and abnormal growths. They also have a low tolerance for cold and windy weather.

Individuals who have a qi-stagnation body constitution are often easily stressed and prone to depression. They may experience frequent sighing, heart palpitations, and are susceptible to insomnia. People who belong to this body constitution usually have a thin physique, and don’t respond well to stressful situations.

Individuals who have a qi-deficient body constitution tend to be highly sensitive to medications, food, smell, and are vulnerable to nasal and skin allergies for example, blocked nose and rashes. They may also have asthmatic conditions and may be susceptible to chronic conditions.

After reading through these 9 types of body constitutions, you should be equipped with the fundamental knowledge of our body constitutions. Yet, it would be most helpful to get guidance from a registered TCM Physician who could accurately determine your body constitution and providing insights on how to better improve your health and immunity. There are recommended treatments such as Tuina Therapy and acupuncture to help achieve a healthy body constitution.

Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment with our registered TCM physician. Call or WhatsApp +65 9833 8171.