Constitution refers to the inherent, comprehensive, and relatively stable traits that individuals possess in terms of their physical structure, physiological functions, and psychological state. These are formed through a combination of innate genetic endowments and acquired factors throughout one's life. Differences in individual constitutions manifest as variations in response and adaptation to external stimuli under normal physiological conditions, as well as susceptibility to certain pathogenic factors and disease development tendencies during illness. Studying constitution helps analyze the occurrence and evolution of diseases, providing a basis for diagnosis and treatment.
The study of TCM constitution takes the living individual as its starting point, researching the characteristics, evolution patterns, influencing factors, and classification standards of different constitutions. By studying the relationship between different constitution types and disease, it guides disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and health care.
TCM constitution emphasizes the modifiability of constitution, aiming to improve the pathological state of an individual by addressing constitutional differences. In clinical practice, based on constitutional identification, corresponding preventive and therapeutic measures are taken, realizing personalized medical care. It embodies the TCM concept of “treating disease before it occurs,” combining constitution-based prevention with adjustments to improve constitution and functional status, fully reflecting a human-centered and adaptable approach.
In 2009, the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine released the “Classification and Judgment of TCM Constitutions,” dividing TCM constitutions into nine basic types: Peaceful Constitution, Qi Deficiency Constitution, Yang Deficiency Constitution, Yin Deficiency Constitution, Phlegm-Dampness Constitution, Damp-Heat Constitution, Blood Stasis Constitution, Qi Depression Constitution, and Special Constitution. Each type has its own unique characteristics.
Today, let's talk about the TCM constitution—Yin Deficiency Constitution (Type D).
General Characteristics
Deficiency of yin fluids, characterized primarily by symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, warmth in the palms and soles, and other signs of deficiency heat.
Physical Characteristics
Tends to be slender in build.
Common Manifestations
Warmth in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, slightly dry nose, preference for cold drinks, constipation, red tongue with little moisture, and fine rapid pulse.
Psychological Characteristics
Irritable temperament, extroverted, active.
Propensity to Disease
Prone to illnesses such as deficiency labor, essence loss, insomnia, and tends to transform towards heat when afflicted by pathogens.
Adaptation to External Environment
Tolerates winter but not summer; cannot withstand summer heat, heat, and dryness.
Judgment Method – Yin Deficiency Constitution (Type D)
Answer all questions in the above table and calculate the converted score = score / 32 × 100.
Judgment Standard:
If your score in the above table is ≥40 points, there is a high probability that you have a Yin Deficiency Constitution.
Scoring tables for other constitutions will be published in subsequent articles in this series.
Health Care for People with Yin Deficiency Constitution
Health care for people with different constitutions can be carried out from various aspects including daily routine, emotional regulation, exercise, and diet. It should follow the principle of naturalness and adapt to the seasons, emphasizing harmony between heaven and humanity.
Daily Routine Regulation
People with Yin Deficiency Constitution tend to be easily overheated and sweat-prone, preferring coolness and cold. In daily life, they should pay special attention to avoiding wind exposure in spring to prevent catching a cold. During hot summers, they should avoid prolonged sun exposure and excessive sweating to prevent further depletion of yin fluids. In the dry autumn, they should focus on moisturizing to prevent yin depletion. Following the principle of “nourishing yang in spring and summer, and nourishing yin in autumn and winter,” they should avoid spicy and warm foods to preserve yin essence. Daily life should include adequate sleep to store and nurture yin energy. They should avoid prolonged work, late nights, and intense exercise to conserve yin and regulate yang. Especially during autumn and winter, more attention should be paid, which is why health experts emphasize “nourishing yin in autumn and winter.” Kidney yin is the root of all yin in the body, so people with Yin Deficiency Constitution should moderate sexual activity to preserve yin and essence.
Emotional Regulation
People with Yin Deficiency Constitution have a fiery temperament and are prone to irritability and anger. Therefore, they should focus on emotional regulation to calm the mind and stabilize emotions. This is because mental stress can generate internal heat, secretly depleting yin blood and exacerbating yin deficiency. People with Yin Deficiency Constitution should learn to balance joy and sorrow, hardship and happiness, and adversity and prosperity, maintaining a stable mindset. They can listen to soothing music, practice calligraphy and painting, or go fishing to keep their minds peaceful and preserve their inner spirit.
Exercise Regulation
People with Yin Deficiency Constitution have deficiencies in yin fluids like essence, blood, and body fluids. When exercising, they may experience thirst, dryness, flushing, and dark urine. Therefore, their daily exercise should not be too strenuous and should involve moderate-intensity, intermittent static exercises, such as Baduanjin, Tai Chi, Tai Chi Sword, Qigong, walking, swimming, and practicing the “Six Word Breathing Exercise” focusing on the “Xu” sound to nourish liver qi and regulate emotions. They should also avoid exercising in hot summers or humid environments, replenishing water promptly after sweating excessively to prevent yin fluid depletion. Exercise should be limited to half an hour to one hour per day.
Acupoint Health Care
Acupoints: Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taixi (KI3)
Location: Sanyinjiao is located three cun above the inner ankle tip, on the posterior border of the tibia; Taixi is located on the inner side of the foot, behind the inner ankle, in the depression between the inner ankle tip and the Achilles tendon.
Method: Press Sanyinjiao and Taixi acupoints with the thumb or middle finger, operating on both sides simultaneously. Press each acupoint for 5-10 minutes. Perform twice daily, with a course lasting 10 days.