Previously, we learned that identifying your body constitution is crucial to help you make better preventive &/or recovery measures for your physical & mental wellbeing.
Use the illustrated guide below to help you identify your unique body constitution, which can help you curate a healthier diet and lifestyle according to your unique body needs by reducing or avoiding imbalances.
Note: These are 5 common symptoms identified by TCM practitioners which can differ from person to person. There are many people with a mixture of body constitution (e.g. a mix of Qi deficiency and Yang deficiency). If you find that to be the case, you can refer to the constitution that reflects your dominant symptoms.
TYPE A: QI DEFICIENCY
Qi deficiency is defined as the lack of the vital life force or energy believed to circulate throughout the body and form a part of every living entity.
People with the Qi deficiency constitution tend to feel fatigued more easily than others. With minimal physical activities, they will pant and sweat easily. They also speak with a weak voice, are susceptible to cold or flu, and takes longer to recover from them.
TYPE B: YANG DEFICIENCY
Yang deficiency is defined as the lack of yang energy, or otherwise known as internal heat, in your body.
People with the Yang deficiency constitution appear to have a pale complexion. They experience cold limbs, feel cold easily (usually spotted with a jacket wherever they go), and often feel unwell after having cold food or drinks. With the lack of Yang energy, they tend to feel weak or restless or most of the time. These people are prone to water retention and diarrhoea.
TYPE C: YIN DEFICIENCY
Yin Deficiency is defined as the lack of the Yin energy, or otherwise known as hydration level, in your body.
People with the Yin deficiency constitution experience warm palms and soles, tend to get irritated easily, and often have dry stools or constipation. With the lack of Yin energy, they tend to get thirsty easily and prefer cold food or drinks. These people are vulnerable to sore throat, gastric, and insomnia.
TYPE D: QI STAGNATION
Qi Stagnation is defined as the condition where your body’s vital energy is stagnant and not flowing smoothly.
People with the Qi stagnation constitution are observed to sigh frequently and cope poorly with stress. They would feel a lumpy sensation in their throat and the sides of their ribs and belly tend to be bloated. These people are susceptible to anxiety and depression.
TYPE E: DAMP-HEAT
Damp-Heat is defined as the condition where there is internal fluid accumulation and heat trapped in your body.
People with the damp-heat constitution tend to have oily faces and are susceptible to acne. Their stomach feels bloated easily and tends to have sticky stools. They often have bad breath or bitter taste and in their mouths, and their body feels heavy and/or warm all the time.
TYPE F: PHLEGM-DAMPNESS
Phlegm-Dampness is defined as the accumulation of phlegm and internal fluids in your body.
People with the phlegm-dampness constitution gain weight easily and tend to store visceral fat (fat that is stored within your abdominal cavity and wrapped around your internal organs). They often have phlegm stuck in their throat or mucus in their nose. They would also experience chest tightness or congestion and their body often feel heavy and easily fatigued. These people have a frequent craving for sweet and greasy foods.
TYPE G: BLOOD STASIS
Blood Stasis is defined as the condition where there is poor and obstructed internal blood flow in your body.
People with the blood stasis constitution appear to have dull or pigmented complexion, dry skin, and bruises on their bodies. They also have dark/purple-red lips and/or have dark spots on their tongue. They tend to experience stabbing pain in a fixed position. Ladies with this body constitution often have blood clots in their period flow.
TYPE H: SPECIAL/INTRINSIC
Special/Intrinsic is defined as inherent sensitivity to certain foods, medications, scents, pollen or other environmental allergens.
People with the special or intrinsic constitution often develop nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, and tend to develop rashes and itches easily. They are susceptible to allergies such as eczema, asthma, or hay fever, causing them to adapt to new environments poorly. The symptoms that they experience are easily triggered by seasonal changes.
TYPE I: NEUTRAL/BALANCED
Neutral/Balanced is the most ideal body constitution where your yin and yang are balanced.
People with this body constitution appear to be more energetic and emotionally stable than the rest and have a radiant complexion. They often have a good appetite and stamina with regular bowel movements. These people tend to adapt fast and well to new environments and climate change.
Diet tips
Identified your body constitution? Check out the diet tips for your body constitution here!
If you need further help to identify your body constitution, we recommend you to try out the online body constitution quizzes curated by Grandma Lotus or Pique Tea. Otherwise, do consult your TCM physician for a more accurate analysis.
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