The Nine Constitutions in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of the nine constitutions provides insight into individual differences in physical and emotional characteristics.
Each constitution represents a unique combination of body type, temperament, and predisposition to certain conditions analyzed in the last year.
Understanding your constitution helps guide personalized self-care, diet, and wellness practices, including targeted self-massage of acupuncture points for maintaining balance.
1. Qi-Deficient Constitution (气虚质, Qì Xū Zhì)
Characteristics: Low energy levels, shortness of breath, fatigue, poor appetite, weak voice, and susceptibility to colds. Individuals often feel tired easily and may have a pale complexion.
Recommended Self-Massage Points:
Ren-6 (气海, Qì Hǎi): Located 1.5 inches below the navel, gently massage this point to boost energy and strengthen the Qi.
Stomach-36 (足三里, Zú Sān Lǐ): Located four finger widths below the kneecap and one finger width to the outer side of the shin bone, this point helps to improve digestion and increase energy.
2. Yang-Deficient Constitution (阳虚质, Yáng Xū Zhì)
Characteristics: Cold intolerance, cold limbs, low back pain, fatigue, frequent urination, and a preference for warmth. Individuals may have a pale complexion and lack energy.
Recommended Self-Massage Points:
Kidney-3 (太溪, Tài Xī): Found in the depression between the ankle bone and Achilles tendon, this point helps to strengthen kidney yang and improve warmth in the body.
Mingmen (命门, DU-4): Located between the second and third lumbar vertebrae on the back, massaging this point can help warm and tonify the yang.
3. Yin-Deficient Constitution (阴虚质, Yīn Xū Zhì)
Characteristics: Tendency toward dryness (dry skin, eyes, and mouth), warm hands and feet, restlessness, insomnia, and night sweats. These individuals may have a flushed face and a thin body.
Recommended Self-Massage Points:
Kidney-6 (照海, Zhào Hǎi): Located below the inner ankle, this point nourishes Yin and relieves dry symptoms.
Spleen-6 (三阴交, Sān Yīn Jiāo): Located four finger widths above the inner ankle bone along the inside of the leg, this point helps to nourish Yin and harmonize the body.
4. Phlegm-Dampness Constitution (痰湿质, Tán Shī Zhì)
Characteristics: Prone to obesity, sluggishness, a feeling of heaviness in the body, edema, and digestive issues such as bloating or a sticky sensation in the mouth. They may feel tired easily and have a greasy tongue coating.
Recommended Self-Massage Points:
Stomach-40 (丰隆, Fēng Lóng): Located midway between the knee and ankle on the lateral side of the leg, this point helps to resolve phlegm and improve digestion.
Ren-12 (中脘, Zhōng Guǎn): Located halfway between the navel and the sternum, this point aids in regulating stomach function and transforming dampness.
5. Damp-Heat Constitution (湿热质, Shī Rè Zhì)
Characteristics: Tendency toward oily skin, acne, bad breath, irritability, a red tongue with a yellow coating, and excessive thirst. These individuals may experience heaviness in the body and have a preference for cool environments.
Recommended Self-Massage Points:
Large Intestine-11 (曲池, Qū Chí): Located at the outer end of the elbow crease, this point helps clear heat and dampness from the body.
Gallbladder-34 (阳陵泉, Yáng Líng Quán): Found below the knee on the lateral side of the leg, this point aids in clearing heat and relieving tension.
6. Blood-Stasis Constitution (血瘀质, Xuè Yū Zhì)
Characteristics: Tendency to experience pain, bruising, varicose veins, and dark circles under the eyes. Individuals may have a purplish tongue and a tendency towards irritability.
Recommended Self-Massage Points:
Liver-3 (太冲, Tài Chōng): Located on the top of the foot between the first and second toes, this point helps to promote blood circulation and alleviate stress.
Bladder-17 (膈俞, Gé Shū): Located on the back between the shoulder blades, this point is known as the "Blood Point" and helps to invigorate blood circulation.
7. Qi-Stagnation Constitution (气郁质, Qì Yù Zhì)
Characteristics: Prone to emotional stress, irritability, anxiety, and digestive problems like bloating or belching. These individuals may have a tendency towards a tight chest and feel like they cannot take a deep breath.
Recommended Self-Massage Points:
Liver-14 (期门, Qī Mén): Located below the rib cage, this point helps to regulate liver function and relieve emotional stress.
Pericardium-6 (内关, Nèi Guān): Located three finger widths above the wrist crease on the inner forearm, this point is effective for relieving anxiety and promoting relaxation.
8. Special Physical Constitution (特禀质, Tè Bǐng Zhì)
Characteristics: Individuals with unique sensitivities such as allergies, asthma, or hereditary conditions. They may be more sensitive to environmental changes and have a tendency toward skin reactions or respiratory conditions.
Recommended Self-Massage Points:
Large Intestine-4 (合谷, Hé Gǔ): Located on the hand between the thumb and index finger, this point can boost immunity and relieve allergy symptoms.
Lung-7 (列缺, Liè Quē): Located on the forearm near the wrist, this point supports respiratory health and helps alleviate symptoms like coughing or asthma.
9. Balanced Constitution (平和质, Píng Hé Zhì)
Characteristics: Generally healthy, with balanced physical and emotional states. They adapt well to changes and have a moderate body type, good complexion, and a positive outlook.
Recommended Self-Massage Points:
Ren-17 (膻中, Dàn Zhōng): Located at the center of the chest, this point helps to maintain emotional stability and support overall vitality.
Stomach-36 (足三里, Zú Sān Lǐ): Known as a general health-boosting point, this can be used regularly to maintain balance and strengthen the immune system.
Understanding your constitution is a key aspect of self-care in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
By identifying your type and practicing targeted self-massage of key acupuncture points, you can achieve a greater sense of balance and well-being.
Always remember to massage these points gently and consistently, as part of a broader routine that may include diet, exercise, and mindfulness tailored to your specific needs.