What's Your Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Body Constitution?

Ever wonder why that coffee doesn't shake your fatigue? Or why your friend thrives on the tea recipes from Rednote that leaves you feeling bloated? What about the breakout after a bite of fries while others seem immune?

These aren't just bad luck or mysteries. They're your body's way of sending a message. For centuries, ancient wisdom has offered a translation guide to help us decode these signals.

The secret is understanding your Body Constitution—your body’s unique operating system. When it’s balanced, you feel amazing. But when life throws it off track, those familiar symptoms like acne, insomia, fatigue, and irritability are its way of sending an "error" message.

Ready to crack your code? Let’s decode the most common body types. Which one sounds like your body’s status?

Body Constitution Types

Illustration of a woman of TCM body constitution Qi deficiency feeling fatigued and low energy Illustration of a woman of TCM body constitution Qi stagnation feeling stressed and tight Illustration of a woman of TCM body constitution Yin Deficiency feeling hot and sweaty Illustration of a woman of TCM body constitution Special constitution who is super sensitive to foods or environments Illustration of a woman of TCM body constitution Damp-heat feeling muggy and irritable Illustration of a woman of TCM body constitution Phlegm-dampness feeling bloated and clogged Illustration of a woman of TCM body constitution Blood Stasis feeling stuck and achy Illustration of a woman of TCM body constitution Yang Deficiency feeling chilly 

Qi Deficiency    Running on Empty

This isn't just everyday tiredness. It's a feeling of chronic fatigue and a deep lack of energy and motivation. You might get winded easily and feel like simple chores, like folding laundry, are a marathon.

Qi Stagnation    Stressed & Tight

Emotions like frustration and stress can get trapped, often manifesting as muscle tension in the shoulders and chest. This can lead to irritability, frequent sighing, menstrual irregularities, and difficulty falling asleep.

Yin Deficiency    Running Hot

This internal engine runs too hot, leading to night sweats, dryness, thirst, and feeling warm constantly. You might find yourself kicking off covers at night or waking up abruptly around 4-5am unable to fall back asleep.

Special Constitution    Super Sensitive

This body has a heightened alert system. You may experience allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances that others don't to certain foods or environmental factors or have mysterious skin reactions.

Damp-Heat    Muggy & Irritable

This is the code for inflammation. Think oily skin, acne, and irritability. If fried food causes an immediate skin breakout, your body is signaling heat and dampness.

Phlegm-Dampness    Bloated & Clogged

This is a feeling of heaviness and fatigue, often with an obese body type, especially with love handles. You may experience brain fog and sticky stools. You crave for greasy or sweet foods and have no motivations to workout.

Blood Stasis    Stuck & Achy

This shows up as sharp, stabbing pains like brutal period cramps or shoulder pains. Other signs include dark circles under eyes, easy bruising, and frequent nightmares.

Yang Deficiency    Always-Chilly

Your internal system feels like it's constantly craving heat and warm drinks. You have cold hands and feet that are hard to warm up, and a general lack of energy. You're the one who always needs a blanket, even at a summer barbecue.

Cracked the Code? Here’s What's Next.

This isn’t about a label; it’s about a map to your body’s needs. By understanding your unique constitution, you can finally choose self-care rituals that actually work with your body, not against it.

Ready to find your way back to balance? Take a 1-min quiz to discover the perfect herbal ritual for you!

P.S. This information is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. For health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Back to blog