The Nine Constitutions

The ideal, well-balanced type — the goal is to keep it that way

Low vital energy — tires easily, short of breath, catches colds

Insufficient yang — feels the cold, hands and feet stay icy

Depleted yin fluids — dry mouth, warm palms, prone to heatiness

Phlegm and damp accumulate — heavier build, sluggish, lots of phlegm

Internal damp-heat — oily acne-prone skin, bitter mouth, heavy body; very common in humid HK

Sluggish blood flow — dull skin, easy bruising, period pain

Stagnant qi — low mood, tension, chest tightness and sighing

A special inborn type — often allergy-prone, with rhinitis and rashes