The Nine Constitutions

TCM groups people into nine body types. Know yours, then choose the right way to nurture it.

In season now

Late summer’s peak dampness burdens digestion — strengthen the spleen and lighten that heavy, sticky feeling.

Balanced

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

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