Energetic, adaptable, and rarely ill. Sleep is sound, digestion is smooth, and mood is stable. The ideal constitutional state in TCM.
High energyStrong immunityGood sleep
Persistent fatigue, soft voice, shortness of breath on exertion, frequent colds. The body's vital energy (Qi) is insufficient to power daily functions.
FatigueLow immunityBreathlessness
Always feeling cold, especially in the limbs. Slow metabolism, loose stools, pale complexion, and a strong preference for warmth. Low internal fire.
Cold hands/feetSlow metabolismPale skin
Heat sensations in palms, feet, and chest — worse at night. Dry mouth and throat, night sweats, insomnia, thin build. The cooling fluids are depleted.
Night sweatsDrynessRestless sleep
Overweight or puffy, oily skin, heavy and sluggish feeling, excessive phlegm. Worse in damp or humid weather. Prone to metabolic conditions.
Weight gainHeavy feelingOily skin
Oily skin, acne, bitter or sticky taste in mouth, yellow-tinged eyes or skin. Prone to urinary tract issues. Internal heat trapped with dampness.
AcneOily skinBitter taste
Dull or dark complexion, fixed stabbing pain, easy bruising, visible spider veins. Blood circulation is sluggish. Pain is typically worse with cold.
Fixed painDark complexionEasy bruising
Emotionally repressed, frequent sighing, chest or rib-side tightness. Mood fluctuates, prone to anxiety and depression. Qi fails to flow freely.
AnxietyChest tightnessMood swings
Allergic constitution — prone to hay fever, eczema, asthma, or food intolerances. Hypersensitive immune response inherited at birth.
AllergiesEczemaFood sensitivity