Dietetics by constitution
How the contemporary tradition classifies constitutions and links food repertoires to each type, and why assessment belongs to a professional.
The nine constitutions
The 2009 Chinese standard describes nine constitutional types: one balanced and eight with tendencies, such as qi deficiency, yang deficiency, yin deficiency, phlegm-dampness, or stagnation. It is a classification framework under academic debate, not a settled truth.
- The 2009 standard is a consensus proposal, open to revision and debate.
- A person may show traits of several types at once.
Repertoires by type
Tradition links each constitution to an orientative food repertoire: for qi deficiency, center-supporting foods such as gentle grains and simple cooking; for yang deficiency, warming foods; for yin deficiency, moistening, gentle foods.
- These are study repertoires, not closed diets or prescriptions.
- The same food may fit several repertoires depending on preparation and context.
Responsible use
Determining a constitution requires professional assessment that integrates history, context, and change over time. Self-labeling with a questionnaire and restricting the diet accordingly can impoverish eating without proven benefit.
- This material is for studying the framework, not for self-diagnosis.
- For health concerns or restrictive diets, consult qualified professionals.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
