Physical conditioning is a detailed process that requires identifying one’s own physical constitution type first in order to adopt a more suitable conditioning method. Here are the characteristics and conditioning suggestions for several typical physical constitutions:
People with a Yang deficiency constitution often feel cold, tired easily, have cold limbs. It is recommended to increase the intake of warm foods such as deer antler, ginkgo nuts, and other medicinal herbs for auxiliary conditioning.
A Yin deficiency constitution manifests as insufficient “body fluids,” leading to symptoms like thirst, insomnia, irritability. It is advisable to eat more fruits, reduce spicy foods, and use foods like kudzu root, hawthorn to help with adjustment.
A Phlegm-dampness constitution usually presents with a tendency towards obesity, oily face. Maintaining a light diet, getting more sunlight, and consuming white mustard seeds, tangerine peel can be beneficial.
Individuals with a Damp-heat constitution are prone to acne, mood swings, should avoid sweet foods and damp-heat environments. Mulberries, hemp seeds are helpful in improving this condition.
A Qi stagnation constitution is characterized by low mood, chest tightness. Regulating liver blood, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and using products like polygonum, goji berry for conditioning are recommended.
Those with a Qi deficiency constitution are susceptible to recurrent colds, low physical strength. Foods like Chinese yam, lotus seeds are effective in supplementing Qi.
A Blood stasis constitution shows as poor blood circulation, localized pain. Avoiding cold foods, engaging in more exercise, and using gelatin, processed rehmannia for promoting blood circulation and removing stasis are suggested.
Each of the above-mentioned physical conditioning methods has its own emphasis. In practice, one can flexibly adopt based on individual circumstances. Traditional Chinese medicine theory suggests that Qi deficiency often coexists with blood deficiency, emphasizing dual nourishment of Qi and blood, as well as the importance of organ maintenance to ensure good health. In the conditioning process, paying attention to bodily responses, timely adjusting the plan is crucial for achieving good results.
