The constitution of the human body is varied, and traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes health preservation and conditioning according to individual constitutions, based on the unique physical characteristics formed by each person in different living environments. The concept of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine involves the stable characteristics in morphology, physiology, and psychology of the human body under the combined influence of innate inheritance and acquired environment, that is, individual differences.
In traditional Chinese health preservation, it is essential to identify individual constitutions first, and then adopt corresponding conditioning strategies aimed at promoting health and reducing side effects. Common constitution classifications include phlegm-dampness, yang deficiency, yin deficiency, qi deficiency, qi stagnation, damp-heat, etc.
For those with qi deficiency constitution, common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and easy sweating. Recommended foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beef can be used to replenish energy and enhance constitution through steamed sweet potatoes, carrot porridge, beef soup, and other methods.
Individuals with yang deficiency constitution often exhibit cold hands and feet and aversion to cold. Lamb, fennel, and oysters are good choices for conditioning, and improvements in constitution can be made through lamb and tofu soup, fennel-enhanced dishes, and oats and oyster fried rice.
Those with qi stagnation constitution tend to have easily depressed and anxious emotions. Consuming donkey meat, lotus roots, and kumquats can help alleviate this condition, with fermented donkey meat, stir-fried lotus roots, and kumquat drinks being good choices.
Phlegm-dampness constitution is characterized by obesity, full abdomen, and sticky mouth. Radishes, loofah, and broad beans are effective in conditioning, with dishes like radish cakes, braised loofah with herbs, and winter melon and broad bean soup being suitable.
Yin deficiency constitution is more common in lean individuals who often feel dry mouth and throat. Soft-shelled turtles, pomegranates, and kiwis help nourish yin, and recommended options include wolfberry turtle soup, direct consumption of pomegranates, and kiwi juice after lunch.
Individuals with damp-heat constitution often exhibit oily face, bitter mouth, and prone to acne. Coix seeds, mung beans, and bitter gourd are beneficial for this type of constitution, with coix seed sesame soup, mung bean with cassia seeds soup, and bitter gourd juice aiding in heat-clearing and dampness-removing.
In summary, traditional Chinese medicine health preservation focuses on individual differences, and through proper dietary conditioning, it can effectively enhance physical fitness and promote health.
