What is your body type?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are different body constitutions, that we normally call the body type. The body type of each person is influenced by inherited and acquired factors. To know about ourselves body type is very important to keep in good health. Based on TCM concept there are nine different types of physical constitutions. Check and compare to yourself, then you can get more benefit from TCM.
Normally, one has a mixed body type, for example, Yin Deficiency & Dampness-heat, Qi stagnation & Blood stasis. And one person’s body type is changeable as well as the living environment is changing. So we can take a lifestyle modification (mental state, diet, daily activities) to get healthier body constitution.
Different Body Type, Different Diet
Here are some daily diet suggestions followed the concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Firstly, Identifying your own body type will allow you to find out the root of your health conditions and prevent chronic disease through good diet plan. For further information, please contact our professionals.
Body Type One: Neutral
Harmonious yin and yang, Qi and blood.
Look healthy with normal skin color.
Have proper appetite and sleep, and do not feel hot or cold easily.
Urine, stools are normal.
Strong, seldom get sick, easy going.
Do as usual and keep balance.
Suggestions Diet: Varied kinds of food, different energies and flavors are appropriate.
It should be noted that long-term improper eating habits will alert the body to a less balanced state that should be avoided.
Body Type Two: Qi deficiency
Flaccid muscle,
Tired, short breath, sweating.
Introvert and timid personality.
Susceptible to get common cold, long term recovery.
Suggestions Diet: Cereal, grain, carrot, mushroom, soybean, peas, potato, pumpkin, beef, fish, chicken, apple, cherry, chestnut and grape, all light and easily digested foods are suitable for them.
Citrus fruits, onion, garlic, pepper, tea, alcohol should be taken in moderation.
Body Type Three: Yang deficiency
Weak muscles, sleepiness.
Intolerance of cold, cold feet and hands.
Quiet and introvert in personality.
Susceptible to get swelling and distention, diarrhea.
Suggestions Diet: Warming foods such as ginger, pumpkin, nut, beef, mutton, cherry and raspberry, are suitable for Yang deficiency individuals. Crab, persimmon and melons are not advised.
Body Type Four: Yin deficiency
Thin, dry mouth & throat, heat sensation in the palms and soles, preference to cold drink,
Impatience.
Susceptible to insomnia, cough, fatigue.
Suggestions Diet: Celery, mushroom, bean, melon, lettuce, tomato, egg, duck, mussel, fish, pear, apple and pomegranate, are suitable for Yin deficiency individuals.
Body Type Five: Phlegm-dampness
Overweight or have fat tummy.
Chest stuffiness, Sticky mouth, greasy tongue coating, preference to fat and sweet food, mild temper.
Susceptible to get wind-stroke, chest pain, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases.
Suggestions Diet: Cabbage, celery, radish, onion, carrot, cucumber, olive, clam and jellyfish, are suitable for Phlegm dampness individuals. Greasy, fatty and sweat foods are not advised.
They should not eat too full.
Body Type Six: Dampness-heat
Have normal or thin physique.
Grimy and oily face, bitter taste in the mouth.
Irritable and short-tempered.
Susceptible to get sore and ulcer, skin problems and urinary difficulties.
Suggestions Diet: Tomato, bean, cucumber, celery, cabbage, kelp, duck, watermelon and banana, are benefit for Dampness heat individuals. Mutton, ginger, chill pepper, and garlic should be limited.
Body Type Seven: Blood stasis
Dull and grayish skin, spots on the face, dark-red lips, dark circles under eyes.
Impatient, forgetfulness.
Susceptible to get bleeding, abdominal masses, pain syndrome.
Suggestions Diet: Radish, carrot, onion, celery, eggplant, mushroom, papaya, peach, mango, green tea and wine, are suitable for Blood stasis individuals. Greasy, frozen foods should be limited.
Body Type Eight: Qi stagnation
Mostly thin, Depression, skeptical, emotional, suspicious.
Susceptible to insomnia, intestinal problems, depression and breast lumps.
Suggestions Diet: Radish, onion, garlic, wheat, citrus fruit, seaweed and kelp, are suitable for Qi stagnation individuals. Tea and coffee should be limited.
Body Type Nine: Idiosyncrasy
Inborn weakness, relatively poor to external influences.
Susceptible to allergic reaction, common seen with asthma, hay fever, eczema, itching throat, nasal congestion.
Light and balance diet are benefit for Idiosyncrasy individuals.
Suggestions Diet: honey, carrot, needle mushroom are highly recommended. High-protein foods, alcohol, chill pepper, coffee, tea and buckwheat should be avoided.