On April 1, 2026, China implemented a landmark national standard: Classification and Determination of TCM Constitution. Although designated as a recommended rather than mandatory standard, it represents a major step in modernizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by converting traditional constitution theory into a clear, measurable and clinically practical framework. By clarifying the relationship between constitution, disease, and pattern differentiation, the standard strengthens professional credibility, supports research, and enhances patient-centered treatment.
Antoinette Barbour, DC, LAc, Dipl. OM
Dr. Antoinette P. Barbour is a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of chiropractic. She graduated from Southern California University of Health Sciences in 2018 (Doctor of Chiropractic degree) and Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Master of Science in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in 2020.