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.
Christine Cannon, DAOM, Dipl. OM, LAc
Christine Cannon received her education at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has been in clinical practice in Colorado and Hawaii since 1993, and provides Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary and lifestyle counseling in both the private practice and teaching clinic setting. Cannon completed two clinical internships in China, both with an emphasis on Chinese herbal medicine and received her clinical doctorate in acupuncture and Oriental medicine (DAOM) in 2014.