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.
Deb Boehme, PhD, DOM, LPCC
Deb Boehme has been a doctor of Oriental medicine since 2004 and works in an East/West integrative pain and rehabilitation clinic in Albuquerque, N.M. The clinic offers acupuncture, acupressure, physical therapy, prolotherapy, homeopathic injections and blood morphology testing. She is also an EMT Intermediate.