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.
Donna Henderson
Donna Henderson is a licensed acupuncturist, registered nurse and author of Let the Rain Fall Down: Qi Gong Song and Book for Children. She can be contacted at: donnahendersonap@gmail.com.