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.
Edward Chiu, LAc, DAOM
Dr. Edward Chiu has been teaching acupuncture case report writing for over 10 years at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. After earning his Master in Acupuncture from the New England School of Acupuncture and his DAOM from OCOM, he spent time pursuing traditional acupuncture apprenticeships in Taiwan and has also been involved in acupuncture research studies in the U.S. at both Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Arizona. He recently authored a textbook titled Writing Acupuncture Case Reports: Theory and Practice, on the importance of writing case reports and with instructions on how to write one for publication.