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.
Iman Majd, MD, MS, EAMP / LAc
Dr. Iman Majd is the director of the Osher Clinic for Integrative Medicine at the  University of Washington and a member of the NCCAOM board of commissioners. Learn more at https://integrativehealth.org/iman_majd.