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.
Jennifer Stone, MSOM, LAc
Jennifer Stone is a clinician scientist educator and faculty member in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine; and serves as co-chair of the Indiana Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health. Her clinical training is in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and she has 34 years of experience treating patients in the clinic. Jennifer also has 15 years of experience serving as editor in chief and senior editor of four international biomedical journals, and is currently the EIC of Medical Acupuncture, published by MaryAnn Liebert/SAGE.