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.
Jiazhen Li, DAOM, LAc, MD (China)
Dr. Jiazhen Li graduated from Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2014, received her master's degree from the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) in 2016, and her DAOM degree from Bastyr University in 2019. She completed a one-year internship in a Chinese TCM hospital, a two-year internship in the ACAOM main clinic, and a two-year internship in Harborview Hospital (Seattle,Wash.) during the DAOM program. Her broad experiences have helped her understand the development of acupuncture in China and the rest of the world.