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.
Pam Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA & GSD-CI, LMT
Pamela Ellen Ferguson is semi-retired after years of teaching primarily CEU and advanced ABT courses in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. She was AOMA’s dean emerita of ABT and a former board member of the AOBTA. For previous column articles, visit her online columnist page. She also welcomes comments via email: pamelacudot@gmail.com.