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.
Sara Arscott, PhD, CCRP
Sara Arscott, PhD, CCRP, is the manager of clinical research at Standard Process Inc. In this role, she designs and prepares clinical research protocols and conducts, coordinates and monitors clinical trials. Arscott earned her doctorate in nutritional sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2009. She can be reached at sarscott@standardprocess.com.