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.
Tim Baglio, MSAOM, LAc
Tim Baglio owns and operates the Bellingham Chinese Herb Pharmacy and Birchwood Acupuncture Clinic in Bellingham, WA. Tim graduated from the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine in 2007, and representing the Hung Kuen tradition of Foshan, has studied extensively in China and Korea.