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.
Yan Zhou, DAcCHM, LAc
Dr. Yan Zhou is a New York–licensed acupuncturist, TCM scholar and practitioner. She earned her Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) and Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) from Pacific College of Health and Science – New York. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Zhou’s practice focuses on women’s health, infertility support, preventive medicine, and natural healing. She was honored as one of the Outstanding Young TCM Practitioners of the Year (2023–2024) by the Young Acupuncturists Association of the American TCM Association.