Poor Constitutionaccording to TCM

What is Poor Constitution?

Poor constitution refers to a state of reduced physical strength and vitality, often characterized by a thin, frail body. This condition goes beyond mere physical appearance, indicating deeper health concerns such as an impaired ability to resist illness and recover from fatigue. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses a range of symptoms and underlying health issues, reflecting the body's weakened state.

How does TCM view Poor Constitution?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives poor constitution as a manifestation of imbalances and deficiencies within the body's fundamental systems. Unlike Western medicine, which may focus on specific physical ailments, TCM looks at poor constitution as a sign of disharmony in the body's Qi (energy), Blood, and organ systems.

This holistic approach aims to identify and correct the underlying imbalances that contribute to a weakened constitution, often involving a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and acupuncture.

Root Causes of Poor Constitution in TCM

In TCM, poor constitution is often linked to Yin Deficiency and Blood Deficiency. Yin Deficiency, for instance, might manifest as a thin body with symptoms like perspiration, dry mouth, and back pain, indicating a lack of nourishing fluids and cooling aspects in the body.

Blood Deficiency can present as a frail body with symptoms such as dizziness, pale complexion, and fatigue, reflecting a lack of the vital substances needed for overall vitality and health. Addressing these deficiencies through tailored treatments is key in TCM's approach to improving constitution.

Explore below more details about what might cause Poor constitution according to TCM.

By Syndrome
By Organ

Yin Deficiency
Blood Deficiency
Yang Deficiency
Qi Deficiency
Blood Stasis
Heat
Dryness
View More Causes

View More Causes

Kidney
Lung
Large Intestine

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Common Symptoms: Generalized Fatigue Flushed Cheekbones Night Sweats Insomnia Hot Palms And Soles Dry Mouth Dry Mouth And Throat At Night Scanty And Dark Urine

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Poor constitution, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more	Liu Wei Di Huang Wan \| Zuo Gui Wan \| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan \| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2 \| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency	Thin body lacking strength, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more	Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang \| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang \| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang \| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan \| Suan Zao Ren Tang
Lung Yin Deficiency	Thin body lacking strength, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest	Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang \| Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang \| Bu Fei E Jiao Tang \| Jiu Xian San

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Common Symptoms: Palpitations Dizziness Insomnia Low Milk Supply Lower Abdominal Pain Scanty Menstruation Menstrual Cramps Blurry Vision

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency	Thin body lacking strength, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more	Gui Pi Tang \| Ba Zhen Tang \| Guo Qi Yin \| Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation	Thin body lacking strength, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor constitution, Irregular periods, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain... see more	Si Wu Tang \| Tao Hong Si Wu Tang

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency	Thin body lacking strength, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination... see more	You Gui Wan

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency	Thin body lacking strength, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more	Gui Pi Tang \| Ba Zhen Tang \| Guo Qi Yin \| Zhi Gan Cao Tang

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation	Thin body lacking strength, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor constitution, Irregular periods, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain... see more	Si Wu Tang \| Tao Hong Si Wu Tang

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency	Thin body lacking strength, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more	Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang \| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang \| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang \| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan \| Suan Zao Ren Tang

Dryness

"Dryness" in TCM refers to a state where there is a lack of moisture in the body, much like how the land feels during a drought. It's a pattern of disharmony that can arise from external factors like dry weather or internal issues, such as insufficient fluid intake or certain lifestyle habits. When your body experiences this dryness, you might notice symptoms like dry skin, a scratchy throat, dry eyes, or even constipation. It's similar to the feeling of being parched or having dry, chapped lips in a very dry climate. TCM views this as an imbalance where the body's yin - often associated with moisture and cooling - is depleted.... see more

Dryness Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Dryness in Large Intestine	Thin body lacking strength, Constipation, Thirst, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Poor constitution, Dizziness, Bad breath, Irritable bowel syndrome, Hemorrhoids... see more	Zeng Ye Tang

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Common Symptoms: Back Pain Lower Back Pain Infertility Premature Ejaculation Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Depression Menopausal Hot Flashes

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Poor constitution, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more	Liu Wei Di Huang Wan \| Zuo Gui Wan \| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan \| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2 \| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Kidney Yang Deficiency	Thin body lacking strength, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination... see more	You Gui Wan

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Lung Yin Deficiency	Thin body lacking strength, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest	Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang \| Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang \| Bu Fei E Jiao Tang \| Jiu Xian San

Large Intestine

In TCM the Large Intestine is primarily seen as responsible for the absorption of fluids and the excretion of waste. It is closely related to the Lung in terms of energy flow and function, reflecting the interconnectedness of organ systems in TCM. When the Large Intestine malfunctions, it can lead to issues such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an inability to let go of emotional waste, like holding onto grief or stress. This is in line with the TCM view that the physical and emotional aspects of health are deeply connected. An imbalanced Large Intestine can also manifest as skin problems, signifying the organ’s role in eliminating toxins and maintaining balance in the body’s internal environment.... see more

Large Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Poor Constitution

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Dryness in Large Intestine	Thin body lacking strength, Constipation, Thirst, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Poor constitution, Dizziness, Bad breath, Irritable bowel syndrome, Hemorrhoids... see more	Zeng Ye Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Poor Constitution

TCM uses specific formulas and herbs to strengthen the body's constitution. For Yin Deficiency patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency or Lung Yin Deficiency, formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang are recommended.

These contain herbs like Prepared Rehmannia to nourish Yin and improve overall vitality. For Blood Deficiency, formulas like Gui Pi Tang or Si Wu Tang, enriched with herbs like Ginseng, are used to enhance Qi and nourish the blood. These treatments aim to holistically bolster the body’s strength and resilience, addressing the root causes of a weak constitution.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address poor constitution, organized by cause and by formula type.

By Cause
By Formula Type

Yin Deficiency
Blood Deficiency
Yang Deficiency
Qi Deficiency
Blood Stasis
Heat
Dryness
View More Causes

View More Causes

Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
Formulas that tonify qi and blood
Formulas that tonify blood
Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
Formulas that tonify yin and yang
Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
Formulas that secure lungs and stop coughing
Formulas that warm yang and tonify

View More Types

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause poor constitution, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Poor Constitution Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang	Lung Yin Deficiency
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang	Lung Yin Deficiency
Bu Fei E Jiao Tang	Lung Yin Deficiency
Jiu Xian San	Lung Yin Deficiency

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Gui Pi Tang

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause poor constitution, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Poor Constitution Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Gui Pi Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Ba Zhen Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Guo Qi Yin	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Zhi Gan Cao Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang	Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang	Blood Deficiency and Stagnation

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
You Gui Wan

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause poor constitution, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency

Learn more

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Gui Pi Tang

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause poor constitution, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Poor Constitution Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Gui Pi Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Ba Zhen Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Guo Qi Yin	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Zhi Gan Cao Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Si Wu Tang

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause poor constitution, such as Blood Deficiency and Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Poor Constitution Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang	Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang	Blood Deficiency and Stagnation

Top Formula for Heat:
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause poor constitution, such as Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Poor Constitution Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

Top Formula for Dryness:
Zeng Ye Tang

Suitable for Dryness patterns that may cause poor constitution, such as Dryness in Large Intestine

Learn more

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for poor constitution

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Bu Fei E Jiao Tang	Lung Yin Deficiency

Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2, with biota seeds as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for poor constitution

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

Formulas that tonify Blood

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.

One such formula is Guo Qi Yin, with dong quai as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for poor constitution

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Guo Qi Yin	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang	Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang	Blood Deficiency and Stagnation

Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness" recommended for poor constitution

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang	Lung Yin Deficiency
Zeng Ye Tang	Dryness in Large Intestine

Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.

One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that tonify qi and blood" recommended for poor constitution

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Gui Pi Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Ba Zhen Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Zhi Gan Cao Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency

Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for poor constitution

Formula	Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang	Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.

Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.

Formulas that secure Lungs and stop coughing

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Jiu Xian San, with poppy capsule as a key herb.

Formulas that warm Yang and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some poor constitution-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.

One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Poor Constitution

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address poor constitution, organized by herb category.

By Herb Category

Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that invigorate the blood
Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
Herbs that cool the blood
Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Tonic herbs for yang deficiency

View More Categories

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

Poor constitution can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.

One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for poor constitution, like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.