Do you feel tired for no reason? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your diet could be the key!
The CCMQ (Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire) is a scientifically validated tool that allows you to identify your energetic constitution among the nine types recognised in TCM. This knowledge is essential for adapting your diet and lifestyle to your specific needs.
The CCMQ: A Unique Tool for Your Health
Developed by researchers in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the CCMQ is a 60-question questionnaire that assesses your physical, emotional and energetic characteristics to determine your dominant constitution.
How does the CCMQ work?
- Answer the questionnaire (about 5 minutes)
- Discover your dominant constitution
- Receive personalised advice
- Apply the recommendations for your wellbeing
The 9 TCM Constitutions
In Chinese medicine, each person is born with a base constitution that influences their health and wellbeing. Discover below the unique characteristics of each constitution.
1. Neutral Constitution
“The perfect balance between Yin and Yang”
Characteristics:
- Good general health
- Stable energy
- Resistance to illness
Recommended foods:
All food groups in moderation, favouring seasonal and local foods.
2. Qi Xu (Qi Deficiency)
“The lack of vital energy”
Common symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Weak voice
- Spontaneous sweating
Recommended foods:
Brown rice, carrots, sweet potatoes, ginger, chicken, dates, shiitake mushrooms, honey.
3. Yang Xu (Yang Deficiency)
“The lack of vital warmth”
Common symptoms:
- Feeling cold
- Lower back pain
- Cold limbs
- Lack of vitality
Recommended foods:
Cinnamon, ginger, garlic, onion, leek, lamb, nuts, dried fruits, dark chocolate.
4. Yin Xu (Yin Deficiency)
“The lack of hydration and coolness”
Common symptoms:
- Hot flushes
- Dryness (skin, eyes, mouth)
- Night sweating
- Insomnia
Recommended foods:
Pear, apple, tofu, spinach, seaweed, sesame seeds, fish roe, oysters.
5. Damp-Heat
“The excess of dampness and heat”
Common symptoms:
- Feeling of heaviness
- Oily skin
- Bitter mouth
- Sticky stools
Recommended foods:
Cucumber, celery, green tea, barley, radish, grapefruit, watermelon, mung beans.
6. Damp-Cold
“The cold that slows circulation”
Common symptoms:
- Feeling cold
- Water retention
- Joint pain
- Slow digestion
Recommended foods:
Leek, fennel, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, nuts, glutinous rice, cooked carrots.
7. Qi Stagnation
“The energy that does not circulate”
Common symptoms:
- Bloating
- Irritability
- Changing pains
- Mild depression
Recommended foods:
Oregano, rosemary, basil, citrus, radish, cabbage, cider vinegar, seaweed.
8. Blood Stasis
“The blood that stagnates”
Common symptoms:
- Fixed, stabbing pains
- Varicose veins
- Dry, flaky skin
- Painful periods with clots
Recommended foods:
Aubergine, beetroot, cinnamon, turmeric, peach, kelp, black mushrooms, green tea.
9. Allergic Constitution
“Excessive sensitivity to external factors”
Common symptoms:
- Seasonal allergies
- Frequent sneezing
- Runny nose
- Sensitive skin
Recommended foods:
Local honey, ginger, garlic, onion, green tea, turmeric, peppers, broccoli, spinach.
How the CCMQ Transforms Your Diet
Knowing your constitution allows you to adapt your diet to maintain or restore your body’s energetic balance. For example, a person with a Yang Xu (Yang deficiency) constitution will benefit from warming foods such as cinnamon or ginger, while a person with a Damp-Heat constitution should favour draining foods such as cucumber or green tea.
Concrete example: Marie, 38, suffered from sleep disorders. The CCMQ test revealed a Yin Xu constitution. By following the dietary recommendations specific to her constitution, she regained restorative sleep in just three weeks.
For Therapists: Integrating the CCMQ into Consultations
If you are a Chinese medicine therapist, naturopath or dietician, the CCMQ can be a valuable tool to:
- Save time in patient assessment
- Refine your nutritional recommendations
- Offer more precise personalised plans
- Improve your patients’ outcomes
Ready to Discover Your TCM Constitution?
Take the free CCMQ test and receive your personalised guide to the nine constitutions with dietary recommendations adapted to your energetic profile.
Create My Personalised Plan
Frequently Asked Questions about the CCMQ
How do I take the free CCMQ test?
Simply click the “Take the Free CCMQ Test” button above and answer the questions. It is quick, simple and you will get your results immediately.
How long does the questionnaire take?
The full test generally takes between 5 and 10 minutes. The questions cover your physical and emotional characteristics and your health habits.
Is the CCMQ scientifically validated?
Yes, the CCMQ is a tool validated by numerous scientific studies and widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine research.
Take the CCMQ Test Now
Discover your energetic constitution by answering a few simple questions.
Article written by Yin Shi, practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sources: Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内经), Bencao Gangmu (本草纲目) by Li Shizhen, and contemporary TCM dietary recommendations. This article is provided for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice.
To go further
Yin Shi ecosystem resources directly related to this article.
Answer the CCMQ questionnaire
The questionnaire presented in the article is available free of charge.
Take the test →The five constitutional profiles of the Five Elements
The lesson links the CCMQ constitutions to the five profiles of the Chinese model.
Take the lesson →