The CCMQ (Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire) is a scientifically validated questionnaire that identifies your constitutional type among the 9 profiles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Developed by Professor Wang Qi’s team (北京中医药大学, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine), this 60-question test allows you to adapt your diet and lifestyle to your energetic constitution (体质 Tǐ Zhì).
What is the CCMQ?
The CCMQ is a standardised constitutional assessment tool, published in 2006 in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is based on the theory of the 9 constitutions (九种体质 Jiǔ Zhǒng Tǐ Zhì) developed by Wang Qi from the TCM classics.
How does the test work?
The questionnaire comprises 60 questions about your physical sensations, emotions and habits over the last three months. Each question is rated on a scale of 1 to 5:
| Score | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 1 | Never |
| 2 | Rarely |
| 3 | Sometimes |
| 4 | Often |
| 5 | Always |
The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Your answers are analysed to calculate a converted score for each constitutional type. A score of 60% or more for the Balanced constitution indicates energetic harmony, while a score of 40% or more for another constitution indicates a marked tendency.
Interpreting the results
Balanced constitution (平和质 Píng Hé Zhì)
If your converted score is 60% or more for the Balanced constitution, you present a general harmony of your vital energy. This indicates good Yin-Yang balance, efficient digestion and natural resistance to illness.
Unbalanced constitutions
For the 8 other constitutions, a converted score of 40% or more indicates a dominant constitution, while a score between 30% and 40% suggests a tendency. Each unbalanced constitution guides specific dietary recommendations:
- Qi deficiency: tonifying foods (rice, sweet potato, chicken)
- Yang deficiency: warming foods (ginger, cinnamon, lamb)
- Yin deficiency: nourishing foods (pear, honey, black sesame)
- Phlegm-Dampness: draining foods (radish, pu’er tea, barley)
- Damp-Heat: clarifying foods (celery, cucumber, green tea)
- Blood stasis: foods that promote circulation (turmeric, saffron, vinegar)
- Qi stagnation: foods that move Qi (mint, fennel, lemon)
- Special diathesis: anti-allergenic foods (cabbage, broccoli, omega-3)
Dietary recommendations by constitution
Limits of the test
The CCMQ is an indicative self-assessment tool. It does not replace a professional medical diagnosis nor a consultation with a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Constitutional imbalances can be temporary and influenced by lifestyle, stress and environment.
For a complete assessment, consult a practitioner who will combine the CCMQ with examination of the pulse (脉象 Mài Xiàng), the tongue (舌诊 Shé Zhěn) and a full medical history.
To go further
Discover our complete guide to diet in Chinese medicine to deepen your understanding of energetic dietetics, or explore our personalised TCM nutrition meal plan for menus adapted to your constitution.
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, Wang Qi et al., “Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ)”, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2006, 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.
Take the CCMQ online
The questionnaire described in the article is available free to locate you.
Take the test →The multi-system grid of terrain
The lesson shows how the practitioner assesses constitution, where the CCMQ measures it.
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