The 9 TCM Body Types
What are the 9 TCM body types?
The nine body types in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are based on a holistic understanding of the body, focusing on both physical and mental health. According to TCM, the body's balance depends on factors such as Qi (life energy), heat, cold, dampness, blood, and organ functions. Each body type reflects a unique pattern of symptoms that arise from imbalances in these elements.
To restore balance, TCM works with a variety of treatment methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, massage and aromatherapy. Each body type has its own characteristics and needs, which makes it possible to tailor treatment to each individual. By understanding your own body type, you can find the right methods and specific essential oils that support the body's natural harmony, promote well-being and strengthen both body and mind.
However, it is important to note that one’s body type is not static – it can change over time depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, environment and general health. Therefore, TCM is not just about identifying a fixed type, but rather about continuously listening to the body’s needs and adapting treatment accordingly.
Aromatherapy treatment is only to promote well-being, and if you have any health problems, you should always consult a doctor.
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NO.1. Balanced Type
Physical Symptoms: Good health, strong immune system, stable energy, healthy skin and good digestion
Mental: Balanced, positive, rarely stressed or worried
Recommended Essential Oils : Lavender, Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Rose Otto
Usage methods :
Aromatherapy (Scented Lamp): Use oils that have calming, uplifting and balancing properties to maintain natural balance.
Massage : Lightly massage the body to promote circulation and well-being.
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NO.2. Qi Deficiency Type
Physical Symptoms : Tired, pale skin, poor appetite, easily out of breath , weak voice, shortness of breath, low stamina, tendency to infections
Mental: Lack of motivation, often mentally tired, low self-confidence, restlessness
Recommended Essential Oils : Rosemary, Peppermint, Lemon
Usage methods:
Aromatherapy (Scented Lamp): Use uplifting oils in your diffuser to strengthen Qi and provide renewed energy.
Massage : Inhalation for an energy boost , massage the abdomen, chest areas and soles of the feet to strengthen the energy of the spleen.
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NO 3. Yang Deficiency Type
Physical Symptoms : Often feels cold, especially hands and feet, weak digestion, tendency to fluid retention
Mental: Introspective, may feel apathetic or lack drive, lack of motivation, easily depressed
Recommended Essential Oils : Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Ginger, Frankincense
Usage methods :
Aromatherapy (Scented Lamp): Use warming and energizing oils to stimulate blood circulation and warm the body from within. This can relieve cold sensations and promote a sense of energy and vitality.
Massage : Massage the kidney region (lower back) to strengthen Yang energy.
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NO 4. Yin Deficiency Type
Physical Symptoms : Dry mouth and throat, internal heat , dry skin, feeling of heat in the body, sleep problems, night sweats
Mental: Restless, easily stressed, can lead to mental unrest and poor sleep quality, a quick and irritable temperament, easy to get upset and emotional fluctuations.
Recommended Essential Oils : Sandalwood, Chamomile, Ylang-ylang
Usage methods :
Aromatherapy (Scented Lamp) : Use Yin, cooling and calming oils in a diffuser in the evening to reduce internal heat and promote relaxation.
Massage : Massage the soles of the feet and lower back to strengthen Yin energy.
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NO. 5. Slimy-damp Type
Physical Symptoms : Bloating, fluid retention, heavy body , oily skin, tendency to acne and inflammation, irritability, tendency to accumulate mucus
Mental: Short-tempered, often frustrated or impatient, Easily tired, mentally slow
Recommended Essential Oils : Tea Tree, Grapefruit, Eucalyptus
Usage methods :
Aromatherapy (Scented Lamp) : Use a stimulating oil blend to massage the body, especially the abdomen and thighs, to reduce fluid retention.
Massage : Dilute essential oil with a carrier oil at a concentration of 1-2%. Massage the abdomen and chest to strengthen the function of the spleen.
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NO 6. Heat-humid Type
Physical Symptoms : Bloated stomach, decreased appetite, heavy body, oily skin, acne, bad breath, restlessness, tendency to rashes, heat sensitivity, yellow tongue coating, bitter taste in the morning.
Mental : Tired and heavy in the body, exhausted, sleepy, irritable and restless, easily frustrated.
Recommended Essential Oils : Mint, Tea Tree, Patchouli, Lavender, Lemon Balm
Usage methods :
Aromatherapy (Scented Lamp) : Use cooling and cleansing oils to balance the heat and ease the feeling of heaviness.
Massage : Dilute essential oil with a carrier oil at a concentration of 1-2%. Massage the temples and liver area to reduce heat and humidity.
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NO. 7.Blood Stagnation Type
Physical Symptoms : Cold hands and feet, stiff neck and shoulders, headaches, constipation, rough skin, dark spots and dull skin tone, tendency to hair loss, dark lips, and bluish-purple tongue, often stabbing pains in the body.
Mental : Often feels tired and exhausted, sighs often, easily broods, depressed and sad, with mood swings such as irritability and a tendency towards depression.
Recommended Essential Oils : Rose Otto, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Cypress, Myrrh
Usage methods :
Aromatherapy (Scented Lamp) : Use warm, circulation-boosting oils in a diffuser to stimulate blood flow.
Massage : Dilute essential oil with a carrier oil at a concentration of 1-2%. Massage arms and legs to improve blood circulation.
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No.8. Qi Stagnation Type
Physical Symptoms : Skin tone looks yellow and lacks glow, has a feeling of something in the throat that cannot be coughed up, has trouble sleeping, and experiences pain in the ribs or chest from time to time.
Mental : Often feels sad, stressed, mood swings, tense, anxious and easily startled, sighs without being aware of it, tendency towards depression.
Recommended Essential Oils : Bergamot, Neroli, Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, Lemon Balm
Usage methods :
Aromatherapy (Scented Lamp) : Use citrus and floral oils to lift your mood and create lightness in the body.
Massage : Dilute essential oil with a carrier oil at a concentration of 1-2%. Massage areas related to the liver meridian, such as the sides of the rib cage (the area where the liver is located). This can stimulate liver energy and reduce stagnation.
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No. 9. Special Type
Physical Symptoms : Frequent runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion for no apparent reason. Tendencies towards asthma and allergies to medications, food, smells, pollen, and seasons. Skin problems such as hives, redness, swelling, itching, eczema, as well as respiratory symptoms such as asthma and rhinitis and digestive problems.
Mental : Easily stressed, sensitive to surroundings, difficulty falling asleep, low energy level, distrustful, anxious.
Recommended Essential Oils : Chamomile, Lavender, Helichrysum, Rose Otto
Directions for use: Aromatherapy (Diffuser) : Use 1-2 drops at a time to avoid overreaction. Diffuse for short periods (15-30 minutes).
Massage : Dilute essential oil with a carrier oil at a concentration of 1-2%. Massage the skin lightly to soothe and strengthen the immune system.
