To bring Yakuzen into your daily diet, the first step is to know your own body constitution.

Some foods may not be suitable for certain constitutions but are perfect for others. The way you cook your food also makes a big difference. For example, both daikon radish and turnip aid digestion. But if you often have cold hands and feet (a “cold” constitution), turnip, which is neutral in nature, will suit you better than daikon, which has a cooling effect. On the other hand, if you tend to hold excess heat in your body, cooling foods like daikon can help, while people with cold constitutions benefit more from warming ingredients.

As you can see, the foods that are right for you can vary greatly depending on your constitution. That’s why it’s so valuable to understand your current condition and choose ingredients and cooking methods that truly support your health.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), body constitutions are classified into the following nine types. Lots of people don’t fit neatly into just one, but instead show a blend of two or more.
Our bodies are unique, and our body constitutions naturally change over time. Factors such as lifestyle habits, age, gender, illness, Genetic traits, and even the climate or environment you live in all play a role.

9 Body Constitutions

1. Neutral Constitution

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this refers to a well-balanced and healthy body constitution.

• Abundance energy
  Stabled emotion state
• Adapts easily to changes
• Radiant complexion
• Shiny and healthy hair
• Sleeps well
• Healthy appetite
• Regular bowel movements
• Light pink colored tongue, with thin white coating, no tooth marks

Additional signs linked to menstruation (if applicable):

• Regular menstrual cycles
• No menstrual pain

2. Qi Deficiency Constitution (気虚体質）

A Qi-deficient body type simply means your “Qi” (your body’s vital energy) is running low.
Qi is the foundation of our vitality and plays an important role in keeping us healthy and active.
You can find more about Qi Deficiency here.

3. Yang Defiency Constitution (陽虚体質)

Yang refers to the warming, activating, and energizing aspect of the body that helps keep everything moving and functioning smoothly.
When Yang is lacking, the body’s warmth and activity levels drop, which can lead to feelings of cold, sluggishness, and reduced vitality.
You can find more about Yang Deficiency here.

4. Blood Deficiency Constitution (血虚体質)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), 血虚 (kekkyō in Japanese, xuè xū in Mandarin) doesn’t mean you literally have “less blood” or anemia.
Instead, it describes a state where your Blood is not abundant or nourishing enough to fully support your body’s functions.

Blood, in this sense, is more than a physical substance — it’s a vital, nutrient-rich fluid that keeps your skin glowing, your mind calm, and your body energized.
You can find more about Blood Deficiency here.

5. Yin Deficiency Constitution (陰虚体質)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yin refers to the cooling, moistening, and nourishing aspect of the body that helps keep everything in balance.
Yin is made up of the body’s vital fluids — such as Blood, body fluids, and essence — that hydrate tissues, calm the mind, and regulate body temperature.

When Yin becomes deficient, these nourishing fluids are depleted. Without enough Yin, the body can feel too warm, dry, and restless, and it may not have enough moisture to keep organs and tissues healthy.
You can find more about Yin Deficiency here.

6. Yang-Excess Constitution (陽盛体質)

Do you often feel overheated, irritable, or restless, even when others around you seem fine?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this may be described as a Yang-Excess constitution, a state where too much internal heat accumulates in the body.

A Yang-Excess constitution refers to a state in which excess heat builds up within the body. This internal heat can make a person more prone to irritability, inflammation, or symptoms such as feeling hot and restless.
You can find more about Yang Excess here.

7. Phlegm-Dampness Constitution (痰湿体質)

Phlegm-Dampness refers to a state where the body’s fluid metabolism is impaired, causing excess fluids to accumulate internally.
You can find more about Phlegm-Dampness here.

8. Qi Stagnation Constitution (気滞体質)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi stagnation means the vital energy that moves your whole body isn’t circulating well. It often develops when qi flow is blocked by daily physical stress or emotional strain, such as suppressed feelings, low mood, frustration, or irritability. When Qi counterflows upward, it can disturb the Shen (mind/heart-spirit), causing stress sensitivity, irritability, and sleep issues. Qi deficiency (not having enough qi) can also lead to stagnation, as there isn’t enough energy to keep things moving smoothly.
You can find more about Qi Stagnation here.

9. Blood Stasis Constitution (血瘀体質)

The blood stasis constitution means your blood doesn’t flow as smoothly as it should. When circulation slows down, nutrients have a harder time reaching the rest of your body, which can leave you feeling off-balance.
You can find more about Blood Stasis here.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to find out which body constitution you are.

This content is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Yakuzen philosophy. It is for general wellness and educational purposes only, not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal medical guidance.