How Do the body constitutions of children and adults differ? (2)

Previously, we talked about how children’s constitutions differ from adults’, you can click here to read part (1) first before we continue ~

Now, let’s look into the types and features of children’s constitutions.

The progress of a child’s physical and mental development serves as a key indicator of overall health. Each stage of growth presents distinct patterns and phases. Notably, the first six years of life are vital for future development. During this timeframe, a child’s constitution and the onset and progression of illnesses strongly influence their growth and cognitive development.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes the specific characteristics of adult constitutions and categorizes children from birth to six years into seven distinct types based on their daily physical conditions, dietary patterns, growth and developmental traits, the influence of the external environmental factors on their health, and the progression of disease-post infection. These seven classifications include energetic constitution, spleen deficiency constitution, ingestion constitution, heat stagnation constitution, dampness stagnation constitution, excessive heart fire constitution, and special constitution ^[1]

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Characteristics of Energetic Constitution

Definition	A normal constitution, characterized by a good physical state and a positive mental state.
Formation factor	Optimal genetic inheritance Proper nutrition and care postnatally
Physical characteristics	Proper height development Proper weight proportion
Proper weight proportion	Rosy and radiant skin complexion Clear verbal communication Peaceful night sleep Regular bowel movement once a day
Dietary habits	Weak appetite, reduced food intake, and picky eaters. Low self-regulation skills of the body. Noticeable discomfort after consuming hot or cold foods or slightly larger portions.
Characteristics of growth and development	Typical physical development Cognitive development aligns with the standard level
Impact of the external environment to the body	Strong ability to adapt to variations in weather Will not suffer illness or notable discomfort from sudden weather changes.
The pattern of disease progression after infection	A low susceptibility to illness Even with the onset of illness, recovery often progresses quickly.

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Daily Wellness Routine

(1) Nutritional Care

1. Choose foods with neutral flavours and properties, such as broccoli, black fungus, and tomatoes.

2. Ensure a variety of foods in the diet to maintain balanced nutrition.

(2) Acupressure point massage

Massage the Zusanli (ST 36) acupoint daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

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Characteristics of Spleen Deficiency Constitution

Definition	A constitution that displays a sensitive spleen and stomach, along with decreased functionality.
Formation factor	Poor genetic inheritance. Improper dietary care post-birth, often facing extreme hunger or fullness, or excessive intake of cold or raw foods.
Physical characteristics	The body type is relatively slim or slightly overweight. The physical fitness level is relatively low.
Daily physical condition	Yellowish skin tone and dull yellow hair Frequent stomach aches and excessive sweating Unrestful sleep during the night Irregular bowel movements or foul-smelling stools
Dietary habits	Healthy appetite, not picky eaters The body has the ability to self-regulate Does not show adverse reactions after consuming hot or cold foods
Characteristics of growth and development	Height and weight growth are below the standard Cognitive development aligns with the standard level
Impact of the external environment to the body	The body struggles to adapt to shifts in weather Abrupt weather changes can lead to colds or diarrhoea
The pattern of disease progression after infection	Prone to frequent colds, food stagnation, loss of appetite, or diarrhoea Susceptible to developing a spleen deficiency syndrome after getting sick

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Daily Wellness Routine

(1) Nutritional Care

1. Consume foods that strengthen the spleen, such as Chinese yam, potatoes, carrots, and red dates.

2. Avoid excessively greasy or hard-to-digest foods, such as glutinous rice and cheese.

(2) Acupressure point massage

Massage the Pi Shu (BL 20)and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

**[1] 潘佩光.(2010).0-6岁儿童常见中医体质辨识与保健..(eds.)第六届全国中西医结合基础理论研究学术研讨会暨第二届湖南省中西医结合学会肝病专业学术年会论文集(pp.78-87)..

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