Balanced constitution (Ping He)

On this page

What is the balanced constitution?
Signs of a balanced constitution
Dietary recommendations
Foods to favour
Foods to limit
Lifestyle
Related pages

1. What is the balanced constitution?

The balanced constitution — Ping He in Chinese, literally “balanced and harmonious” — is the ideal body type in TCM, marked by a well-functioning balance of yin and yang, an even distribution of qi and blood, and a stable adaptation to environment and stress. The aim of all TCM treatment is to move the patient towards this balanced state.

2. Signs of a balanced constitution

Even, rosy complexion with neither pallor nor flushing.
Stable, even temperament; resilient to stress.
Good appetite, regular bowel motions, sound sleep.
Tongue: pale red with a thin, even white coating.
Pulse: smooth, regular and moderate in strength.
Adapts well to seasonal changes; rarely catches infections.
Normal thirst, neither thirsty nor averse to drinking.

3. Dietary recommendations

The balanced constitution requires a maintaining rather than corrective diet: variety, moderation, regular meals, predominantly cooked food, limited extremes of any flavour or thermal nature, and seasonal variation. The aim is to preserve harmony rather than push it in any one direction.

4. Foods to favour

A wide variety of grains: rice, oats, millet, barley, quinoa.
Vegetables in season, mostly cooked: leafy greens, root vegetables, mushrooms.
Moderate amounts of meat, fish and eggs.
Beans and pulses: black beans, mung beans, adzuki, lentils.
Seasonal fruit, mostly local rather than tropical.
Nuts and seeds in modest amounts.
Warm soups, congees and stews.

5. Foods to limit

Excess of any single flavour (sweet, salty, pungent, bitter, sour).
Excess raw and cold food, especially iced drinks.
Excess alcohol, caffeine, sugar and processed food.
Skipping meals or eating very late at night.

6. Lifestyle

The balanced constitution is preserved by regular sleep, daily moderate movement (walking, t'ai chi, yoga), seasonal adaptation of clothing and food, and management of emotional and work stress. Annual health checks and seasonal acupuncture “tune-ups” help maintain the balanced state across decades.