Q I heard tonics differ by constitution. How do they differ depending on your constitutional type?
A Each constitutional type has different strong and weak organ systems, so the direction and herbal composition of the tonic change accordingly. Prescribing without regard to constitution may produce no effect or even cause discomfort.
Detailed Answer
In constitutional medicine, the appropriate direction differs by type: for some, the liver is strong and the lungs weak, so the formula focuses on strengthening lung qi; for others, the kidneys are strong and the digestive system weak, so it focuses on reinforcing the digestive system; for still others, the digestive system is strong and the kidneys weak, so it focuses on replenishing kidney yin. Even the same deer-antler tonic uses different accompanying herbs depending on constitution.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang Korean Medicine Clinic, we analyze the constitutional type through pulse diagnosis, set the tonic's direction to match the constitution, and then determine the herbal composition reflecting the current state of excess and deficiency. This is why the composition differs from patient to patient even under the same formula name.
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