Constructing a Health Management Model of “Constitution-Based Dietary Education” for 3–6-Year-Old Children in Kindergartens Based on TCM Constitution Theory

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmhs.202605316

Author(s)

Nianci Xue*, Suhui Liu, Wenquan Li

Affiliation(s)

Guangdong Mechanical & Electrical Polytechnic, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

The problem of constitution imbalances among preschool children is becoming increasingly prominent. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution theory provides a theoretical framework of “classifiable constitutions, constitution–disease association, and modifiable constitutions” for children’s health management. In recent years, numerous practical experiences have emerged across China in innovating health management models in kindergartens, which have supplied an institutional foundation and operational references for integrating TCM constitution-based dietary education into kindergartens. Based on a systematic review of children’s TCM constitution identification tools and the distribution characteristics of preschool children’s constitutions, and in combination with the latest practical trends in kindergarten health management, this paper proposes the construction of a “Constitution-Based Dietary Education” health management model. The model uses TCM constitution identification as its foundation, personalised dietary regulation as its core, and a four‑party collaboration of “kindergarten–college–family–medical institution” as its safeguard, forming a closed‑loop management process of “identification–intervention–evaluation–follow‑up”. At the same time, it advocates offering TCM constitution enlightenment courses in kindergartens, thereby integrating health management with cultural heritage. This provides a theoretical framework and practical pathway for children’s health management in kindergartens.

Keywords

TCM Constitution Theory; Preschool Children; Constitution‑Based Dietary Education; Health Management Model; Kindergarten

References

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