Body Type Clinical Diagnosis

Warm (a) and Cool (b) Questionnaire

Below are characteristics associated with the Warm and Cool subtypes. Everyone has either a Warm type or a Cool subtype. To make the self-assessment easier, compare yourself to the rest of the population. Do not compare your past self to your current self. And certainly not to specific situations. The overall trend of your thinking process, actions, and physiology will help to get a better gauge of your generalized pattern. Keep in mind that about half the population is a Warm subtype and the other half a Cool subtype. About 70% females and 30% males are Cool subtypes. Conversely, about 30% females and 70% males are Warm subtypes.

If one description does not apply to you, then the opposite should. But some people have similar amounts of opposite characteristics. Determine which one describes you more accurately. These descriptions are conditions while at your healthy state in the absence of any disease or ailment.

Characteristics
Warm Type		Cool Type
1.	I find myself almost never skipping meals. If I skip a meal, then I get easily agitated and irritated.	I often find myself forgetting to eat meals. I can skip meals regularly and do not feel strong hunger pangs on an empty stomach.

Characteristics
Warm Type		Cool Type
2.	I cannot eat slowly. In a group of 10 people, I am one of the first three to finish a meal.	I eat slowly. In a group of 10 people, I am one of the last three to finish a meal.
3.	I am not picky with foods. I tend to try new dishes and flavors.	I am finicky with foods. There are many food items or dishes I avoid or refuse to try.
4.	I like mint flavored gum or candy more than cinnamon.	I like cinnamon flavored gum or candy more than mint.
5.	Generally, I find myself rushing to accomplish tasks at the last moment, instead of in step-by-step increments.	Generally, I do my tasks earlier and in step-by-step increments.
6.	It is a challenge to keep a regular diary.	I do or can keep a regular diary.
7.	I prefer to live without a daily schedule on my phone or organizer.	I am good at upkeeping a daily schedule on my phone or organizer.
8.	It is cumbersome to keep track of detailed information, and I am not detail-oriented.	I am good at paying attention to minute details; I do not mind it being a requirement of my career.
9.	My room is often disorganized, but I can easily find what I need.	My room is usually organized, and I cannot think clearly if it is messy.

Characteristics
Warm Type		Cool Type
10.	I am usually the first person to try something new, rather than relying on someone else to be a guinea pig.	I would rather have somebody else try something new before I do. I am usually not the first to try.
11.	I have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) or a mild form of it.	I have obsessive-compulsive disorder or a mild form of it.
12.	When my skin bruises, it heals within a few days.	My skin is prone to bruising and it can last for weeks.
13.	I can sleep anywhere and sleep deeply.	I am finicky about where I sleep and am a light sleeper.
14.	When I am extremely tired, I fall asleep easily.	When I am extremely tired, I find it difficult to fall asleep.
15.	Caffeine generally does not affect my sleep.	Caffeine will cause insomnia if I drink it after 3:00 pm.
16.	Even in cold weather, I cannot sleep with a blanket over my face; I feel confined.	In cold weather, I am comforntable in sleeping with a blanket over my face.
17.	My hands and feet are usually warm. When they get cold, they quickly warm back up.	My hands and feet get cold easily and tend to stay cold.
18.	Drinking ice water does not cause cramps or bloating. I can drink it all day.	Drinking ice water causes cramping or bloating. It occurs immediately or after a few days of consistently drinking it.

Characteristics
Warm Type		Cool Type
19.	I had a soy allergy as an infant or as an adult which might have ranged from skin itching or to anaphylactic shock.	Intentionally left blank.
20.	Intentionally left blank.	I am allergic or intolerant to many prescription and over-the-counter medications.
21.	Intentionally left blank.	I am often sick with food-poisoning symptoms after eating out at a restaurant. The artificial flavoring such as monosodium glutamate, artificial coloring, and food preservatives such as nitrites cause headaches, indigestion, and fatigue.
22.	I am allergic or have intolerance to corn. Corn starch and syrup cause arthritic pains and fatigue.	I have gluten intolerance. Wheat products make me bloated or cause symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
23.	Intentionally left blank.	I’ve always had thick hair. I have many follicles on my scalp that contain two or three hair roots. My hair density is in the top 20 percentile of the population.
24.	Intentionally left blank.	I have a history of being anemic (mild to severe) or am prone to anemia.

 

Characteristics
Warm Type		Cool Type
25.	Intentionally left blank.	I am or was diagnosed with gastroparesis, which is the slow emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine.
26.	Intentionally left blank.	I am or was diagnosed with Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition of extreme coldness and discoloration of the fingers and toes due to lack of proper blood circulation.
27.	Intentionally left blank.	I have allergic contact dermatitis to latex and/or nickel. My skin breaks out with itching, rash, and redness.

Pointer #1: A confirmed medical diagnosis of celiac disease (gluten intolerance), gastroparesis, corn allergy, and/or Raynaud’s phenomenon in severe form increases the likelihood of being a Cool subtype by 95%.

Pointer #2: Severe, tortuous varicose veins in the legs indicate a 95% likelihood of being a Cool subtype. Those who are highly sensitive to trace amounts of artificial food additives and chemicals, manifesting as severe headaches, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome, are also likely a Cool-Dry body type by the same 95%.

Pointer #3: Having severe adverse reaction to most prescription medications indicates the body type as Cool-Dry body type by 90%. For this reason, they tend to seek natural healers known for their gentler approach.

Pointer #4: Having a severe contact dermatitis or anaphylaxis to latex and/or nickel makes a likelihood of being a Cool subtype by at least 80%.

Damp (c) and Dry (d) Questionnaire

                

Below are characteristics associated with the Damp and Dry subtypes. Everyone is either Damp or Dry, just as they are either Warm or Cool. To make the self-assessment easier, compare yourself to the rest of the population. Do not compare your past self to your current self. And certainly not in specific situations. The overall trend of your thinking process, actions, and physiology will help to get a better gauge of your generalized pattern. Keep in mind that about half the population is a Dry subtype and the other half a Damp subtype. Whether you are a female or male, there is a 50% likelihood of being either one or the other.

If one description does not apply to you, then the other one should.

 But some people have similar amounts of opposite characteristics. Determine which one describes you more accurately. These descriptions are conditions when you are in a healthy state, in the absence of any disease or ailment.

Characteristics
Damp Subtype		Dry Subtype
1.	I find high protein foods to be heavy and take a long time to digest. My bowels are often affected. I do not like the sensation from eating a high protein diet, which makes me feel heavy, tired, and bloated.	I do not find high protein foods to be heavy. I digest them quickly and my bowels do not change. I benefit from a high protein diet, which results in weight loss, and an increase in energy, focus, and clarity.

Characteristics
Damp Type		Dry Type
2.	I find greasy or fried foods to be heavy and take a long time to digest. My bowels are often easily affected.	I do not find greasy or fried foods to be heavy. I digest them quickly and my bowels do not change.
3.	I get motion sickness easily, such as on boats or airplanes. I cannot read a book as a passenger in a car for more than five minutes.	I do not get motion sickness easily, such as on boats or airplanes. I can read a book as a passenger in a car for more than 15 minutes.
4.	I am lactose intolerant or allergic to milk products. I experience increased nasal discharge, bloating, and or a change in bowel function after drinking a glass of milk.	I am not intolerant to milk products. I do not feel bloated or have a change in bowel movement. I can drink two glasses of milk every day without symptoms.
5.	My sense of hearing is keener than my sense of smell.	My sense of smell is keener than my sense of hearing.
6.	I feel light-headed or dizzy when I have a strong mint taste, such as mint-flavored gum, in my mouth for more than 10 minutes.	I do not feel light-headed or dizzy when I have a strong mint taste, such as mint-flavored gum, in my mouth for more than 10 minutes.
7.	I do not like perfume or strong odors. They sometimes give me a headache or make me feel dizzy.	I am not bothered by perfume or strong odors.

 

Characteristics
Damp subtype		Dry subtype
8.	Regardless of the quality, my voice is middle- to high-pitched.	Regardless of the quality, my voice is middle- to low-pitched.
9.	I would rather be in a hot than in a cold weather.	I would rather be in a cold than a hot weather.
10.	I have difficulty ignoring a nagging pain and it affects my activities.	When I am distracted, I often forget I have a nagging pain.
11.	I feel uncomfortable wearing a turtleneck or a scarf around my neck, even in cooler weather. I use it as a fashion statement only.	I feel comfortable wearing a scarf or turtleneck around my neck in cooler weather. I often wear them as a fashion statement.
12.	I get bothered if I wear a hat all day.	Wearing a hat makes me feel comfortable and cozy. I can wear a hat all day long.
13.	I do not like to talk or to sing for a long time because my voice tends to get hoarse easily.	I can talk or sing for a long time. My voice does not get hoarse easily and my throat is not affected.
14.	I do not like strenuous physical activities. I have to put in extra effort.	I like physical activities that require strength or stamina.

 

Characteristics
Damp subtype		Dry subtype
15.	My shoes tend to last a long time and stay in pristine shape.	My shoes tend to break down easily, especially on the sides.
16.	I cannot stay awake all night to finish a project.	I can stay up all night to finish a project.
17.	I prefer to sit and do not like to stand for a long time.	I can stand for a long time and do not need to sit.
18.	I am a night person. I tend to stay up late and get up late.	I am a morning person. I go to bed early and get up early.
19.	I tend to act first and plan as I go along.	I tend to think things through thoroughly and plan before acting.
20.	I am uneasy at heights and it takes time for me to adjust.	I have no problem with heights and can work in high places with relative ease.
21.	I am allergic to nuts. I have one or more symptoms of scratchy throat, itchy skin, sneezing, throat swelling, or post-nasal drip if/when I consume them.	I am allergic to shellfish (shrimp, clams, mussels). I have one or more symptoms of scratchy throat, swelling in the mouth, or itchy skin if/when I consume them.
22.	Intentionally left blank.	I have/had gallstones.

 

Pointer #1: If you have a life-threatening allergy to nuts and need to carry an epinephrine pen, then you have greater than a 95% likelihood of being a Damp subtype. If you have a life-threatening allergy to shellfish, then you have more than a 95% likelihood of being a Dry subtype.

But an intolerance of shellfish expressed as cramping or irritable bowel syndrome may indicate a Cool subtype.

Removal of the gall bladder due to gall stones impacting the bile duct makes 80% likelihood of being a Dry subtype. But an atrophy of the gall bladder without the presence of gall stones does not indicate a Damp or Dry subtype.

 

Warm and Cool Descriptions

              

Questions 1-3 and 25:

These questions relate to foods, and the manifestations are multifold. The sensation of hunger is slower to develop in Cool than in Warm subtypes. The reason may be that the digestive system of Warm subtypes can break down food more easily, and their metabolism generally is faster. Usually, once the food empties from the stomach into the small intestine and then to the large intestine, the hunger sensation sets in. Warm subtypes are more efficient with this digestive process, so naturally the feeling of hunger is quicker and more intense.

Hunger sensation in Cool subtypes does not register in the brain as quickly. When Cool subtypes are occupied with a project, they may skip meals or forget to eat entirely. Their hunger pangs are not strong enough to remind them to eat. Warm subtypes, on the other hand, rarely go without eating even if they are busy. The appetite of Warm subtypes is also relatively unaffected when they are sick or depressed; they can still eat normal amounts of food. When they do not feel well, Cool subtypes may experience decreased appetite or may even vomit. Those who catch the stomach bug recurrently are often Cool subtypes. Gastroparesis, which is a slow motility of the stomach resulting in delayed emptying of foods into the small intestine, is almost always an issue with Cool subtypes.

Warm subtypes tend to eat faster. They can digest foods well and are not as concerned about indigestion. They may also be physically able to swallow easier with little gag reflex. The ability to swallow is a built-in reflex independent of the size of the person. Participants in eating competitions are often Warm subtypes. Along with an ability to swallow quickly, their tendencies to appreciate meals with their eyes and quickly register taste are often enough to satisfy them. The result is a developed habit of eating quickly, which they have difficulty breaking. Many Warm subtypes do not realize that they have overeaten until half an hour later, when the brain recognizes that they are full.   

Many Cool subtypes have a strong gag reflex. If a taste is strange, it can easily trigger nausea or vomiting. The accidental slip of the toothbrush into the back of the mouth can also trigger a gag reflex. Many Cool subtypes develop a habit of chewing at least twenty times before swallowing to make sure the foods are broken down enough for their sensitive stomachs to handle. Also, Cool subtypes tend to eat with more emphasis on taste and texture, taking time to savor these qualities, and therefore taking time to swallow.

Although it may be true for anyone, Cool subtypes tend to have a narrow list of preferred foods that they will eat. They are often picky eaters and will eliminate many common foods from their diet. They are put off by strange textures, unusual flavors, and unappetizing appearances. Trying a new dish is not easy for them and they may vomit if forced to eat foods they do not like.

Question 4

Cool subtypes tend to avoid spicy foods because of their sensitive stomachs and tongues, but these items are beneficial to the body. Cool subtypes have “coldness” in their abdomen; warm foods such as ginger and turmeric provide relief. Symptoms from mild discomfort to chronic digestive diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux disease, can be treated with spicy foods. Helicobacter pylori is considered the cause of stomach ulcers, but this may be because the person’s stomach also creates an environment for the bacteria to thrive. Spices help maintain a favorable digestive environment for Cool subtypes. They get significant relief from common spices, such as cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, and cayenne pepper.

Although warming spicy foods are not good for Warm subtypes, they tend to be fond of them because their stomachs are not as sensitive as Cool subtypes, and they like the stimulation. Because of this, they may mistakenly regard spices as beneficial. However, Warm subtypes have “heat” in their abdomen, so spicy foods can harm them over time. The easiest way to see if spicy foods are beneficial is to keep cinnamon-flavored candies or other spices in the mouth for a long time. Some Warm subtypes experience raw, tender sensations on the tip of tongue or a vague discomfort in the head.

Questions 5-11

These questions are related to a cautious nature, which is higher in Cool subtypes than in Warm subtypes. Cool subtypes take interpersonal relationships more seriously and take actions in consideration of others. Not all Cool subtypes are cautious by nature as described in this section, but some are obsessive about it. Cool subtypes are more detail-oriented; they prefer to do tasks step-by-step to ensure that they achieve the desired result. As a precaution, they double-check their work. They start early and do not like to begin projects at the last moment. For this same reason, some consistently arrive early for appointments or meetings.

Some Cool subtypes are deliberately slow and speeding up to a moderate pace tends to increase unforced errors in their work. They may know answers to examination questions, for example, but still finish slower than others. They are not easily bothered by jobs or tasks that involve repetition. Paying attention to detail is part of their nature. Consequently, jobs that require minimal changes or slow transitions are ideal for them.

Many Cool subtypes turn note-taking into an art form. Their pages are neatly written and well organized. There are rarely cross-outs or erase marks, and their handwriting is legible. Files are habitually kept in order and are marked properly. Self-reflection in diary form is common.

Warm subtypes are not as cautious as Cool subtypes. They tend to wait until the last minute to begin a task because it is difficult for them to stay on lengthy projects. They would rather not spend additional time working on a project if they do not have to. They see the end strongly and become impatient if the process is slow. They thrive on jobs or careers that are dynamic and require adaptability. They are often late for appointments or meetings because they tend to underestimate travel time and do not anticipate possible delays.

To Warm subtypes, taking notes is a hassle that they often view as unnecessary. They are aware that keeping an organizer is a good idea but are not consistent about doing so. Maintaining an updated schedule is not part of their nature. They will abandon a diary or a planner after a short while. 

Some Warm subtypes seem to function comfortably with a messy desk or in a disorganized room. They may appear to thrive in it due to multi-tasking. Warm subtypes shift from one interest to another frequently, so many tasks are left unfinished. They move on to other activities, planning to finish the first task later. Although people of any body type might be untidy during their teenage years, more Cool subtypes keep their rooms uncluttered during this time as well.

Extreme cases of these behaviors can be categorized as disorders. Cool subtypes suffer more frequently from obsessive compulsive disorder. This is often accompanied by anxiety and depression because they are constantly striving for perfection.

At the other extreme, Warm subtypes tend toward hyperactivity with attention deficit disorder. They are characterized by an inability to stay on task, sit still, and be organized. And they have a compulsion to touch things.

Question 12-13

Cool subtypes have weaker arteries and veins than Warm subtypes. Consequently, the skin of Cool subtypes tends to bruise easily from a light blunt force trauma. Furthermore, they tend to have pronounced varicose veins in legs as the veins get compromised more quickly.

Questions 14-16

These questions are related to sleep. Cool subtypes have more sleep problems than Warm subtypes. Cool subtypes are particular about where they rest and are slow to adjust to new surroundings as they may cause uneasiness. This leads to difficulty falling or staying asleep. Cool subtypes are hypersensitive to minor worries and can be easily swept up with overthinking. Even excessive fatigue can prevent restful sleep. In extreme cases, some have insomnia without an apparent reason. This can develop at an early age for Cool subtypes; they tend to be more alert or to wake up more easily.

Cool subtypes are hypersensitive to stimulants. Consumption of a caffeinated beverage in the early afternoon can cause disrupted sleep in Cool subtypes.  Many Warm subtypes, especially of the Warm-Dry body type, often develop a habit of drinking several cups of coffee a day without affecting sleep. Some can drink a serving of caffeine and still fall asleep within an hour.

Questions 17 and 18

These questions are related to the ability to produce metabolic heat. Warm subtypes, with their higher metabolism, burn off calories more readily; this keeps their bodies and extremities warmer than the Cool subtypes. Warm subtypes infrequently have cold hands and feet. Even when their extremities get cold, they quickly warm back up. Because of their warm bodies, extra exhalation of heat from the mouth and emanation of heat from the face make Warm subtypes dislike having their faces covered such as a blanket over the face. Because they burn off calories more quickly, Warm subtypes tend to get hungry easily and eat frequently.

Cool subtypes have a slower metabolism and their body temperatures do not run as warm as Warm subtypes. Some Cool subtypes inability to produce sufficient heat. Their body tries to retain it within the torso, so the extremities are the first to show signs of coldness and are slow to warm back up. In colder weather, Cool subtypes attempt to conserve heat by wearing socks to bed. Some wear socks every night throughout the winter and even cover their faces and heads with a blanket. An extreme case for Cool subtypes is Raynaud’s phenomenon, where the skin becomes smooth, tight, pale, and is constantly cold to touch. However, a cold abdominal skin does not distinguish a body type because it can occur in both Cool and Warm subtypes.

The ability to retain body heat distinguishes Dry subtypes from Damp subtypes. This is different from generating heat by Cool and Warm subtypes. Because Damp subtypes have thinner skin, which releases heat more readily, they get chilled more easily than Dry subtypes do. The thicker skin of Dry subtypes also dampens the nerve endings, leading to lessened sensitivity to cold. Therefore, individuals with Warm and Dry subtypes combination have the warmest bodies and feel overheated most easily. Conversely, individuals with the Cool and Damp subtypes combination have the coldest bodies and feel chilled most easily.

Questions 19 and 20

These questions are related to the effect of cold-natured foods and drinks on the body and digestive system, as they can quantitatively lower a person’s body temperature and qualitatively affect physiology. Fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from animal products produce more heat than plant foods do. That’s why vegetarians in general have quantitatively cooler skin. Foods are not only for daily function and maintenance; over the long-term, one may see changes in their physiology. Qualitative cold-inducing foods may or may not lower a body temperature, but they will disrupt its normal function, most notably in the digestive system.

Cold-temperature drinks not only lower body temperature, but also compromise an ability to digest foods in Cool subtypes. Many Cool subtypes find that ice cold drinks cause stomach cramping or bloating. It is infrequent for Warm subtypes to experience this. For Cool subtypes, warm or hot water with meals aids digestion. If an individual is certain about the negative effect of cold water on his/her digestive system without an accompanying disease, then the person is likely a Cool subtype. Many Warm subtypes can consume cold drinks throughout the day and will not be affected at all.

A negative response from cold foods or drinks is can be used to indicate a Cool subtype. But having no negative effect or even a positive response does not mean it indicates a Warm subtype. Just because one is true does not mean the opposite also applies.

The quality ‘cold’ is a functional property in the digestive system of Cool subtypes that makes them prone to indigestion. “Cold-natured” foods can cause digestive problems, such as stomach cramps, indigestion, bowel changes, and bloating. Strongly cold-inducing foods are aloe, cucumber, and gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. It has long been known in Eastern medicine that wheat has a cooling property whereas brown rice is warming. This is because of gluten, a protein composite in the wheat and related grains, causes celiac disease, fatigue, and foggy mental capacity in many Cool subtypes, but not in Warm subtypes. Many Warm subtypes do not have trouble eating these foods regularly, while Cool subtypes can develop problems with them. Antibiotics are also viewed as cold-natured in Asian medicine. Those who respond slowly to antibiotics or have an allergic reaction are likely Cool subtypes.

Questions 21-24

These questions are related to the adverse reactions caused by chemicals in food and pharmaceuticals. Cool subtypes tend to be hypersensitive to many common additives in processed foods such as preservative, flavor enhancer, and coloring. Some examples are aspartame, monosodium glutamate, nitrate, nitrite, paraben, sulfite, and tartrazine. Common symptoms of allergic-intolerant reactions include cough, diarrhea, facial swelling, fatigue, headache, high blood pressure, hives, nausea, shortness of breath, and vomiting.

The adverse reactions from prescription medications are more intense and immediate. Many negative symptoms are identical. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, monoclonal antibodies, anti-seizure drugs and ACE inhibitors cause most drug reactions.

All four body types can have adverse reactions from chemicals in foods and medications. But the rate varies by body types. Cool-Dry types have the highest negative incidence, followed by Cool-Damp types. Warm-Dry types are least sensitive and may not notice negative experience as much due to their high tolerance level and ability to detox more quickly. Also, Warm-Dry types tend to need higher than average dosage to have the same therapeutic effect.

 

Damp and Dry Descriptions

Questions 1 and 2

These questions are related to the body’s ability to detoxify itself from heavy foods through liver function and cellular metabolism. Heavy foods are highly concentrated and take longer to break down. Examples of these are fried foods, nuts, meats, dairy, eggs, and beans. Avocados and olive oils are popular alternative oils but still are heavy. Although bodies can get used to eating these foods over time, there is an innate difference between the Damp and Dry subtypes in the amount that they can handle.

The extreme end of the population that can handle a high protein diet well are almost exclusively Dry subtypes. These people tout a low carbohydrate diet consisting mostly of meat, dairy, nuts, and legumes with a positive experience of weight loss, increased energy, mental focus, and mental clarity. If they eat foods consisting primarily of surficial (above ground) vegetables, especially lettuce and cabbage varieties, then they find that their minds become sluggish, causing difficulty focusing, and even decreased stamina. Many Dry subtypes dislike vegetables and leafy greens in particular. It was likely the Dry subtypes as young children resisted eating broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce. It is often telling which foods you found comforting and enjoyable as a child, and also which foods you disliked.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are Damp subtypes, who can handle a low animal protein diet for a long period of time. They feel healthy, their bodies feel light, and they enjoy emotional well-being. They are comfortable with a diet consisting mostly of vegetables and fruits. Consumption of small amount of meats, eggs, and/or dairy satisfy their need for protein. Damp subtypes are not necessarily vegetarians, however. But they find heavy foods take a longer time to digest and a large amount of them can be quite taxing on the digestive system. They experience abdominal bloating, sluggishness, difficulty focusing, and sleepiness. A meal consisting of a hamburger and fries or a breakfast of sausage, eggs, and bacon can ruin the whole day.

The ability to handle heavy foods is directly related to the body’s ability to detoxify, to purge harmful chemicals efficiently. Dry subtypes tend to tolerate prescription medications well and experience the desired result with fewer side effects. Their bodies can also handle strong medications and surgical procedures more easily than Damp subtypes because of their high pain tolerance. For these reasons, Dry subtypes tend to find Western medical care effective. Many Damp subtypes are more sensitive to over-the-counter and prescription medications. Some react well by taking less than the recommended dosage. Overall, they are more susceptible to drug side effects, even with a low to moderate dose.

Ironically, allergic-intolerant reactions occur most frequently in Cool-Dry body types. For them, it is less about an ability to detoxify, related to a Dry subtype characteristic. Instead, it is a strong allergic-intolerant reaction of a Cool-subtype to chemicals. Rather than defaulting to a higher dosage, small amount of certain chemicals can create abdominal bloating, arthritic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgic pain, headache, nausea, and skin rash. Frequent causes are medications and artificial food additives, such as coloring, flavoring, preservatives, and stabilizers. The unexplained discomforts are so strong that Cool-Dry types have the most difficulty eating out at restaurants.

 

Question 3

This question pertains to motion sickness. Common symptoms are dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. They may be caused by repeated speeding up and slowing down in a vehicle. A simple way of testing whether or not you are prone to motion sickness is to consult a map or to read a book while riding as a passenger in a car traveling over a smooth, straight road. Since susceptibility to motion sickness is an inborn trait, it is an indication of a body type. For most Damp subtypes, slight random movements can immediately trigger the uncomfortable symptoms of motion sickness. Even if they train themselves to control these symptoms, the conditioning is quickly lost. Those who remember getting motion sick as a child but seem to have outgrown it are still likely Damp subtypes.

The triggering mechanism in the brain and the inner ear’s sensitivity to movements are less apparent in Dry subtypes. Also, these people naturally have greater strength in the abdominal and intercostal muscles, which lessens the symptoms of motion sickness by helping the torso hold steady. Majority of Dry subtypes can read a book in a moving vehicle for more than 15 minutes at a time, while most Damp subtypes have difficulty reading for more than five minutes without experiencing motion sickness.

Those who are comfortable in high-heeled shoes and prefer to wear them all day are also Dry subtypes. The reasoning is the same as with motion sickness; they are better able to hold themselves steady and stable.

Question 4

Milk intolerance tends to occur in Damp subtypes. There are two main ingredients identified in milk that trigger symptoms: the sugar lactose and the protein casein, which are found in cow, goat, sheep, and human milk. Some babies display intolerance to their mother’s milk, which manifests as incessant crying, diarrhea, and rashes. It is a suspect these may be Damp subtypes. The majority of Damp subtype begin to develop intolerance after the age of five. This tolerance can be maintained throughout life, but its effect will quickly disappear if dairy is removed from their diet.

Lactose is more commonly the culprit that causes indigestion, gas, bloating, and a change in bowel habits. Lactose free milk is popular with those who are intolerant of this complex sugar. A person who is sensitive to lactose is very likely also intolerant of casein, and vice versa. Damp subtypes do not do well with lactose-free dairy products because casein needs to be removed as well. Removing or minimizing dairy altogether from the diet and finding a replacement source for calcium is necessary for these individuals.

Many Damp subtypes are not aware of the symptoms of intolerance of dairy products and nuts but have chronic hay fever that is triggered by environmental allergens, such as dander, odor, mold, dust, and pollen. The constant presence of dairy or nuts in one’s diet makes the body’s immune system hypersensitive and makes otherwise mild environmental irritants become major triggering mechanisms.

Many Dry subtypes do not develop a deficiency in the enzyme lactase, which helps break down the lactose sugar in milk, even into adulthood. By age five, 90% of the enzyme lactase is no longer present in the digestive tracts of most people, but those who quickly regain it with regular consumption of dairy products are likely the Dry subtypes.

Cool subtypes also tend to be lactose intolerant. Even with a Dry subtype as part of the body type, Cool types can still react negative to dairy products. 

Question 5

Dry subtypes have a stronger sense of smell, both physically and mentally, than the Damp subtypes. They seem to be hard-wired with more olfactory nerves to the brain. The subtlety of taste discrimination lies in the nose picking up odors and working in conjunction with the tongue. Many are comfortable in the field of food connoisseurship. They are cooks and critics of fine foods and drinks.

Dry subtypes tend to associate memories and mental processes with the sense of smell. They often use scent related words to describe situations, events, and people. These include words that describe the odors, aromas, scents, and flavors that they experience. For example, the figurative expression “I can smell a pig from a mile away,” indicates the way this person places value and importance of this particular sense into the process of thought.

On the other hand, Damp subtypes tend to have a keen sense of hearing and can “hear a pin drop.” They have difficulty falling asleep at night if there is even a small noise, such as water dripping, or if their partner snores or tosses and turns.

If both of your senses are keen or dull, try to determine which is relatively stronger than the other. 

 

 

Questions 6 and 7

These relate to influences by strong or stimulating odors. Many Damp subtypes find mint flavored candies and gums difficult to tolerate after a few minutes. They get dizzy or experience headaches if these are kept in the mouth for too long. The spicy flavor from mint is not the actual cause, but it tends to stimulate the olfactory nerves too strongly and creates an overwhelming sensation in the head. Perfumes and colognes also have the same negatively stimulating effects. A light exposure or a small whiff can cause extremely sensitive Damp subtypes to react with additional symptoms, such as hay fever and difficulty breathing. 

Dry subtypes can handle odors more easily and many prefer strong aromatic fragrance. They can chew mint gums often and never find them to cause headaches or dizzy sensations. They often wear perfumes or colognes in an amount that is normal, but others find them overpowering.

Question 8

All body types can have a high voice quality and sing well, but the ability to carry a certain pitch range suggests a particular body type. The ability to maintain an extreme pitch at one end or the other makes body type distinguishing easier. Damp subtypes tend to have naturally high-toned voices and therefore can sing in the alto or soprano register. Many Dry subtypes have a naturally deep voice with the ability to sing in the baritone or bass range.  A person with a voice in the middle range, such as a tenor, can be of either body type.

There are many factors that influence the tone of the voice and can make distinguishing body type somewhat less-than straightforward. Sickness can temporarily change one’s voice or can even permanently damage it. Certain kinds of exercise can develop muscles in the neck, thus making voices deeper. Furthermore, a growth spurt can make the voice high pitched and then break. Some people develop a deeper voice depending on social status or for leading a group of people; this is observed frequently in the military. But there is an underlying physically built structure in the throat that allows Damp subtypes to sing at a higher pitch and Dry subtypes to sing at a lower pitch.

Question 9

This question is about sensitivity to ambient temperature. Anyone can get accustomed to cold or hot temperatures over time, but there is still an innate preference displayed between the Damp and Dry subtypes. Generally speaking, Damp subtypes get chills easily, whereas Dry subtypes can handle—or even prefer—cooler climates. Dry subtypes tend to have thicker skin that retains heat better and are able to withstand cold temperatures more easily. For this reason, they can also overheat and have difficulty functioning in the summer months. Those who habitually wear tee shirts and shorts in frigid weather therefore are likely Dry subtypes. These people can take room temperature showers or can quickly adjust to the discomfort of wading into cold water.

Many Damp subtypes cannot function well and find it hard to be physically motivated when the environmental temperature is low, especially during the winter. They find themselves wearing more clothing than an average person. Some find it difficult to wear any form of light clothing in the evening or early morning when the temperature is cooler.  Before taking a shower, Damp subtypes make sure the water is warm to hot before getting in. Although many Damp subtypes like to swim, they often avoid doing so because of the initial shock of the cold water and their difficulty getting used to the temperature.

Question 10

Thicker skin is duller and therefore allows for a higher pain threshold. Because Dry subtypes generally have thick skin, they can normally handle more pain than Damp subtypes. They seek and enjoy jobs that involve physical labor and exposure to extreme weather. Sports that involve pain are part of their normal active life. For some Dry subtypes, it is a stimulant and they do not mind high-risk activities.

Some Damp subtypes have high thresholds, but generally Dry subtypes can handle pain better. A person with high touch sensitivity or pain response is likely a Damp subtypes due to their thin skin. But pains arising from disease does not indicate a body type. For example, fibromyalgia seems to occur more often in Dry subtypes.

Questions 11 and 12

Both questions are similar. Although scarves, turtlenecks, caps, and hats are warming and should be preferred by Damp subtypes, Dry subtypes have more affinity for them. Damp subtypes feel encumbered and find these garments to be bothersome.

Many Dry subtypes feel comfortable wearing this kind of clothing. They have a favorite “thinking cap” because they feel they can focus and concentrate better with it on. Some have a habit of wearing accessories on their bodies, such as rings, wristwatches, bands, and necklaces because of their intrinsic value in suggesting a sense of power. On the other hand, Cool subtypes tend to wear them for personal or romantic reasons.

 

 

Questions 13-17

These questions refer to a person’s strength, stamina, resilience, and

ability to recover. Physical athleticism is representative of these qualities. Dry subtypes generally are more stoutly built. They have bigger muscles, stronger bones, and better resilience. They tend to be good athletes. Their recovery from injury or surgery is relatively quick.

Being able to stand for a long time without needing to lean, sit, or hold onto an object is a reflection of mid-trunk muscle coordination and whole-body strength. The ability to sustain a note when singing or to give a long speech also reflects muscle strength and stability. Many orators and vocalists are Dry subtypes. Although some Damp subtypes are also excellent athletes, they generally have to work harder to get to that level or even sustain it.

Physical athleticism also manifests itself in the number of quality sleeping hours one needs. Many Dry subtypes sleep only a few hours each night but can function normally and are productive throughout the day. If required, they can stay awake many evenings to work on a project or to meet a deadline.

Damp subtypes may be able to stay awake through one night but will not be able to stay up through two consecutive evenings. They will tire more quickly, so resting the body and getting plenty of recovery time is essential. Damp subtypes can be very productive as long as they are consistent in listening to and abiding by their body’s needs.

 

Question 15

Dry subtypes generally have a greater body mass index, bigger bones, and bigger muscles. Because of this, their shoes tend to wear out more quickly. The outer sides of the shoes break down along with the cushioning in the soles. Even with regular usage, some Dry subtypes need new shoes every few months.

Some Damp subtypes wear out their shoes quickly for a different reason because their relatively weaker muscles cause them to drag their feet. Otherwise, many Damp subtypes’ shoes can last for years.

Question 18

Dry subtypes generally find it easier to get up in the early mornings and make a habit of doing so. They are the early risers. Because they are realists rather than idealists of Damp subtypes, they discover earlier that their minds work better before the afternoon. They learn to like to get things done before the full break of day. Developing a habit of going to sleep and getting up early is from the Dry types’ more practical nature.

Damp subtypes have difficulty getting up in the mornings and tend to sleep in. It takes them longer to transition from the sleep to wake stage, so their mornings are longer spent getting into gear. They feel more revived after sunset and are more productive until later in the evening. Because they often catch a second wind in the evening, their productivity is maintained until late into the night.

Question 19

This question refers to strategizing with the intention of achieving a better outcome. Whereas organizational skills in Cool subtypes tend to arise more from a desire to be compliant response, it is about being practical for Dry subtypes. The difference is not so much related to the fear of making mistakes as a motivating factor, but in the desire to keep track of information. Dry subtypes like to strategize and know the step-by-step plan to get to the desired goal before acting. Writing down thoughts and ideas helps them to visualize the task better and have a concrete guide to which they can refer. For this reason, many Dry subtypes are avid collectors and good record keepers. They enjoy the history, minute details, and trivial facts behind their collections.

Damp subtypes tend to act before thinking through all possibilities and then deal with events as they unfold. They are good at keeping ideas in their heads and are quick to respond to changes. They can easily feel restricted with the notion that their life is run by plans. When necessary, Damp subtypes can be efficient at making logical decisions when undertaking large projects and using careful reasoning to execute actions involving minimal risks. Although no one likes chaos and a sense of disorder in their lives, Damp subtypes do not mind them as much. The difference between the Dry and Damp subtypes is that Damp subtypes are less restrictive on themselves with regards to spontaneous activities, while Dry subtypes lean toward making well-thought-out plans.

Question 20

Being comfortable and able to work in high places has two components. One is that the Dry subtype is by nature more physically able to hold steady. The body’s ability to keep a stable posture reduces the fear of falling. Dry subtypes’ sure-footedness results in a lower likelihood of losing balance and falling.

The other component is that Dry subtypes generally have less instinctual fear in situations involving risk or danger. Therefore, it is easier for the Dry subtypes to rationally overcome their discomfort with heights. Their interests tend to lean toward the arena of conquering, thrill-seeking, and the pursuit to the top. They have less sensitivity to criticism and can better handle stressful situations.

Damp subtype tend to experience more jitters and prefer avoiding high places. Because of their sensitivity to heights, there are more Damp subtype who have had bad experiences with these situations. Although the fear of height can be overcome, the training takes longer, and the conditioning can quickly be lost without continual exposure to high places. Damp subtypes can also be more easily startled in frightening situations.

Being more cautious and tending to take a safer route is not related to body types. These factors depend on the situation and the individual’s assessment of the moment. The social environment and its cues often dictate how we act or what decisions we make. Also, carefulness is higher in Cool subtypes than in Warm subtypes.

Question 21

For Dry subtypes, eating shellfish can cause minor symptoms, such as a skin rash and itchy throat. A more serious reaction, such as anaphylactic shock—with closure of the air passage and difficulty breathing due to a sudden release of histamines into the blood—strongly indicates this body type. An absence of a negative reaction to shellfish does not necessarily indicate, however, that a person is a Damp subtype because there simply may be no immune response in the Dry subtype. The presence of an intolerant reaction after consumption of shellfish, such as stomach cramping, but without allergies, skin problems, or anaphylaxis, may indicate a Cool subtype with or without a Dry subtype aspect.

Those with allergies to peanuts and other nuts are mostly Damp subtypes. Common reactions include itchy throat and itchy skin within an hour of consumption. Anaphylactic shock is even a stronger indicator of a Damp subtype. For many of them, direct and immediate reactions are infrequent, but unexplained skin rashes, chronic sinus congestion, and hay fever are often the result of subtle and delayed negative reactions to nuts that result from continuous exposure.

Skin and blood serum allergy tests on nuts can be useful, but negative finding may not correctly reflect the true response occurring in the body. Many Damp subtypes have negative test results, but they still have bad experiences with nuts. Chemicals in consumer products, dander, pollen, and dust may be the other culprits, but the nuts make the immune system even more sensitive to these otherwise harmless substances. Even if only one or a few nuts are identified as allergens, that person is still allergic to all nuts.

Question 22

Having gallstones can be considered an almost exclusive event for Dry subtypes. Dry subtypes are greater in muscle mass and fat than Damp subtypes. Their weight fluctuates more dramatically, whether naturally or by being on a restricted diet for weight loss. The excess proteins are filtered into the liver, which in turn converts them into bile and dumps them into the gallbladder. This sudden increase will make the proteins aggregate. Increased concentration of bile causes precipitation, forming tiny sand-like crystals that grow over time until they block the passageway.

Gallstones can develop when a Dry subtype loses weight quickly from sickness or from fasting because the sudden loss of body mass is transported directly to the liver. Since Dry subtypes tend to be heavier set and consume more heavy foods than Damp subtypes, the liver excretes more bile into the gall bladder. Excessive bile production promotes the growth of stones, causing a blockage of the bile duct. A severe impact of aggregated gall stones causes a painful spasm, necessitating a removal of the gall bladder.

An atrophy of the gall bladder, or the presence of sludge within, on the other hand, does not indicate a Dry or a Damp subtype. Hypo-activity can cause the gall bladder to deteriorate, rendering it functionless.