This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the origins, evolution, and modern development of Constitutional Health Science, tracing its intellectual roots across ancient, classical, and contemporary medical traditions in both China and the West.

The chapter begins by examining the historical evolution of body constitution concepts, noting how ancient Chinese philosophy—particularly the theories of yin–yang, five elements, and the correspondence between humans and nature—laid the foundation for understanding individual differences in physiology and health. Classical medical texts such as Huangdi Neijing, Shanghan Zabing Lun, and Zhubing Yuanhou Lun further systematized these principles through differentiated diagnosis and observation of physical, functional, and emotional characteristics. In parallel, ancient Greek and Roman medicine advanced the humoral theory of Hippocrates and Galen, offering an early Western framework linking body fluids, temperament, and health, although lacking an integrated cross-cultural system.

Entering the period of Sino–Western integration, the introduction of modern anatomy, physiology, pathology, and empirical scientific methods during the late Qing and Republican eras broadened the perspective of constitution research. Western scholars developed theories relating body type, temperament, and mental health, while Chinese medical scientists attempted to correlate traditional constitution categories with biomedical indicators. Large-scale population studies in the mid-20th century gradually brought statistical and experimental approaches into body constitution analysis, marking a shift from experiential diagnosis to early scientific validation.

The final section discusses the modern theoretical innovations of constitutional health science since the reform era. The publication of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Classification and Assessment in 2008 standardized nine constitution types and established measurable diagnostic criteria. Advances in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics revealed biological differences among constitution types, while the rise of precision medicine and digital health enabled dynamic monitoring and personalized intervention. Integrating systems biology, ecology, and life-course theory, contemporary research emphasizes the plasticity and multi-dimensional determinants of human constitution. Modern clinical practice increasingly adopts combined approaches—including herbal medicine, nutrition, exercise prescriptions, psychological regulation, and environmental adaptation—guided by individualized assessment models. With artificial intelligence, machine learning, large-cohort studies, and international collaborations, constitutional health science is evolving into a multidisciplinary, technology-driven field focused on predictive and personalized health management.

Overall, this chapter demonstrates that constitutional health science has transformed from ancient philosophical reflection into a modern scientific discipline. Through the integration of traditional wisdom, biomedical evidence, and emerging technologies, it provides a robust theoretical and practical foundation for advancing public health and shaping individualized healthcare in the twenty-first century.