A Study on the Sasang Constitutional Differences in the Pulse Wave of Korean Healthy Adult Men

한국인 성인 남성의 체질별 맥상 특성에 관한 연구

Background : Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM) is the field of traditional Korean medicine that emphasize four constitutional types for diagnosis and treatment. Appearance, personalities and pathological characteristics are main factors of Sasang constitutional classification. Previous studies carried out by the pulse analyzer showed that the pulse wave can discriminate these types. In addition, It was reported that the pulse wave are affected by age and sexuality. In this study, we investigated the pulse wave characteristics related Sasang constitution types in control group regarding their age and sexuality. Subjects and Method : Two hudred and eighteen volunteers participated in this study: healthy men in $20{\sim}49$ years old. Participants were interviewed and examined to evaluate their health condition and Sasang constitution type. Then they were tested with pulse analyzer when they ere stabilized. The pulse at the radial artery just beside styloid process was measured, because this area is landmark for pulse diagnosis in oriental medicine. 3-D Mac pulse analyzer (Daeyo Medi Co. Ansan. Korea) was used in this study. We analyzed main features of pulse waves with the Sasang condtitution types by the SPSS for Windows (ver 12.0). Results : There was significant difference between Taeum and other types in contact pressure as weil as in coefficient of floating and sinking pulse. Conclusion : By analyzing pulse waves of healthy adult men. we found significant differences exist between Taeum and other types. These pulse differences may characterize Taeum type, and it will be helpful for the evaluation of Taeum type.