A Study on the Constitution Type-Specific Presentation of Physical Symptoms

1. Objectives: This clinical study was conducted to understand the differences between Sasang constitutional types and to identify the physical symptoms presentation specific to each Sasang constitutional type. 2. Methods: In this descriptive study, 2,629 subjects (1,061 Taeeum-type, 683 Soeum-type, 885 Soyang-type) were surveyed between Nov 1, 2007 and Jul 31, 2010. The subjective symptoms experienced by the subjects were collected using a Physical Symptoms questionnaire, and the subjects were interviewed by Sasang specialists who determined the subjects' constitutional type. The data (in crude number and percentage) was analyzed on the general characteristics, Sasang constitutional type, and physical symptoms using the SPSS 17.0 software. The symptomatic presentation in men and women were analyzed on Sasang constitutional distribution using the chi-square test. 3. Results: 1) The physical symptoms specific to each Sasang constitutional type were as follows: 'frequent aphthous lesions in the oral cavity', 'lingering fatigue after sleep', 'headache', 'common cold symptoms presenting as loss of appetite or indigestion', and 'physical deterioration presenting as problems with digestion' in the Soeum type; 'physical deterioration presenting as problems in perspiration' and 'swelling and puffiness' in the Taeeum type; and 'excessive forgetfulness' in the Soyang type. 2) The physical symptoms specific to each Sasang constitutional type in men were as follows: 'Unilateral or bilateral headaches, 'frequent aphthous lesions in the oral cavity', 'common cold symptoms presenting as rhinorrhea or nasal congestion', 'common cold symptoms presenting as loss of appetite or indigestion', and 'physical deterioration presenting as problems with digestion' in the Soeum type; and 'swelling and puffiness' in the Taeeum type. 3) The physical symptoms specific to each Sasang constitutional type in women were as follows: 'common cold symptoms presenting as headaches', 'common cold symptoms presenting as loss of appetite or indigestion', 'physical deterioration presenting as problems with digestion' in the Soeum type; and 'pain in knees', 'redness of eyes', 'dryness of mouth', 'common cold symptoms presenting as coughing', 'physical deterioration presenting as problems in perspiration', 'swelling and puffiness' in the Taeeum type. 4. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that physical symptoms present in constitutional type-specific patterns. Understanding of the personal Sasang constitutional type and systematic, personalized healthcare based on constitutional typology is anticipated to contribute to improved health management strategy.

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