• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.185-199
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• 1999

Purpose Obesity goes on increasing rapidly because of the change of dietary life, various stresses and convenience of life, that cause heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, fatty liver, arteriosclerosis these days. As obesity is disease, I think there will be constitution to easily become obese, so I began to study this. Methods (1) Subjects The subjects of this study were 101 female patients visited Nara oriental medical hospital during 2months from April 1 to May 30 in 1999. (2) I determined finally classification of sasang constitution according to diagnosis and questions made in Nara oriental medical hospital. Results (1) 81.2% of obese patients are Taeumin, 15.8% of those are Soeumin, 3% of those are Soyangin. (2) Soeumin has significant difference that it takes over 30 minutes to have a meal. (3) Significant difference is that Soeumin goes to bed earlier in the evening than Taeumin and Soyangin. (4) From obesity of whole body point of view, Taeumin has more significant and from obesity of abdomen and leg point of view, Soeumin has more significant difference.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.60-68
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• 2014

Background: Pattern identification is a unique diagnostic method of traditional Oriental medicine that has recently been the target of questionnaire-based research. Sasang (four-types) constitutional medicine (SCM) is a practice in traditional Korean medicine that seeks to promote objectivity in diagnostics. This paper attempts to illuminate the relationship between constitutions and the pathogenic factors of pattern identification through questionnaires completed by menopausal women about their symptoms. Methods: From March to October 2012, we examined 291 women from the general population, with ages ranging from 40 to 60 years, applying the Kupperman index, the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), pattern identification based on the Diagnosis System of Oriental Medicine (DSOM), and SCM. We then analyzed the relationship between constitutional type and pathogenic factors. Results: No significant differences were found in the scores of either the Kupperman index or MENQOL questionnaire in relation to constitutional type. However, in a statistical analysis correlating the DSOM pathogenic factor scores (PFS) with the scores of the Kupperman index and MENQOL vasomotor subscale, heat showed a significant positive correlation with SoYang type (SY) and TaeEum type (TE), but not SoEum type (SE), while insufficiency of yin and insufficiency of yang, as well as blood deficiency, showed a significant positive correlation with the TE and SE types. Conclusion: The pathogenic factors in the menopausal symptoms of middle-aged women, specifically the prominent menopausal symptom of facial flushing, differed significantly according to constitutional type.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.289-306
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• 1996

This study are performed to reveal the origin of the Sasang constitutional theory made by Lee-jae-ma(李濟馬), confucianist as well as famous oriental doctor, who succeeded to Han- suck-jie(韓錫地)'s Anti-Neo-Confucianism. Han wrote a book na mod Myung-Suen-Lock(明善錄) which criticized Neo-Confucianism formed at times of Song dynasty in China and proposed a new doctrine i.e Anti-Neo-Confucianism. He asserted that The Sacred and Ordinary Men are all the same in nature, and that The Acatul Mind of Universe and The Actual Mind of Human also are all the same ultimately These two assertions cleary contrasted with pre-existing Neo-confucianism led Lee-jae-ma to successively organize Sasang constitutional theoy. This study is aimed to illuminate this point : How under the effects of Han's new doctrine Lee-jae-ma could find four general constitutions due to the functional variation of the four organs. At first, Lee indicated four organs as the very general basement providing human nature for all men including The Sacred. In consequence, he justified one of the Han's assertions that The Sacred and Ordinary Men are all the same in nature. Secondly, Lee indicated the Mind as the actual center which bring forth the individual spontaneity. As far as this individual spontaneity is rightly aimed, which means harmonize his own's with the actual process of the Universe, all men could be The Sacred. So he come to justify the other of Han's assertions that The Actual Mind of Universe and The Actual Mind of Human also are all the same ultimately. Therefore, it is clearly verified that the Lee-jae-ma's Sasang doctrine is the successive achievement origined from Han-suck-jie(韓錫地)'s Anti-Neo-Confucianism abundantly represented in his own book, Myung-Suen-Lock.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.311-341
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• 1998

The objective of this article is to induce that the conception of 'Qi-jul(氣質) and Qi-pum(氣稟)' was introduced to the Sasang(四象) Constitutional Medicine from bibliographic study on the theory of 'Qi-pum(氣稟)'. The conclusions summerized as followings. 1. In the oriental medicine, qualitative difference of 'zheng-qi(正氣)' among the individuals, the opposing power against a disease, is regarded as constitution. Having been used as 'nature(素)', 'quality(質)' and 'character(氣質)' in the oriental medical book, the word of 'Che-Jil(體質)' was used in good earnest at the end of 'Qing(情)' dynasty. 2. The nature(性) is divided into two, original nature(本然之性) and charicteristic nature(氣質之性) in the 'New confucianism(新儒學)' and the former means a principle(理), is a pure and good thing and used as a conception of universality, the latter is a principle of character and a imperfect imitation of principle(理). 3. It was repeatedly confirmed that 'Qi-jil and Qi-pum' meant the difference among the individuals by the dispute of 'Li-Qi(理氣)' caused by Lee Hwang(李滉) and Lee Yi(李耳) and by that of 'Ho-Rak(湖洛)' in the Ch'o-son(朝鮮) dynasty. 4. Han Sok-Ji, based on Meng-Zi(孟子)'s doctrine that man's inborn nature is good, criticized the theory of 'Qi-pum' which was 'Zhu-Zi(朱子)'s opinion and his opinion about the life(命) was thought to clue to the classification of the 'Sasang(四象)' invented by Lee Je-Ma as Park Se-Dang's theory that everyone has common nature but has different life(命). 5. By introducing the theory of 'Qi-pum' and the conception of life(命) which was understood as a special character by Han Sok-Ji and Park Se-Dang to Sa-sang constitutional medicine, Lee Je-Ma explained the reason why each man who was classified four constitutions, 'Taiyang'(太陽), 'Taiyin'(太陰), 'Shaoyang'(少陽), 'Shaoyin'(少陰), had the different formation of the visceral department(臟局).

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2006

This study examine the relationship between the intake of food conformable to each Sasang constitution and the recognition of irregular symptoms of health condition. The study subjects were 362 university students nationwide, classified by heir Sasang constitution. In terms of the intakes of conformable food and the symptom recognition, the number of multiple subjective symptoms tended to rise as the Soeum type digested the conformable food. As for the kinds of food, the Soyang type showed a significant positive correlation between the intake of cucumber namul and the symptoms of eyes and skin, but a negative correlation between the intake of Chongak Kimchi and the symptoms of the digestive system The Soeum type showed a significant positive correlation between multiple subjective symptoms and the intake of Gatkimchi, fernbrake namul, naeng-i soup, naeng-i namul, Korean leek Kimchi, crown daisy namul, and curled mallow soup, a significant positive correlation between the symptom recognition of the respiratory system and the intake of fried flatfish, and chicken gomtang but a negative correlation between the symptom recognition of the eye and skin and the intake of boiled eel. The Taeum type presented the a sigmificant positive correlation between multiple subjective symptoms and the intake of spaghetti, a positive correlation between the symptoms of the respiratory system and the intake of tuna salad, a positive correlation between the symptoms of the eye and skin and the intake of mafa tofu, spaghetti, and tuna salad, a negative correlation between the symptoms of the mouth and anus and the intake of codfish jiri, and a negative correlation between the symptoms of the respiratory system and the intake of tuna salad.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.822-831
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• 2019

Objective: This study reports the effect of Hyungbangjihwang-tang-gami as a treatment for Soyang-in patients with chronic diarrhea. Methods: We treated three male patients with chronic diarrhea who did not improve after taking herbal medicine, as determined by zang-fu (organ) pattern diagnosis. After changing our approach to a Sasang constitution, we prescribed Hyungbangjihwang-tang-gami and assessed the effect by the frequency or form of defecation. Results: The patients' complaints worsened when they were administered a herbal medicine unsuited to their Soyang constitutions, which caused an exuberance of Yang. Changing the herbal medicine to Hyungbangjihwang-tang-gami improved their symptoms. Conclusions: This study suggested that Soyang-in patients may have side effects when administered unsuitable herbs, even if they were diagnosed using zang-fu (organ) pattern diagnosis. When we treat patients, we have to consider their Sasang constitution, as well as the zang-fu (organ) pattern diagnosis.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.144-152
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• 2009

Background : Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) has been widely used to treat respiratory disease in traditional medicine of East Asia for over a hundred years. Despite safety concerns raised by some, the use of ephedra in traditional medicine is documented over more than 1,800 years. It is well established that ephedra is one of the central medicines in Korean 'Seseng constitution' medicine. In Sasang constitution medicine, all humans can be divided into one of four types: Soeumin, Soyangin, Taeumin or Taeyangin, and each constitution type has their own typical characteristics. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that the adverse effects of ephedra differ depending on the Sasang constitution classification. Objectives : The aim of this study was to determine adverse effects of ephedra which is classified as a Taeumin herb, and to observe whether the response differs or not. according to Sasang constitution classification. Methods : The study design was a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The subjects were healthy adults 20 - 50 years old who agreed to participate in this study. They were allocated through randomization to either ephedra group (N=55) or placebo group (N=24). where ephedra extract (6 g of dried ephedra) and placebo with similar opaque capsules were given twice for one day. To compare the adverse events of ephedra according to Sasang constitution classification, we analyzed blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), pulse rate, the morning questionnaire, and patient's global assessment scale score for well known adverse events: palpitation, headache, sweating, tiredness, dyspepsia, and dry mouth. Results : After ingestion of ephedra, the pulse rate had a significant increase in all constitution types. The changes of diastolic pressure in Soeumin and the changes of pulse rate in Soeumin, Soyangin and Taeumin had a significant increase in the ephedra over the control group. In the ephedra group, the palpitation and dyspepsia score of the patients' global assessment scale had a significant increase in Soeumin, with palpitation and sweating score increasing in Soyangin. Others observations were insignificant results. Conclusion : The results of this study may confirm that the physical responses or adverse effects of herbs differ for each type of Sasang constitution. Future studies using other herbs will be required to ascertain the herbal drug reaction of Sasang constitutions.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.107-118
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• 2009

Objectives : One's mind turned over by environment and personal relationship is Emotion. Emotion is composed by several basic feelings. This basic feeling is called Chiljung in Oriental Medicine. This study is confirmed difference of Chiljung by Constitution. Methods : 80 persons of Oriental medicine university students were tested by Qustionnaire for the Sasang Constitution Classification II(QSCCII) and Thematic Apperception Test(TAT). Constitution is distinguished by QSCCII. 11 pieces picture of TAT were showed one minute and then had person to discribe one's feelings. Two data were analyzed by statistical analysis. Results : Result is as follows, tested TAT about expression of inherent basic emotion. 1. It has relations with cognitive thought process 2. Expression of Chiljung has some relations with constitution and personal trait. Conclusion : Chiljung of inherent basic emotion is cognitive and has difference between constitutions by TAT.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.763-768
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• 2007

Objectives : This study aimed to clarify the difference in blood homocysteine levels of acute cerebral infarction patients categorized by Sasang constitutional medicine. Methods : The subjects were recruited from patients admitted to the Oriental Internal Medical Department at Kyunghee Medical Center between October 2005 and May 2007, who were classified as small vessel occlusion (SVO) patients according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST). The general characteristics along with total homocysteine levels were recorded and analyzed according to Sasang constitutional medicine. Results : A total of 151 patients were included in the trial. The prevalence of constitution was, in order, Soyangin, Taeumin, and Soeumin. No statistical significance was noted for any characteristic except body weight. There was no significant difference in blood homocysteine levels between constitutions. Conclusion : This study investigated the difference in blood homocysteine levels of acute cerebral infarction patients categorized according to Sasang constitutional medicine. Due to many limitations, the correlation between homocysteine levels and Sasang constitution was not clarified. Nevertheless, this study is significant in that it examined the largest study group to date in Oriental Medicine research history on the relation between stroke patients' homocysteine and Sasang constitution, and can be utilized in future as a basic material. Further research on the subject is needed.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.53-59
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• 2020

Dietary habits are known to be closely related not only to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but also to self-rated health (SRH). Consequently, there is a highly important lifestyle component in maintaining a healthy life. The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between diverse dietary habits based on the Sasang constitutions (SC) and SRH. The data were collected from 2,984 participants who met the constitution pharmacology criteria and whose SC were clinically confirmed by SC professionals. Dietary habits were observed by assessing the regularity of diet, meal volume, and meal speed; single-answer questions were used for SRH. Fisher's exact/chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between dietary habits depending on constitutional type and SRH. In association with constitutional SRH, the Taeum type is related to the amount of meal, the Soeum and Soyang types are related to the regularity of meal and meal volume. In the Taeum type, there was a significantly higher risk of lower SRH when meal volumes were irregular less than previous amounts. Irregular diet, as well as increased or decreased meal volume, negatively correlated with SRH in the Soeum type; in the Soyang type, irregular diet and decreased or irregular meal volume negatively affected SRH. This showed the presence of the different effects of dietary habits on health depending on constitution and also confirmed the association of the regularity of diet and meal volume based on constitution and the frequency of bad dietary habits with SRH. We suggest that personalized healthcare with adequate dietary improvement considering constitution is needed for health management or improvement.