• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the Sasang Constitution character strength of university students. Methods: One hundred fifty students of Woosuk University participated in this study. Their majors were Korean medicine, nursing science, and pharmacy. Their Sasang Constitutional types were determined using the results of a Two Step Questionnaire for Sasang Constitution Diagnosis (TS-QSCD). The subjects were also tested by a Characteristic Strength Test (CST). The Character Strength test scores were compared to the different Sasang Constitutions using analysis of variances (ANOVA). Also, the five Signature Strengths presented to the subjects were measured as a percentage within Sasang Constitution Groups, and compared to the different Sasang Constitutions. Results and Conclusions: 1. In CST score: Soyangin were significantly higher than Taeeumin in creativity, curiosity, love, social intelligence, vitality, leadership, appreciation of beauty and excellence, and humor. Also, Soyangin was significantly higher than Soeumin in wisdom, kindness, bravery, and authenticity. 2. In CST score: Taeeumin were significantly higher than Soyangin in modesty. Taeeumin and Soeumin were significantly higher than Soyangin in prudence. 3. In the five signature strength analysis: Extrovert character strengths such as curiosity, vitality, social intelligence, bravery, and leadership, were higher in Soyangin. On the other hand, Introvert character strengths such as modesty, prudence, and self-regulation, were higher in Taeeumin and Soeumin. 4. In the five signature strength analysis: The signature strengths of Soyangin and Soeumin indicated a biased distribution. The signature strengths of Taeeumin indicated an even distribution.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.42-54
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• 2018

Objectives This study was aimed to compare effects of Yukgunja-tang (YGJT) extract granule on functional dyspepsia (FD) by sasang constitution. Methods A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, two-center trial was performed. We obtained 3D face images of FD patients participating in this study using face-only scanner and classified them into two types as narrow face and wide face by 3D facial shape diagnosis system (3-FSDS). 96 subjects (48 subjects per type) were enrolled and were randomly allocated into treatment or control groups in a 2:1 ratio. YGJT extract granule or placebo were administered to each group during the 8 week treatment period. One of sasang constitutional specialist diagnosed their constitutions by referring to questionnaires and 3D face images. The primary outcome was total dyspepsia symptom scale (TDS scale), the secondary outcomes were single dyspepsia symptom scale (SDS scale), visual analog scale (VAS) and so on. This trial was registered with clinical research information service identifier: KCT0001920, 15 May, 2016. Results In the Taeeumin treatment group, the TDS scale was significantly decreased after 8 weeks compared to the control group (t=2.331, p=0.025) and the SDS scale also significantly decreased. (t=2.042, p=0.048). The specific effects of the YGJT extract granule without the placebo effect on the Taeeumin with functional dyspepsia were 30.61% in TDS scale and 28.33% in SDS scale. Conclusions The effects of Yukgunja-tang extract granule on functional dyspepsia was different according to Sasang constitution. So the constitution should be considered in randomized controlled trials using herbal extract granules.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.20 no.1 s.32
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• pp.228-238
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• 2007

Objectives ; Sasang Constitional Medicine is a part of Korean traditional Medicine, and classify human constitution into four types. Scalp and hair is a part of skin. Skin is one of constitutional charasteristic element. So we researched a correlation between Sasang constitutions and Korean adult scalp and hair condition. This is a basic study to find constitution can be a important factor to care scalp and hair. Methods ; We examined Sasang constitutions and scalp and hair condition of 80 human who aged from 20-50. Scalp disease, dandruff was observed by video micro scope and sebum tape diagnosis. Thickness of hair was measured by Laser Scan Micrometer(LSM-3100). Itching sense and life habit was also investigated. Constitution diagnosis and scalp, hair diagnosis was investigated seperately as a blind test and the data was statistically analyzed with chi-square test, correlation analysis, one-way analysis of varience. Results ; 1. In Sasang Constitution, Taeumin group had significant tendency of oilily scalp. 70% of Taeumin group had oilily scalp. 2. The group of dry or oilily scalp had more itching sense and more sensativity of scalp compaired to neuter scalp group. 3. There was no correlation between height, weight, thickness of hair, itching sense, scalp disease and Sasang constitution. 4. There was correlation between loss of hair and drinking alcohol, obesity, curly hair, soft scalp. Conclusions ; Korean adult scalp and hair condition had correlation with Sasang constitution.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.65-76
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• 2009

This study was to examine of physical and psychological traits to sasang constitution in college students. The subjects in this study were 114 people, who were consists of 35 persons of Taeeumin, 34 persons of Soyangin and 45 persons of Soeumin. We were analyzed psychological trait with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicators(MBTI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI) according to sasang constitution. Also, We were analyzed physical trait with the Body Mass Index(BMI) according to sasang constitution. Each sasang constitutions personality type showed significantly differences only in the extraversion and introversion(p=0.012). In the relationship of BMI, Taeeumin showed bigger BMI compared to others (p<0.001). As a result of logistic regression analysis, Soyangin was higher in the extraversion(odds ratio[OR], 3.48 ; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.18-10.26) compared with Taeeumin. Also, each sasang constitutions showed significantly differences in trait-anxiety(p=0.047). The score of trait-anxiety in Soeumin was significantly higher than that in Taeeumin. The limitation of this study was that particular samples could not represent the population, because the students from one college had participated in this study. In the future, we will perform this study in general population. At the same time, we will also develop approaches considering physical and psychological aspects depending on the types of constitution in the management of subjects.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.200-209
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• 2003

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between atopic dermatitis and the Sasang constitution. Methods : I examined 64 patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis for a long time who visited Department of Dermatology in Kangnam Korean Hospital, Kyunghee University and classified them into 4 types according to Sasang constitution under consulting a Sasang specialist. 1. The Sasang specialist classified the patients using the Questionnaire for the Sasang Constitution Classification Ⅱ(QSCCⅡ), body components examination, facial morphology measurement and Meridian function examination. 2. I analyzed the distribution of sex and age, first onset age, history period, digestion condition, existences of past history and family history, basal material volume, immunoglobulin E and eosinophil. Results and Conclusions : 1. As the distribution of sex and age, 28 patients(pts) were male and 36 pts were female. 20's female group was the most common. 2. As the distribution of Sasang constitution types, Soeumin were 28(43.7$\%$) pts, Taeumin were 24(37.5$\%$) pts, Soyangin were 11(17.2$\%$) pts, and Taeyangin was 1(1.6$\%$) pI. 3. As the mean age at first visit, Soeumin's was 20yrs, Taeumin's and Soyangin's were 27yrs, and Taeyangin's was 15yrs. 4. As the mean onset age, Soeumin's was 7yrs the lowest, Taeumin's was 15.7yrs, Soyangin's was 10.54yrs and Taeyangin's was 15yrs. 5. As the history period. Soeumin's was 13.8yrs. Taeumin's was 11.8yrs. Soyangin's was 16.5yrs. Tae yangin's was 13yrs. 6. As the existence of past history of atopic diseases, Soeumin were 12(43$\%$) pts, Taeumin were 7(29$\%$) pts and Soyangin were 5(45$\%$) pts. 7. As immunoglobulin E, 21(75$\%$) pts of Soeumin were normal, 7(25$\%$) pts were abnormal.. 22(92$\%$) pts of Taeumin were normal, 2(8$\%$) pts were abnormal. 8(73$\%$) pts of Soyangin were normal, 3(27$\%$) pts were abnormal. As the defecation condition, 19(68$\%$) pts of Soeumin were normal, 9(32$\%$) pts were abnormal. 14(58$\%$) pts of Taeumin were normal, 10(42$\%$) pts were abnormal, 8(73$\%$) pts of Soyangin were normal, 3(27$\%$) pts were abnormal. 8. The mean value of immunoglobulin E of Soeumin was 1236, Taeeumin was 442, Soyangin was 2010, the mean value of eosinophil of Soeumin was 3.5, Taeeumin was 2.47, Soyangin was 4.28.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.71-79
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• 2014

Although Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are generally treated by western medicine, many of them strongly believe in the traditional oriental Sasang constitutional classification and depend on it for food, health supplements, and oriental medicines decision making. Sasang constitutional classification is a part of traditional Korean medicine that divides people into four constitutional types (Tae-Yang: TY, Tae-Eum: TE, So-Yang: SY, and So-Eum: SE), which differ in inherited characteristics such as appearance, personality traits, susceptibility to diseases, and drug responses. It is recommended for T2DM patients to control their blood glucose very well from early stages with drugs and diet. However, many T2DM patients respond differently to their drugs, even though they receive the same medicine. Therefore, the present study investigated whether Sasang constitutional type can explain the therapeutic differences between oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) therapy (mono, dual and triple drug therapy). Patients of 618 with T2DM diagnosis and Sasang constitutional type known who received both western and oriental medicine treatment in a hospital between April 2006 and April 2013 retrospectively studied. HbA1c (%) and blood glucose (mg/dl) levels before OHAs therapy and 3 month after were collected for metformin (MET) or sulfonylurea (SU) monotherapy, MET+SU dual therapy, MET+except SU (where was either alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, meglitinide or thiazolidinedione) dual therapy, and triple therapy, according to Sasang constitutional type. For statistical analysis, ANOVA was used and paired t-test by SPSS 19.0 where P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Pattern was similar levels of HbA1c and blood glucose and which was decreased in order of mono, MET+SU dual, MET+except SU dual and triple therapy. In all patients comparison, for the So-yang (SY) constitutional type, either monotherapy was less effective; for Te-eum (TE) type, MET+SU dual therapy was less effective while MET+except SU dual therapy was more effective and the triple therapy was less effective; and for So-eum (SE) type, the triple therapy was more effective. For the management of TE type it is recommended to use drugs except SU when dual therapy is needed, restrict triple therapy and consider dual and insulin therapy; for SY type it is recommended to follow current guidelines; and for SE type it is advisable to skip dual therapy and start the triple therapy early. Finally, the therapeutic response to OHAs is different among Korean T2DM patients with different Sasang constitutional types. Taken together, the choice of effective OHAs therapy for each type is necessary in order to minimize the poor control of blood glucose level, the risk of complications, and the costs from a failure of therapy.

• 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 Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.119-150
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• 1999

In spite of recent remarkable recent development in both western and oriental medical sciences, there is still only a shallow understanding of individual differences for various prognoses of incurable diseases and immunopathy diseases. Nevertheless, the care, cure and prevention methods of Sasang Constitutional Medicine are broadly used as an effective treatment of incurable diseases like immunopathy diseases and stress-related diseases and diseases due to aging. In this sense, the establishment of classification norms is urgent and essential for the worldwide application of Sasang Constitutional Medicine(SCM). This study began with the confirmation process of whether Sasang Constitutional types exist in Americans. To accomodate for cultural differences, the distinguishing tool was readjusted so that Sasang Constitutional Types in Americans could be determined. Hence, the selected tool is the new QSCCII+, which is a newly revised English version of the QSCCII. QSCCII was made and standardized by Dept. of SCM in Kyung Hee Medical Center and Dr. Kim7). The evaluation methods of the old version were improved in the new QSCCII+ through necessary statistical manipulation. The original QSCCII was officially authorized by the Korean Society of Sasang Constitutional Medicine as the only computerized version of Sasang diagnostics. This study is the first attempt to design a new diagnostic tool for the classification of Sasang Constitutional types in North Americans with the revision of QSCCII. The subjects of this study were selected from the cooperative people among the students and staffs of the University of Bridgeport and the patients who visited the Clinic in the Health Science Center. This study takes for about 1 year from 1998. 8 to 1999. 8 The conclusions of the study can be summarized as follows: 1. Sasang constitutional types also exist in Americans. It can also naturally be inferred that Sasang Constitutional types exist in all human beings, for there are many different human races in America. 2. There are more So-Yang In's than any other types in American white people. This result confirms the hypothesis that there also exist Sasang Constitutional types in westerners. 3. The result of repetitive tests suggests that the new QSCCII+ is an effective diagnostic tool for westerners when we consider the constant diagnostic results of the QSCCII+. 4. Sasang Constitutional types exit in the sample group regardless of racial difference. 5. The question items that were not often checked by Americans need to be modified into more understandable expressions. 6. The standardization of diagnosis for Americans should be established by use of the QSCCII+ 7. It can be guessed that there are many Tae-yang In's among the 71 persons who could not be clearly classified by the QSCCII+. Due to the scarcity of Tae-yang-In in general, it is important to improve upon the discernability of the QSCC II+. 8. The results of the Sasang Constitutional distribution in North Americans are as follows: The percentage of So-yang In distribution in the sample group is 36.25%(87persons), that of Tae-eum In is 13.75%(33persons), and that of So-eum In is 20.41%(49persons).

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.14-23
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• 2018

Objectives Because of growing interest in personalized medicine, constitutional medicine also becomes more important. Constitutional medicine has already developed in many countries. In this study, we tried to investigate five type personality (Wutairen), a kind of Chinese constitutional medicine. Methods We did a research on five type personality using CNKI (http://www.cnki.net) up to Jan 15, 2018. Total 204 papers were searched with the keyword "Wutairen". We excluded 170 papers away from the subject or clinically studied. As a result, 34 papers were selected and analyzed. Results and Conclusions Five type personality (Wutairen) originated from Huangdi Neijing-Lingshu. There are 5 types: greater Yin person (Taiyin), lesser Yin person (Shaoyin), greater Yang person (Taiyang), lesser Yang person (Shaoyang) and Yin-yang balanced person. These are classified according to Yin-Yang content. Each type has different characteristic, treatment and prevention. Five type personality theory considers internal factors more important than external factors. Also, it considers the balance of Yin-Yang important.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.107-117
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• 2008

1. Objective The aim of this study was to survey the adverse reactions by the prescriptions of Soeumin.Soyangin and to compare the tendency of their symptoms according to Sasang constitutional type. 2. Methods The clinical data for this study were based on the medical records of total 91 cases collected from an oriental clinic during 1996-2004. Their constitutional types were diagnosed by a specialist and then confirmed by drug reactions. To evaluate reliability of the analysis, we only analysed the cases above grade C. The target prescriptions were Palmulgunja-tang, Bojungikgi-tang, Hyangsayangwi-tang, Ijung-tang, Hyeongbangsabaek-san, Jeoryeongchajeonja-tang, Yanggyeoksanhwa-tang, Yangdokbaekho-tang and the sorts of Jihwang-tang. 3. Results and Conclusion The prescriptions which were not suitable for their Sasang constitutional type induced indigestion, stomachache and evacuation troubles basically. Besides, the prescriptions of Soeumin caused some fever of the upper body and skin on Taeeumin and Soyangin. And the prescriptions of Soyangin lead to more severe digestive and evacuation troubles on Taeeumin and Soeumin. 4. Conclusion: This study need to be compensated by additional clinical studies which are more systematic and continuous. This way we can make the firm evidence for approving the difference of drug susceptibility according to the Sasang constitutional type.