• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.721-727
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to review the current situation of Sasang typology studies and get a recommendation for ameliorating it by systematically reviewing articles published in Korea from 2000 to 2009. Six hundred seventy-seven articles were found by searching the representative Korean databases such as KISS, RISS, KISTI, DBPIA, NDSL and also by hand search. Yearly analysis was performed by academic field, journal, author and affiliation, type of article and content. The analysis showed that the number of published articles has increased from 61 in 2000 to 86 in 2009. 607(89.6%) were related to medical field, 627(92.6%) were published in Korean Citation Index-listed journals, and 413(68.8%) were published in the Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine. The authors listed on one article were 3.98 persons and affiliated in 1.66 departments in average. Sixty six percents are for the clinical studies or case reports, and twenty-five for Sasang type diagnosis. This study showed that more active collaborations with diverse research fields and various research methods are needed for the improvement of Sasang typology studies and the scope expansion of Korean traditional medicine.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.82-90
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• 2005

1. Objectives : There are many studies on the ordinary symptoms based on Sasang constitution. But there are not quite satisfactory between the types of Sasang constitution. So This study is for learning the characteristics of ordinary symptoms depending on Taeyangin Soyangin(the rest Yangin) and Taeumin Soeumin(the rest Eumin) of the Sasang constitution. 2. Methods : We classified them into the each type of Sasang Constitutional Medicine(SCM) by the well-trained SCM specialist, and assessed their ordinary features by the questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the influence of ordinary features to the diagnosis of SCM. 3. Results : There are a result of the binary logistic analysis on the observed questionnaire. 1) Regarding sleeping, Yangin do not dream much as Eumin do when they sleep. The time they are sleeping is not longer, and they usually do not sleep well. 2) Regarding stools, Yangin go to stool more than Eumin do. The constipation does not occur when they are not in a good condition, and they do not feel uncomfortable when they do not go to stool for a day. The length of time taken for emptying the bowels is much longer, and the hardness of their stools is much more, but the hardness does not mean that they have the constipation. 3) Regarding urine, Yangin have much more foam than Eumin. 4. Conclusions: We found that Yangin and Eumin have characteristics of ordinary symptoms, but partly there are not in accordance with ones what Lee Je-ma said in his book. So in future we hope clinical studies are required steadily.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.123-136
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• 2009

1. Objectives : This study is a pilot study to construct of metabolic syndrome model with constitutional type. We focused on the correlation of Metabolic syndrome(MetS) and ordinary symptoms with Taeumin at 40. 2. Methods : 32 subjects who had taken health examinations and diagnosis of Sasang constitution from Oct 1, 2008 to Dec 31, 2008 at Kyung-Hee medical center were included and underwent B-mode ultrasonography for measurement of intima-media thickness of common carotid arteries. MetS was defined by the criteria of the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. 3. Results and Conclusions : Mean intima-media thickness of common carotid artery was higher in subjects with MetS compared with control subjects(0.56$\pm$0.12 vs 0.54$\pm$0.08mm) however. The ordinary symptoms shown to differentiate the MetS group and the control group were related to "dark urine color," "dryness of eyes," and "night sweat". Therefore, these ordinary symptoms can be said to be indicators of the Taeumin with Mets syndrome.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.24-34
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• 2001

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the body shape of Sasang Constitutions by body composition and body measurement. Methods : This study was carried out 98 cases(68 males and 30 females)of Oriental Medical College at Kyunghee University. After determining the Sasang Constitutions(Soeumin, Soyangin, Taeumin) by QSCCII, the body shape of each group were analysed by body composition(INBODY 2.0, Biospace, seoul, korea) and body measurement. Results : 1) The result of Sasang Constitution analysis of 98 cases were classified as Soumin(52%), Soyang(24.5%), Taeumin(23.5%). 2) In the body composition and body measurement, there were significant difference from intercellular fluid, protein, mineral mass, weight, percent body fat, body water of left arm and BMI between Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin. 3) In the body composition of male, Taeumin group showed that the arms were more developed than the legs and the upper trunk were more developed than the lower trunk. Soumin group showed the asymmetry of the right and left limbs. Soyang group showed the asymmetry of the right and left arms. In the body composition of female, Taeumin group showed the asymmetry of the right and left upper limbs. Conclusion : There are significant relationships between Sasang Constitutions, Body composition and BMI. The findings indicated here Body composition could be useful mean to make a diagnosis of the body shape, body type, physical constitution of Sasang constitutions.

• 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
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.26-39
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• 2009

Objectives: Pulse energy values recorded with an add-pres sure-type pulse apparatus were correlated with Sasang constitutional syndromes in order to match pulse energy values with Sasang prescriptions. Methods: The pulse energy values were measured with Daeyo Pulse Apparatus at the Gwan pulse point of both wrists. Prescriptions were divided into two major categories of interior syndromes or exterior syndromes, and categorized according to major component herbs specific to each of the four Sasang constitutions, and the relationship between the pulse energy and each groups divided by their prescription was studied. Results: About 10% of all people had nonmal pulse energy values. 10% had values over normal range, and $70\sim80%$ had lower values than normal. The normal range of pulse energy was regarded as being between 450 and 700. Conclusions: 1. For patients of the Soeum constitution, prescriptions without Panax ginseng is suitable for patients with high pulse energy, and prescriptions containing Panax ginseng are suitable for patients who have lower pulse energy. 2. All prescriptions for the Soyang constitution containing Rehmannia radix preparata or Comus officinalis are suitable for patients who have lower pulse energy, and prescriptions containing Rehmannia radix or Gypsum fibrosum are applicable to patients with pulse energy values higher than normal. 3. Most prescriptions for the Taeum constitution containing Semen coicis or Semen castaneae are suitable for patients with lower pulse energy, and prescriptions containing Radix puerariae or Radix et rhizoma rhei can be prescribed for patients who have lower pulse energy levels. 4. The Taeyang constitutional prescription Ogapijangcuck-tang is suitable for patients who have higher pulse energy levels and Mihudeungsikjang-tang is better for patients with lower than normal pulse values. As described above, the pulse energy level of each patient can be matched with a specific Sasang constitutional prescription. If this relationship is taken into consideration with other conventional symptoms, it can be helpful in diagnosis, improving efficacy of treatment, and be used as objective evidence.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.95-117
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• 1999

1. Purpose of study There are many Constitution theories. But, In the Sasang Constitutional medicine, the theory and the practice are connected systematically. So it has been used in Korea popularly. Lee Je-Ma suggested that the external form, the mind, the symptom are the criteria of Sasang constitution diagnosis at the Discourse on the Four Principle and the Discourse on the Identifying Four Constitutions. But The clinical importance study of three diagnostic criteria - the external form, the mind, the symptom - has never been studied. Therefore, there are many obstacles of using the three diagnostic criteria totally. And I think that it needs a study which we apply the three diagnostic criteria to practice and approve the clinical importance of one another. I classify and investigate the previous methods of Sasang constitution diagnosis by the three diagnostic criteria in this study. 2. Method of study I investigate the previous methods of Sasang constitution diagnosis bibliographically by Dongyi Soose Bowon, Journal of Constitutional medicine and other books. 3. Result of study (1) Study of the external form The Study of Ki-sang(氣像) and Sa-ki(詞氣) by experience and intuition was done previously, and study of imaginay formulation of each constitution by measuring Chae-hyung(體形) and yong-mo(容貌) has being done recently. (2) Study of the mind For the objectification of study and diagnosis, self-reporting questionnaire has been used. The ideal choice to determine an indivisual constitution, as far as questionnaire go, is to take results from both the modified version Sasang Pattern Identification Questionnaire and QSCCII. (3) Study of the symptom For the study of the symptom - constitution symptom and constitution symptom of disease - the study of principles, the clinical study of the type of disease and symptom, the study which the pathologic view of Oriental medicine apply the view of Sasang Constitutional medicine have been done. We must try to objectfy Sasang Constitutional disease.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.150-164
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• 2009

1. Objectives This study was to designed investigate the relationship between hypertension and its risk factors and the prevalence of hypertension according to Sasang Constitution. 2. Methods Five hundred and twenty six people were subjects out of 666 people, over 40 years old, who participated in the community-based cohort in Wonju, South Korea from July 2nd to August 30th in 2006. Hypertensive group was 263 peoples and normal group was 263 people, selected randomly among non hypertensive people who had same age and sex with hypertensive groups. Sasang Constitutional Diagnosis was carried out using PSSC(Phonetic System of Sasang Constitution), face and tongue photos and a checkup list. Risk factors from blood samples, physical measurements and social indices were analyzed using SPSS. 3. Results The prevalence of hypertension in Taeeumin was 63.1%(N=166), that of Soeumin was 22.4%(N=59) and that of Soyangin was 14.4%(N= 38). Considering risk factors of hypertension, there weren't any differences between two groups in social support indices and Framingham type A score. But scores of Soeumin's and Soyangin's were significantly high compared with that of Taeeumin in female normal group. There were significantly high results in Adiponectin of Soeumin's and HDL-cholesterol of female Soyangin's and HOMA-IR of Taeeumin's than any other groups. Crude OR of Taeeumin was 2.18 as compared with that of Soeumin in terms of risk of hypertension, and OR of Taeeumin was 2.02 as compared with that of Soeumin after drinking, smoking, total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar and HOMA-IR were adjusted. But after BMI was adjusted there wasn't a significance between Soeumin and Taeeumin and the OR of more than 25 was 2.42 as compared with that of less than 23 in BMI. 4. Conclusions Sasang Constitution is thought to be the reasonable variable to control hypertension in terms of prevention, treatment and regimen. And constitution is needed as a good variable to make a cohort study concerning chronic diseases, especially hypertension.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.283-290
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• 1998

Sasang Constitutional Medicine focuses on the different constitutional manifestations of the individual's nature and emotions. The nature and emotions drive the ascending and descending of Qi in the body. And this dynamics of the Qi's ascent and descent shapes the different types of structures, functions and temperaments. Although Sasang Constitutional Medicine has many advantages, its diagnosis of the constitution still depends on the doctors' own idea and has no objective identification. So many doctors in Korea have been trying to solve this problem. Recently, there are several efforts to find out the relationship between genetic information and constitution. By the way, May, 1998 there is a astonishing report about the gene which determines the human performance, that is ACE(angiotensin converting enzyme). And it suggests that the I allele was associated with improved endurance performance. ACE has three genotype including II, ID and DD. "I" means insertion and "D" means deletion. We determined the type of the Sasang constitution with QSCCII questionaire and the one's ACE genotype with PCR of the 127 people and we discovered the relationship between the constitution and the ACE genotype. The result is as follow. Among 39 people who have the II genotype, 7(18%) belong to Taeum(Taiyin), 9(23.1%) belong to Soyang(Shaoyang) and 23(59%) belong to Soeum(Shaoyin). Among 62 people who have the ID genotype, 18(29%) belong to Taeum(Taiyin), 21(33.9%) belong to Soyang(Shaoyang) and 23(37.1%) belong to Soeum(Shaoyin). Among 26 people who have DD genotype, 11(42.3%) belong to Taeum(Taiyin), 4(15.4%) belong to Soyang(Shaoyang) and 11(42.3%) belong to Soeum(Shaoyin). This data indicates that there are implicable relationship between the Sasang constitution and ACE genotype. Especially people who have II genotype have much possibility to be a Soeum(Shaoyin) person (59%) and Soyang(Shaoyang) person have less possibility to have DD genotype (15.4%). With this conclusion, we suggest further study of relationship between the Sasang constitution and ACE genotype and we think that other polymorphism can be a candidate of the partner of Sasang constitution.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.970-975
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• 2012

In Sasang constitutional medicine, doctors diagnose and treat patients according to their Sasang consitutition (SC) type. In this work, by a clinical test with a radial pulse tonometer, we investigated radial pulse properties which were significant in distinguishing unhealthy subjects from healthy subjects for each SC type. We measured radial pulse properties on left and right Gwan locations with a pulse tonometer for 299 elderly female subjects of age of 50 years old or above. We used a newly developed SCAT system to determine subjects' SC types. Subjects' health levels of either healthy or unhealthy were determined independently by two Korean medical doctors. To investigate the statistical differences, we used either of Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test depending on the normality of distribution of test statistic. For TE type, unhealthy subjects were characterized with significant increases in heart rate, systolic to diastolic period, pulse depth, while they showed significant decreases in width of pulse in normal direction, pulse area in diastolic period, and high harmonic components (6th, 7th) of power spectral density. For SE type, unhealthy subjects were characterized with significant increases in pulse pressure and pulse depth, while no significant differences were found for SY type. We investigated the characteristic differences in radial pulse properties due to change in health levels on each SC type for elderly females. Pulse variables which were significantly different between healthy subjects and unhealthy subjects were found to vary between SC types. For TE type subjects, many variables were found significant at the left Gwan location, which is in support of the theory of hyperactive liver functioning for TE type. Irrespective of the constitution, the related changes in the pulse properties due to worsened health level were in support of elevated blood flow amount in compensation with weakened blood circulatory function.