• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.1192-1198
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• 2004

Sasang Constitutional Medicine is a major branch of Korean Traditional Medicine. The differences of disease susceptibility to be shown in Sasang constitution may be due to genetic factors. Therefore, I examined interrelationship among cerebral infarction (CI), apolipoprotein E (apo E) gene polymorphism, and Sasang constitutional classification. Apo E is a key protein modulating the highly atherogenic apoB containing lipoproteins and is a candidate gene for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). The ε2 and/or ε4 alleles were the first to be implicated in premature CAD, which resulted in this polymorphism being extensively studied. I investigated the association between apo E genotype and CI by case-control study in a Korean population. I also classified CI patients and control group into groups according to Sasang Constitutional Medicine. 218 CI patients and 379 controls without CI were examined. Apo E genotype was determined by 8% polyacrylamide gel separation after DNA amplification. A frequency of apo E ε3/ε3 in the apo E genotype distribution was higher in the CI patients compared with that in controls. Also, it was widely known that Taeumin was easily attacked with CI, but there was no association between apo E polymorphim and Taeumin. However, the Taeumin constitution did not enhance the relative risk for CI in the subjects with apo E ε2 and/or ε4 alleles. No differences in the apo E genotypes frequencies were observed in the Taeumin compared with that in the other constitutions. In addition, I investigated whether the DD(deletion/deletion) or ID(insertion/deletion) genotype of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, a candidate gene for CI, was associated with CI, Taeumin constitution, and apo E polymorphism. As a result, the frequency of Taeumin constitution was significantly higher in CI patients with both apo E ε3/ε4 and ACE ID/DD genotypes than in the remaining Sasang constitutions. In summary, it was concluded that the apo E polymorphism is a major risk factor for CI in Koreans and the ACE ID/DD genotype enhanced the relative risk for CI in the subjects with apo E ε3/ε4 genotype and Taeumin constitution.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.50-59
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• 2012

Objectives In this research, the constitutional diagnosis based on the theory of Sasang constitutions were carried out to Japanese subjects living in Japan, and the external applicability of Sasang constitutional medicine was evaluated by analyzing the physiological symptoms and the pathological symptoms according to their constitutions. Methods Total 144 Japanese subjects who live in S city were invited from Mar. 2010 to Jul. 2011 for the research, and their constitutions were analyzed with constitution diagnosing tool that was developed by Korean institution of oriental medicine (KIOM) in 2011. The collected data was analyzed in terms of the physiological symptoms and the pathological symptoms according to the sasang constitutions with computer software of SPSS 17.0. Results In the physiological symptoms related to excrements, Soyangin more frequently did not have excrements of gold color (p=.034) and feel the tenesmus (p=.047) than the subjects of other constitutions. In the physiological symptoms related to cold & heat, Soyangin more frequently felt cold in feet and hands (p=.011), and Soeumin more frequently didn't like drinking water regardless of thirst (p=.017). In the physiological symptoms, Soyangin frequently felt dryness in eyes, and Taeumin frequently felt uncomfortable because of the phlegm. Conclusions The theory of Sasang constitution which is a Korean traditional medicine can also be applied to the health care of Japanese, and it can contribute to the health promotion of Japanese subjects.

• 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.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2014

Objectives Adverse reactions can becaused by contrast media used in computed tomography. The aim of this study was to report the improvement of allergic response caused by contrast media after treatment with Modified Hyeongbangpaedok-san, histamine antagonists and steroids. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records. The patient's subjective symptoms such as rash and pruritus were evaluated by the range of rash and numeric rating scale(NPS). Results All symptoms showed nearly complete remission with continued Korean traditional medical treatment. Conclusions A female patient had been injected with contrast media for Computed tomography(CT) evaluation of lung cancer. Rash and pruritus appeared 1 day after injection. We prescribed Modified Hyeongbangpaedok-san. Patients were treated with both Korean medicine and Western medicine. Consequently, the symtoms were improved significantly after combination treatment of Korean medicine and Western medicine.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2009

1. Objective : This study aims to evaluate the medical tourism structures in countries with prosperous medical tourism industry such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and India in order ro propose optimal strategies that can promote the medical tourism in Korea. 2. Methods : All pertinent literature concerning medical tourism directly and indirectly were assessed, and reviews of medical tourism strategies found in various countries were evaluated. 3. Results : Evaluation of related literature reveals that medical tourism is a recent burgeoning industry that has grown In market size considerably in the last five to ten years. Also, it shows that oriental medicine is a highly likely candidate amidst the various medical fields for attraction foreign patients. 4. Conclusion : The Korean government should support and install appropriate legal and administrative bodies in order to attract medical tourists; Korea-specific medical tourism programs (ie. traditional Korean medicine package tours) should be developed in order to attract medical tourists from the western world and the middle-east. In addition, low-price policy of medical tourism is not a proper strategies for the competition against advanced medical tourism destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and India. Differentiated medical tourism package such as oriental medical tourism program rather than provision of low-price policy seems to be more effective strategy for the medical tourism in Korea. Future studies on strategies for promoting medical tourism should focus on how foreigners recognize traditional Korean medicine, what diagnostic approach might be appealing to them and how the legal system concerning the medical procedures may be altered and modified.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.167-184
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• 2021

Objectives: Operational definition and its validated measure of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) are pivotal for research studies and reliable clinics. There have been ten years of clinical studies on Eum-Yang (Yin-Yang) and Sasang typology using Sasang Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) of integrative biopsychology. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review on the use of SPQ to provide insights and foundation for its further studies and clinical application. Methods: Clinical studies on SPQ were searched using five domestic and foreign research databases. Attained research articles were then subjected to predefined systematic reviews. Demographic characteristics of participants and research topics of articles were described. Psychological and physical features of SPQ and its subscales were reviewed and compiled to reveal biopsychological characteristics. Results: There were 33 articles with 15,085 participants on Eum-Yang (n=19) and Sasang typology (n=14). The SPQ-total score was in an increasing order of So-Eum, Tae-Eum, and So-Yang. Eum-Yang groups were categorized at a 3:4:3 ratio using %ile score of SPQ-total. The SPQ-total showed a significant positive correlation with Novelty-Seeking and a negative correlation with Harm-Avoidance in psychological perspective, while it was not significantly correlated with Body Mass Index or Ponderal Index in physical perspective. The SPQ-total and subscales explained psychopathological characteristics of stress recognition, negative emotion, problem behavior, and depression. Conclusions: The SPQ was found to be an objective biopsychological measure of TKM for Sasang typology and psychopathology. It would provide foundation for 'Korean Psychology' and multidisciplinary studies.

• International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.77-82
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• 2019

This research aims to analyze the Sasang constitutions of army soldiers using the measuring tools which were developed by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine the government-affiliated Ministry of Science. Then, this research compares the The Sasang constitutions of soldiers to the Sasang typology of Yi Je-Ma, who systemized Korean traditional medicine in 1800s. Also, by comparing each result of subjected army unit, we will recommend proper diet management at regular intervals in order to enhance morals of soldiers. Finally, we also suggest to apply Sasang constitution to consultation in military so as to strengthen the combat power of the army.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.105-120
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• 2013

Objectives: Sasang Constitutional Medicine(SCM) is a Traditional Korean Medicine based on the natural human emotions of joy(喜), anger(怒), sorrow(哀), and pleasure(樂). Therefore, in this paper I would like to construct SCM as a Mind-Body Medicine by studying the relation between SCM and psychotherapy focusing on control of emotions. Methods : I have researched the psychological characteristics of the four human physical constitutions, as described by SCM, and psychotherapy with an emphasis on the natural human emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure as discussed in the works of Lee Je-ma(李濟馬, 1837-1900). Results and Conclusions : The joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure in SCM do not simply refer to human emotions. They have an inherent nature(性), emotion(情) and Qi(氣). They are tied to the psychological characteristics of the four human physical constitutions and the relationship between body and mind. The turning point in the transformation from Sasang philosophy to Sasang therapy lies in these emotions. Sasang Constitutional Medicine, which focuses on 'mind matter' and diagnosing illness, emphasizes medicine and food(藥餌), along with health maintenance(調養). In particular, health maintenance requires the following mental practices. First of all, through countinuous awarness(恒戒) and self-reflection(自反), one needs to practice moderation(中) and restraint(節) of the emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. Therefore, 'inward reflection while sitting(坐思)' is necessary. In SCM, this is very similar to meditation in that it enhances psychological self-control through mental training or practice.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.13 no.2 s.20
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• pp.71-74
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• 2007

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.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.64-74
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• 2006

1. Objectives and Methods A Study on the Characteristics of the Korean Adult Male Sound according to Sasang Constitution using PSSC with a Sentence. Sasang Constitutional Medicine(SCM) is the one of the traditional Korean Medicine. It classifies people into four categories like Taeyangin, Soyangin, Taeumin and Soeumin. The rule to classify is Appearance and Body Shape, Facial Appearance and Speech, Character and Talents and Diseases and Medications. This study was done to investigate the relationships between Voice and Sound parameters using PSSC(Phonetic System of Sasang Constitution) in a sentence. Experimental Participants were 195 Korean adult males including 1 Taeyangin, 37 Soyangin, 105 Taeumin and 52 Soeumin. Sasang Constitutional specialist used PSSC and Korean Medical Diagnosis to classify participants into four constitution. 2. Results In Pitch segment, Soyangin's Center freq.(4) was significantly high compared with Taeyangin and Taeumin groups. Soyangin's and Soeumin's Center freq.(6) was significantly high compared with Taeyangin and Taeumin groups. In APQ segment and Octave segment, there were no significant differences among four groups. In Shimmer segment, Taeumin's F Shimmer(1) and F Shimmer(2) were significantly high compared with Taeyangin and Soyangin groups. In Energy segment, Taeyangin's 2k-4k total sum, 2k-4k dev., C dev., C# dev. and D S.D. were significantly high compared with other groups. In Recording time segment, there was no significant difference among four groups. More Taeyangin cases and the other parameters are needed to determine constitution using PSSC and to make PSSC effective. 3. Conclusions From above result, there is the possibility of efficiency standard guide for constitution diagnosis by analyzation og voice.