• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-16
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• 2012

Objectives For the methodological review on the accuracy study of questionnaire for Sasang constitution diagnosis, we searched the various diagnostic accuracy study of the questionnaires for Sasang constitution. Methods We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, KISS, and DBPIA. Additionally, We hand-searched the main oriental medical journals. All articles were independently reviewed and selected by two evaluators. And selected articles were assessed by "Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Tool"(QUADAS Tool) for the methodological review. Results The twenty eight studies initially identified studies were included in the methodological review. The part of "Acceptable reference standard", "Uninterpretable results reported" and "Withdrawals explained" was very weak in the risk of bias. The part of "Representative spectrum", "Acceptable delay between tests", "Incorporation avoided", "Reference standard results blinded", "Index test results blinded" was unclear in the description. Conclusions For the further study on the accuracy study of Sasang constitution diagnosis, we have to improve the aforementioned errors. Additionally, the checklist for the description of study might be needed.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.70-81
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• 2010

1. Objectives: The purpose of this study was verify the difference in digestion, feces, sweat and urination characteristics according to Sasang Constitution among subjects in the age range of their 20s and 60s. 2. Methods: Three hundred and thirty eight participants were recruited in the age range of their 20s and 264 participants in the age range of their 60s. All the participants' Sasang Constitutions were diagnosed by Sasang Constitutional medicine expert. Then their digestion, feces, sweat and urination characteristics were assessed through the questionnaire. 3. Results: 1)Regarding digestion, Soeumin in all age ranges had bad appetites and Soeumin in their 20s had low digestibility. 2)Regarding feces, the daily defecation frequency showed no difference according to constitution. Only Soeumin in their 20s showed diarrheal state of stool. 3)Regarding sweat, Taeeumin usually perspired more in their 20s and there was no difference in the feeling after sweating according to age and constitution. 4)Regarding urination, frequency and strength showed no difference according to age and constitution. 4. Conclusions: Some difference was observed in the digestion, feces and sweat characteristics according to Sasang Constitution but these characteristics were susceptible to change in different age ranges. There was no difference in urination according to constitution.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.621-629
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• 2012

This study aimed to examine the possibility of data from pulse diagnosis device to be used for diagnosis of Sasang constitution. Systematic searches of 5 major Korean medical database were conducted for articles published up to May 2012. Searching key word was "Sasang" or "Constitution". Studies dealt with correlation between Sasang constitution and the pulse wave data from pulse diagnosis machine were included. Totally 2886 studies are searched and 3 studies are added from references of evaluated articles. Among them, 12 studies were met our inclusion criteria (2 Xishu Mac, 2 Self-made pulse diagnosis machine, 8 3D-Mac). Three of the eight 3D-Mac studies intended to develop a formula of constitutional differential diagnosis, 2 studies compared variables by Sasang constitution in healthy group and 3 studies compared variables by Sasang constitution in healthy group and special disease group. They all reported some significant variables, however results are not consistent between studies. The accuracy of the formula of constitutional differential diagnosis using 3D-Mac pulse diagnosis devices is 46.0% by now. Improvements in measuring pulse are required to achieve more accurate result and be used for diagnosis of Sasang constitution. Compensating B.M.I. among Sasang constitutional groups and separating constitutional pulse factors from acquired characteristics are also needed in further study.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.105-129
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• 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to obtain basic data about the effects of Constitution-Acupuncture (CA) based on Eight-Constitution Medicine (ECM) by the expert CA Oriental Medical Doctors. Methods: The resources were collected from the internet survey method. 35 samples were collected. The SPSS 13.0 for windows and Answer Tree 3.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The results from this research are as follow. 1. The motivation that apply ECM to clinic are 'Because ECM is effective for diagnosis, treatment and prevention against disease' 48.6% and 'Because CA therapy is effective' 25.7%. 2. The advantage that CA therapy compare to the other acupuncture therapy are 'Management and prevention against disease are available by ECM theory to a person who exact constitution is confirmed' 82.9%, 'CA therapy is superior in treatment of hard symptoms to treat by the other acupuncture therapy' 80%, 'Treatment effect is good' 77.1%, 'Needle manipulation of CA is simple comparatively' 57.1%, 'It is definite whether treatment effect is good or not' 54.3% and CA therapy is superior all in diseases of twelve category. 3. When the effects of CA is good, patients expressed much 'Eyesight lightened', 'Took deep sleep at night', 'Fatigue decreased', 'Body is light', 'Feelings became refreshing' as well as 'Symptoms were improved' and also physicians confirmed as those reactions whether treatment is effective. Conclusions: The research suggest that CA is effective therapy in clinic, and so further study is needed for CA therapy.

• Proceedings of the KAIS Fall Conference
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• 2010.11b
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• pp.878-881
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• 2010

For better diagnosis and prescription in Korean traditional medicine, Lee Je-Ma (1837-1900) created Sasang Constitution classification which was divided into four groups of Taeyangin, Soyangin, Taeumin and Soumin based on both body shape and natural disposition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of facial skin parameters (hydration, lipid and pH) on forehead and cheek according to Sasang Constitution classifications of Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin in Korean. Eighty-nine Korean female subjects were recruited for this study and the average age of them was 19.9${\pm}$0.84 years. The four groups by the Sasang Constitution were classified by questionnaire for the Sasang Constitution classification proposed by Kyung-Hee Oriental Medicine Hospital. Consequently, thirty-eight (42.7%) among the subjects were grouped into Soumin, twenty-nine (32.6%) into Taeumin, twenty (22.5%) into Soyangin and two (2%) into Taeyangin. Taeyangin group was excluded from statistical analysis due to small subjects. Hydration, lipid and pH parameters on forehead and cheek were measured by using non-invasive instruments of Corneometer (CM 825, Schwarzhaup, Germany), Sebumeter (SM 815, Schwarzhaup, Germany) and Skin-pH-meter (pH 905, Schwarzhaup, Germany), respectively. The measurements by the same investigator were performed under standardized condition with a room temperature of $21^{\circ}C$ and a humidity level of 40% to 50%. As a result, hydration (F=25.481, p=.000), lipid (F=5.753, p=.005) and pH (F=5.010, p=.009) of the forehead skin showed significant differences in the order of Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin. Hydration (F=23.216, p=.000), lipid (F=6.898 p=.002) and pH (F=5.070, p=.008) of the cheek skin showed significant differences in the order of Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin. In conclusion, facial skin surface seemed to be dependent on Sasang Constitution classification in Korean. These findings indicated that Sasang Constitution classification might be an useful esthetic treatment for caring facial skin in the future.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.25-38
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• 2012

Objective : This study was conducted to underpin the theory of Taegeuk Acupuncture systematically and increase the utility of clinical trial and a range of application. Method : This study analysed ByungHaeng Lee's theory, who is the originator of Taegeuk Acupuncture, by focusing on "Young Chu GuChimSibYiWon" Result & Conclusion : 1. ByungHaeng Lee's thought about Viscera and Bowels is following medicine of Internal Classic. Even though JeMa Lee's thought about Viscera and Bowels has same name with ByungHaeng Lee's, but the functional meaning and related part is totally different. So, four constitution types in Taegeuk Acupuncture are different from four constitution types in Four-Constitution Medicine. Therefore, Taegeuk Acupuncture isn't related with Four-Constitution Medicine 2. On the authority of "Young Chu GuChimSibYiWon", we can extend 4 therapeutic acupuncture point combinations of Taegeuk Acupuncture to ten therapeutic acupuncture point combinations which tentatively named 'Five Viscera Source Point Acupuncture'. 3. To consider an example of eight constitutional acupuncture, Taegeuk Acupuncture thoroughly says constitutional acupuncture. Especially, JaeGyuKim's Taegeuk Acupuncture has specific diagnosis standard that after treating a patient with acupuncture, he checks an oppressive pain at the precordial region and a voiced sound at liver and then he makes sure constitution of patient. So we can consider JaeGyuKim's Taegeuk Acupuncture as constitutional acupuncture. However, it has to change the name of four constitution types to taegeuk greater yang person, taegeuk lesser yang person, taegeuk greater yin person, taegeuk lesser yin person so as to avoid confusion. 4. Taegeuk Acupuncture is markedly simple in comparison with other acupuncture, so it needs to extend the utility of clinics by enlarging treatment acupuncture points.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.155-166
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• 1985

This study was carried out to compare the nutritional status with food preference of subjects in eight constitutional groups on the view point of constitutional medicine. The constitutions of 124 college women was classified by Kwon's theory. Food preference of the subjects was surveyed in accordance with the suggested foods for each constitution and the health status was investigated by Cornell Medical Index. The following determinations were also made to compare food preference score with the nutritional status : Hb, Hct, WBC, serum levels of albumin, protein, IgG, IgA, IsM, $C_3$, Triglyceride, cholesterol, and total lipids, and lipoprotein fraction ratio. The distribution of the constitution revealed that Jupito individuals accounts 51.6%, the most followed by ; Saturno, 21.8%: Hespero, 10.5%: Jupita, 8.1%: Hespera, 3.2%: Mercurio, 3.2%, no subject belonged to satura. There were no difference among constitutional groups in food preference score, health status and the values of most blood components. Only significant difference was that the percentage of mental complaints in Mercurio was lowest and serum IgG level in Jupito was the highest among groups. Correlation between values of blood component and food preference score shows variety of different trends. However, the results suggested that the better food consumption of the subjects was in accordance with the suggested foods for the constitution, the better the nutritional status of the subjects was.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.503-515
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• 2006

This research is purposed to find Dong-mu's thought on 'philosophy and medical interrelationship' in his writings. It was researched with Dong-mu's chief medical writings such as ${\ulcorner}$Gyukchigo(格致藁)${\lrcorner}$ , ${\ulcorner}$Dongyi Soose Bowon(東醫壽世保元) ${\lrcorner}$ , ${\ulcorner}$Dongyi Soose Bowon Sasang Chobongyun(東醫壽世保元四象草本卷)${\lrcorner}$ , ${\ulcorner}$Dong-mu's posthumos work(東武遺稿)${\lrcorner}$ Dong-mu describe his philosophy conception with the system of The Book of change(周易). But he changes the meaning of Taegeuk(太極), LangYui(兩儀), Sasang(四象) on the respect of human being. Gyuchigo(格致藁) can be understood as social behavior pattern of Sasang constitute. From ${\ulcorner}$Gyukchigo(格致藁)${\lrcorner}$ to The theory of Sung-Meung(性命論), It is focused on Nature(性) and Order(命). Affairs- Mind - Body-Objects(事心身物) was distributed at Heaven-Human -Nature-Order(天人性命) on the respect of Human Moral. In the respect of Form-Use(體用), It is assigned to Form(體) and metaphysical philosophy. After The theory of Sa-Dan(四端論) in ${\ulcorner}$Dongyi Soose Bowon(東醫壽世保元) ${\lrcorner}$, It is focused on Nature-Emotion(性情). Affairs - Mind - Body - Objects(事心身物)is distributed at Heaven-Human -Nature-Order (天人性命) on the respect of human internal mind. In the respect of Form-Use(體用), It is assigned to Use(用) and Physical science. Sasang Constitution can be expanded to Eight COnstitution in the respect of dominant position among Nature(性) and Emotion(情).

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.10-23
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• 2000

Four-constitutional theory proposed by Dr. Lee, Je-ma has been evolve for last 100years by his followers. One of the major progresses was the emergence of constitutional acupuncture proposed by Dr. Kwan Doh-won. Constitutional acupuncture included the new pulse diagnostic method to determine the body type, pulse diagrams and corresponding acupuncture method called five element acupuncture in which five-element points in 12 meridian channels are used. Dr. Sa-ahm proposed five-element acupuncture three and a half hundred years age. Conjunction of Dr Lee's theory to Dr. Kwan proposed eight constitutions with eight pulse diagrams. He also adopted eight acupuncture prescriptions out of twenty-four Sa-ahm's acupuncture prescriptions. The author, Dr. Yom Tae-hwa, proposed more inclusive theory of 24 constitutions with 24 diagnostic pulse diagrams in Las Vegas International Acupuncture Convention in 1986. This article reviews history of constitutional medicine briefly. Each step of theoretical evolution from four-constitutional theory to twenty-four-constitutional theory is explained. By understanding the theoretical connection between twelve meridian channels based on five-element theory and four-constitutional theory in the article, one will easily accept the emergence of twelve of twenty four constitutional theory. Next, the article is focused on four subcategories under Sao-Yin constitution, which are one-sixth of 24 constitution. in this section classification, pulse diagnostic method, pulse diagram acupuncture prescriptions and herbal prescriptions are explained in detail. Then, clinical trial reports of acupuncture treatment and/or herbal formulas for such constitutions are attached for the rest part of the article. the purpose of this paper is to present the new hypothesis with the result of preliminary clinical trial hoping that additional clinical reports from other practitioners in this field triggers well-designed clinical study in future.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.193-202
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• 2001

Purpose: Hwabyung is a culture-bound syndrome in Korea, characterized by emotional stress such as anger, depression, and anxiety. The purpose of the present study was to explore the characteristics of Hwabyung patients, based on constitutional medicine, for their symptoms, duration, and coping styles. Method: Participants were 57 Hwabyung patients selected by Hwabyung criteria. They were also diagnosed for their constitution by doctors specialized in constitutional medicine. Each participant was asked to respond to a variety of items such as cause and duration of stress, symptoms of hwabyung, anger and depression, and coping styles. Eight patients were excluded from the total sample; two male patients and six patients unable to be diagnosed for any particular type of constitution. Thus, final sample was 49 female hwabyung patients, which will be reported in what follow. Result: To begin with, constitutional type revealed significant differences in such coping styles as 'perseverance,' 'positive interpretation,' 'positive comparison,' and 'emotional pacification.' More specifically, post-hoc comparison revealed that Taeeumin(person who have taeeum characteristics) was higher in 'perseverance' compared-to other two types of constitution. Taeumin also revealed higher score than Soeumin(person who have soeum characteristics) in 'positive comparison.' With respect to the marital status, the married compared to the unmarried showed higher score in 'anger-control,' and lower score in 'anger-in.' The married compared to the unmarried, regarding coping styles, also showed higher score in 'accommodation,' but lower score in 'emotional expression.' The duration of hwabyung revealed that the longer duration of hwabyung, the more frequent utilization of 'positive interpretation' and 'emotional pacification. Conclusion: The main purpose, the exploration of hwabyung based on four types of constitution, was not supported, as a whole in the present study. However, marital status and duration of hwabyung appear to influence on emotional stress (e.g., anger) as well as coping styles, suggesting that these variables should be dealt with in future studies on hwabyung.