Sasang Constitutional Medicine Research Articles

Subjective life satisfaction based on Sasang Constitutional Medicine

Subjective life satisfaction based on Sasang Constitutional Medicine

東武 『格致藁』 「太極圖」의 易理的 이해

Dongmoo Yi Je-Ma (東武 李濟馬, 1837-1900), a Confucian scholar and physician, founded the philosophy of Four Quadrants Structure (四象哲學) and Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM, 四象體質醫學) based on the theory of the Four Quadrants Structure (四象限) of the Kosmos. The uniqueness of SCM can be found in the “Zang-bu (臟腑, human body’s internal organs) Seong-li [性理, principle of the nature, Changes of the Zhou Yi (周易)]” which applies theory of the four quadrants structure to the human body and develops it into SCM. His “Zang-bu principle of the nature” is literally a combination of the theory of the principle of the nature and the theory of the human body, and the basis of this medical theory can be found in Dongmoo's representative philosophical work 『Gyeokchigo (格致藁)』 (1880-1893), also “The Diagram of the quadrants structure Kosmos (「Taegeukdo (太極圖)」)” can be found at 『Gyeokchigo』. In other words, Dong-moo has abbreviated the core of his philosophy and medical theory and presented in a single Diagram of the quadrants structure Kosmos. However, it's hard to find any prior research on this Diagram. Even the existing research works are limited to translating the original Chinese text of 『Gyeokchigo』 which explains the Diagram into Korean, and introducing Dongmoo's own commentary. This is primarily due to the lack of in-depth analysis Zhou Yi Principle in 「Taegeukdo」. In addition, there is the difficulty that we cannot easily find a scholarly precedent for the theory of the four quadrants structure of Kosmos, which is the basic theoretical foundation of the Four quadrants structure’s philosophy and SCM. However, since around 1995, integral psychologist Ken Wilber (1949-), who like Dongmoo, who argues the same argument, insists that “the Kosmos=four quadrants structure (四象構造),” that is AQAL (All Quadrant, All Level) has emerged. Wilber's AQAL scheme has been widely discussed in the community. Accordingly, in this paper, I aim to compare the Wilber's AQAL detailed diagrams with Dongmoo's Diagram of the Quadrants Structure of the Kosmos, identify the characteristics of each, and find the clue to the structure of the Zang-bu principle of the nature in the 「Taegeukdo」. Both diagram consider ‘Kosmos = four quadrants structure’ and simultaneously point out the Kosmos as a holarchy structure (multi-level reality). However, Wilber's diagram represents the phenomenal aspect of the Kosmos, whereas Dongmoo's 「Taegeukdo」 presents the principled aspect (Changes of the Zhou) of the structure of the Kosmos.

『동의수세보원』의 생기(生氣)와 한방꽃차

In this paper, we have examined the therapeutic properties and vital energy(生 氣) of traditional Korean Flower Teas with a focus on the actions of warmth energy, heat energy, coolness energy, and coldness energy, which are directly related to the physiological vitality of the human body, as elucidated in the 「Jangbulon」.
 In the context of Sasang constitutional medicine, the flow of vital energy(Qi) is considered the most critical issue in both physiological and pathological aspects. The 「Jangbulon」 elucidates the principles of generating warmth energy, heat energy, coolness energy, and coldness energy the flow of vital energy.
 The warmth energy of the digestive system flows in the upper intestine of the lungs and neck site, heat energy flows in the middle and upper intestine of the spleen and stomach, coolness energy flows in the lower intestine of the liver and small intestine, and coldness energy is explained to flow in the lower intestine of the kidneys and large intestine.
 Leejema connected human metaphysical mental actions to physiological actions in the body through vital energy and discussed the vitality of the human body. In Dongmuyugo he categorized the therapeutic properties of medicinal herbs based on Sasang constitutions and shared theories, treatment principles, and treatment experiences for various medical conditions that he gained through clinical practice.
 Examining representative flower teas for each Sasang type and vital energy, we find that: For Taeeumin, the chicory flower tea imparts coolness energy, the chrysanthemum tea provides warmth energy, the lotus flower tea embodies heat energy, and the plum blossom tea delivers warmth energy.
 For Soeumin, ginseng tea, angelica tea, and ginger tea represent heat energy.
 For Soyangin, houttuynia tea, green tea, and Cornus officinalis flower tea bestow coldness energy. For Taeyangin, the quince tea endows coolness energy, while the persimmon leaf tea provides warmth energy, enhancing energy circulation accordingly.
 This paper offers a fresh perspective on the field of vital energy actions in Sasang constitutional medicine, leveraging the insights from the 「Jangbulon」 and the therapeutic attributes of traditional Korean Flower Teas as outlined in the Dongmuyugo It aims to provide a practical approach to selecting flower teas tailored to one’s Sasang constitution to harmonize mind and body vitality.

Sasang Constitution Type Combined with General Obesity May Act as a Risk Factor for Prediabetes Mellitus.

Sasang constitutional medicine is a traditional customized medicine in Korea that classifies people into four types: Taeeumin (TE), Taeyangin (TY), Soeumin (SE), and Soyangin (SY). This study explored whether Sasang constitution (SC) types combined with general obesity could be risk factors for prediabetes mellitus (pre-DM). This study was cross-sectional and was conducted from November 2007 to July 2011 in 23 Korean medical clinics. In total, 2185 eligible subjects participated. A t test, one-way ANOVA with Scheffé's post hoc analysis, the chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression were used. Significance was indicated by p < 0.05. The numbers of participants with normal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and pre-DM were 405 (75.3%) and 133 (24.7%) in the SE, 516 (70.3%) and 218 (29.7%) in the SY, and 590 (64.6%) and 323 (35.4%) in the TE (p < 0.001) groups, respectively. There was a significant difference in the proportion of each SC type among people with pre-DM and normal FPG levels in the normal BMI group. The odds ratios (ORs) of the TE type were significantly different from those of the SE type in the crude and Model 1. The distribution of the normal FPG and pre-DM individuals between the obese and normal BMI groups only for the SY type was significantly different. The SY type combined with general obesity had a higher OR (1.846, 95% CI 1.286-2.649) than that combined with normal BMI among participants with pre-DM, and this higher OR remained after adjusting for covariates (OR, 1.604, 95% CI, 1.093-2.354). This study revealed that the TE type might be a risk factor for pre-DM in the normal BMI group, and the SY type with general obesity could be a risk factor for pre-DM compared with the SY type with normal BMI. Accordingly, SC and BMI should be considered when managing pre-DM. To clarify the risk of SC and BMI, further study including epigenetic factors is needed.

Exploratory Analysis of the Sasang Constitution by Combining Network Analysis and Information Entropy.

Sasang constitutional medicine is a unique concept in Korean medicine that can provide valuable insights into personalized healthcare and disease treatment. In this study, we combined network analysis and information entropy to systematically investigate the related information of Sasang constitutional (SC) types. A feature network was constructed using SC type and clinical information. The SC type-associated features and feature classes were identified using statistical analysis and entropy ranking. The patient network was constructed based on SC-type-associated features. We found that the feature network was closely connected within the features of the same classes and between several feature class pairs, including the symptom class. Most of the separation values between the feature classes, including the symptom class, were negative. In addition, we found 42 clinical features related to the SC type, and two important classes -personality and cold/heat- that increase the entropy ranking of the SC type. In the patient network, we found sparsely connected modules between SC types and a positive separation value between the Taeeumin-Soeumin and Taeeumin-Soyangin pairs. Our data-driven approach provides a deeper understanding of modernized forms of SC types and suggests that SC type is a practically useful concept for stratified healthcare and personalized medicine.

Machine Learning Applications for the Development of a Questionnaire to Identify Sasang Constitution Typology.

Sasang constitutional medicine emphasizes personalized disease prevention and treatment and has been used in various fields. Nevertheless, more efforts are required to improve the validity and reliability of the Sasang analysis tools. Hence, this study aimed to (1) identify key constructs and measurement items of the Sasang constitution questionnaire that characterize different Sasang constitutions and (2) investigate the similarities and differences in pathophysiological and personality traits between Sasang constitutions. The results of the Sasang constitution questionnaire were analyzed using multiple machine learning-based approaches, including feature selection, hierarchical clustering analysis, and multiple correspondence analysis. The selected 47 key measurement items were clustered into six groups based on the similarity measures. The findings of this study are expected to be beneficial for future research on the development of more robust and reliable Sasang conservation questionnaires, allowing Sasang constitutional medicine to be more widely implemented in various sectors.

Assessment of metabolic risks for non-communicable diseases using Sasang constitution: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM), which categorizes humans into four Sasang types according to their constitution-specific characteristics, has been identified as being useful in predicting metabolic risks and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, no systematic review has evaluated this relationship previously. This study protocol describes a method for evaluating the association between Sasang constitution and the metabolic risk factors for NCDs. The following nine academic databases will be used as data sources for entries: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Web of Science, and six Korean databases. All cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies that were published by December 2021 and could explain the association between Sasang constitution and metabolic risk factors for NCDs will be considered eligible. Two independent researchers will select studies, extract data, assess quality of studies, and qualitatively evaluate clinical evidence, subsequently. The quality assessment will be evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, with modifications if necessary. Quantitative data will be synthesized as a random-effects model, if applicable. The strength of clinical evidence will be performed applying the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) or GRADE-Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach. This study will contribute to helping clinicians and health authorities detect any relevant metabolic risks that patients may have, based on systematic clinical evidence. Review Registry Unique Identifying Number: reviewregistry1213.

Search for the clinical effectiveness of Korean Tae-Geuk acupuncture therapy in chronic tension-type headache

BackgroundKorean acupuncture comes from the far-eastern tradition and has unique approaches to acupuncture point selection. ObjectivesThere are several types of acupuncture methods. Among these, Tae-Geuk acupuncture and Saam acupuncture adopt five phase characteristics, using five vital points. Cho-sun acupuncture regulates Qi using acupunctures and meridians according to the flow of Qi. In this project, the effects of Korean Tae-Geuk acupuncture on chronic tension-type headache (TTH) were examined. MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled study involving sham acupuncture (placebo acupuncture), and everything is clear except for the data processing phase. The purpose of the study; was to measure the safety and efficacy of Korean Tae-Geuk acupuncture in patients with chronic TTH. Groups used; acupunture + traditional pharmacological therapy, traditional pharmacological therapy only and placebo korean acupuncture + traditional pharmacological therapy groups. Seven treatment sessions were applied over a four-week period. Changes in pain and quality of life and side effects were examined during treatment and within 3 months after the completion of treatment. Results were evaluated by using the visual analog scale for pain and pain log records. ResultsKorean Tae-Geuk acupuncture is a more effective treatment than placebo and traditional pharmacological treatment in chronic TTH. Korea Tae-Geuk acupuncture showed significant improvement in clinically chronic TTH during treatment and in 3 months follow-up after treatment. ConclusionTae-Geuk acupuncture is a treatment branch of Sasang Constitution Medicine. Acupuncture points do not change according to acupuncture practitioner or disease.

Exploring Heart Rate Variability as a Biomedical Diagnostic Tool for the Disympathetic Dimension of Eight-Constitution Medicine.

Background Eight-Constitution Medicine (ECM), an extension of Traditional Korean Medicine, divides the population into eight groups based on their physiological characteristics. ECM divides these eight groups into two larger groups based on autonomic reactivity: the Sympathicotonic group and the Vagotonic group (herein referred to as the Disympathetic Dimension). Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a widely used biomedical tool to assess cardiac autonomic function. This raises the question of the utility of using HRV to correctly diagnose ECM constitutions. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate the correlation between HRV and constitutions in Korean Constitutional Medicine, including Eight-Constitution Medicine (ECM) and Sasang Constitution Medicine (SCM). The articles were obtained from both English (Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest, and Medline) and Korean databases (NDSL and RISS), in addition to Google Scholar, without date restriction. 20 studies met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted against three aspects: (1) correlation between HRV and constitution, (2) HRV reporting and interpretation, and (3) extraneous factors that were controlled in the studies. Results 386 articles were initially identified, which was reduced to n = 20 studies which met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 19 were SCM studies and 1 was an ECM study. Sample sizes varied from 10 to 8498 men and women, with an age range of 10–80 years. SCM studies explored HRV differences by constitution, measuring HRV at resting, with controlled breathing, before and after acupuncture stimulation, and by other interventions. SCM studies reported either no significant differences (HRV at resting or with controlled breathing studies) or conflicting data (HRV with acupuncture stimulation studies). The single ECM study measured HRV at resting and after acupuncture stimulation but reported no significant differences between the two groups of Sympathicotonia and Vagotonia. Conclusions Due to inconsistencies in study design, study population, and measures of HRV, there was no consistency in the data to support the use of HRV as a biomedical determinant of ECM constitutions.

Investigating the Biomarkers of the Sasang Constitution via Network Pharmacology Approach.

Sasang constitutional (SC) medicine classifies people into Soeum (SE), Soyang (SY), Taeeum (TE), and Taeyang (TY) types based on psychological and physical traits. However, biomarkers of these types are still unclear. We aimed to identify biomarkers among the SC types using network pharmacology methods. Target genes associated with the SC types were identified by grouping herb targets that preserve and strengthen the requisite energy (Bomyeongjiju). The herb targets were obtained by constructing an herb-compound-target network. We identified 371, 185, 146, and 89 target genes and their unique biological processes related to SE, SY, TE, and TY types, respectively. While the targets of SE and SY types were the most similar among the target pairs of the SC types, those of TY type overlapped with only a few other SC-type targets. Moreover, SE, SY, TE, and TY were related to “diseases of the digestive system,” “diseases of the nervous system,” “endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases,” and “congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities,” respectively. We successfully identified the target genes, biological processes, and diseases related to each SC type. We also demonstrated that a drug-centric approach using network pharmacology analysis provides a deeper understanding of the concept of Sasang constitutional medicine at a phenotypic level.

Subhealth Syndrome and Sasang Constitutional Medicine

Subhealth Syndrome and Sasang Constitutional Medicine

A Case Report of Korean Medicine Treatment for Adult-type Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

Objectives: Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare papulosquamous disorder with unknown etiology. Studies on adults have not been conducted yet in Korean medicine. We report the progress of Korean medicine treatment for adult-type pityriasis rubra pilaris. Methods: A 62-year-old female patient was diagnosed with PRP in June 2019. After the diagnosis of PRP, retinoid treatment was continued for about 6 months, and then the drug was switched to an oral immunosuppressant. However, the patient’s symptoms did not improve, but instead worsened. The patient was treated with Mihudeungsikjang-tang and acupuncture therapy. We evaluated her treatment progress based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the changes in the patient’s subjective symptoms. Results: After Korean medicine treatment, the DLQI and VAS scores improved from 18 points to 16 points and from 6 points to 4 points, respectively. The whole-body itching and scaling were reduced by 30% compared to pretreatment. The itching and pain in the neck, which had been severely symptomatic, decreased by 50%. The pain and dysesthesia in the upper and lower extremities disappeared, but the erythema still remained. Conclusions: Conventional treatments for PRP have limitations due to adverse effects and difficulty in treating refractory forms. Korean medicine treatment is worth considering as it can complement the limitations of conventional treatments, although more studies will be needed. Keywords: Korean medicine, pityriasis rubra pilairs (PRP), Sasang constitutional medicine, Mihudeungsikjang-tang, dermatology life quality index (DLQI)

Literature Review on Sasang Constitutional Medicine for Tumors through Database Search Seung-Yun Oh

Literature Review on Sasang Constitutional Medicine for Tumors through Database Search Seung-Yun Oh

사상의학의 세계화를 위한 제언

사상의학의 세계화를 위한 제언

사상체질에 따른 수면의 질과 피로 및 삶의 질 관련성

사상체질에 따른 수면의 질과 피로 및 삶의 질 관련성

Wrinkle reduction using a topical herbal cream in subjects classified by Sasang constitutional medicine as Soyang type: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study

IntroductionProlonged UV exposure leads to skin photoaging and collagen destruction due to the increased expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Sasang constitutional medicine (SCM) is a unique type of traditional Korean medicine. Coptis teeta and Trichosanthes rosthornii (CT) are herbal medicines uniquely used for Soyang (SY)-type individuals, and are included in the SY-type formula “Hwangryeonjiwhang-tang,” which is effective against symptoms of skin diseases such as itching and numbness. This study aimed to investigate the potential for CT as active components of an herbal mixture for wrinkle-care cosmetics. MethodsCell viability and MMP-1 expression in HaCaT cells were measured by the MTS assay and ELISA, respectively. The CT mixture cream for application on human skin was evaluated in terms of its safety and clinical efficacy by a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Women aged 40–59 years and classified as SY-type according to SCM were selected as study subjects and applied cream with or without the CT mixture for 12 weeks. ResultsThe decreased viability of HaCaT cells after UVB irradiation was restored in the CT mixture-treated group compared to that observed in the control group. The CT mixture also reduced the expression of MMP-1 that was increased by UVB irradiation. Application of the cream containing CT mixture for 12 weeks enhanced both visual assessment and wrinkle parameters in the test group compared to those in the control group. ConclusionThese findings suggest that the CT mixture appears to ameliorate skin wrinkles in SY subjects.

Analysis of Sasang Constitutional Medicine as an Optimal Preventive Care Strategy for Hemophilia Patients.

Introduction. Medical improvements have allowed hemophilia patients to anticipate an increased quality of life and life expectancy similar to that of the general population. Analysis of the potential disease symptoms of hemophilia patients based on a survey of Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM) is important for optimal preventive care and adjunctive therapy to avoid life-threating complications. Aim To predict potential disease symptoms from the viewpoint of SCM as a preventive care strategy for hemophilia patients. Methods Sixty-one hemophilia patients responded to a survey on Sasang constitutional classification, hemophilia disease pattern, and original symptoms. Results In terms of SCM type, the 61 of hemophilia patients included 37 Tae-Eum (60.7%), 18 So-Yang (29.5%), and 6 So-Eum (12.5%). Hemophilia was found to be higher in Tae-Eum type and lower in So-Yang and So-Eum types, while considering the distributional rate of Korean Sasang types. Most of the patients with Tae-Eum type had Joyeol or Ganyeol. Furthermore, the incidences of diabetes and high blood pressure were greater in Tae-Eum type than in those of other types. Conclusion In order to increase the quality of life and overall life expectancy, hemophilia patients with Tae-Eum type should be treated through management according to SCM along with medicine against hemophilia as long-term preventive care. Diabetes and high blood pressure should be regularly monitored in patients with Tae-Eum type.

A Case of Panic Disorder of Soeumin Concurrently Treated with Psychotherapy Based on Sasang Constitutional Medicine

A Case of Panic Disorder of Soeumin Concurrently Treated with Psychotherapy Based on Sasang Constitutional Medicine

A Study on Clinical Status for Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Sasang Constitutional Medicine Symptomatology

A Study on Clinical Status for Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Sasang Constitutional Medicine Symptomatology

Classification of Healing Hair-styles Image Using Yin-Yang, the Five Elements of the Universe and Sasang Constitutional Medicine

A hairstyle is one of the diverse appearance variables that affect modern social lives. Therefore, it’s recognized as a life culture that reflects the economy, culture and thoughts of the times and actively expresses psychological actions and aesthetic values. With an addition of Yin-Yang, the Five Elements of the Universe and Sasang Constitutional Medicine, these hairstyles have expanded to a sphere of healing the human mind, falling under the trend of healthy lifestyles. Since a key concept in Asian philosophy and oriental medicine is ‘whole and structural’, Huangdi Neijing (ancient Chinese medical text) says that all human diseases come from yin-yang, deficiency-excess and cold-heat in ojangyukbu (the five viscera and six entrails). Therefore, human diseases occur when physiology and psychology are imbalanced because of a malfunction in the Yin-Yang, the Five Elements and ojangyukbu. Therefore, a healthy look can be maintained by keeping balance between these forces after maximizing the creation of personality based on innate Five Elements of the Universe and Sasang constitution and covering weak constitutions with hairstyles and colors. This study sought to examine healing hairstyles which can mitigate personal psychological conflicts through color therapy and reorganize and improve Sasang constitutions during the externalization of the inner world.