Tae-Eum Type Research Articles

Tae-Eum Type as an Independent Risk Factor for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent and associated with several kinds of chronic diseases. There has been evidence that a specific type of Sasang constitution is a risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases that can be found in patients with OSA, but there are no studies that address the association between the Sasang constitution type (SCT) and OSA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the SCT and OSA. A total of 652 participants were included. All participants were examined for demographic information, medical history, and completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on life style and sleep-related variables. Biochemical analyses were performed to determine the glucose and lipid profiles. An objective recording of OSA was done with an unattended home PSG using an Embla portable device. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) were significantly higher in the Tae-eum (TE) type as compared to the So-eum (SE) and the So-yang (SY) types. Even after adjusting for confounding variables, the TE type still had a 2.34-fold (95% CI, 1.11–4.94; P = 0.0262) increased risk for OSA. This population-based cohort study found that the TE constitutional type is an independent risk factor for the development of OSA.

Development and Validation of the Digestive Function Assessment Instrument for Traditional Korean Medicine: Sasang Digestive Function Inventory

Objective. This study was conducted for development and validation of the Sasang Digestive Function Inventory (SDFI) with type-specific digestive function-related symptoms for identification of Sasang type and pathological pattern. Methods and Materials. We selected questionnaire items for pathophysiological symptoms using internal consistency analysis and examined construct validity using 193 healthy participants. Test-retest reliability with a four-week interval as well as convergent validity was examined using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean (NDIK), Functional Dyspepsia-Related Quality of Life (FDQOL), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), and Body Mass Index (BMI). Results. The 21-item SDFI showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.743) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.886, P < 0.001). Three extracted subscales, SDFI-Digestion, SDFI-Appetite, and SDFI-Eating pattern, explained 56.02% of the total variance. The SDFI showed significant (P < 0.001) correlation with total symptom score of NDIK, FDRQOL-Eating status, DEBQ-External Eating scale, and BMI. The SDFI score of the Tae-Eum (50.62 ± 8.05) type was significantly (P < 0.001) larger than that of the So-Eum (43.11 ± 11.26) type. Conclusion. Current results demonstrated the reliability and validity of the SDFI and its subscales, which can be utilized as an objective instrument for diagnosis of Sasang types and assessment of the type-specific digestive function.

Sasang types may differ in eating rate, meal size, and regular appetite: a systematic literature review.

Eating behaviours may be implicated in the increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders. The Sasang typology, a unique form of traditional Korean medicine, classifies individuals into four constitutional types that differ in a distinctive complex of external manifestations and innate natures, including eating behaviours. Our aim is to portray a picture of the distinguishing characteristics of eating behaviours across Sasang types and to provide suggestions for future studies. Six Korean and one English database were searched to acquire relevant articles. Ten peer-reviewed relevant research articles were found. The extracted data were categorised into the domains of i) food preferences; ii) eating rate; iii) eating initiation and termination; iv) meal size; v) regularity of eating; vi) regular appetite; vii) eating disorders; and viii) psychological factors. Eating rate and meal size were the issues of most concern that more frequently were different among Sasang types. The TaeEum type seemed to have obesity-linked eating behaviours, including a rapid eating rate, large meal sizes, and a strong appetite, whereas those attitudes seemed to be in contrast with those of the SoEum type. The SoYang type shared similarities with both the TaeEum and SoEum types. Future studies should be conducted with more reliable, objective, and quantitative assessment tools such as the Three Eating Factor Questionnaire or the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire.

Relation between body mass index and resting metabolic rate, cardiorespiratory fitness and insulin sensitivity in Sasang typology for young male persons: An observational study

IntroductionMetabolic efficiency and low physical fitness may be determined by inherited genetic factors and implicated in the increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders. Aim of the studyThis study examines the distinctive characteristic in energy expenditure (EE) profile, physical fitness, and obesity-linked biomarkers across Sasang types. MethodologyEE at fasting and postprandial states, physical fitness including maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and time to exhaustion (Te) were measured by an indirect calorimeter in 51 young male participants. Plasma insulin concentration and HOMA-IR indices before and after eating were analyzed. ResultsNo difference was found in resting metabolic rate (RMR), thermic effect of food (TEF), VO2max, Te, and in plasma insulin and glucose concentration, and HOMA-IR indices before and after eating. Body mass index (BMI) contributed to the increase of RMR in the SoYang (SY) type (n=17), but not in the TaeEum (TE) (n=17) and SoEum (SE) (n=17) types, whereas BMI was inversely associated with the physical fitness in the TE and SE types, but not in SY type, and BMI was positively related to the plasma insulin concentration and insulin sensitivity in the TE type before and after eating, but not in the SE and SY types. ConclusionTogether, it can be assumed that high BMI is related to health risk in the TE and SE types, especially in the TE type, but not in the SY type.

Body Mass Index and Facial Cues in Sasang Typology for Young and Elderly Persons

Facial characteristics may provide reliable information giving an insight into the inner nature of an individual. This study examines the differences in widely used facial metrics, including cheek-to-jaw width ratio (CJWR), width-to-height ratio (WHR), perimeter-to-area ratio (PAR), and facial masculinity indexes across Sasang constitutional types, to investigate the association between these facial cues and body mass index (BMI) and develop a predictive model for Sasang typing. 2D images of 911 participants were analyzed. The results indicated that TaeEum (TE) type generally has a squarer face, with the male TE type having a squarer and wider face than that of both SoYang (SY) and SoEum (SE) types. Male TE type has longer eyes than that of the SE type, and the lower face of the female TE type is longer than that of the SY type. PAR, WHR, CJWR, and eye size had associations with BMI, and the magnitude of correlation of CJWR in Korean men were twofold higher than that of the Caucasian and African men. BMI and facial metrics including PAR, WHR, CJWR, and eye size were good predictors for TE type, and the most parsimonious model for TE typing included BMI and CJWR with high predictive performances.

A Study on the Constitution Type-Specific Presentation of Physical Symptoms

1. Objectives: This clinical study was conducted to understand the differences between Sasang constitutional types and to identify the physical symptoms presentation specific to each Sasang constitutional type. 2. Methods: In this descriptive study, 2,629 subjects (1,061 Taeeum-type, 683 Soeum-type, 885 Soyang-type) were surveyed between Nov 1, 2007 and Jul 31, 2010. The subjective symptoms experienced by the subjects were collected using a Physical Symptoms questionnaire, and the subjects were interviewed by Sasang specialists who determined the subjects' constitutional type. The data (in crude number and percentage) was analyzed on the general characteristics, Sasang constitutional type, and physical symptoms using the SPSS 17.0 software. The symptomatic presentation in men and women were analyzed on Sasang constitutional distribution using the chi-square test. 3. Results: 1) The physical symptoms specific to each Sasang constitutional type were as follows: 'frequent aphthous lesions in the oral cavity', 'lingering fatigue after sleep', 'headache', 'common cold symptoms presenting as loss of appetite or indigestion', and 'physical deterioration presenting as problems with digestion' in the Soeum type; 'physical deterioration presenting as problems in perspiration' and 'swelling and puffiness' in the Taeeum type; and 'excessive forgetfulness' in the Soyang type. 2) The physical symptoms specific to each Sasang constitutional type in men were as follows: 'Unilateral or bilateral headaches, 'frequent aphthous lesions in the oral cavity', 'common cold symptoms presenting as rhinorrhea or nasal congestion', 'common cold symptoms presenting as loss of appetite or indigestion', and 'physical deterioration presenting as problems with digestion' in the Soeum type; and 'swelling and puffiness' in the Taeeum type. 3) The physical symptoms specific to each Sasang constitutional type in women were as follows: 'common cold symptoms presenting as headaches', 'common cold symptoms presenting as loss of appetite or indigestion', 'physical deterioration presenting as problems with digestion' in the Soeum type; and 'pain in knees', 'redness of eyes', 'dryness of mouth', 'common cold symptoms presenting as coughing', 'physical deterioration presenting as problems in perspiration', 'swelling and puffiness' in the Taeeum type. 4. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that physical symptoms present in constitutional type-specific patterns. Understanding of the personal Sasang constitutional type and systematic, personalized healthcare based on constitutional typology is anticipated to contribute to improved health management strategy.

Impact of the Sasang Constitutional Type on the High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, a Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Impact of the Sasang Constitutional Type on the High-Sensitivit yC-Reactive Protein, a Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease Mi-Jeong Kang * , Ji-Won Lee, Eui-Ju Lee, Byung-Hee Koh, Jun-Hee LeeDept. of Sasang Constitutional Medicine. College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University. Seoul. Korea * Kyung Hee University. Seoul. Korea 1. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) related characteristics found in each Sasang Constitutional type. 2. Methods This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted using data from 2,842 men and women. After typing each participant into one of the four Sasang constitutional types, they were analyzed on various cardiovascular disease-related variables. 3. Results 1) The predictors of cardiovascular disease (metabolic syndrome, high risk FRS group, high risk hsCRP group) was found to show the highest prevalence in the Taeeum type.2) In the group with metabolic syndrome, the mean hsCRP concentration in the Taeeum and Soyang types were higher than in the Soeum type. In the group without metabolic syndrome, the mean hsCRP concentration in the Taeeum type were higher than in the Soyang and Soeum types. 3) In the FRS low risk group, the mean hsCRP concentration were higher in order of Taeeum type > Soyang type > Soeum type. In the FRS high risk group, the mean hsCRP concentrations were not significantly different among the Sasang constitutional types.

Approaching obesity through constitutional therapy: a series of 4 obesity cases who were classified as the Taeeum constitutional type

1. Objectives: We report a series of 4 obesity cases who responded well to the weight-loss therapy based on the Taeeum Sasang constitutional therapy. 2. Methods: In treating 4 obese patients who were constitutionally typed as the Taeeum type, Case 1 and Case 2 fell into the category of the Lung Dry-Cold symptomatology, Case 3 into the Dry-Heat symptomatology, and Case 4 into the Exterior-Interior Combined symptomatology. Each patient was given Sasang medication according to protocol: Taeeumjowi-tang (Taiyintiaowei-tang) to Case 1 and Case 2, Cheongpyesagan-tang (Qingfeixiegan-tang) to Case 3, and Seunggijowi-tang (Chengqitiaowei-tang) to Case 4. On each visit to the clinic (7-21 times in total), the patients were checked on their general condition and change in body weight. 3. Results and Conclusions: All patients showed improvements in their general condition and a satisfactory decrease in weight (Case 1 showed a decrease of 12.7 kg in 84 days, Case 2 a decrease of 8.9 kg in 39 days, Case 3 a decrease of 33 kg in 250 days, and Case 4 a decrease of 29.3 kg in 155 days). Treating obesity based on Taeeum constitutional therapy was found to be effective for weight loss and general improvement of health. The sustained effects of the therapy should be checked during the following visits. The obesity treatment protocol suggested in this investigation should be explored and verified in future studies.

Investigation of Genetic Evidence for Sasang Constitution Types in South Korea

In Sasang constitutional medicine, both disease susceptibility and drug response are considered to be related to the characteristics of an individual’s physiology and psychology: a theory which is central to traditional Korean medicine. Based on such observable characteristics, Sasang constitutional medicine classifies people into four constitutional types. Genetic studies of Sasang constitution would help reveal the inheritance patterns and models of the typological traits and, moreover, help with traditional medical diagnosis and treatment. To investigate the heritable aspect of Sasang constitution, we collected various pedigrees from South Korea. The study population has 101 pedigrees composed of 593 individuals. The determination of the Sasang constitution type of each individual was performed by doctors who diagnose the Sasang constitutional type of individuals as part of their professional practice. We calculated estimates of familial correlation and heritability. Parent-Offspring pairs showed the strongest familial correlation of Sasang constitutional type, with the correlation values of 0.21 and 0.28, followed by sibling pairs with the value ranging between 0.14 and 0.25. From the heritability analysis conducted with the Variance-Component method, the heritability of TE (Tae-Eum) type, SY (So-Yang) type, and SE (So-Eum) type were 55%, 41%, and 47%, respectively. This pattern of heritability was consistent with different set of analyses, which suggest the robustness of our result. Our result clearly shows that the Sasang constitution type is heritable, and further genetic analysis based on our result will shed light on the biological mechanism of Sasang constitution.

An alternative way to individualized medicine: psychological and physical traits of Sasang typology.

Disease susceptibility and drug response of individuals are presumed to be different depending on their personality traits. The Sasang typology, a traditional Korean medical typology, explains the individual differences of vulnerability to pathology and proposes guidelines for the safe and effective use of medical herbs depending on individual traits. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate psychologic and physical characteristics of Sasang types from the perspective of personality theory. After determining the Sasang type of 79 college students based on the Questionnaire for the Sasang Constitution Classification, the psychologic and physical traits of each type were analyzed by the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, respectively. Each of the Sasang types showed significantly different profiles based on the MBTI scores (generalized estimation equation, coefficient = 11.88, z = 2.13, p = 0.033) and could be distinctively classified based on their MBTI scores (discriminant analysis Wilks' lambda = 0.611, df = 8, chi(2) = 36.7, p < 0.001). Subjects with the So-Eum type (Introversion and Judging) and the So-Yang type (Extroversion and Perceiving) showed contrasting psychologic features. However, they had similar anthropometric characteristics. Subjects with Tae-Eum type had relatively higher body fat mass. Current results demonstrated distinctive personality traits associated with Sasang types using reproducible psychometric and anthropometric instruments. With further study, the Sasang typology could serve as a scientific tool for individualized and integrative medicine.

Increased thermal body insulation: relationship to the development of obesity.

Increased thermal body insulation: relationship to the development of obesity.