KJC Korea
Journal Central

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.

Objectives We aimed to analyze the meanings of ordinary symptoms and the developing aspects of present symptoms according to the ordinary symptoms based on the Soeumin pathology, and present the new methodology to make use of the ordinary symptoms in the clinical field. Methods The Soeumin symptomatology and pathology of the Sinchuk Edition (the upgraded and revised edition) of 『Donguisusebowon』 were reviewed and examined for relevant information on the ordinary symptoms. Results and Conclusions 1) In the Soeumin symptomatology, the representative symptoms, by which the aspects of whole physio-pathological conditions can be decided, were showed as ordinary symptoms, and especially the aggravated state of the deflection of Seong-Jeong are presented additionally in the ordinary symptoms of the unfavorable patterns of Exterior and Interior symptomatologies. 2) In the Soeumin symptomatology, the ordinary symptoms have the clinical meanings as 'pathological predisposition', and can be estimated as one symptomatology in the whole schemes of symptomatology. 3) In the Soeumin symptomatology, the ordinary symptoms can affect the present symptoms, and can be the principal factors in the pattern identifications of the present symptoms and the determinations of therapeutical prescriptions. 4) In the Soeumin symptomatology, the ordinary symptoms can develop to the present symptoms across the Interior or the Exterior symptomatologies within the categories of the favorable and unfavorable patterns, and this developing aspects can be explained from the Soeumin pathological perspective.

Objectives In this study, we developed a mock-up of the system for Sasang Constitutional (SC) diagnosis. This system consists of 5 devices which are the face analyzer, the voice analyzer, the skin analyzer, the pulse analyzer, and the computer-based questionnaire. Our goal is to evaluate the repeatability of the system. Methods Each device is capable of classifying SC types. The classification probability of the integrated system for the SC types was obtained by summing the probability from each device. For evaluating the repeatability of the system, we collected data for 5 subjects, and repeated the measurement three times for each individual. The average and standard deviation were used for calculating the Coefficient of Variation. Results The results showed that the repeatability of the classification probability of the integrated system is about 8%, which implies the system is repeatable. Conclusions To increase usability of this system, it is desirable for the system to offer information on health condition of the user. The integrated constitutional diagnosis system will be upgraded to complement the convenience and to develop the diagnostic algorithm for the user’s health condition.

Objectives This study aimed to assessing the performance of Sasang constitutional analysis Tool (SCAT) for Chinese as one of method to diagnose Sasang Constitution and evaluating the possibility of applying SCAT to foreign people. Methods This cross-sectional study was approved by IRB (Independent Review Board) at J Hospital in Yanbian. Informed consent to take part in the study was obtained from each of the participants. The performance of SCAT was assessed through Kappa coefficient and the concordance rate between SCAT and expert diagnosis. Results The concordance rate between SCAT and expert was 61.1% in total and the Kappa was 0.408. When the constitutional probability increased, the concordance rate and Kappa showed a increasing tendency. The concordance rate of Chosun race was 62.1% and others 60.7%. Conclusions SCAT, as Sasang constitutional diagnostic supporting system, may help the expert to diagnose Sasang constitution in Yanbian region

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.

Objectives Sasang Constitution (SC) is determined by various physical and psychological attributes. Recently, skin properties have been used effectively to describe SC types in clinics. In this paper, we investigated the constitution dependence of skin elasticity and skin perspiration by using quantitative measurement devices. Methods The skin elasticity of forearm and the skin perspiration of forehead and philtrum were measured in 223 elderly female subjects. To determine the subject’s constitution, we adopted the classification results from a newly developed diagnostic tool. For the clarity of constitution, we excluded low-scored subjects in their SC classification. Results & Conclusions As a result, the elasticity hysteresis of forearm (EHFa) of Taeum-in group was significantly less than the EHFa of Soeum-in group. Soeum-in group has high perspiration difference between philtrum and forehead (Diff.PhFh) compared to Taeum-in group in a significance level of .05. Taeum-in and Soeum-in group were significantly classified by EHFa and Diff.PhFh using a Support Vector Machine.

Objectives This study was performed to research the biological change after walking program in forest according to Sasang constitution. Methods Twenty four applicants are involved in this study. They were classified into three groups(Soyangin, Taeeumin, Soeumin) by QSCC II and divided into two groups(roadway, forest path) by place. And then they participated in walking program on March 31 in 2012. We performed before and after measurements, including active oxygen, biochemical test(BC), and stress hormones. Results Cortisol decreased in the entire group after walking program, which means the effect of relaxation. Glucose reduced in Soyangin group while increased in Taeeumin and Soeumin group after the program. There was no correlation in the test results between Sasang constitution and walking place. Conclusions Walking program has shown most efficacy in relaxation. However a single positive result within this study should be carefully interpreted. In the future, well-designed studies for Sasang constitutional walking program are needed.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of korean herbal bathing extracts composition 1 and composition 2 on Th2 cytokine production in MC/9 mast cells. Methods The effects of composition 1, 2 was analyzed by ELISA and Real-time PCR in MC/9 mast cells. Levels of IL-5, IL-13 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA). mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13 were analyzed with Real-time PCR. Results Composition 1, 2 inhibited the IL-5, IL-13 production signifcantly(p<.001) in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 100 ㎍/mL, 200 ㎍/mL. Composition 1, 2 inhibited the IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 mRNA expression signifcantly in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 100 ㎍/mL, 200 ㎍/mL. Composition 1 inhibited the IL-6 mRNA expression significantly in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 200 ㎍/㎖. Composition 2 inhibited the IL-6 mRNA expression significantly in comparison to PI-control group at concentration of 100 ㎍/mL, 200 ㎍/mL. Conclusions These results indicate that composition 1, 2 has the effect of decreasing the Th2 cytokine production in the MC/9 mast cell.

Objectives Rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease accompanied by irritable bowel syndrome is on the increase. This case study reports significant improvement of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome who had suffered from chest pain, globus pharyngis and diarrhea after taking Sasang constitutional treatment. Methods This patient was diagnosed as Large Yin type Esophagus Cold pattern(Taeeumin Wiwanhanjeung). Herb medicine(Jowiseungcheong-tang) was taken by the patient, three or two times per day during treatment periods. We assessed the changes of the main symptoms such as chest pain, globus pharyngis, defecation discomfort, insomnia et al. using visual analogue scale(VAS). Results The symptoms of chest pain, globus pharyngis, defecation discomfort, insomnia decreased from VAS 7~8 to VAS 0~1 for about three months Conclusions This case shows that Sasang constitutional medicine treatment can be effective treatment method for gastroesophageal reflux disease accompanied by irritable bowel syndrome

Objectives This study is about a “Taeumin” parkinson`s disease patient with bradykinesia, tremor, weakness and dysautonomia etc. In this case, we evaluated the effect of Yuldahanso-tang gagam for parkinson`s disease. Methods This patient was treated by Sasang constitutional herbal medication based on 『Donguisusebowon』. Acupuncture and west medications were used together. We evaluated the clinical progress through two methods, DITI(Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging) and VAS(Visual Analogue Scale). Results During 11months treatment, chief complaints and symptoms of this patient were improved. Conclusions This study shows that Yuldahanso-tang gagam is an effective treatment for “Taeumin” parkinson`s disease patients.

Objectives We report a series of 2 treatment cases with Melonis Pedicelus which is based on Sasang constitutional Medicine for Vertigo in Taeumin. Methods We prescribed Melonis Pedicelus for their physical symptoms. The improvement of their Vertigo was evaluated. Results After the Melonis Pedicelus was given, the patient's Vertigo and physical symptoms were improved. Conclusions These case-studies showed an efficient result of using Melonis Pedicelus in the Vertigo of Taeumin