KJC Korea
Journal Central

Objectives This paper was aimed to review the preceding research on the origins, changes and constructive principle of Taeeumjowi-tang. Methods We reviewed Jema Lee’s original works including Dongyisusebowon and relevant books to analyze Taeeumjowi-tang-related items. To compensate insufficient evidence of literature, we also refocued physiological and pathological pecularities of Taeeumin and relevant symptomatology. Results and Conclusions 1)The origins of Taeeumjowi-tang should be Mahwang-tang, Saengmaek-san, Seokchangpowonji-san, and Gondam-san. 2)Taeeumjowi-tang went through Saengmaek-san, Sanyakhwawi-jeon, Bopyesaengmaek-tang, Gilgyungsaengmaek-san, and Bopyewon-tang before it was built as the final version. 3)Taeeumjowi-tang consists of a) big blue lilyturf (麥門冬) and Omija (五味子) which are directly of help to exhale and disperse qi-fluid of Lung, b) balloon-flower (桔梗) which helps circulation of qi-fluid from Head to Lung, c) adlay (薏苡仁) and dry nut (乾栗) which are directly of help to raise up qi-fluid of Wiwan, d) ephedra (麻黃) which helps circulation of qi-fluid from Wiwan to skin, e) calamus (石菖蒲) which directly helps the psychological function of Ear, and f) radish seed (蘿葍子) which slightly eliminate the excessive function of Small intestine, treating Wiwanhan symptomatology in Taeeumin.

Objectives This study aimed at proposing a hypothetical principle to add or abstract herbs for modifying Taeeumjowi-tang. Methods Based on Jema Lee’s literatures such as Dongyisusebowon and Dongyisasangsipyeon, we analyzed contents related to Taeeumjowi-tang and its modification. Moreover, we reviewed physiological and pathological pecularities of Taeeumin symptomatology and applied the theory to induce the principle of the modified Taeeumjowi-tang in Sasang medicine. Results and Conclusions 1)We have found 10 modified Taeeumjowi-tang from Dongyisasangsipyeon. 2)Mahwangjowi-tang (麻黃調胃湯), Gogijowi-tang (固氣調胃湯), Shingijowi-tang (腎氣調胃湯), Euiyiinjowi-tang (薏苡仁調胃湯), Gamijowi-tang (加味調胃湯), and Gyeongheomjowi-tang (經驗調胃湯) are modified for Taeeumin who have original symptoms of more severe cold tendency. Especially, Gogijowi-tang helps to circulate energy-fluid from esophagus to skin, while Shingijowi-tang directly aids the function of esophagus. 3)Seungjijowi-tang (升芷調胃湯), Seunggeumjowi-tang (升芩調胃湯), Seunggijowi-tang (承氣調胃湯), and Jowisokmyung-tang (調胃續命湯) are modified for Taeeumin who have originally cold symtoms, accompanied by heat tendencies. Especially, Seungjijowi-tang helps to eliminate mild heat existing throughout skin and flesh, while Seunggeumjowi-tang gets rid of severe heat swarming in the flesh parts. Seunggijowi-tang can take away the most severe heat symptoms in the whole body

Objectives This study was implemented to investigate the distribution of Sasang constitution and prescription of the patients with coldness in hands and feet. Methods Sixteen patients with coldness were analyzed in terms of age, Sasang constitution, season and prescriptions. Results The distribution of Sasang constitution of the patients with coldness in hands and feet was like Taeeumin 50%, Soeumin 43.8% and Soyangin 6.2%. And the date of consultation of the patients is different seasonally, 50% of the patients visited in winter, 18.8% in spring and fall respectively and 6.3% in summer. The frequency by age group is different was like 31.3% of the patients visited in 20s, 18.8% in 10s, 30s and 50s, 12.5% in 40s. In terms of Exterior and Interior diseases, Soyanging and Soeumin patients were categorized in Interior diseases while Taeeumin patients were categorized in Exterior disease. Conclusions Patients with coldness in hands and feet were mostly classified into Taeeumin and Soeumin and the prevalence of its symptom was high in their 20s. Patients were willing to visit clinics in winter. The Exterior/Interior diseases and mild/severe diseases were different according to Sasang constitution.

Objectives There is growing interest in the management of cancer survivors due to the increase in long-term survivors. But no literature research focusing on the management of cancer survivors has been done in Sasang Constitutional Medicine despite the superiority in comprehensive management of patients. Therefore, we planned to look into the perspective of health preservation in Sasang Constitutional Medicine. Methods We investigated the 『Donguisusebowon-Sasangchobongwon(東醫壽世保元 四象草本卷)』. We classified the contents which might be applicable to cancer patients. After classifying, we compared the contents with clinical experience and health preservation methods of Western Medicine. Results and Conclusions The health preservation is mentioned mostly as Joyang(調養). The Sasang Constitutional Medicine classifies the lives of people in 8 stages. Depending on the stages, there is a difference in the prognosis and management. Cancer patients can be regarded as being in the stages of Noeok(牢獄) and Wiegyeong(危傾). In these stages, patient’s health preservation is important. In order to achieve long-term survival and to prevent disease progression, it is important to maintain requisite energy(保命之主). The attitudes that patient must have are simplicity(簡約), attentiveness(勤幹), vigilance(警戒), knowledgeability(聞見) for keeping one’s own health and fulfilling the social obligations of human relations. The concept of health preservation in Sasang Constitutional Medicine covers the wide range of health. But detailed methods for patients to understand and practice are lacking. Moreover, it is hard for cancer patients to access the information. Therefore, further researches should be done to make the concept more specific and easy to access for cancer patients.

Objectives The Sasang Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) measures the Yin-Yang temperament of Sasang typology with proven structural and clinical validity in adults, however it was not examined with teenagers. The purpose of this study was to validate the biopsychological structure of SPQ in middle school students. Methods 681 Korean high school students (356 boys and 325 girls) completed SPQ, Junior version of Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI), and height and weight measures. The correlation between SPQ and JTCI subscales were examined, and the differences of SPQ and JTCI subscales, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Pondera Index (PI) among high (30%), middle (40%), and low (30%) SPQ total score groups were investigated with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The profile analysis was also performed to compare JTCI subscale profiles of three SPQ total score groups. Results The SPQ score was significantly (p<0.001) correlated positively with JTCI Novelty-Seeking and negatively with JTCI Harm-Avoidance. The JTCI Novelty-Seeking score of high SPQ group was significantly (p<0.001) higher than that of low SPQ group, and the JTCI Harm-Avoidance score of low SPQ group was significantly higher than that of high SPQ group. The JTCI subscale profiles for three SPQ groups were significantly different for boys and girls. Significant correlations or differences for the PI and BMI among SPQ groups were not found. Conclusions This study presented that the biopsychological structure of SPQ is robust as shown in adults. The SPQ would be a useful clinical measures of Sasang typology in pediatric patients.

Objectives This case study is about a Soeumin patient with jaundice identified as Greater-Yin accompanied Jaundice pattern. In this study, we report significant improvements of anorexia, dyspepsia, fatigue and weight loss after treatment with Hyangsayangyi-tang, Insambaekhaogwanjung-tang and acupuncture. Methods The patient was identified as Greater-Yin accompanied Jaundice pattern and treated with Hyangsayangyi-tang, Insambaekhaogwanjung-tang and acupuncture. The Global Assessment Scale (GAS) was used to assess the improvements of anorexia, dyspepsia, fatigue and pelvic pain after the treatment. And the liver function test was performed to measure the overall function of the liver. Result and Conclusion The symptoms of anorexia, dyspepsia, fatigue and pelvic pain were improved from GAS 100 to GAS 0-10 for four months. And The liver function test showed improved the response to treatment. The levels of AST (aspartate aminotransferase)/ALT (alanine aminotransferase) decreased from 43/42 to 29/14 IU/L. The level of total bilirubin was decreased from 2.7 to 1.9 mg/dL. Furthermore total weight gain was 8 kg from starting weight of 36.5 kg for four months. In conclusion, this study shows that Sasang constitutional medicine can be effective and safe treatment for the Soeumin patient with jaundice.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to report a case of nodules on lower extremities with pain which was treated by herbal medicine treatment and acupuncture. Methods One male patient who had nodules on lower extremities with pain was treated by Yangdokbaekho-tang and Hyungbangsabak-san, and acupuncture according to the result of Sasang constitutional diagnosis. Results and Conclusions The patient’s pain and accompanied symptoms were improved after using Yangdokbaekho-tang and Hyungbangsabak-san. The Numeric Rating Scale(NRS) which was used to evaluate pain intensity was decreased from 9 to 2 without using Western medications.

Objectives The purpose of this case was to report significant improvement of abdominal pain, constipation and a slight improvement of tremor after treatment by Sasang Constitutional Medicine to the patient with Parkinson’s disease. Methods The patient was diagnosed as Soyangin according to the result of Sasang constitutional diagnosis, and treated by Sasang constitutional medications and acupuncture. The progress was evaluated with the Global Assessment Scale (GAS). Results The abdominal pain was reduced from Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)9 to NRS1 and headache was reduced from NRS5 to NRS3. The tremor was reduced to GAS 10. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was reduced from 40 to 27. The difference of heat distribution between left and right side was reduced and the abdomen was more warmer on Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI). Conclusions Sasang constitutional medicine can be a solution for the non motor symptoms caused by Parkinson’s disease.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to report significant improvement of functional dyspepsia in 3 patients, who were diagnosed with 'Soyangin Spleen Cold-based Exterior Cold disease' and applied medication based on Sasang Constitutonal medicine. Methods The patients were treated with herbal medications, according to their own constitution. The objective outcome was measured by body composition analyzer and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and the subjective sensation was assessed by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results The symptoms of functional dyspepsia improved remarkedly in all respects, without any side effects. Original symptoms also changed for the better. Conclusions This results show that it is available that functional dyspepsia is treated with medicines according to Sasang Constitutional medicine.

Objectives This case study was about a Taeyangin patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis identified as Hae-Yeok pattern. In this study, we report the significant improvement of extremity weakness of this patient after Sasang Constitutional medicine treatment. Methods The patient was identified as Taeyangin Hae-Yeok pattern and treated with Ogapijangchuk-tang and acupuncture. Korean-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (K-ALSFRS-R) was used to assess the overall function of the patient. And the Global Assessment Scale (GAS) was used to assess the change of upper and lower extremities weakness after the treatment. Result and Conclusion The K-ALSFRS-R total score decreased from 30 points to 26 points and extremity weakness showed significant improvement in GAS after 12 days treatment. Furthermore, walking distance was much longer after treatment. In conclusion, this study shows that Sasang constitutional medicine can be effective treatment for Taeyangin patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.