Korean Acupuncture (K-Acupuncture) [Part 3] Beyond Sasang Toward a Refined Eight Constitutions Medicine

-

  CALee Acupuncture

CALee Acupuncture - Modern Korean Acupuncture[Part 3] Beyond Sasang Toward a Refined Eight Constitutions Medicine

Modern Korean Acupuncture (K-Acupuncture) [Part 3] The Hidden Secrets of Eight Constitutions: From Sasang Medicine to Refined Eight Constitution Medicine

In the previous post, we explored how Dr. Lee Je-ma’s Sasang medicine provided a theoretical foundation for understanding human nature and health.

Today, we’ll take a step further and introduce the more refined framework of Eight Constitution Medicine—and answer one of the most frequently asked questions:
👉 “How exactly can we diagnose a person’s constitution?”

1. The Birth of Eight Constitution Medicine: From Four to Eight Types

Sasang medicine laid the groundwork for personalized medicine by classifying humans into four constitutions. However, in clinical practice, doctors often observed subtle yet significant differences among patients within the same type.

Starting from this question, Dr. Kwon Do-won expanded the theory by dividing each constitution into Yin (陰) and Yang (陽) types. As a result, eight distinct constitutions were identified:

  • Tae-Yang (Greater Yang): Geum-Yang (金陽), Geum-Yin (金陰)

  • So-Yang (Lesser Yang): To-Yang (土陽), To-Yin (土陰)

  • Tae-Eum (Greater Yin): Mok-Yang (木陽), Mok-Yin (木陰)

  • So-Eum (Lesser Yin): Su-Yang (水陽), Su-Yin (水陰)

Each constitution has its own hierarchy of organ strengths and weaknesses, rooted in an innate imbalance of the Five Elements (오행, Wu Xing).

Examples

  • Geum-Yang type: Lung (金) > Spleen (土) > Heart (火) > Kidney (水) > Liver (木)

  • Mok-Yang type: Liver (木) > Heart (火) > Spleen (土) > Kidney (水) > Lung (金)

This refined classification allows for a more precise and individualized diagnosis and treatment.

2. Diagnosing Constitutions: Exploring the Methods

In Eight Constitution Medicine, accurate diagnosis is the first step toward proper health care.
But this cannot be done with a few simple indicators—rather, it requires a comprehensive approach and the seasoned clinical judgment of an experienced practitioner.

1) Pulse Diagnosis (맥진, Maekjin): Reading the Body Through the Wrist

The core diagnostic method is pulse diagnosis.

  • Left wrist pulse: Reflects the state of the Heart, Small Intestine, Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidney

  • Right wrist pulse: Reflects the state of the Lung, Large Intestine, Spleen/Stomach, and Kidney

By assessing the strength, depth, and shape of the pulse, we can infer the condition of internal organs.
For instance:

  • Geum-Yang types often have a strong lung pulse and weak liver pulse

  • Su-Yin types may show a strong kidney pulse but weak spleen pulse

Since pulse reading requires highly refined tactile sensitivity and energy perception, it can be subjective. Therefore, auxiliary diagnostic methods are used in combination.

2) Auxiliary Diagnostic Methods

To supplement the subjectivity of pulse diagnosis, several observational tools are applied:

  • Appearance: body type, facial features, skin tone, hair distribution

  • Temperament: personality, emotional tendencies, interpersonal style

  • Disease Patterns: e.g., So-Eum types often show weak digestion and frequent cold symptoms, while Tae-Yang types are prone to respiratory issues

  • Organ energy & hair/skin condition

  • Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (간지, Ganji) analysis: insights from Five Element balance in Four Pillars (사주팔자)

  • O-Ring Test & finger acupuncture response tests

By synthesizing all these observations, practitioners can reach a more objective and precise diagnosis.

3. Elemental Imbalances and Conditions for Harmony

Each constitution carries an innate imbalance of the Five Elements, and Eight Constitution Medicine provides a clear principle for restoring harmony.

Yang Types

  • Tae-Yang (金 >>> 木): Excess Metal, weak Wood → Supplement Water to restrain Metal and support Wood

  • So-Eum (水 >>> 土): Excess Water, weak Earth → Strengthen Earth to control Water

Yin Types

  • So-Yang (土 >>> 水): Excess Earth, weak Water → Supplement Wood to control Earth and support Water

  • Tae-Eum (木 >>> 金): Excess Wood, weak Metal → Strengthen Metal to regulate Wood

These balancing principles serve as practical guidelines not only for acupuncture treatments, but also for dietary therapy and lifestyle management.

Conclusion

Eight Constitution Medicine interprets each person’s unique imbalance through the lens of the Five Elements, and provides a systematic path to restore harmony—preventing illness and guiding treatment.

I believe the precision of its diagnostic methods and the logical clarity of its therapeutic principles are what make this system so powerful.

👉 In the next post, we’ll dive into the fundamental rule of Eight Constitution acupuncture:
“Reduce excess and supplement deficiency.”
Location: Fullerton, CA, USA

댓글

댓글 쓰기