Sasang typology

The Sasang typology (Hangul: 사상의학. Hanja: 四象醫學) is a classification scheme in Traditional Korean medicine. It was systematized by Lee Je-ma in his book Longevity and Life Preservation in Eastern Medicine (東醫壽世保元, 동의수세보원) in 1894.^[1] It divides people in four types based on their biopsychosocial traits: Tae-Yang ( 태양, 太陽) or "greater yang", So-Yang (소양, 小陽) or "lesser yang", Tae-Eum (태음, 太陰) or "greater yin", and So-Eum (소음, 小陰) or "lesser yin".

Each type consists of a classification of pathology, hygiene, medicine and hygiene depending on personality, psychological status and organ functionality. People consider that one cannot escape the category of biological body type, and the strengths and weaknesses of organs, both major and minor, depend on the type.

Donguibogam: Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine is the representative standard of Eastern Medicine, and it treaties the relationship of "Nature vs. Man," and the Sasang typology focusses on "Man vs. Man," or Man's "Differences in Inner Consciousness."

Tae-Yang

Tae-Yang have large lungs and a small liver. They have superiority in function, and are born with inferiority.

Tae-Eum

Tae-Eum have a large liver and small lungs. They are tall and the majority gain a lot of weight. They are patient and have a reserved personality. Therefore, if they are given a task, they will not give up, no matter what task it is. Because of this personality, they are prone to gambling.

So-Yang

The So-Yang type has a large spleen, and small kidneys. They have whitish skin. Like So-Eum, many of this type are skinny.

So-Eum

The So-Eum type have large kidneys and a small spleen. They are short, and many are skinny. Due to weak intestines, they very often have digestive problems. Many enjoy a meat diet.

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