Sasang Constitutions — Body and Personality Through Four Constitutions
The Sasang constitutions are a uniquely Korean wisdom that divides people into four types, springing from the Sasang medicine established by the Joseon-era physician Lee Je-ma. From the view that even the same illness must be treated differently by constitution, it is today also widely used as a tool for understanding health and personality.
What Is Sasang Medicine?
Sasang medicine is Korea's original medicine, systematized by Lee Je-ma in his 1894 work Dongui Suse Bowon. It divides people into four constitutions — Taeyang, Taeeum, Soyang, and Soeum — according to the innate strength and weakness of their organs, and holds that each constitution differs in the tendencies of body and mind, the illnesses it is prone to, and the foods that suit it. Seeing the person before the illness itself — this tailored perspective is the heart of Sasang medicine.
Taeyang and Taeeum
The Taeyang type has strong lung energy and weak liver energy; they are few in number and seen as creative and strongly driven, though they can be somewhat hasty and self-willed. The Taeeum type has strong liver energy and weak lung energy; they are said to be large in build, with perseverance and a capacity to embrace others, yet prone to laziness or greed. The two constitutions form a contrast in many respects.
Soyang and Soeum
The Soyang type has strong spleen energy and weak kidney energy; they are seen as active, cheerful, and quick to judge, though they can be impatient and weak at finishing what they start. The Soeum type has strong kidney energy and weak spleen energy; they are said to be meticulous, calm, and deeply considerate, yet prone to timidity and weak digestion. These are the two constitutions seen relatively often around us.
Health and Food by Constitution
The strength of Sasang medicine lies in prescribing regimen suited to each constitution. For the Taeeum type, aerobic exercise that draws out sweat and plain foods are beneficial; for the Soyang type, cooling foods that dispel heat and swimming; for the Soeum type, warming foods and keeping the body warm; and for the Taeyang type, exercise that trains the lower body and a plain diet. Knowing your constitution gives direction to the health habits that suit you.
The Wisdom of Knowing Your Constitution
The Sasang constitutions are a framework that divides people into four, but in reality there is variation among people even within one constitution, and the natures of two constitutions may blend. So it is best to take your constitution not as an absolute label but as a broad direction for understanding yourself. Accurate diagnosis of constitution is the province of experts, but even gauging your broad tendency through a few simple questions can help with self-care.
The Sasang constitutions are a uniquely Korean wisdom that helps you understand yourself along the broad lines of body and personality. If you're curious about your constitution and the health and food guidance that suits it through a few simple questions, check it directly below.