Abstract

1. Objectives The body shape is an important standard for the classification of Sasang Constitutions. Using physical measure­ments and statistical analysis we can understand it's characteristic objectively. 2. Methods In this study, we have measured body circumferences and widths of 562 patients who were treated with Sasang Constitutional medicine. Their anthropometric data were transformed into the ratio based on Sasang Constitutional medicine. 3. Results (1) Taeyangin female's ratio of iliac width to chest width was most large, but Taeyangin male's was most small. (2) Soyangin's ratios of axillary width to waist width and chest width to iliac width were large. that is, their uppor body was large and lower body was small. (3) Taeumin's ratios of head and neck circumference to body circumference were small. the ratio of waist width to axillary width was most large. (4) Soeumin's ratio of head circumference to waist circumference was most large. and their uppor and lower body was larger than middle body. (5) Irrespective of Sasang Constitutions, male's ratios of axillary width to waist width and chest width to iliac width were larger than female's. 4. Conclusions From the above results, when we classify Sasang Constitutions using physical measurements we must consider gender differences and characteristics of Sasang Constitutional body shape.

Keywords

• Body Shape;
• Sasang Constitutional medicine;
• Physical Measurements;
• Width;
• Circumference