Abstract

Objectives : This study proposes developing Sasang Medical Diagnosis Program using Facial form for increase in Sasang Constitution Diagnosis objectivity and putting the Diagnosis Program into practical use. The author presents a review of extant research on Sasang constitution diagnosis utilizing facial feature analysis and suggests an agenda for further research. Methods : For this thesis, a collection of dissertations on the subject of 'Usage of facial form for constitution diagnosis' published until September of 2012 such as RISS4U, OASIS, KISTI, Korean TK were reviewed. The final 33 dissertations were classified into two categories, basic or clinical research and then analyzed. Results : 9 out of 33 dissertations were of basic research and 24 were of clinical research. 1) As result of review of references, a uniform tendency was found in facial form according to Sasang Constitution. 2) In the grade of practical use, facial element is repeatedly used and the facial element of important use has constitutional differences. 3) Standard faces per Sasang Constitution were derived as result of 2-dimensional research. 4) 3-dimensional research focused on improvement of accuracy and reliability of 3D-AFRA, and there has been an attempt to develop a prototype for identification. Conclusions : For practical use of facial feature in Sasang Constitution Diagnosis, 1) Standardization of diagnosis through establishing Sasang Medical Diagnosis clinical protocol must be preceded. After the standardization, practical purpose and direction of facial form in general may be decided. 2) Information on high quality facial form of constitutional and conditional patients must be collected to form extensive database. 3) Subdivided symptomatology, as well as Sasang Constitution must be considered for diagnosis in order for diagnosis technique to acquire clinical practicality.

Keywords

• Facial Feature;
• Sasang Constitution diagnosis;
• Sasang Constitutional Medicine(SCM)