He Deguang

Keywords: Korean medicine, Korean prescription,  Pojewon, Yangnyeongshi, Sasang Constitutional Medicine

In late January 2025, during my trip back home to visit family, I made a special stop in Seoul to explore traditional Korean medicine, known in Korea as Hanbang (韓方, Korean Oriental Medicine).
Upon exiting Jegi-dong subway station in Seoul, I was greeted by a bustling street lined with numerous shops selling agricultural and herbal products. What caught my eye the most were the familiar medicinal herbs—some sold in bulk, others neatly packaged. Most of the labels were in Korean, but occasionally, I spotted Chinese characters, such as 黄耆 (Huangqi, Astragalus). Before long, I found myself in front of a magnificent paifang (Chinese-style gateway), reminiscent of the traditional flying eave architecture seen in China. The inscription on the gateway read “Yangnyeongsi Market” (藥令市, Korean Medicine Market). Later, I had the opportunity to speak with Director Kim at the museum, who introduced me to the history of Yangnyeongsi Market.

According to Director Kim, Yangnyeongsi Market originated around 1905. At that time, Seoul was much smaller than it is today. This area, located in the eastern part of the city and close to the mountains, became a trading hub for medicinal herbs as people gathered them from the mountains and sold them here. Over time, this location evolved into a major herbal trading center.The name ” Yangnyeongsi Market” reflects its purpose:

• “Yang” (藥) means medicinal herbs and materials,
• “nyeong” (令) signifies regulation and standardization,
• “Si” (市) means market.

Together, the name represents a regulated herbal medicine market.

Stepping into the market through the grand gateway, I experienced a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The air was filled with the rich aroma of herbal medicine, while the clean streets and well-designed modern storefronts provided a sense of comfort and reliability. Approximately 70% of Korea’s medicinal herbs are traded in this market. Covering an area of about 2.5 square kilometers, the market consists of over a dozen crisscrossing streets and nine main entrance gates. It is home to thousands of herbal medicine shops, pharmacies, and clinics.

We stopped by a traditional Korean tea house along the roadside and enjoyed a cup of herbal tea. Sitting in the antique wooden tea house, surrounded by dark brown wooden beams and pillars, I savored the warm, slightly bitter, and mildly spicy taste of Shuanghua Tea (雙花茶), a popular Korean herbal tea. Accompanying the tea were two Korean rice cakes. I took my time, letting the heat and herbal essence soak into my senses, immersing myself in the Korean people’s deep appreciation for herbal traditions. 
We then walked into a courtyard enclosed by a traditional Korean-style building. In the center stood a large medicine pot inscribed with the Chinese character “藥” (Medicine) in traditional script. This was our destination—the Seoul Korean Medicine Center .

Although the museum had not officially opened for the day, we were fortunate to meet Director Kim, who was kind enough to introduce us to the center.

According to Director Kim, the museum was built on the historical site of Bojewon (普濟院, Bojewon), an institution with deep historical significance. Bojewon was founded during the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897 CE) as a royally sanctioned medical and welfare institution.

The original meaning of Bojewon is “to provide universal relief and salvation” (普濟, meaning to aid and care for all people). It served a dual purpose:

1. As a medical facility—treating common people suffering from illnesses.
2. As a welfare institution—offering social aid to impoverished citizens.

In the early Joseon period, Bojewon operated under the direct authorization of the king. As we stood before a scaled-down model of the ancient Bojewon buildings, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect for the wise and compassionate rulers who established hospitals for their people.

However, with the passage of time and the decline of the Joseon Dynasty, Bojewon gradually lost its function. Despite this, the tradition of using herbal medicine for prevention and treatment continued among the people. The herbal trade around Bojewon flourished, eventually evolving into today’s Yangnyeongsi Market.

To honor the legacy of Bojewon, the Korean government built the Seoul Korean Medicine Promotion Center on its historical site, designed in traditional Joseon-style architecture.

Director Kim explained that the mission of the Center is to carry forward Bojewon’s original spirit—caring for the vulnerable and practicing benevolence. The center serves as a hub for educating younger generations about traditional Korean medicine and aims to preserve, promote, and develop this medical heritage for the future.

Afterward, we visited the museum on the second floor to learn about the origins and development of Korean medicine.

Hanbang traces its roots back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 CE), with the completion of “Hyangyak Gugeupbang” (《鄉藥救急方》) in 1236, which laid the foundation for traditional Korean medicine.

During the Joseon Dynasty, in 1445, the “Uibang Yuchwi” (《醫方類聚》) was published, compiling the essence of medical knowledge at the time. This medical compendium was created by Korean physicians, who meticulously collected and edited medical texts from China’s Tang, Song, Yuan, and early Ming dynasties, as well as medical texts from Goryeo.

One of the most highly regarded works, “Donguibogam” (《東醫寶鑑》), was completed in 1610 and officially published in 1613. This monumental book was compiled by the Joseon royal physician Heo Jun (許浚) under the order of King Gwanghaegun (光海君) and took 14 years to complete. The book systematically organized the traditional medical knowledge of Korea, China, and Japan, and its influence was profound. It has been honored as “The Treasure of Eastern Medicine.” In Seoul, there is even a memorial site for Heo Jun, which visitors can explore to pay tribute to his contributions.

Later, Yi Jema (李濟馬) (1837-1900 CE) founded “Sasang Medicine” (四象醫學, Four Constitutional Medicine), which became a unique aspect of Korean medicine. He classified human constitutions into four types:

1. Tae-Yang (太陽人, Greater Yang)
2. So-Yang (少陽人, Lesser Yang)
3. Tae-Eum (太陰人, Greater Yin)
4. So-Eum (少陰人, Lesser Yin)

This system has been widely used in diagnosis and treatment (see the introduction to Sasang Medicine at the end of this article).

The museum also showcased numerous ancient medical texts, all printed in traditional Chinese characters. In addition, there were exhibits of herbal medicines, animal- and plant-based remedies, rare medicinal ingredients, and toxic herbs, as well as traditional tools for herbal preparation. The museum also documented seasonal medicine-taking traditions and daily medicinal diets from ancient Korea.

Interestingly, the museum featured interactive exhibits, such as Korean medicine knowledge quizzes and art activities. I tried a few quiz questions—and got them all wrong!

Third-Floor Experience Activities

The third floor was dedicated to hands-on experiences, including a kitchen for medicinal cuisine, a massage room, and a foot bath therapy pool. The museum aims to spread traditional medicine through engaging and accessible experiences for the public.

Additionally, on the first floor, there was an interactive section where visitors could try on traditional Joseon-era clothing. Since these traditional garments consist of multiple layers, staff assistance was required to dress properly.

From this experience, it was evident that Korea takes great pride in its cultural heritage.

TwoReflections:

1. The Influence of Chinese Medicine on Korean Medicine (Hanbang)

The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) was the longest-lasting feudal dynasty in the history of the Korean Peninsula. It was deeply influenced by China during the Chinese Ming and Qing eras. The proximity with Northeast China, the similarity in growing conditions, such as soil and climate, led to overlapping types of medicinal herbs and common patterns of diseases.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an integral part of Chinese culture, so its transmission to Korea (Joseon Dynasty) was a natural process of adoption along with other aspects of Chinese culture. Many Hanbang theories and treatment methods are similar to those in Chinese medicine. It can be said that in the formation and development of Hanbang, it was heavily influenced by Chinese medicine, while also developing and incorporating its own medical traditions.

Even today, Koreans continue to refine and emphasize the unique strengths of Hanbang, striving to further promote and expand it. One notable aspect of Korean traditional medicine is the integration of medicinal herbs into daily diet. Approximately 50% of Korean households incorporate herbal medicine into their everyday lives, with ginseng being the most commonly used herb. This is followed by lingzhi (reishi mushroom), red goji berries, and black goji berries.

Since Korea has a colder climate, many people drink ginseng tea in winter to strengthen immunity and maintain health.

In modern Korea, Hanbang is included in the national health insurance system, meaning that some Hanbang treatments are eligible for reimbursement. According to 2023 statistics, Korea has a population of 50 million, with approximately 10,000 licensed Hanbang doctors who have undergone formal education and training in accredited Korean medical institutions. Among them: 70-80% run their private clinics; 20-30% work in major hospitals.

The practice of Hanbang doctors extends beyond herbal medicine to include acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and therapeutic massage. Many large general hospitals in Korea also have departments of Hanbang medicine, such as: Seoul National University Hospital,Korea University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and others.

2. The Disappearance of Chinese Characters in Korea

The use of Chinese characters (Hanja, 한자) in Korea has a history of over 2,000 years, dating back to the 2nd century BCE and lasting until the 20th century.

Although King Sejong the Great of the Joseon Dynasty created the Korean script (Hangul, 한글) in 1443, and officially promulgated it in 1446, it was not widely adopted at first. This was because the elite scholar-official class (Yangban, 양반) strongly favored Chinese characters, and thus Hangul remained primarily used for informal private letters, novels, and by women.

In the 20th century, during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945), Japan attempted to abolish Hangul and enforce the use of the Japanese language. Ironically, this fueled Korean nationalism and strengthened efforts to protect and promote Hangul.

After 1945, both South Korea and North Korea officially adopted Hangul as their sole national script and actively promoted its universal literacy.

• Today in South Korea, Hangul is the only official script, and Chinese characters are rarely used, except in: Literature, Historical research, Academic texts and Legal documents
• In North Korea, Hangul is also the only official script, and Chinese characters have been completely abolished.

For Koreans today, studying the complete history of Hanbang and reading ancient medical texts would require proficiency in Classical Chinese (文言文). Perhaps some of these texts have already been translated into Korean, just as China has translated Classical Chinese texts into modern simplified Chinese for easier comprehension.

Introduction to Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM)

Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM) is a medical theory founded by Korean physician Lee Je-ma (1837–1900) during the late Joseon Dynasty. It categorizes individuals into four distinct body constitutions based on their physiological and psychological characteristics, and accordingly prescribes different diagnostic and treatment approaches. SCM holds a significant place in Korean traditional medicine (Hanbang) and is regarded as one of its defining features.

Four Types of Body Constitution in Sasang Constitutional Medicine

SCM classifies individuals based on the relative strength or weakness of specific organs into four constitutions:

1. Taeyang (太陽人, Greater Yang Type)

• Organ Characteristics: Excessive lung qi, insufficient liver qi (large lungs, small liver).
• Personality Traits: Outgoing, confident, decisive, adventurous, but prone to impulsiveness and irritability.
• Physical Features: Large head, broad shoulders, slender limbs.
• Health Characteristics:
  • Weak digestive system, prone to gastrointestinal issues.
  • Susceptible to hypertension, strokes, and headaches.
• Recommended Diet:
  • Light and cooling foods, such as fish, vegetables, and fruits.
  • Avoid oily, high-calorie foods, including red meat, alcohol, and spicy foods.
• Recommended Herbal Medicines:
  • Herbs with heat-clearing effects, such as mulberry leaf (Sang Ye), chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), peppermint (Bo He), and bamboo leaves (Zhu Ye).

2. Soyang (少陽人, Lesser Yang Type)

• Organ Characteristics: Excessive spleen qi, insufficient kidney qi (large spleen, small kidneys).
• Personality Traits: Energetic, sociable, expressive, but sometimes overly impulsive.
• Physical Features: Well-developed upper body, weaker lower body, prone to sweating.
• Health Characteristics:
  • Prone to gastric disorders, digestive issues, liver heat, and insomnia.
  • Fast metabolism, easily experiences dry mouth, thirst, and heat-related symptoms.
• Recommended Diet:
  • Cooling foods, such as watermelon, cucumber, mung beans, and cabbage.
  • Avoid heating foods, such as beef, chili peppers, fried foods, and coffee.
• Recommended Herbal Medicines:
  • Heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs, such as Scutellaria (Huang Qin), peppermint (Bo He), gypsum (Shi Gao), and chrysanthemum (Ju Hua).

3. Taeeum (太陰人, Greater Yin Type)

• Organ Characteristics: Excessive liver qi, insufficient lung qi (large liver, small lungs).
• Personality Traits: Steady, introverted, patient, and methodical, but sometimes indecisive.
• Physical Features: Strong build, large skeletal frame, well-developed muscles.
• Health Characteristics:
  • Strong digestion but prone to obesity.
  • High risk of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Recommended Diet:
  • Warming foods, such as beef, chicken, ginger, onions, and brown rice.
  • Avoid cold foods, such as iced drinks, cold noodles, and melons.
• Recommended Herbal Medicines:
  • Qi-tonifying and warming herbs, such as ginseng (Ren Shen), cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi), dried ginger (Gan Jiang), and Aconite (Fu Zi).

4. Soeum (少陰人, Lesser Yin Type)

• Organ Characteristics: Excessive kidney qi, insufficient spleen qi (large kidneys, small spleen).
• Personality Traits: Quiet, detail-oriented, responsible, but prone to anxiety and overthinking.
• Physical Features: Small physique, cold extremities, low physical stamina.
• Health Characteristics:
  • Prone to indigestion, anemia, low blood pressure, and chronic fatigue.
  • Weaker immune system, susceptible to colds and general weakness.
• Recommended Diet:
  • Warming foods, such as red dates, lamb, ginger, and honey.
  • Avoid cold foods, such as iced drinks, green tea, and raw fruits and vegetables.
• Recommended Herbal Medicines:
  • Blood-nourishing and qi-tonifying herbs, such as Angelica (Dang Gui), cinnamon (Rou Gui), deer antler (Lu Rong), and astragalus (Huang Qi).

Distinctive Features and Clinical Applications of Sasang Constitutional Medicine

1. Personalized Treatment:
   • Unlike traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment (辨證論治), SCM prioritizes treatment based on the patient’s constitution rather than just disease symptoms or diagnosis.
2. Disease Prevention:
3. SCM is not only used to treat illnesses but also focuses on daily health maintenance. It encourages individuals to choose appropriate diets and lifestyles according to their body constitution to achieve the goal of “preventing disease before it occurs” (未病先防).
4. Herbal Medicine Selection:
5. Each constitution responds differently to herbal medicine. For example:
   • Taeeum individuals benefit more from yang-tonifying herbs.
   • Soeum individuals are better suited for blood-nourishing and qi-replenishing herbs.
6. The Connection Between Personality and Health:
7. SCM emphasizes the link between a person’s temperament and health conditions.
   • Introverted and overthinking individuals (Soeum type) are more prone to digestive issues and indigestion.
   • Energetic and hyperactive individuals (Soyang type) are more likely to experience excess heat symptoms like inflammation and restlessness.

Conclusion

Sasang Constitutional Medicine is a crucial component of Korean traditional medicine (Hanbang). It places individual body constitution at the center of medical diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing personalized healthcare and disease prevention.

This theory evolved from classical Chinese medicine (TCM) but incorporates a unique body-type classification system, providing valuable insights into modern holistic healthcare. With advancements in science and technology, SCM may integrate with genetics, nutrition, and precision medicine, further advancing personalized medical treatments in the future.

About the author: He, Deguang, Chinese medicine practitioner in Massachusetts, USA. Vice President of the American Traditional  Chinese Medicine Association.

韓醫掠影

賀德廣

關鍵字：韓醫，韓方，韓國醫學，普濟院，藥令市，四象醫學
2025年1月下旬，利用回國探親之際，特意在首爾停留，一探韓國的傳統醫藥，在韓國把傳統醫藥稱為韓醫。

從首爾的祭基洞地鐵站出來，人行道兩旁農副產品的店鋪林立，搶眼的是我熟悉的草藥，有的是散裝，有的是精緻包裝，大多數標示著韓文，偶有漢字，如黃耆等。很快一個牌樓映入眼簾，這是一個類似中國飛檐建築的牌樓，寫著“藥令市”。據後來見到的金主任介紹，藥令市起源大約1905年左右，當時的首爾沒有現在這麼大，這裡位於首爾的東面，緊臨山區，人們在山區採藥回來，就在這裡交易，漸漸的這個周圍就成了草藥的集散地。 “藥”即是草藥、藥材，“令“是規定、規範， “市” 即市場。意思就是藥材規範化的市場。進入牌樓內的街道，我感受到這裡融合了傳統和現代的文化特色， 各個店鋪的空氣中散發著草藥的草木香氣，潔淨的街道和現代裝潢的店鋪，讓人舒適放心。韓國70%左右的草藥在這裡交易。藥令市佔地大約有2.5平方公里，縱橫交錯十幾條街，包括正門有9個門樓出入。有上千家藥鋪、藥店及診所。
我們在路旁的飲茶店品嘗了韓國的草藥茶，坐在古樸古色的茶店，褐色的木製梁柱襯托著我們喝的褐色草藥茶，我讓熱茶緩緩地在唇齒間沁潤，感受一下韓國人喜愛的這微苦淡辛的雙花茶， 還有兩塊韓國糕點。

我們走進一個朝鮮風格的古代建築圍著的院落，院中央有個大大的藥壺，寫著繁體字“藥”。這就是我們要參觀的韓醫博物館——首爾韓方振興中心。雖然博物館還沒正式開門，有幸博物館的金主任（director）走過來和我們交談，藉機請他給我們介紹了博物館。金主任說：現在的博物館建在古代的普濟院的遺址上，別有一番意義。普濟院是朝鮮王朝初期建立的。普濟院”原意是“救濟普渡眾生（普濟）”，即是為受病痛折磨的百姓提供救治的醫療機構，又是救濟貧民的社會救助機構。在朝鮮時代初期，它是通過國王授權設立的。我們站在普濟院的古代建築模型前，為當時的國王能撫卹國民、為黎民百姓修建醫院而產生幾分敬意，他一定是個明君。隨著歷史的演變，王朝衰敗，普濟院漸漸地失去功能。但百姓們利用草藥預防和醫治疾病的傳統延續了下來。在普濟院周圍的草藥貿易也不斷壯大，乃至發展成今天的藥令市。韓國政府按照朝鮮的古代建築風格，在普濟院遺址上修建了這座博物館，取名首爾韓方振興中心。金主任說，這個振興中心的目的，是繼承普濟院的精神，關照弱者，博愛救世。 讓年輕人學習、了解乃至繼承韓國傳統醫學，並發揚光大。
隨後，我們參觀了二樓的博物館，瞭解韓國韓方的產生和發展。韓方源於高麗時期，1236年成書的《鄉藥救急方》奠定了韓方的基礎；到了朝鮮王朝的1445年，出版了當時醫學精髓的《醫方類聚》，這本書是朝鮮醫家們匯集了中國唐、宋、元、明初及高麗的醫書，編輯而成。最為引以為傲的《東醫寶鑑》成書於1610年，並於1613年正式刊行。該書由朝鮮王朝的御醫許浚奉國王光海君之命編寫，歷時14年完成。它系統整理了當時朝鮮、中國及日本的中醫學知識，影響深遠，被譽為“東方醫學的寶庫”。首爾還有許浚墓地供後人參觀。此後，李濟馬創立了四象醫學，成為韓方的獨到之處。他將體質分為四種：太陽人、少陽人、太陰人和少陰人，並用於診斷和治療疾病。見文末的四象醫學介紹。博物館展出了更多的古代醫書，都是繁體漢字，文言文，豎版印刷。還展示了更多的草藥、動植物藥，珍貴藥材和有毒藥材，草藥炮製器皿，以及古代按時令服藥和日常藥膳的記載。有趣的是，博物館還設有與觀眾互動的項目，如韓方知識小測驗、繪畫等。幾個問答題，我都錯了。

三樓是體驗項目，設有藥膳廚房、按摩室、足療泡腳池等。博物館致力於大眾喜聞樂見的方式傳播傳統醫學。對了，一樓還有試穿朝鮮服裝的體驗項目，好幾層服裝需要工作人員幫助才能穿好。可見，韓國為自己的民族文化而驕傲。

 感想：

一，朝鮮王朝（1392-1897年）是朝鮮半島歷史上持續時間最長的封建王朝，受中國明朝影響最深，其次是中國的清朝。由於中國東北和朝鮮半島地理上山水相連，土壤和氣候等自然條件類似， 草藥的種類和身體疾病的特點也近似。中醫作為中國文化的一部分，傳播到韓國（朝鮮半島）是自然而然的事。很多韓方的理論和治療方法與中醫類似。可以說韓醫的形成和發展的過程中，接受了中醫體系，又發展出了具有自身特色的本土醫學。韓國人仍在不斷努力，突出其優勢和特點，力圖發揚光大之。其本土的草藥飲食文化，表現在幾乎50%的韓國家庭，在日常生活中應用草藥，使用最多的是人參。其次是靈芝和枸杞子，還有黑枸杞。如韓國的氣候比較寒冷，很多人用人參茶冬天養生，增強免疫力。現代的韓國，韓方被納入國家的健康保險系統， 一部分韓方可以報銷。據2023年的統計，韓國人口有5千萬，大約有1萬名韓方醫生，他們都是經過正規韓方院校培訓，獲得執照的。 其中約70-80%的醫生自己開業，20-30% 在大型醫院工作。韓方醫生的業務除草藥外，還有針灸、按摩等項目。也就是說，很多綜合性醫院設有韓方醫學科，如首尔大学医院、高丽大学医院、三星医疗中心等。

 另外，是有關漢字在韓國消失的事，韓國使用漢字已有2000年歷史。追溯到公元前2世紀，至20世紀。雖然1443年，朝鮮王朝的世宗大王創建了韓文，並於1446年公布， 但由於朝鮮王朝的士大夫階層推崇漢字，韓文長期未能完全普及，僅限於民間書信、小說和婦女使用。到了20世紀：日本佔領期間（1910-1945年），日本試圖廢除韓文，強制推行日語，反而激起韓國民族主義者對韓文的保護和推廣。1945年後：韓國和朝鮮分別確立韓文為官方文字，並推動全民普及。現今在韓國，韓文是唯一官方文字，漢字僅在文學、歷史、學術和法律領域偶爾使用。在朝鮮，韓文也是官方文字，完全廢除了漢字。韓國人想要研究整個韓醫的歷史，閱讀古代醫書的話，恐怕要會讀中文，而且是文言文。或許有人已經翻譯成韓文了。就像中國已經將文言文譯成白話文一樣。

附：四象醫學簡介

四象醫學（Sasang Constitutional Medicine, SCM）是朝鮮王朝末期韓國醫學家 李濟馬（Lee Je-ma，1837-1900）創立的一種獨特醫學理論。這一學說基於個人體質的不同，將人分為四種類型，並根據體質特徵制定不同的診斷和治療方法。四象醫學在韓醫（韓方醫學）中具有重要的影響，被視為韓國傳統醫學的一大特色。

四種體質分類

四象醫學根據臟腑的偏盛與偏衰，將人體分為以下四種體質：

1. 太陽人

• 臟腑特徵：肺氣過盛，肝氣不足（肺大肝小）。
• 性格特徵：外向、自信、果敢，喜歡冒險，但易衝動、暴躁。
• 身體特徵：頭部較大，肩寬，四肢較細。
• 健康特點：
  • 消化系統較弱，容易有胃腸問題。
  • 易患高血壓、中風、頭痛等疾病。
• 適合的飲食：
  • 適合清淡食物，如魚類、蔬菜、水果。
  • 應避免過度油膩、高熱量的食物，如紅肉、酒精、辛辣食物。
• 適合的藥材：
  • 桑葉、菊花、薄荷、竹葉等具有清熱作用的草藥。

2. 少陽人

• 臟腑特徵：脾氣過盛，腎氣不足（脾大腎小）。
• 性格特徵：積極、開朗、善於社交，愛表現，但有時過於衝動。
• 身體特徵：上身發達，下身較弱，容易出汗。
• 健康特點：
  • 易患胃病、腸胃功能失調、肝火旺盛、失眠等。
  • 代謝快，容易口乾舌燥，身體燥熱。
• 適合的飲食：
  • 適合冷涼的食物，如西瓜、黃瓜、綠豆、白菜等。
  • 避免燥熱食物，如牛肉、辣椒、炸物、咖啡。
• 適合的藥材：
  • 黃芩、薄荷、石膏、菊花等清熱解毒的藥材。

3. 太陰人

• 臟腑特徵：肝氣過盛，肺氣不足（肝大肺小）。
• 性格特徵：穩重、內向、耐心強，做事有計劃，但有時優柔寡斷。
• 身體特徵：身材較壯碩，骨架大，肌肉發達。
• 健康特點：
  • 消化功能良好，但易肥胖。
  • 容易患糖尿病、高血壓、高血脂、心血管疾病。
• 適合的飲食：
  • 適合溫熱性食物，如牛肉、雞肉、生薑、洋蔥、糙米等。
  • 避免生冷食物，如冰飲、冷麵、瓜類等。
• 適合的藥材：
  • 人參、桂枝、乾薑、附子等補氣溫陽的藥材。

4. 少陰人

• 臟腑特徵：腎氣過盛，脾氣不足（腎大脾小）。
• 性格特徵：安靜、細心、有責任感，但容易焦慮、多思。
• 身體特徵：體型嬌小，手腳冰冷，體力較弱。
• 健康特點：
  • 易患消化不良、貧血、低血壓、疲勞等症狀。
  • 免疫力較低，容易感冒、體虛。
• 適合的飲食：
  • 適合溫熱食物，如紅棗、羊肉、生薑、蜂蜜等。
  • 避免過度寒涼的食物，如冰飲、綠茶、生冷蔬果等。
• 適合的藥材：
  • 當歸、肉桂、鹿茸、黃耆等補血益氣的藥材。

四象醫學的特色與臨床應用

1. 個性化診療：四象醫學不同於傳統中醫的「辨證論治」，它更強調根據病人的體質來選擇治療方案，而不是單純根據病名或症狀來治療。
2. 疾病預防：四象醫學不僅用於治病，更強調日常調養，依據體質選擇合適的飲食、生活方式，以達到 “未病先防” 的目的。
3. 藥物選擇：每種體質適用的藥物不同，例如太陰人適合補陽藥，而少陰人則更適合補氣血的藥材。
4. 心理與體質的關聯：四象醫學認為 人的性格與健康息息相關，比如內向、思慮過多的人（少陰人）更容易患消化不良，而活潑好動的人（少陽人）則容易上火。

結論

四象醫學是韓國傳統醫學的重要組成部分，它以 個體體質 為核心，強調個性化診療和疾病預防。這一學說在中醫理論的基礎上發展而來，融合了獨特的體質分類方法，對於現代醫學的發展和應用具有重要的參考價值。隨著科技的進步，四象醫學與基因學、營養學等領域的結合，可能進一步促進個性化醫療的發展。

作者簡介：賀德廣, 美國，麻州中醫師，全美中醫師學會副會長