Constitutional Diagnosis
Overview
Constitutional Diagnosis is the foundational practice of Sasang Constitutional Medicine (SCM), a unique branch of traditional Korean medicine. It operates on the principle that every individual is born with a specific 'constitution'—Tae-yang, Tae-eum, So-yang, or So-eum—determined by the relative strength and size of their internal organs. This diagnosis is not a Western medical check-up but a holistic assessment of one's biological and psychological makeup.
During the process, a licensed Korean medicine doctor (KMD) evaluates your physical proportions, facial features, voice, temperament, and pulse. By identifying your specific type, the practitioner can explain how your body naturally reacts to certain foods, environments, and stressors, allowing for a highly customized approach to both aesthetic treatments and general wellness.
Expected Results
The primary goal of this diagnosis is to provide a roadmap for long-term health and beauty. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, SCM aims to manage concerns such as persistent skin issues, facial swelling, or weight fluctuations by aligning treatments with your body's natural tendencies. For example, a treatment that works for a 'So-yang' type might be ineffective for a 'Tae-eum' type due to their different metabolic rates.
Patients can expect to receive a detailed profile of their constitution, including a list of beneficial and harmful foods, recommended exercise intensities, and suggestions for herbal or acupuncture therapies. While it does not provide an instant physical transformation, it serves as a preventative strategy to maintain systemic balance and enhance the effectiveness of other cosmetic procedures.
Why Korea & Cost
South Korea is the only place where Sasang Constitutional Medicine is integrated into the modern healthcare system. Licensed practitioners undergo years of rigorous academic and clinical training in both traditional and modern medical sciences. Many clinics in Seoul now offer specialized programs for international patients, combining constitutional analysis with high-tech skin diagnostics to create a bridge between Eastern and Western philosophies.
The cost of a constitutional diagnosis varies depending on the depth of the consultation and whether it includes supplementary services like herbal prescriptions or acupuncture. Factors such as the practitioner's experience and the inclusion of computerized body composition analysis will influence the final quote provided during your initial visit.
Recovery & Aftercare
As a non-invasive diagnostic procedure, there is no physical recovery time required. However, the 'recovery' phase in SCM refers to the period of lifestyle adjustment following the diagnosis. Patients are often encouraged to gradually modify their diet and daily habits based on their constitutional profile to see improvements in their energy levels and skin clarity.
Follow-up visits may be recommended to monitor how your body responds to the suggested changes. It is important to remember that these adjustments are meant to support your body's natural equilibrium over time, rather than serving as a quick fix for acute medical conditions.
Who Is It For?
- Individuals seeking personalized lifestyle and dietary guidance
- Those with chronic skin or digestive issues unresponsive to standard care
- Patients interested in holistic and preventative wellness approaches
- People curious about traditional Korean medical philosophy
- Individuals looking to optimize the results of aesthetic treatments
Benefits
- Identification of constitutional tendencies related to skin and weight
- Personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations
- Aims to support systemic balance and natural vitality
- Customized herbal and acupuncture treatment plans
- Insight into psychological and emotional predispositions
How It's Done
- Detailed health and lifestyle questionnaire
- Visual assessment of facial structure and body proportions
- Voice analysis and temperament evaluation
- Traditional pulse and tongue examination
- Final classification and personalized consultation
Risks & Side Effects
- Diagnosis may differ from Western medical findings
- Lack of global scientific standardization for SCM types
- Subjective interpretation varies between practitioners
- Lifestyle changes require long-term patient commitment
Recovery
- No physical downtime or recovery period needed
- Immediate return to daily activities
- Lifestyle adjustments typically take 2 to 4 weeks to habituate
- Long-term benefits depend on adherence to recommendations
Aftercare
- Gradually introduce recommended constitutional foods
- Avoid ingredients identified as harmful to your specific type
- Monitor energy levels and skin changes over several weeks
- Follow prescribed herbal tea or supplement schedules
Precautions
- Inform the doctor of any current Western medications
- Diagnosis is not a substitute for emergency medical care
- Results are based on traditional Korean medical theory
- Consult a specialist if you have severe pre-existing conditions
| Duration | 30-90 min |
|---|---|
| Recovery | 5-14 days |
| Anesthesia | No anesthesia |
| Price Range | Consultation required |
Clinic Introduction
Medical Facility
Patient Care
Consultation Room
Medical Staff
Recovery Suite
Treatment Room