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Illustrations for Sasang constitutions based on scientific data made public
Representative illustrations of male and female faces and body shapes for different constitutional types produced based on clinical data from KCMB and SCAT


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KIOM produced illustrations for Sasang constitutional types based on clinical data obtained through the Korea Constitutional Multicenter Bank (KCMB) and Sasang Constitutional Analysis Tool (SCAT).

The existing illustrations for Sasang constitutional types, although based on characteristics recorded in relevant literature, were exaggerated or distorted with imagination added, and failed to provide precise understanding of the characteristics of each physical constitution. Therefore, KIOM realized the necessity to develop more accurate illustrations based on clinical data from KCMB and SCAT, the research outcomes of the Lee Jema project.

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The new illustrations for Sasang constitutions show male and female faces as well as body shapes representing different constitutional types. They were created through sketches and coloring according to the characteristics of each constitutional type based on scientific data and three stages of feedback and correction by an expert advisory council.

Among different Sasang constitutional types, facial characteristics of the Taeeum type include a wide face, the broadest chin, straight eyes and a wide nose. Faces of people of the Soeum type are long and the narrowest, with the least protruding foreheads and drooping eyes. People of the Soyang type have the most protruding foreheads and the thinnest lips. People of the Taeyang type have the highest central points for eyes.

Regarding body shapes, the Taeeum type appears to be the fattest with an average BMI of 25.4 and 25.7 for men and women, respectively. Meanwhile, the Soeum type is the thinnest with an average respective BMI of 21.3 and 19.7 for men and women, respectively. The Taeeum type has the H-frame body shape with a broad waist, whereas the Soeum type has a narrower chest and wider hip line than the Soyang type.

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The illustrations for Sasang constitutions can be downloaded freely from the KIOM homepage (www.kiom.re.kr/eng), and can be used for non-commercial purposes, but are prohibited from the creation of secondary works through modification.

In 2012, KIOM made public the representative facial images of Sasang constitutional types by compositing the facial photo data of more than 2,900 persons whose constitutional types had been identified using the data of KCMB established based on extensive clinical reports on Sasang constitutions.
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