Among the national intangible cultural heritages is the medical theory on four kinds of physical constitutions, which was authored by Ri Je Ma, a scholar of medicine, in the late 19th century.
The theory divides persons into four categories according to their physical constitutions and gives out prescriptions according to them.
Ri Je Ma made a comprehensive observation of patients in such aspects as strong and weak points of physical constitutions and the five viscera and six entrails, appearance, character, taste, reaction to medicines and clinical features and, based on it, classified them into thaeyangin , soyangin , thaeumin and soumin (large Yang, small Yang, large Um and small Um).
He asserted that different prescriptions should be applied to patients as the same pathogenesis produced different symptoms on them.
He prescribed different medicines according to patients’ physical constitutions as they reacted differently to the same medicine, thus enhancing the efficacy of medicines.
Different opinions on physical constitutions have been raised up to now, but few of them have been applied into clinical practice.
The four physical constitutions theory has been applied into practice from its beginning and is still proving effective in medical treatment.
More From Naenara (En)
Construction projects for 2026 for the regional development policy began with due ceremonies in the area of the Sinuiju Combined
February 05, 2026
Construction projects for 2026 for the regional development policy began with due ceremonies in the area of the Sinuiju Combined
A booth drew unusual attention at the advanced science and technology and products exhibition-2025. At the event, the high-tech pr
February 05, 2026
A booth drew unusual attention at the advanced science and technology and products exhibition-2025. At the event, the high-tech pr
A research team of the Earth Science and Technology Faculty of Kim Chaek University of Technology has developed an outdoor gamma
February 05, 2026
A research team of the Earth Science and Technology Faculty of Kim Chaek University of Technology has developed an outdoor gamma
The astronomical chart carved on a stone was made between the late 5th century and the early 6th century in the period of Koguryo
February 05, 2026
The astronomical chart carved on a stone was made between the late 5th century and the early 6th century in the period of Koguryo
Modern houses have been built at the Kayang Farm in Unnyul County of South Hwanghae Province and the Kyejong Farm in Kumchon
February 04, 2026
Modern houses have been built at the Kayang Farm in Unnyul County of South Hwanghae Province and the Kyejong Farm in Kumchon
A national photo exhibition, “Under the uplifted banner of self-reliance”, opened to celebrate the 84th birth anniversary of
February 04, 2026
A national photo exhibition, “Under the uplifted banner of self-reliance”, opened to celebrate the 84th birth anniversary of
One day in August 2024, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited a flood-hit area in North Phyongan Province. That day he told
February 04, 2026
One day in August 2024, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited a flood-hit area in North Phyongan Province. That day he told
One day in December 2025, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited regional- industry factories in Sinyang County nearing
February 04, 2026
One day in December 2025, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited regional- industry factories in Sinyang County nearing
Korea has 24 seasonal subdivisions based on the 24-part division of the earth’s orbit around the sun. February has two
February 04, 2026
Korea has 24 seasonal subdivisions based on the 24-part division of the earth’s orbit around the sun. February has two
Hwang Tok Man, PhD, Prof. and researcher of the Life Science Faculty of Kim Il Sung University has established a new method of
February 04, 2026
Hwang Tok Man, PhD, Prof. and researcher of the Life Science Faculty of Kim Il Sung University has established a new method of
The Ryonggang County Hospital opened on February 1. On hearing the news of the opening of the hospital, many residents in the
February 03, 2026
The Ryonggang County Hospital opened on February 1. On hearing the news of the opening of the hospital, many residents in the
The Hwangchoryong Spring Water Bottling Factory has been built in South Hamgyong Province of the DPRK. The factory with automated
February 03, 2026
The Hwangchoryong Spring Water Bottling Factory has been built in South Hamgyong Province of the DPRK. The factory with automated
One day in April 2024, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the Hwasong Taedonggang Beer House on Rimhung Street prior to its
February 03, 2026
One day in April 2024, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the Hwasong Taedonggang Beer House on Rimhung Street prior to its
South Hamgyong Province’s Kumya County has a wide expanse of wetland areas rich in water resources, plants and animals, which
February 03, 2026
South Hamgyong Province’s Kumya County has a wide expanse of wetland areas rich in water resources, plants and animals, which
Posters for the Third People’s Art Festival for Celebrating February 16 have been produced in the DPRK. The posters carry
February 03, 2026
Posters for the Third People’s Art Festival for Celebrating February 16 have been produced in the DPRK. The posters carry
Fairyland villages picturing the beautiful future of the countryside have appeared one after another at farms in South Hwanghae
February 03, 2026
Fairyland villages picturing the beautiful future of the countryside have appeared one after another at farms in South Hwanghae
February 2 is World Wetlands Day. Wetlands are regarded as valuable resources indispensible for human existence and sustainable
February 03, 2026
February 2 is World Wetlands Day. Wetlands are regarded as valuable resources indispensible for human existence and sustainable
Myogil statue of Mt Kumgang, or Mahayon Myogil statue, is located in Naegumgang-ri, Kumgang County of Kangwon Province. Carved on
February 03, 2026
Myogil statue of Mt Kumgang, or Mahayon Myogil statue, is located in Naegumgang-ri, Kumgang County of Kangwon Province. Carved on
The third-year projects for implementing the regional development policy in the new era is being conducted on a full scale, under
February 02, 2026
The third-year projects for implementing the regional development policy in the new era is being conducted on a full scale, under
A new dormitory has been built at Hamhung College of Medical Sciences in the DPRK. The dormitory, consisting of two blocks built
February 02, 2026
A new dormitory has been built at Hamhung College of Medical Sciences in the DPRK. The dormitory, consisting of two blocks built
More Articles
