Four Constitution Medicine: Sa Sang ("4 Constitution") Theory is a traditional Korean medicine which was founded and used by Jae-Ma Lee. He systematically theorized in his book “Dong-Yi-Soo-Se-Bo-Won” [The Principle Of Life Preservation In Oriental Medicine] in 1894 the major distinctions between the different constitutions. These are comprised of predisposed weaknesses and strengths, and differences in physiology, pathology, emotional orientation and nature. Each type shares similar aspects of bodily structure, function, and metabolism, as well as psychological and behavioral characteristics. Four Constitution medicine is useful not only for categorization, but also for diagnosis and in determining the appropriate herbal and acupuncture treatments. Appropriate nutritional recommendations are also made based upon Four Constitution medicine.

• Tae-Yin
People in this group usually have a round or oval face. They are good-natured and warm-hearted, though they can be stubborn and don’t easily reveal their inner feelings. They are dignified, conservative, ambitious and pragmatic. Born with a cool physical vitality they should eat foods that are “warm” in nature or protein rich. They have a weak-functioning lung, and should eat foods that can protect them.

• So-Yin This group generally have an oval-shaped face and have the so-called “sleepy eyed” look. They are usually moderately thin. They are introverted, delicate, meditative, and detail oriented. They have a cold physical vitality and should choose foods that are “hot” in nature. So-Yin also often have a weak digestive system.

• Tae-Yang The characteristics of this group are that the body type is somewhat like an inverted triangle. The look is sharp, sensitive and intelligent. They are outspoken, inquisitive, arrogant, intelligent, creative and idealistic. Tae-Yang are born with a warm physical vitality and therefore, foods that have a "cool" nature are recommended.

• So-Yang In this group the eyes are the most prominent facial feature; they are not necessarily large, but are sharp and sparkling. They have large shoulders and thin strong looking ankles. They are extroverted, passionate, sentimental, impulsive and competitive. So-Yang constitution has a hot physical vitality therefore, foods which have a "cold" nature are best.

Balancing Techniques: For patients with internal or complicated pathological issues, the balancing theory is applied by observation of the pulse. After the imbalance in the specific meridian is determined, the treatment points are then selected to harmonize the organs affected by the imbalance. In terms of the points used for this theory, they correspond to the same acupuncture points of the 14 meridian system, however, the point selection and technique are unique to the Balancing Theory. For example, based on the pulse of the patient, the needles may be inserted in different directions and retention time can either be lengthened or shortened to apply tonifying or sedating methods.

Master Tung’s Points: Developed by a Taiwanese physician with a familial lineage in Traditional Chinese Medine, Master Tung theorized an independent system from the 14 meridian system. Some of the acupuncture points that have been time-tested in displaying great results directly correspond to the 14 meridian system, while numerous other points are completely novel and distinct from the commonly accepted points. Also some of the same corresponding points have new indications and usages apart from the standardized points. The most common use for Master Tung’s points is relief of acute pain. Some points display instant relief of acute sprain and strain, which is different than the 14 meridian system.

Four Needle Technique: Based on the Five Element Theory, the Korean Four Needle Technique identifies the organ or the meridian that is out of balance. Depending on the diagnosis of Excess or Deficiency, four acupuncture points are selected to either reinforce or sedate the affected organ or meridian. It is a unique system that relies on the meridians’ inter-connection and dependency, thereby regulating the imbalanced meridian.

Nagano Technique: Developed by a Japanese physician, the Nagano technique is uniquely based on diagnosis by touch. Through the palpation sequence, diagnosis and treatment methods are established. Abdominal examination and palpation and palpation of the Fire points (Five Element Theory) of each meridian are the most common diagnosis methods. The most common indication for this technique includes boosting the immune system, abdominal disorders, nervous system disorders, and balancing the endocrine system.