Dr. Lee Je-ma (1837-1900) lived as a medical doctor and philosopher. From his childhood, he suffered from some ailments, known as Haeyuk(lower body weakness) and Yulgyuk(inability to swallow), so that he created SCM after his great search of a cure. His philosophy is well shown in Gyeokchigo(Manuscript of Science) and Donguisusebowon(Longevity and Life Preservation in Eastern Medicine) which is written about classifying constitution, physiology, pathology and treatments according to each constitutions.

SCM has different point of view to study and understand human being from conventional medicine. SCM observes human being with four element structure as ears-eyes-nose-mouth, Lungs-Spleen-Liver-Kidneys, jaw-chest-navel-abdomen and head-shoulders-waist-hips. This is a sort of combination of physical functions and ethical talents including metaphysics and concrete science as a unified structure of the four element structure to study human.

The constitutions of SCM are native because the natures of organs are determined when we were born. Taeyangins have large Lungs and a small Liver, Soyangins have a large Spleen and small Kidneys, Tae-eumins have a large Liver and small Lungs and Soeumins have large Kidneys and a large Spleen inherently. But it does not mean that our mind is determined also. Acquired change and self variableness through control of one's mind is essential of SCM. Therefore inherent part and acquired part is coexisting to conclude one's constitution.

The four type constitution is distinguished by appearances, body shapes, personalities and symptoms. Appearances and body shapes mean movement feature as well as fixed body type. Personalities mean their mind, character and usual psychological state. Symptoms represent not only pathological but also physiological symptoms even in healthy condition. Besides we use various methods like measurement of body or face, analysis of voice or fingerprint and questionnaire. And also we observe the reaction of acupuncture or medicines.

Even though they seem to have the same symptoms, seriousness are judged as its constitution. There are its own indications and improving or aggravating signs in progress. We select proper medicines and foods as constitution for treating and preventing disease. It shows great effect on chronic or obstinate diseases because we harmonize over mind and body totally.

Nowadays SCM is one of the regular curriculums in 11 oriental medical colleges, selected as a national examination subject and produce Sasang Constitutional Medical specialists as one of 8 special majors of Korean medical doctors. SCM is known widely not only in Korea but also in all over the world and its role is getting more important. SCM is remarkably expected to find some solutions about the problems with more diseases caused by wrong life style as the modern society is getting more complex. Therefore, it will be greatly necessary to be preventive medicine as well as social medicine in our future.