Diagnosis of a Greater Yang Damp Type

A Greater Yin has big Wood and small Metal.

By David Lee L.Ac

A Greater Yang damp body type is present in two constitutions of Sasang four constitutional medicine. For a Taeyangin, Greater Yang is the primary, and Lesser Yang is the secondary.

A Greater Yang characteristic can also be a secondary in Soeumin. These two damp types derive benefit from foods and herbal medicine that are dampening. 

A Greater Yin has big Wood (Liver and Gall Bladder) and small Metal (Lung and Large Intestine).

A Taeeumin has a Warm type as its secondary constitution. A Soeumin has a Cool type as its primary constitution.

Below are some psychological and physiological characteristics. Not all information has to be present to identify the Greater Yang type.

1. I find high protein and oily foods to be heavy and take a long time to digest. They make me feel heavy, tired, and bloated. My bowels are not normal. I feel sick with Atkin’s and Ketogenic diet.
2. I get motion sickness easily, such as on boats or airplanes. I cannot read a book as a passenger in a car for more than five minutes, even when moving straight and at a constant speed.
3. I am lactose intolerant or allergic to milk products. I experience increased nasal discharge, bloating, and /or bowel function changes after drinking a glass of milk.
4. I’m not too fond of perfume or strong odors. They often give me a headache or make me feel dizzy. I feel light-headed or dizzy when I have a strong mint taste, such as mint-flavored gum, in my mouth for more than 10 minutes.
5. Regardless of the quality, my voice is middle- to high-pitched. When signing, I am more comfortable with voicing a tenor than a baritone sound.
6. I would rather be in hot than cold weather. A warmer temperature is more acceptable. In cold weather, I have difficulty being motivated and physically moving.
7. I have difficulty ignoring a nagging pain, and it affects my activities. My tolerance to pain is lower than an average person. I tend to avoid contact sports because it is painful and unpleasant. I have difficulty understanding why people would want to continue after a hard hit or fall.
8. I feel uncomfortable wearing a scarf or turtleneck around my neck, even in cooler weather. I cannot imagine wearing a hat or hoodie all day long. A hat does not make me feel comfortable and cozy. I prefer not to wear them as a fashion statement.
9. I feel uncomfortable keeping a piece of jewelry on my body, especially the heavy ones. The metallic necklace, wristband, and watch are cumbersome.
10. I cannot talk or sing for a long time. My voice can get hoarse easily. My throat can get sore easily.
11. I wouldn’t say I like physical activities that require strength or stamina, such as lifting heavyweights. A light aerobic type of exercise is preferable. My muscles do not grow as quickly and retain their mass.
12. I wear regular, not wide, shoes because my feet are slim. I walk lightly because my legs are slim and do not have musculature.
13. I cannot stay up all night to finish a project. My body is delicate and can handle physical challenges only for a short time.
14. I tend to lean when sitting. It is not easy to maintain a straight posture for an extended period. I do not have enough musculature in the torso to keep me upright.
15. I tend to act first instead of thoroughly think through things. I get frustrated with detailed information. I am not a natural at managing people and situations.
16. I have a problem with heights and cannot work in high places with relative ease. I feel terror when standing in a high place without a railing to hold onto.
17. I have lactose intolerance. Drinking milk causes bloating and diarrhea.
18. I have an allergy to nuts. They cause mild symptoms of skin itch and hay fever. Severe symptoms can occur with anaphylaxis, such as swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing.