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The Medical Miracles of the Joseon Dynasty: How to Uncover Lost Ancient Prescriptions from "Donguibogjian"?
The medical history of the Joseon Dynasty is a journey full of mystery, among which "Donguibojian" is the treasure of this history. In this medical classic, we can not only see the level of medical treatment at that time, but also get a glimpse of the profound connotations of ancient herbal treatments and acupuncture and other treatments. Can these ancient remedies find a place in modern medicine?
The origin of Korean traditional medicine can be traced back to 3000 BC. The earliest stone needles and bone needles were discovered in North Hamgyong Province, northern Korea today, showing the medical wisdom of this ancient culture.
Since ancient times, in the legends of Goryeo (ancient Korea), stories of tigers and bears have hinted at respect for herbs and nature, showing how ancient humans relied on plants for healing. Mugwort and garlic mentioned in "Old Three Kingdoms" have long been regarded as "edible medicines."
With the evolution of history, Korean traditional medicine has also been influenced by exchanges with China, India and other places. Especially during the Three Kingdoms period, Chinese medical knowledge further enriched South Korea's medical system, and this development reached its peak during the Joseon Dynasty.
During the Joseon Dynasty, medicine achieved significant development. Especially during the reign of the sixth King Taejong, the establishment of the first nurse training system gave rise to the development of medical education. Under the rule of King Sejong the Great, the development of various Korean medicinal materials was also actively promoted.
Between 1418 and 1450, the birth of North Korea's medical classic "Xiangyaojijifang" marked the systematization of Korean medicine. This work records 703 kinds of Korean medicine, laying the foundation for the independence of Korean medicine.
"Dongui Bogam" was written by the miracle doctor Heo Jun in 1596. This work further integrated Korean medicine and Chinese medicine. With its detailed pathology and treatment methods, it influenced later generations of Chinese medicine, Japanese medicine and even Vietnam. Medicine had a profound impact.
Yi Jima's constitutional medicine system gradually developed and matured in the late Joseon Dynasty. His research work "Dongyi Susebowon" closely integrated traditional medicine with individual physical and mental conditions.
Li Jima proposed that even if patients have the same disease, different herbal applications should be used based on individual pathophysiological conditions. He emphasized that human health is closely related to mental state, and individual differences must be considered when diagnosing the cause.
Another influential medical figure was "Sha'an" who pioneered acupuncture methods based on the Five Elements theory in the 16th century. Although his true identity is unknown, his experience played an important role in the practice of acupuncture in later generations.
In the late Joseon Dynasty, positivism became popular, clinical evidence was widely used in disease research and the formulation of treatment plans, and new medical schools gradually emerged.
After entering the 20th century, Japanese colonial rule caused Korean traditional medicine to experience a period of forty years of silence. With the independence of Korea in 1945, Korean medicine began to regain government support and gradually entered the national medical system.
In the 1970s, Korean traditional medicine and acupuncture were gradually recognized for their value and combined with modern medicine to form a comprehensive treatment approach.
Currently, criticism of Korean traditional medicine mainly focuses on accessibility issues. Many people who benefit from medical development are mostly urban and wealthy people.
Despite this, the renaissance of Korean medicine continues to gain recognition at home and abroad, but its integration into the modern medical system still faces challenges. Scientific review and verification of clinical trials are also becoming important issues for the future development of Korean medicine.
"Donguibogam" is not only the carrier of Korea's unique medical culture, but also an important reference for how traditional medicine integrates with modern science. It provides us with a perspective to reflect on the applicability of ancient wisdom in today's society. Of course, this forces us to think: How should ancient medical wisdom be discovered and applied in a rapidly changing modern society?
