The Study on Aging

노화(老化)에 대한 연구(硏究) (황제내경(黃帝內經)을 중심으로)

  • 백상룡 (경희대학교.상지대학교 한의과대학)
  • Published : 1999.10.31

Abstract

Each life has its own properties that distinguish one another. With this property, Oriental medicine suggests original diagnosis and treament. Our process of aging shows typical outline of cycle, i. e. from one's birth to death. Understanding the life cycle of men gives us very good hint to predict one's state of health, possible diseases, characteristics of disease in each term of his/her life cycle. It's because body and mode of diseases change according to age. Aging starts when $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精)-the essence one receive from parents-dries up or when Deficient Fire(虛火) soars. Parts that compose our body-bones, muscles, flesh, etc.-gradually weaken and worn out as they no longer get support from Yang-Ki(陽氣), In "Yellow Emperor's Classic", aging starts around one's forties when $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精) is reduced to less than half. However, what is usually accepted is that women start aging from 49 and men 64, regarding significant geriatric disease. As it is mentioned, aging starts with exhaustion of $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精) which results in soaring Deficient Fire. Main symptoms are weak mental state due to Sin(神) disorder, and weak physical state due to Spleen and Stomacn(脾胃) disorder. Main principle in treating and preventing diseases related to aging is preserving $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精), as well as fortifying Ki and Blood(氣血). To do this, Lung(肺)-which collects $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精), and Kidney(腎) stores-which stores $\breve{U}$m Essence(陰精).

Keywords