Constitutionally individualized and practically integrated characteristics of Korean Acupuncture

한국 참구의학의 체질관점과 실용적 통합치료 의학으로서의 특징

  • Yin, Chang-Shik (Dept. of Acupuncture, CHA Biomedical Center, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University) ;
  • Chae, Youn-Byung (Dept. of Meridian and Acupuncture, and Dept. of Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Koh, Hyeong-Gyun (Dept. of Acupuncture, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Lee, Hye-Jung (Dept. of Meridian and Acupuncture, and Dept. of Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Chun, Sae-Il (Graduate School of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University) ;
  • Park, Hi-Joon (Dept. of Meridian and Acupuncture, and Dept. of Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University)
  • 인창식 (포천중문의과대학 차바이오메디컬센터 침구과) ;
  • 채윤병 (경희대학교 한의과대학 경혈학교실,경희대학교 침구경락과학연구센터) ;
  • 고형균 (경희대학교 한의과대학 침구학교실) ;
  • 이혜정 (경희대학교 한의과대학 경혈학교실,경희대학교 침구경락과학연구센터) ;
  • 전세일 (포천중문의가대학 대체의학대학원) ;
  • 박히준 (경희대학교 한의과대학 경혈학교실,경희대학교 침구경락과학연구센터)
  • Published : 2006.06.27

Abstract

Objectives: Although Korean Acupuncture (KA) in Korean Medicine (KM) shares its origins with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it has made its own contribution to the field of acupuncture and general medicine. This study reviews characteristics of KA. Methods: Representative theories of KA were reviewed in light of a constitutionally individualized and practically integrated approach. Individualized approach in KA is based on constitutional energy traits recognized in Saam, Taegeuk, and Eight Constitution acupuncture theories. New practically integrated therapeutic modalities, such as herbal, and bee venom acupunctures, have also been developed in KA. Results: As a form of natural medicine, KA along with KM put emphasis on the vitality and self-correcting mechanism of an individual, which led to the refinement of constitutional approach. KA along with KM theories features a summarized understanding and practical application of integrated therapeutics, which produced creative development of new modalities. Conclusions: KA is expected to make significant contributions to the individualized and practical medicine, based on basic research and clinical trials.

Keywords