초록
Subject : The application of eight extra Meridians theory to birth physiology of Korean Medicine. Objective : This study suggests physiological theories in child birth in Korean Medicine. Method : First, the application of eight extra Meridians and extraordinary organs theories to physiology, pathology, pregnancy, postnatal period of women were examined based on major publications and theories of some historical characters. This work provided clues for application of eight extra Meridians theory to birth physiology. Second, the progressing birth physiology of modern medicine based on the importance of the brain function was examined, with which the application of eight extra Meridians and extraordinary organs theories to the birth process showed close relationship. Conclusion : The following conclusions could be drawn. In traditional publications of Korean Medicine, the contents explaining birth physiology with eight extra Meridians theory were scarce, mainly due to the doctor's perception of birth as part of the natural female physiology along with menstruation and pregnancy. However, the contents explaining menstruation, pregnancy, postnatal physiology and pathology through eight extra Meridians theory could be found in classical texts such as Neijing, Jebyeong-wonhuron, Imjeunginameuian. Therefore, it is reasonable to apply the eight extra Meridians theory to the birth process as well. Modern medicine's understanding that pituitary and hypothalamus hormones are in play on womb in the birth process, such as Oxytocin, is in continuous progress. Moreover, the environmental condition that has been traditionally known ideal to the birth process in both the East and West-dark, warm, quiet and secluded-is being confirmed in modern research. The application of eight extra Meridians theory to birth physiology can help to explain these modern information, and thus make them more acceptable.
