A Study on the History and Meaning of Exterior Relief Methods using Pungent-cool Properties

Objectives : This study aims to examine the exterior relief method through pungent-cool properties in comparison to pungent-warm properties historically, to understand the meaning of 'exterior relief through pungent-cool' more thoroughly. Methods : Contents mentioning the treatment method directly were examined historically, then analyzed. Results & Conclusions : The method to relieve the exterior through pungent-cool properties has developed by overcoming the limitations of the method to relieve the exterior through pungent-warm properties since it was first established in 『Shanghanzabinglun』(『傷寒雜病論』). The term 'relief of the exterior through pungent-coolness'(辛凉解表) was first mentioned in the Ming period, referring to weak level of perspiration. Yetianshi(葉天士) explained it as communicating Weiqi(衛氣) using pungent-cool medicinals for heat to discharge through the exterior, resulting in mild sweating. In 『Wenbingtiaobian』(『溫病條辨』) the term 'to relieve the flesh'(解肌) refers to both mild sweating through pungent-warm medicinals and the opening of the exterior through pungent-cool medicinals for pathogenic qi to exit, resulting in sweating. If the exterior relief of the pungent-warm medicinals happens through the warm Yang qi(陽氣) stimulated the inner Yin fluids(陰液) to discharge as sweat, that through pungent-cool medicinals relieves stagnation in the exterior, opening up a way for the pathogenic heat to exit. From the perspective of the main therapeutic mechanism for pungent-cool medicinals to be its coolness relieving heat, the term 'exterior relief through pungent-coolness' becomes erroneous. For the 'exterior relief through pungent-coolness' category to be valid, the meaning of 'exterior relief' needs to be expanded to include not only stimulated sweating but the treatment process that could result in sweating.

신량해표(辛凉解表)의 역사와 의미에 대한 고찰