• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.23-38
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• 2012

Objective : Ankylosing Spodylitis(AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is notorious for its difficulty to cure. This study aims to interpret the mechanism of AS in the Traditional Korean Medical(TKM) perspective, and to understand the role of the spine. Method : Clinical manifestations of AS, epidemiological data and clinical cases were interpreted by traditional methodology. Result : The young age group of patients suffering from this condition suggests that the cause of this condition is not solely linked to deficiency of the Kidney[腎], which is a general cause for bone disease. Its symptoms are linked to obstruction in the upper body, which results in disturbance of Jeong(精) collection in the lower body. Based on other accompanying symptoms, together with its character as an autoimmune disease, a strong link to the spirit of the heart[心神] can be suggested. Conclusion : AS is closely linked not only to essence of kidney[腎陰], but to the spirit of the heart[心神] as well. From the TKM analysis of the spine, we can understand it as the basic pathway for the fundamental Gi(氣) circulation.