• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.137-165
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• 2021

Objectives :The Korean Medical concept Gak-Gi(脚氣) is understood as being identical to Beriberi and Vitamin B1 deficiency, without the necessary investigation that is required in such identification. Therefore this study aims to systematically compare these two concepts for thorough investigation. Methods : Research was carried out in two directions. First, the cause, symptoms, treatment principles of Gak-Gi(脚氣) in the medical texts were analyzed. Second, the process of the Beriberi theory development and its identification with Gak-Gi(脚氣), medical information on Beriberi, and the basis of various diseases that have been linked to Gak-Gi(脚氣) were studied. Results of the two directions were used to compare Gak-Gi(脚氣) and Beriberi. Results : Gak-Gi(脚氣) and Beriberi overlap in many aspects. However, unlike Beriberi which is understood as nutrient deficiency essentially, Gak-Gi(脚氣) can be caused by exterior pathogens such as wind toxin, while its different manifestations and treatment principles cannot be fully explained by nutrient deficiency. Conclusions : Gak-Gi(脚氣) could be understood as a type of syndrome in which causes and symptoms are connected, where symptoms start in the legs, moving upwards. It cannot be identified with Beriberi, which has been interpreted as a single disease.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.147-168
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• 2004

Objectives & Methods: We investigated 36 books to study etiology, pathology and acupuncture & Moxibustion treatment of Gak-Gi Result and Conclusion 1. Gak-Gi is a disease of legs. In the past, it was called Wan-poong(緩風) or Gueol(厥). Currently it is divided into two kinds; the Seup-Gak-Gi(Damp Gak-Gi) in which the legs swell; The Gun-Gak-Gi(Dry Gak-Gi) in which the legs do not swell. 2. Gak-Gi may be caused by exogenous wind, coldness, dampness and Excess of phlegm or damp-heat. It also can be caused by weakness of vital energy(Myungmoon fire;命門火), kidney Yin deficiency and vital energy deficiency in the Stomach and Spleen. 3. Gak-Gi-Pal-Hyul(Eight acupoints for Gak-Gi; 脚氣八穴) are GB31(Poonsi; 風市), ST32(Bok-to; 伏兎), ST35(Dok-bi; 犢鼻), Nae-seul-an(Extra point; 內膝眼), ST36(Chok-samni; 足三里) ST37(Sang-goho; 上巨虛) ST39(Hagoho; 下巨虛) GB41 (Choc-imup; 足臨泣) 4. Treatment plans for Gak-Gi are removing the exogenous wind, coldness and dampness, regulating meridians, alleviating the pain and swelling, more importantly, tonifying vital energy and nourishing Spleen and Stomach. 5. Three out of Eight acupoints for Gak-Gi, ST36(Chok-samni; 足三里), ST37(Sang-goho; 上巨 虛), ST39(Hagoho; 下巨虛) are Lower sea points of Fu organs( Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine). Five out of Eight acupoints for Gak-Gi, ST32(Bok-to; 伏兎), ST35(Dok-bi;犢鼻) are onthe Stomach meridian, and Nae-seu1-an(Extra point; 內膝眼) is on the Spleen meridian. This result indicates that regulation of Middle-cho(中焦) is important in the treatment for Gak-Gi.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.191-197
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• 2007

Gak-gi-byung in Korean Medicine have many things in common with Beriberi disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Transverse myelitis and Cauda equina syndrome. Dong-Ui-Bo-Gam define Gak-gi-byung as syndrome that includes sudden lower limbs weakness, pain and edema. Gak-gi-byung start from the foregoing symptoms and could progress to general digestive, neurological or respiratory symptoms is found on many medical practitioners. In this case, we described a 60-years old man diagnosed as Gak-gi-byung in Korean Medicine. He complained Rt lower limb weakness, Rt Knee Clumsiness and limitation of his Rt knee & ankle motor. And his condition was improved through Korean Medical treatment such as acupuncture and herbal medicine like 'Chung-yul-sa-seup-tang' about 15 days.