• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.121-137
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• 2015

Objectives : To investigate the progress, characteristics, and reasons of CV12 moxibustion that King Sukjong of Joseon Dynasty had experienced 31 years since 1684. Methods : This study mainly extracted the records and related records about CV12 moxibustion of King Sukjong and relevant records from Seungjeongwon Ilgi, and analyzed them. Aside from that, medical books wrote at that time and relevant records were additionally investigated. Results : King Sukjong cauterized CV12 or other CV12 related acupoints with moxa 21 years out of his 31 years from 1684 to 1714. The cautery period was usually between late January and mid February. He had 100 pieces of moxa for cautery. On the last day of his moxibustion, he cauterized ST36 with moxa. The moxibustion process consisted of the following steps: suggestion or requirement of moxibustion, decision of date and time, and moxa cautery. In 1684, the reason why King Sukjong cauterized CV12 with moxa was to treat his joint pain and nauseous symptoms. The effect can be found in Donguibogam, many other Korean medical books, and other general books at that time. In 1685, he began to cauterize CV12 with moxa to prevent diseases. Since then, most moxa cautery on CV12 had been performed in the same context. Conclusions : For 21 years, King Sukjong repeatedly cauterized CV12 with moxa. The moxa therapy was conducted to prevent diseases mostly. And King Sukjong had a lot of interest in the therapy. For the reasons, the therapy had repeatedly been performed so long.