救荒辟穀方에 대한 考察 - 韓國 醫書를 중심으로 -

Abstract

Objectives : This study examined the characteristics of famine relief and fasting formulas in Korean Medical Texts from early Joseon to early modern period. Methods : In addition to previous studies and texts, basic materials were collected from various academic database such as the Korean Medical Classics Database, Korean History Database, Chinese Text Project, Weijiwenku, etc., then analyzed. Results : In Korean Medicine from the early Joseon to early modern Korea, there was a strong awareness to use fasting prescriptions which were applied in Daosim for the purpose of famine relief, using both medicinals and common food ingredients together as complex prescriptions rather than single ingredient formulas. Famine relief and fasting formulas were continuously listed in many medical texts published after the Donguibogam, in modified or newly improved forms. Moreover, the food ingredients and medicinals used in these formulas were consisted of those which could be easily found in the famished nation of the time. Many of these formulas were tried and tested prescriptions, frequently used in clinical settings. Most of the ingredients and medicinals used in the famine relief and fasting formulas were sweet, bland, and neutral in nature, supporting Qi circulation and tonifying the Spleen and Stomach. Therefore in times of famine, these medicinals could help prevent digestive problems and decline of stamina. Conclusions : Research and contemporary interpretation on the famine relief and fasting formulas could contribute to not only health management but to relieving nutrition imbalance and famine, expanding the field of Korean Medicine application.