脚氣에 대한 考察 -Beriberi와의 비교를 중심으로-

Abstract

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.