이형익의 번침술에 대하여

Abstract

The early 17th century has a significant meaning in the development of medical history in Joseon (朝鮮) Dynasty. First of all, Donguibogam (東醫寶鑑) was compiled and published in 1613, paving the way for independent medical theory of Joseon. Heo Jun (許浚) not only aggregated Chinese medical documents from the ancient China to the late Ming Dynasty along with those of Joseon, but also discussed unique medical theory that combines Taoist Nourishing-life theory with the medicine. Along with this, diverse treatment methods were developed during the 17th century. Heo Im (許任), acupuncturist during the period of King Seonjo (宣祖) and King Gwanghae (光海), wrote Chimgu Kyunghumbang (鍼灸經驗方) in King Injo (仁祖) era. The book, which summarized experiences, systematized sedation method of acupuncture. Moreover, Baek Gwang-hyun (白光炫), a doctor in the middle 17th century, invented a surgery method that directly incises abscess using a large needle. Lee Hyung-ik was also famous for burnt acupuncture, which uses red-hot needle in its therapy. He was excellent in treating mental anxiety called as evil-spirit and hence was deeply trusted by King Injo for a longtime. Even though the therapy using burnt needle or heated needle has been mentioned from the ancient Chinese medical scripture of Huángdì Nèijīng (黃帝內經), the performance in Joseon was very rare due to the difficult skills required in the execution. Hence, the emergence of burnt needle therapy by Lee Hyung-ik can be interpreted as inheritance and development of the ancient treatment method that medical world in the 17th century Joseon achieved by testing a variety of therapy methods.