『東醫寶鑑』의 의학사적 가치에 대한 고찰

Abstract

Traditional Korean Medicine is largely based on the philosophical concept that the body is a small universe, therefore illness is caused by external and/or internal factors which disrupt the body’s natural processes. Donguibogam, published 400years ago, is an encyclopedic bible of medical knowledge and clinical experiences together in a single collection of volumes. The reasons why Donguibogam remains a key reference work for clinicians in Korea are as follows :1. Unlike its predecessors, Donguibogam adopted a unique classification method dealing with Jeong(精), Ki(氣), and Shin(神)2. Donguibogam embodied the philosophy of Yangsaeng(preventive medicine):the principle of Yangsaeng is about adapting his life to the changes of nature and thereby enabling him to keep healthy. 3. Donguibogam was a practical book focusing on individual differences of patients based on body shape and characteristics, rather than the disease itself. 4. Donguibogam manifested the love for general people dealing with not only easy-to-come-by herbs having medical effects but also simple treatment methods in plain language. 5. Donguibogam contributed to the formation of ‘Bogam school’, main stream of Traditional Korean Medicine. 6. Donguibogam also contributed to the development of the uniqueness in Traditional Korean Medicine, independent of others in East Asia. For these reasons, Donguibogam has served as a model of traditional medicine in Korea, and the most nationwide guideline for public health services.