뇌성마비인을 위한 활인심방의 내재적 가치

Abstract

Hwal In Shim Bang refers to Korean psychosomatic healthcare therapy invented by Twaegae Lee Hwang, a Korean neo-Confucian mentor in the mid of Chosun dynasty - that originally aimed to prevent any onset of disease and keep a healthy life by balancing mentality and body in harmony with each other. Contrary to lots of exercise programs as suggested for the handicapped with cerebral palsy so far, it was noted that Hwal In Shim Bang brings positive changes in the self-esteem or body image of the disabled with cerebral palsy through mental healthcare therapy. Moreover, it was found that this therapy have significant effects on improving flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and balance, and reducing body fat according to its inherent physical healthcare principles, while having positive effects on heart rate and electrocardiographic pattern as well. These findings suggest that Hwal In Shim Bang is very effective in improving poor physical functions and motor ability of the handicapped with cerebral palsy, and also helps them to recover their self-confidence from slump, take positive attitudes to life and thereby play their roles as a favorable working member of society. That is, Hwal In Shim Bang is based on both physical and mental healthcare principles, so it will be expectedly such an effective healthcare therapy to help the disabled with cerebral palsy under both physical and mental problems go through balanced development and improvement in mental and physical aspect. Hopefully, based on further research in the physical and mental values of Hwal In Shim Bang, it is expected that full-scale studies will focus on social and educational values of this principle so that the disabled with cerebral palsy can take good opportunities of extensive choice and participation in their life.