Korean Traditional Medicine

Korean Traditional Medicine

1. Oriental medical doctor rather than acupuncturist

Oriental medical doctors in Korea are literally doctors. Oriental medical clinics are generally perceived as acupuncture clinics, but, in Korea, they are official medical institutions practicing western medicine.
Oriental medicine is traditional medicine of the orient with more 1,000 years history. However, Japan does not grant medical qualifications to doctors of oriental medicine since the Meiji Restoration due to the proliferation of western culture within the country. Moreover, Chinese medicine is not recognized as an academic field of study.

Meanwhile, oriental medicine doctors in Korea practice medicine after completing systematic education and obtaining national certifications just as general doctors do.

Doctors of western medicine serve as interns for one year and as resident for four years and acquire qualifications as medical specialists after passing a test. It is the same for oriental medical doctors who go through one-year internships and three-year residencies and pass a test to become oriental medical doctors. Korea is the only country in the world that has oriental medical specialists and there are eight special fields in oriental medicine: oriental internal medicine; oriental obstetrics and gynecology; oriental pediatrics; oriental neuropsychiatry; acupuncture and moxibustion; oriental medical ophthalmology, otolaryngology and dermatology; oriental rehabilitation medicine; and Sasang typology. In addition, the cost of various oriental medical services including acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping and hospitalization are covered by national health insurance.

2. Modern-day oriental medical treatments adopt the use of MRI and CT scans for accurate diagnosis

 

Oriental medicine is popular because it is very effective in treating atopic dermatitis and rheumatoid arthritis which are difficult to cure using western medicine. 

Radical therapy of oriental medicine for improving immunity and constitution can enhance one’s overall physical condition, treating insomnia and headaches effectively.

Modern-day oriental medicine minimizes side effects based on accurate diagnosis and data obtained from MRI and CT scans, while maximizing treatment results.

Likewise, you can experience the excellent development of Korea’s oriental medicine which combines 1,000 years’ medical history and up-to-date medical technology.

3. Convenient oriental medical services with immediate effects
 

 

More foreign tourists are getting medical treatment during their visit to Korea. This is because Korea offers quality medical services at a reasonable cost. The most popular service is cosmetic-related procedures such as programs for treating pimples and obesity.

Most patients prefer treatments with immediate effects due to their limited schedule. Oriental therapy offered in oriental dermatology improves blood circulation and excretes waste by stimulating acupuncture points, allowing patients to feel their skin brighten immediately. By taking consideration of foreign patients who are not able to visit clinics again, patients can get post-management tips and telephone and e-mail consultations. They can also receive herbal medicine through an international courier service.

4. Customized oriental medicine
 

 

Traditionally there have been various types of oriental medicine: Jeonyak (water based made by boiling down medicinal herbs), Sanyak (powder based) and Guyak (granule based).

Jeonyak has been widely used as it helps patients absorb the active components of medicine melted in water easily, showing the effect of treatment quickly, As a result, it is easy to add or subtract ingredients depending on the patient’s condition.

In this regard, when receiving a medical examination at oriental medical clinic, it is recommended to request Jeonyak which will be prepared according to your constitution. Jeonyak is outstanding for enhancing constitution which is excellent in improving immunity and detoxification and can show maximum results when prepared according to one’s unique physical constitution.

In order to prescribe Jeonyak according to symptoms that patients are experiencing and constitution, an accurate diagnosis is required. Doctors check patients’ pulse and examine complexion, voice and body type and learn about patients’ eating habits, lifestyle and personality through an interview.

The Sasang constitution diagnosis program developed by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM) through clinical results involving 2,500 participants is used for scientific and accurate diagnosis. In addition, medical ingredients used at oriental medical clinics are proven to be free from heavy metals and agricultural chemicals and strict sanitary controls are secured for the entire preparation process.

5. How to take and keep Jeonyak

 

Jeonyak is inconvenient to carry compared to Guyak and Sanyak, but these days, such inconvenience has been resolved with the use of a retort pouch. Jeonyak is generally taken warm, but you can take cold Jeonyak in case of vomiting or when the medicine is prescribed for special conditions. Try to avoid using the microwave and heating the unopened pouch in boiling water and take before and after a meal. As the retort pouch is completely sealed, the medicine will not go bad when kept out of direct sunlight. However, the effects of the medicine sharply declines after three months, it is recommended to take the medicine as soon as possible.

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