| Oriental medicine considers illness to be the result of an imbalance in the
forces generated within one's body, a view which differs from that of Western
medicine. It treats an illness by strengthening the weakened immune system and
restoring the harmony of overall body functions, rather than using chemical
based medicines and surgery. |
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• Oriental Pharmacy
An Oriental pharmacy is full of
a variety of aromatic and bitter roots, bark, flowers, leaves and seeds from a
wide range of plants. A pharmacy even includes some animal products. These are
usually mixed in a formula and dispensed as liquid remedies. These herbal
medicines have little or no side effects, and they have proved effective in
curing diseases for thousands of years. Another common treatment is acupuncture,
in which sharp, thin needles are inserted either into the skin or deep into the
flesh. The major effect of this is the stimulation of the meridians, the
channels in the body through which the vital force called 'chi' flows. There are
360 cardinal points along the meridians, which relate directly to the body's
internal functions. Stimulating these points with a needle, and sometimes with
electrical pulses or finger pressure, can improve the balance and flow of 'chi'
and help restore physical strength. Sometimes, bunches of dried mugwort are
applied to the cardinal points on the meridians instead and slowly burned down.
This pinpointed heat has a therapeutic effect and is called moxibustion. |
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• Hand Therapy
A recent Korean contribution to
Oriental medicine is the theory of Hand Therapy. This concept was developed in
the 1907s on the principle that the hand can be a microcosm of the entire body,
and that most of the 360 basic acupuncture points can be mapped out on the palm,
the back of the hand and the fingers.
Lecture and experience programs of 2
hours, a half-day, and 16 hours are taught at the Koryo Hand Therapy Institute,
in English or Japanese, at the request of travel agencies and
organizations.
Koryo Hand Therapy Institute
Tel: +82-2-2231-8012
www.koryohand.com |
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• Hanjeungmak
Hanjeungmak is a kind of sauna with a
history of almost 600 years in Korea. It serves as an excellent way of relaxing
the body, promoting metabolism and alleviating neuralgia and muscular fatigue.
The 'mak' in hanjeungmak means a dome-shaped steam room made of stone and heated
underneath by a pine fire.
When the stone are hot, water is thrown on them to
create steam. One enters this room after a shower and sweats for about 5
minuets. This rids the body of toxic matter and other waste substances. |
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| Oriental Medical Centers and Clinics Catering to
Foreigners |
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Oriental
Medicine Department of National Medical Center +82-2-2265-9131
Oriental
Medicine Center of Kyung Hee University +82-2-958-9100
Seoul Oriental
Medicine Center of Kyong-won University +82-2-425-3456
Kangnam CHA Oriental
Hospital +82-2-3468-3584
Hye Dang Oriental Medical Hospital +82-2-335-1010
(Kor)
Conmaeul Oriental Hospital & Medical Clinic +82-2-3475-7000
(Kor)
Dr. Jou's Oriental Hospital & Medical Clinic
+82-2-3411-8835
Karam Clinic +82-2-855-3696
Kang Seo Oriental Medical
Clinic +82-2-3662-7986
Kka Chi Oriental Clinic +82-2-2698-5816 |
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| Herbal Medicine Markets |
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Gyeongdong Herbal Medicine Market in Seoul +82-2-969-4793 (Kor)
Jecheon
Herb Market +82-43-646-2320
Yakjeon Alley +82-53-253-4729
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