Korean Medicine Heals the World

Korean Oriental medicine is an essential part of Koreans' health. Using the passage of qi, it helps treat the fundamental causes of illness and find the right balance in one's body. The first and second methods of treatment are acupuncture and moxibustion.

The final method is herbal medicine. Herbs have traditionally been hung from the ceiling for preservation, and were precisely measured to create the best formula.

Herbal medicine is a perfect way to restore qi in one's body. Getting the right prescription, however, is crucial.

The enormous variety of herbs, their uses, and treatment methods are what make this discipline highly specialized.

[Interview : Yun Ha-jeong, Director Bondiol Oriental Medical Clinic] "There are herbs that grow in water and those that grow in dry areas, and they each have distinct effects on the human body. Herbs that grow in wet regions, for instance, are good at transporting water, so they're commonly prescribed for people who bloat easily. These herbs help expel water from their body".

Over 1,000 different kinds of herbs grow naturally in Sancheong, where "Donguibogam" was published.

Sancheong is where Heo Jun, the author of "Donguibogam", and his teacher Ryu Ui-tae [류의태] practiced Korean Oriental medicine.

The Sancheong Oriental Medicine Museum introduces the true nature of Oriental medicine to visitors from around the world. It also provides them with the opportunity to experience what Korean medicine is all about.

Medicinal herbs that grow in Sancheong are already renowned for their excellent quality. They are taking center stage among foreigners who are eager to treat illnesses through Korean medicine.

[말 자막] / Jonathan Bell 호주
[ENG]
[Interview : Jonathan Bell, Tourist Australia] "I think Koeran people use home medicine, which is good, because in Western culture, I didn't use it much. But I gained more respect for the Korean people because it's more natural and better for the body. So I like it a lot, and it's very amazing to see".

One cannot discuss Korean Oriental medicine without talking about water!

Koreans have always considered water as the rudimentary source of health. At times of illness, they first tried drinking fresh water before seeking medical treatment.

"Donguibogam" also recognized the importance of water, which supposedly determined one's body type and lifespan. It documents 33 different kinds of water and their distinctive effects.

[Interview : Kim Nam-il, Professor Kyung Hee University College of Oriental Medicine] ""Donguibogam" mentions 33 different types of water. Heo Jun realized that the water used in making medicine determined the prognosis of each illness. He, therefore, considered water as very important".

Bondiol Oriental Medical Clinic recognizes the importance of water as well, and strives to create the best herbal medicine, using eco-friendly ingredients and freshly drawn water.

The clinic insists on sticking to the methods set forth by "Donguibogam".

Medicinal herbs are grown in an eco-friendly environment and are carefully selected based on their quality and effectiveness. They are added to the water from Mt. Jiri, and are infused in a pot molded by a master artisan in Goseong.

[Interview : Yun Ha-jeong, Director Bondiol Oriental Medical Clinic] "Our Cheongjeong Tangjeong System is unique in that it only requires fire and a pot to make each herbal medicine. There are specific orders in which each herb is added to the mixture. The biggest advantage in Korean medicine, I think, is bringing out the harmony and balance in one's body through natural ingredients".

Food in a fundamental pillar in keeping one's health. Yakseon dishes, which are known to strengthen one's immune system, are a popular choice among the health conscious.

Tourists and people in their 20s crowd the restaurant Ko-Cafe Gome Home [코카페 고메홈] in Itaewon, Seoul.

At first glance, the place might look like any another restaurant or cafe, but its menu is comprised of Yakseon dishes that use crude medicine and medicinal ingredients based on the theories of Korean medicine.

They make balanced dishes using seasonal ingredients and medicinal herbs. The distinct taste of each ingredient replaces the need for artificial seasonings.

[Interview : Park Hui-ja, Yakseon researcher] "We avoid using pungent ingredients and water down the medicine to make our sauce. We only use seasonal, dried greens and roots. Our dishes are very popular among foreigners since they treat your entire body and come in many different colors and flavors.

Yakseon's exotic flavor, visual appeal, and health benefits make it an attractive health regimen. Using the right ingredients in the right dish is key in making a balanced meal. Without good flavors, however, healthy dishes would fail to make it in the restaurant business. How do foreigners respond to Yakseon

[ENG]
[Interview : Taryka Daniels, Diner USA] "It's not as spicy as normal Korean food, so foreigners can eat it very easily. "

[ENG]
[Interview : Christopher McCoy, Diner USA] "After eating this, I feel a little better. I feel a little healthier. I don't feel weighed down by any greasiness or meat because that's bad for you".

Korean medicine has found its solution for health in nature. The day when herbal medicine will captivate the world doesn't seem so far off.