An Inquiry into the Significance of Theory of Podiatry in "Hwangjenaegyeong(黃帝內經)"

"황제내경(黃帝內經)" 발병이론(發病理論)의 의의(意義)에 대한 고찰

In "Hwangjenaegyeong", pathogenesis is explained based on theory of Yin and Yang. According to the theory, all environments surrounding us, physical and emotional both, are related to outbreak of diseases. This also reflects one of the major theories in oriental medicine, in which a human body is perceived as a correspondence to natural environment. In this theory, the main idea is to understand changes in the universe based on mutual correlations from within. This kind of perspective is easily criticized from scientific point of view. Whereas modern science pursue analytic thinking and objective information, the theories above seem rather vague. However, from a different angle, through a characteristic perspective of oriental medicine, actual significance can be found in the theory. Many diseases result from one's intemperate living habits. Therefore, much prevention can be made by self-control. Also, once disease occurs, the essential step to treatment is to find cause in the living environment and regain balance. Natural cure will take its' course when living habits recover moderate pace and are back in harmony with the environment.