Abstract
Objectives: Moxa treatment has outstanding effects that are frequently facilitated in a clinical setting, and it is also known to have positive effects for immunity and relief of pain through various studies. Currently, moxa treatment has become diversified in many ways. One of the moxa treatment techniques that was frequently used during the Joseon Dynasty was Woogakgubeop (牛角灸法, horn-shaped moxa treatment). This articles aims to disclose the fact that the Woogakgubeop is the technique applicable to the origin of the Large moxa treatments of today. Also, the writings of Woogakgubeop recorded in the royal medical documentations, such as the Chronicles of the Royal Families of the Joseon Dynasty, the Seungjeonwonilgi (The Daily Records of Royal Secretariat) and others, are analyzed and the characteristics of the Woogakgubeop are cleared through it. Methods: From the royal medical documents, the Chronicles of the Royal Families of the Joseon Dynasty and the Seungjeonwonilgi, articles related Woogakgubeop were extracted and analyzed. Records of each document were facilitated for the DB search. In addition to these two documents, the records of written literature were surveyed as well. The written literature are appropriate to express the experiences of intellectuals at the time. Results and Conclusions: 1. Considering that Woogakgubeop is a single therapy, there exists relatively many records in addition to the specialized medical documents, and through them, it is known that Woogakgubeop was a widely known therapy in the middle to later parts of Joseon in general. 2. Woogakgubeop is a method that addresses problems contained within the existing moxa treatment techniques. By enlarging the size of the mugwort wick, it strengthens the heat energy of the moxa treatment to reduce the frequency of applying moxa treatment. When undertaking the method to empty the wick inside the mugwort, the pain of a fever patient will be reduced and burn damage to the skin is minimized. 3. Wind-cold type weakness and other general moxa treatment techniques have been used for various symptoms detailed, including chest pain, tinnitus, carbuncle, cellulites, cold sense of leg, colic, diarrhea and other illnesses. In addition, it may generate strong fever, and was used to implement the Yeonjebeop (煉臍法). 4. Woogakgubeop is applicable to the origin of Large moxa treatment of today and it provides important bibliographic base thereof.
