This paper is focused on the 'contents' of database level medical texts sponsored by the Chinese government. The premise of the study is that the contents of state-sponsored medical texts would show how medical policy makers and practitioners approached the body and diseases of the time, and by association the medical text would reveal the policy associated with state medical education and distribution of medical resources associated with the practitioners' approaches. This paper analyzes the contents of four representative state-sponsored medical texts: Cao's Treatise on the Origins and Symptoms of Various Diseases (巢氏諸病源候論, 610, Sui China); Great Peace and Sagely Benevolence Formulas (太平聖惠方, 996, Song China); Complete Record of Sagely Benevolence (聖濟總錄, 1117, Song China); Formulas for Universal Relief (普濟方, 1406, Ming China).

This study investigates research trends on the Convergence of Chinese and Western Medicine (中西醫匯通, CCWM), by first defining the concepts and the scope of this emerging field, identifying different types of convergence, and suggesting methods to evaluate the process. The author investigates the relationship of CCWM to the Self-Strengthening Movement and the doctrine of Zhongtixiyong (中體西用). Lessons that Korean Medicine (KM) can learn from this approachto help establish relationship between Korean and Western Medicine, are investigated. Proponents of CCWM suggest different types of convergence such as Zhongzhongcanxi (衷中參西), Zhongxizhezhong (中西折衷), and ZhongyiKexuehua (中醫科學化), to accommodate the change in the power dynamics between Chinese and Western medicines. The rigid dual medical system in Korea significantly hinders the potential for convergence. The current system is based on the relativistic model in which the scope of practice for the KM doctor and the Western Medicine doctor are mutually exclusive. Philosophically, the convergence of East-West medicine can be supported by pluralism and monism, while relativism sees it as impossible. A conservative pluralistic model might consider Bogu (補救) of Eastern Medicine, while a more progressive pluralistic model might build a New Medicine which combines the knowledge and techniques of Eastern and Western medicines. An example of monistic model is CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine), which aims to scientifically verify the efficacy and safety of the Eastern therapeutic practices and integrate them into Western medicine. This article proposes that as communication and fusion between medical disciplines are essential virtues of contemporary scholarly development, a change that enables the convergence of East-West medicine is needed.

Introduction to Medicine (Euihak-Ipmun), written by Lee Chun of the Ming Dynasty, is a comprehensive medical book brought to Joseon in the 1600s. It directly influenced many medical books written in the Joseon Dynasty of the same period, and became a major citation document of Dongui-Bogam. Introduction to Medicine became a major text for medical education in 1834 and has since been used as a clinical primer of Korean medicine. This article first examines the Joseon's era published version of Introduction to Medicine using documentation of the Diary of the Royal Secretariat (Seungjeongwon Ilgi), and a woodblock list. Based on these investigations, the reviewer examined the existing versions of the book, and focused on various characteristics for comparison. This article reveals facts which include : 1) All editions of Introduction to Medicine published at the present office are published by Jeolla-do provincial office (Jeolla-Gamyeong). 2) The first edition was published before 1636. 3) A finely produced version (Jeongganbon) was published around 1760. 4) The Jeongrijache-iron type publication was published around 1801.

Objectives : This research aims to investigate the consumer's interest in the Korean Medicine (KM) industry by using Google-trends and Naver-Data lab. A quick and uncomplicated way for those who are already involved with KM industry but do not have expertise in utilizing Big-data searches, is introduced. Methods : 'Direct keyword' was set by FGI (Focus Group Interview) and 'Detailed keyword' was set by using relevant word search and autocomplete search functions in the search engine. By inquiring Naver-Data lab, keyword search volumes are compared by age and sex, date range, and originating region of the researcher. It is possible to determine whether the data is reliable or authentic through examining the associated query. Selected direct keywords used through FGI (Focus Group Interview) were 'Acupuncture', 'Herbal Medicine', 'Cupping', 'Musculoskeletal Disease', 'Diet', and 'Stemina'. Based on these keywords, the following results were derived from the keyword analysis. Results : From August 2016, there was a noticeable surge of interest in men's 'Cupping'. The search for 'Diet' increased in the second quarter of 2016 from all ages. The search volume of 'Stemna' for individuals in their 20s is higher than that of those in their 30s or 40s'. Researchers from the region of Chungcheongbuk-do had a higher level of interest in analgesics and less interest in Korean Medicine. There is a greater interest in the KM market from European countries and America, than from Korea, China, and other Asian countries. Discussion : Despite the limitations of the research, it is meaningful to introduce a quick and easy data search method to compare information by age, sex, and region. Conclusion : The future of research into Korea Medicine and this market is confirmed by our data results which indicate interest from Europe, the United States, and other western countries, but less interest from Korea, China and other Asian countries.

Traditional Asian medicine has an extensive evidence base built upon thousands of years of experience within Asia, of curing various diseases. Only recently, within the past two centuries, have modern medical scientists developed interest in traditional Asian medicine. Asian Medicine seems to be regarded only as an adjunctive medicine and viewed as alargely un-proven alternative medicine to complement western medicine, used in some cases to establish a new paradigm of "integrative medicine". This article reviews how Korean herbal cosmetics emerged by applying traditional Asian medicine to the science of cosmetics. The characteristics of Korean herbal cosmetics are examined through examples of history, concepts and traditions. With the advancements in biotechnology, studies are now being conducted on the dermatological effects and processing methods of herbal ingredients, including ginseng. The authors explain the current research on the identification on the active ingredients of herbs, extraction methods, and bio-processing of ingredients to improve the biological efficacies of herbs on the skin. A summary of studies focused on modern reinterpretations of ageing theories, such as 'Seven year aging cycle', are provided. In conclusion, the development of Korean cosmetics products are based on the accumulated knowledge of thousands of years of experience including; 1) practical heritage of traditional Asian medicines such as Donguibogam; 2) excellent medicinal plants, such as ginseng, which are native to Korea; and 3) innovative attempts to modernize materials, processes, and principles.

This literature review focuses on external treatments for the throat, as found in the classic Korean text, Hyang-Yak-Jib-Sung-Bang Throat. Sections of the text related to external treatment of throat disorders were reviewed. Examples of frequently used external methods include gargling, application of powder, and brushing of the throat. These methods are still used in modern Korean Medicine treatments for Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) disorders. This discussion is provided with intention to invigorate the ancient practices of throat treatments, by highlighting benefits and results of the therapeutic protocols described in Hyang-Yak-Jib-Sung-Bang Throat. Discovering new effective herbal medicines and developing more precise external treatments will advance ENT treatment in Korean medicine.

Research purpose : Review of the systematized medical theory of Huangdi within the first series of conversations including questions and answers between Leigong and Huangdi. Conclusions : 1. "Huang-di-Nei-Jing" records the 5 theories of Huangdi's system of thinking (黃帝學派). Among these, the contents of the questions and answers with Leigong led to the establishment of the first of Huangdi's treatises. 2. In the questions and answers exchanged between Leigong and Huangdi, the Suwen (素問) Chapter deals with the areas of Yinyang, Zangfu, Cause and Mechanism of diseases, as well as medical ethics. Moreover, the "Lingshu (靈樞)" Chapter discusses distribution of meridian system, routes of circulation of energies, symptoms, acupuncture therapy and diagnosis, etc. 3. Characteristics of the medicine of Leigong and Huangdi can be summarized as follows: Firstly, 12 meridian systems of the "Jingmai (經脈)" section describes the meridian system that ceaselessly circulates in the shape of loops with the inner and outer aspects linked with each other. Secondly, regarding the methods of diagnosis, the "Yinyangleilun (陰陽類論)" section describes the method of diagnosis through palpation of pulse. In addition, the "Wuse (五色)" section describes visual diagnosis that uses five colors. The Wuhang combination of spleen, liver, kidney of "Shicongronglun (示從容論)" section also includes the Wuhang theory of "Jinwenshangshu (今文尙書)". The "Wuse" section discusses areas of the face and five colors, while the "Yinyangleilun" discusses the 'Yinyancixiongmaifa (陰陽雌雄脈法)', the "Jingmai" discusses the 'Yinyancunkoumaifa (人迎寸口脈法)', and the "Zhengsishilun" and "Fangchengshuailun" discuss 'chifuzhenfa (尺膚診法)'. Thirdly, Huangdi's school of thinking did not neglect bencao (本草) and tangye (湯液), which are discussed in the "Jiejingweilun" and "Shicongronglun" sections.

Purpose : This paper explores the extent to which ZangFu diagrams made after Northern Song Dynasty were influenced by ZangFu diagrams made before Northern Song Dynasty, and how diagrams of the whole body and heart originated from MingTangZangFuTu and affected each other when quoted in books published after Northern Song Dynasty. Method : The author used four form factors including heart shape, internal curved lines, cylinder-like structures above heart, and wuzangxi (五臟系) which resembles a lotus flower which has not yet bloomed, to analyze and compare different ZangFu diagrams before and after the Northern Song Dynasty. Results : Two form factors, the shape of heart and wuzangxi, are described in ZangFu diagrams before Northern Song, and may have influenced ZangFu diagrams after Northern Song. However, the other two form factors (internal curved lines and cylinder-like structures above the heart) did not influence ZangFu diagrams after Northern Song. All form factors of heart found in WuCangLiuFuZhiTu (within the whole body) and diagram of heart in ZhenJiuJuYing (鍼灸聚英) were most similar, but the two paintings became less similar as they were cited in several books. With the exception of the form factor with structures above heart, the three other form factors are almost identical between two paintings produced after Northern Song dynasty, as displayed in the same book. Conclusion : ZangFu diagrams of the heart produced after Northern Song Dynasty, were not completely based on ZangFu diagrams made before Northern Song Dynasty. Diagrams of whole body and those of the heart were changed, while influencing each other after Northern Song.

GogeumGyeongheomHwalyubang [古今經驗活幼方] is a medical book dedicated to Smallpox, written by YU Sang [柳瑺] in the Joseon Dynasty (late 17th century to the early 18th century). As a smallpox specialist for the Joseon royal family, YU Sang was well-reputed after successfully treating smallpox of three of the 27 Joseon kings. There are four features of this book. First, the causes for smallpox are roughly recorded. Second, YU Sang emphasized the distinction between patients who could or could not be cured. Third, the herbs related to the treatment of smallpox are selected and organized separately. Fourth, YU Sang discusses the contents of diverse medical books and his own experiences. Conclusion : YU Sang's significant knowledge of smallpox treatment is well presented in his book, GogeumGyeongheomHwalyubang and this wealth of experience would have an important role in understanding the development of smallpox treatment in the late Joseon Dynasty.

Objectives : This paper summarizes results from review of 36 cases and medical records extracted from Yeoksimanpil, involving treatment of exogenous disease in the last Joseon dynasty, and considers significance of treatment protocols. Methods : About 130 medical records from Yeoksimanpil related to exogenous disease were reviewed, and 36 cases were extracted for closer investigation. The author examined the characteristics of exogenous diseases treated in Yeoksimanpil during the Joseon dynasty, employing Yi Suki's theory about exogenous febrile disease, and analyzed the theory from the viewpoint of epidemic febrile disease (溫病學). Results : The majority of exogenous diseases recorded in Yeoksimanpil include Sanghan (傷寒); Seo (暑); Ryeohwan (厲患); and Hongjin (紅疹). Sanghan was found to be prevalent among the exogenous diseases, but diseases caused by warmth and epidemic are recognized separately from Sanghan. Yi Suki's theory about exogenous febrile disease is similar to the basic theory of modern epidemic febrile disease, although his theory was developed independently during the last Joseon dynasty. Conclusions : Although some exogenous diseases in Yeoksimanpil were recognized separately, Yi Suki did not specify each feature nor did he focus on each symptom. Instead, the author's research suggests that Yi Suki was able to identify and treat a variety of various exogenous diseases due to his accumulation of medical knowledge and skill.