• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.37-60
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• 2024

Objectives : First, to investigate the diffusion of the Daoist Yangseng(養生) Method of Bokshik(服食) as an individual strategy to deal with poor a medical environment in Joseon from mid to late 16th century, through microhistorical methodology. Second, to reveal the process of Bokshik(服食) being recognized as a social phenomenon through the deaths of Bokshik(服食) takers. Methods : 1. Trace the entire treating process of a Scholar-Physicians(儒醫) and evaluate sub-par treatments within the process. 2. Analyze in detail the understandings and assessments of the Scholar-Physician and various related agencies on selected strategies made on the individual level. Results & Conclusions : 1. The dissemination of the Daoist Yangseng(養生) Method of Bokshik(服食), occurred since the mid-16th century within Confucian Joseon. 2. Hidden behind the contemporary medical ideology-'a disease should be treated by medicine'-were realities that were difficult to put into practice due to an insufficient medical system and lack of human and material medical resources. 3. The Daoist Yangseng(養生) Method of Bokshik(服食) was disseminated amid the gap between this ideology and reality, due to its claimed ability that ranged from treating a disease to recovery of health, juvenescence and longevity, with the simple intake of a single prescription consisted of one or two or a handful of medicinal ingredients. 4. As Bokshik(服食) spread throughout society, side effects and deaths came about and became known as well. Bokshik(服食) as a personal strategy on an individual level and its problems became recognized as a social phenomenon through hearsay which includes medical experiences.