The Exchange of Acupuncture&Moxibustion in the 18th Century between Korea and Japan -Based of the Joseon TongShinSa (Emissary)'s Record of Catechism on Medicine-

18세기 한일 침구학의 교류 - 조선통신사 의학문답기록을 중심으로 -

  • Oh, Jun-Ho (Dept. of Medical History, College of Oriental Medicine, KyungHee University) ;
  • Cha, Wung-Seok (Dept. of Medical History, College of Oriental Medicine, KyungHee University)
  • 오준호 (경희대학교 한의과대학 의사학교실) ;
  • 차웅석 (경희대학교 한의과대학 의사학교실)
  • Published : 2006.06.27

Abstract

Objectives: The subject of this research is the catechism on medicine between the doctors of Joseon and Japan in the 18th century through Choson Delegation(朝鮮通信使 ). Methods: The author intended to review and analyze the contents of catechism related to Acupuncture and Moxibustion and determined the characteristics of Joseon and Japan ?s Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Results: At the time, Japanese doctors had a grasp on most theories of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and were very specialized clinically. They usually used filiform needles with various techniques, and already they had many different schools in practice. However, they wanted to know if their Acupuncture and Moxibustion skills were up to the international standard, especially to Joseon, whom they regarded as a country advanced in Acupuncture and Moxibustion. They wanted to com- pare and contrast their Acupuncture and Moxibustion with Joseon's. 18th century Joseon was high time for Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Various tools were used in surgery, and varieties of needles were used to stimulate acupuncture points. The development of tools evinces the precision of Joseon's Acupuncture and Moxibustion at the time. Also, comprehensive works such as DongUiBoGam(東醫寶鑑) and UiHaklpMun( 醫學入門) greatly influenced Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Because of this impact, it can be deduced that Acupuncture and Moxibustion emphasizing Jang(臟) and Bu(腑) organs and Internal Injury developed greatly. In addition, acupuncturist Holm(許任)'s fame continued from the 17th century into the 18th century, and his medical practice left a huge mark on not only Joseon but other eastern Asian countries as well. Conclusions: We found out the evidences that there were a lot of exchanges of acupuncture and moxibustion between Korea and Japan based of the Joseon TongShinSa (Emissary)'s record of catechism on medicine in the 18th century.

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