Dongui Bogam

Dongibogam

Dongui Bogam (동의보감, 東醫寶鑑) is a traditional Korean medical text compiled by the royal physician Heo Jun and first published in 1613 during the Joseon Dynasty. The title translates to "Mirror of Eastern Medicine" and it is considered one of the most significant texts in the history of Korean medicine.

History

The compilation of Dongui Bogam was ordered by King Seonjo of Joseon in 1596. Heo Jun, along with other scholars and physicians, worked on the text for several years, completing it in 1610. The book was officially published in 1613. It was intended to be a comprehensive medical guide that could be used by both professional physicians and the general public.

Structure

Dongui Bogam is divided into 25 volumes and is organized into five main sections:

• Naegyeong (Internal Medicine)
• Oehyeong (External Medicine)
• Japbyeong (Miscellaneous Diseases)
• Tangaek (Herbal Medicine)
• Chimgu (Acupuncture and Moxibustion)

Each section covers various aspects of medical knowledge, including the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the use of medicinal herbs, and techniques for acupuncture and moxibustion.

Influence and Legacy

Dongui Bogam has had a profound influence on the development of traditional Korean medicine and has been widely used in East Asia. It was also introduced to Japan and China, where it was highly regarded. The text has been translated into several languages and continues to be studied by scholars and practitioners of traditional medicine.

In 2009, Dongui Bogam was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.

See Also

• Heo Jun
• Traditional Korean medicine
• Acupuncture
• Moxibustion
• Joseon Dynasty
• UNESCO Memory of the World Register