Korean traditional medicine, known as 한의학 (Hanuihak), is a system of healing practices that have been in use for centuries in Korea. It includes a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and mind-body practices.

우리 할머니는 항상 한의학의 효능을 믿으셨어요. (My grandmother always believed in the efficacy of Korean traditional medicine.)

One of the foundational concepts of Korean traditional medicine is the balance of 기 (Gi), which is the life force or vital energy that flows through the body’s meridians.

요가 수업을 마치고 나니 제 기가 확실히 재충전된 느낌이에요. (After finishing the yoga class, I feel like my energy has been recharged.)

체질 (Chejil) refers to the constitutional body type of an individual in Korean traditional medicine and is considered when diagnosing and treating illnesses.

한의사는 환자의 체질을 고려하여 맞춤 치료를 제공합니다. (The Korean medicine doctor provides customized treatment considering the patient’s body constitution.)

한약 (Han-yak) is Korean herbal medicine. These natural remedies are often made from indigenous plants of Korea and are used to treat various illnesses and conditions.

감기에 걸렸을 때 어머니는 항상 한약을 끓여주셨어요. (Whenever I caught a cold, my mother always brewed herbal medicine for me.)

One of the most well-known treatments is 침술 (Chimsul), also known as acupuncture, where fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and treat various health issues.

침술은 통증을 줄이고 긴장을 완화하는 데 아주 효과적이에요. (Acupuncture is very effective in reducing pain and relieving tension.)

뜸 (Tteum), or moxibustion, involves burning dried mugwort on particular points on the body to facilitate healing.

뜸 치료는 고대부터 통증과 소화 불량을 치료하는 데 사용되었어요. (Moxibustion has been used since ancient times to treat pain and indigestion.)

The practice of 부항 (Buhang), often known as cupping therapy, is where heated cups are placed on the skin to create suction and promote blood flow.

부항은 근육 통증을 완화하고 혈액 순환을 개선하는 데 좋아요. (Cupping is great for alleviating muscle pain and improving blood circulation.)

Korean traditional medicine also places a strong emphasis on the 음양오행 (Eum-Yang O-Haeng), representing the five elements theory and the balance of yin and yang in the body.

한의학에서는 건강이 음양오행의 조화로운 균형을 유지하는 것에서 비롯된다고 봐요. (In Korean medicine, health is seen as stemming from the harmonious balance of the five elements and yin and yang.)

To maintain wellness, one must consider their 식이요법 (Sik-yiyobeop), or dietary therapy. It involves consuming foods that align with one’s body constitution and season.

식이요법은 개인의 체질에 맞는 영양분을 섭취하는 것을 강조합니다. (Dietary therapy emphasizes the intake of nutrients that suit an individual’s constitutional type.)

Another important aspect of Korean traditional medicine is the utilization of 약침 (Yak-Chim), a therapy combining acupuncture with herbal medicine by injecting herbal extracts at acupuncture points.

약침은 한약의 장점과 침술의 이점을 결합하여 더 빠른 치료 효과를 가져옵니다. (Pharmacopuncture brings the benefits of herbal medicine and acupuncture together for faster therapeutic effects.)

Korean traditional medicine is not only about treating illnesses, but also about preventive care through 양생 (Yangsaeng), which refers to nurturing life and promoting longevity through daily health practices.

양생은 규칙적인 운동과 충분한 휴식을 통해 건강을 유지하는 데 도움을 줍니다. (Nurturing life helps maintain health through regular exercise and sufficient rest.)

Studying these terms provides a glimpse into the rich and intricate world of Korean traditional medicine, which continues to be an integral part of healthcare in Korea today. Whether you are learning Korean or interested in complementary medicine, understanding this vocabulary will enhance your appreciation for a different aspect of Korean culture and holistic wellness.