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The Character 藥
The character 藥 (yak), meaning medicine, is composed of the radical 艸 (cho), representing plants, and 樂 (rak), signifying joy or music. This etymology suggests that medicine is about using plants to bring joy to the body. It is not merely about treating illness, but about restoring a state of "joyful well-being." The ancient Chinese dictionary Shuowen Jiezi defines 藥 as "治病草," or "grass that cures illness." The inclusion of 樂 in the character is significant, as it shares roots with concepts like music and happiness. In Eastern medicine, medicine aims to restore balance, and balance itself is considered a state of joy. Thus, the single character 藥 encapsulates the profound philosophy of Eastern medicine.
Donguibogam: Universe
The Donguibogam, completed in 1613 by Heo Jun (許浚, 1539-1615) after 14 years of dedicated work, is a monumental medical text. It comprises 25 volumes across 25 books, organized into five main sections: Naegyeong (內景, Internal Landscape of the body), Oehyeong (外形, External Forms), Japbyeong (雜病, Miscellaneous Diseases), Tang-aek (湯液, Decoctions and Medicines), and Chim-gu (鍼灸, Acupuncture and Moxibustion). This work reinterpreted a millennium of Eastern medical wisdom from a Korean perspective. Its influence extended beyond Korea, being re-exported to Japan and China; for instance, the 17th-century Japanese medical text Uibangyuchwi referenced the Donguibogam. In 2009, it was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, signifying global recognition of Korean medical heritage.
Yakshikdongwon: One
A core philosophy of Eastern medicine is Yakshikdongwon (藥食同源), which posits that medicine and food share the same root. Many ingredients, such as ginseng, angelica root, and goji berries, function as both medicinal herbs and culinary ingredients. In daily Korean life, dishes like Samgyetang (蔘鷄湯, chicken soup with ginseng), Galbitang (beef rib soup), and Kongnamul-guk (bean sprout soup) are consumed as both nourishing food and preventative medicine. The ancient text Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states, "上工治未病" (Shang Gong Zhi Wei Bing), meaning "The superior physician prevents illness before it arises." This principle suggests that using food to manage health proactively is a form of medicine. Korean cuisine, therefore, embodies the daily practice of the Yakshikdongwon philosophy.
Medicine in Hanja: 藥
The essence of the character 藥 (yak), meaning medicine, lies within 樂 (rak), which signifies joy. As stated in the Yongye chapter of the Analects of Confucius, "知之者不如好之者, 好之者不如樂之者" (Those who know it are not equal to those who love it, and those who love it are not equal to those who delight in it). This concept of 樂, or delight, represents the highest state in Eastern thought. The fact that the character for medicine, 藥, incorporates 樂, underscores that Eastern medicine is not merely about treating illness but about restoring joy and well-being. This profound spirit continues to guide traditional Korean medicine practitioners in the 21st century.
