1. Introduction

The term "Eastern medicine" or "Oriental medicine" signifies a particular medical field developed and practiced by Orientals in Eastern countries. Eastern medicine sharply contrasts with Western (modern or conventional) medicine, which is practiced in many countries around the world.

Eastern and Western medicines were developed in the context of different philosophies from different cultural backgrounds. They look at health, diseases and causes of diseases in different ways. The theoretical basis of Eastern (traditional) medicine is difficult to understand if one uses the viewpoint of Western medicine. Because Eastern medicine is not considered to have a scientific basis, most medical doctors trained in Western medical schools reject traditional medicine. Since the introduction of Western medicine in the 19th century, due to biochemical scientific analysis, there has been a decline in the use of traditional medicine. However, recently people are becoming more and more interested in Eastern medicine. Moreover, Eastern medicine has been practiced for thousands of years with positive results and has played an important role in promoting health and preventing diseases in modern health care.

The history of Eastern medicine dates back to the very beginning of the history of the Chinese people; therefore, its entire development covers a period of well over five thousand years. This traditional Chinese medicine was introduced into Korea during the Goguryo Dynasty (one of the three kingdoms founded in 517 AD) and it has developed its own unique way of diagnosis and treatment in Korea. For example, acupuncture techniques such as Sa-am Chim, Taegeuk Chim, and Hand Acupuncture are not found in traditional Chinese medicine. Another characteristic feature is Sasang Constitutional Medicine, which classifies people into four categories (Taeyangin, Taeumin, Soyangin and Soeumin) and treats each person differently according to his or her constitution.

Eastern medicine views health and illness as being related to the whole of the universe. Thus, health and disease are affected by the balance or imbalance of the living forces that make up the universe. The theories of Eastern medicine are based on Eastern philosophy: principally the theory of dual forces (yin and yang), the 5 Elements theory and Meridian theory. Medical treatment based on the yin-yang and the 5 Elements theories, which constitute the basis for Eastern medicine, is yet to be understood in the Western world. This is because to learn and accept the efficacy of Eastern medicine, extensive study over time is necessary.

2. Differences between Eastern Medicine and Western Medicine

It is true that Eastern and Western medicines have their own unique theoretical backgrounds and methods of clinical practice. Anatomical, physiological, pathological, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of these two medical systems are entirely different from each other. Western medicine, which belongs to natural sciences, analyzes and explains the structural phenomena of the human body by means of objective and analytical approaches, while Eastern medicine strives to do the same thing through mind-body integrated approaches. Eastern medicine emphasizes philosophical, individualized, subjective, integrated and holistic treatment, while Western medicine emphasizes scientific, mechanical, objective and analytical approaches. If Eastern medicine lacks a scientific methodology, Western medicine can lose sight of a philosophical understanding of humans and nature. However, both medical systems address the same subject: the well being of human beings. The ultimate goals of both Eastern medicine and Western medicine are the same, to promote health and the quality of life through medical care.

Starting in the early 1970's, many researchers have shown that the right and left hemispheres of the brain specialize in different functions. The dominant function of the right brain is non-verbal, holistic, spatial, metaphoric, imaginative, emotional and spiritual, while the left brain controls the verbal, analytical, literal, logical and mathematical ways of thinking. When we consider these aspects in medicine, Eastern medicine is right-brained oriented, while Western medicine is left-brained oriented. In order for us to come to complete understand and make adequate judgements, we have to integrate the functions of both hemispheres of the brain.

3. The Eastern Medical System in Korea

Even though Korea, with a history of about 5,000 years, initially was influenced early on by China, it can be said that Korean Eastern medicine originated from the Korean myth of Dangun. The legend of Dangun tells the story of moxa and garlic becoming the first herbal medication. In the early 17th century, a royal physician by the name of Dr. Heo Jun (1546-1615 AD) wrote Dongeuibogam, the first encyclopedia of Eastern medicine in Korea. It continues to be a valuable book of medical practices for Eastern medical doctors today. Dr. Yi Jema (1837-1900 AD), at the end of the Joseon era, published Dongeuisusebowon on the basis of the "Theory of Four Constitutions". He divided people into four constitutional types, Taeyangin, Taeumin, Soyangin and Soeumin according to the degree of their inborn visceral functions, general figure or shape, character and temperament.

In 1952, the national medical law was established and the Eastern medical system became accepted into the overall health care system in Korea. So, an inclusive medical system with dual medical systems began. Under the Korean medical law, Eastern medical doctors must only use Eastern medicine and Western medical doctors only Western medicine.

The college of Eastern medicine curriculum was a 4-year course of study until the middle of the 1960s, but today there are 11 colleges of Eastern medicine offering regular 6-year course of study. Upon graduation, students take the national examination for the Eastern medical doctor's license. The graduate schools of Eastern medicine run a 2-year program for a master's degree and a 3-year program for a doctoral degree. Graduates of the college planning to become specialists should apply to a four-year training course (one year of internship and three years of residency) at hospitals with such qualified training programs.

4. Eastern Medicine and Kyunghee University

Fifty years ago, Dr. Choue Young-seek founded Kyunghee University with the goals of promoting human welfare and reconstructing the society. In 1966, Kyunghee University established a medical education complex with three colleges: Western medicine, Eastern medicine and dentistry, with a view of fostering a harmonious coexistence between the three medical fields. In 1971, Kyunghee University Medical Center was built. Before the Medical Center was built, Dr. Choue advocated creating a "Third Medicine" which would become a new therapeutic medicine based on mutual respect between Eastern and Western medicines, each complementing the other's strengths and weaknesses. Kyunghee University is thus the center of the "Third Medicine" that both successfully combines the Eastern-Western medical practices, and continues to share its knowledge in order to contribute to the prosperity of the human race and promote human dignity. Collaborating medical personnel of Eastern and Western medicines, at Kyunghee University Medical Center have been researching many fields. There are, however, two different views to this joint project: some positively advocate that the combined medical system serves patients' needs, and some negatively highlight that the effects of the combination still has to be evaluated. Another fact is that the doctor/provider-oriented medical model has moved into a patient/consumer-oriented one. Using what has been learned at Kyunghee University Medical Center, it is possible to propose a new treatment model in which we will be able to provide the most economic and effective medical service to our patients.

5. Basic Theories of Eastern Medicine

Western (modern) medicine, which belongs to natural science, analyzes and explains the structural and functional phenomena of the human body by means of technical and analytical approaches, while Eastern medicine strives to do the same thing through empirical and mind-body integrated approaches. This mind-body approach could eventually be systematically advanced into an integrated science by future researchers.

One of the distinguishing features of Eastern medicine is that the human body is viewed as an organic whole. Although the body is composed of various organs and tissues, all systems are always connected to each other. In this living organism, the whole is not simply the sum of its parts. From a holistic view, the unity of the human body expands into and mirrors the natural world. The natural world constantly influences the body and the body adapts to conform to variations in the natural environment. All life on earth is intricately interwoven with the natural rhythms and laws of the universe. The optimum state for each individual is to live in harmony with nature and the surrounding environment.

The basic theories of Oriental medicine begin with Qi, yin-yang theory and include 5 Elements, 6 Energies, 7 Emotions and Meridian theory.

The concept of Qi is probably one of the most unique notions in Eastern medicine. Qi or vital energy is the basis of all life and vital force. Health is based on the harmonious flow of Qi.

Everything is composed of the two phases, the yin and the yang. The yin-yang theory is based on the philosophical construct of two polar complements. They are used to explain the continuous process of natural change. Yin and yang are antagonistic to each other, but are at the same time interdependent. The yin-yang theory expounds upon this principle of the antagonism and unity of the natural world. The interaction and incessant movement of yin and yang are the prime movers that ceaselessly create and change all things in the universe. Yin and yang never rest in the absolute, but always appear in relative terms. Yin and yang are not represented as stationary objects, but rather as variable phases seen in the synergistic and antagonistic changes apparently stationary object undergo.

The changes in nature can be divided into yin-yang and then further into the 5 Elements theory originally found in ancient Eastern philosophy. The 5 Elements theory teaches that all of nature constantly follows certain rules. The 5 Elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. They represent not only the nature of their own materials but also 5 categories into which everything belongs. As man is also a creature of the natural world, one should study this fundamental, elemental principle in order to treat diseases and to promote good health. As a result, Eastern medicine, which considers the human body as a microcosm and heaven and earth as a macrocosm, relates the yin-yang and the 5 Elements theories to the human body.

The basic theories of acupuncture and moxibustion are derived from Meridian theory, which itself originated from yin-yang and the 5 Elements theories. The relationship between the flows of the meridians maintains balance. If these energy flows are disturbed by the external causes of 6 Energies (wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness and fire), the internal causes of the 7 Emotions (joy, anger, worry, sympathy, sadness, fear and surprise) and non endo-exogenous causes, which results in the imbalance of the yin and yang, then disease can occur. In Eastern medicine, all diseases are caused by disharmony between the yin and yang which flow along meridians that are energy pathways, which also relate to internal organs. Treatment involves maintaining the balance and the flow of energy. Balance in our life, in diet, exercise, work, emotional life and sexual life, is the essence of prevention from disease and promotion of health in Eastern medicine.

6. Methods of Treatment in Eastern Medicine

There are various treatment modalities in Eastern medicine.

Exercises, either in the form of therapeutic or health maintenance exercises, are widely used by lay people as part of traditional medicine.

However, most Eastern medical doctors dispense herbal formulas, and it is the most commonly used method of treatment. For many centuries herbal medicines have been dispensed according to a philosophical system rooted in empirical knowledge, and have contributed greatly to the promotion of health. Herbal medicines have exerted an important influence on the modern pharmaceutical development. Herbal medications are prescribed on the basis of their effects of strengthening and reducing the functions of the viscera. Pharmaceuticals employed in Eastern medicine are mostly natural products such as roots, leaves, barks of wild grasses and trees, seeds, flowers, fruits, and even include some ingredients of animal or mineral origins. Herbal materials are carefully selected, processed by various local procedures, and prepared in accordance with the theory of preparation in herbology. They are produced by extraction, fractionation, purification, concentration, or other physical or biological processes. There are some 2,000 known medicinal herbs today, but those frequently used in clinics number about 300.

Acupuncture, moxibustion and suction cupping, as with all medical theory and practice, have diverse applications and have expanded greatly from their initial methodology and techniques.

In Eastern medicine, the body is regarded both as a whole organism with its various parts closely related to each other, and as an organic unit which adapts to the environment. Health implies a harmonious coordination among the various parts of the body as well as its adaptation to the physical environment. When normal coordination and adaptation break down, illness occurs. Thus, prevention of disease is a critical part of Eastern medicine. Since disease involves two aspects, pathogenic factors and body resistance (energy that resists the pathogenic factors), both must be considered in disease prevention. Priority is usually given to building up health and strengthening body resistance.

Treatment is based primarily on the diagnosis of syndromes. When deficiency syndromes are evident, the general principle of treatment is to strengthen the patient's vitality. This requires enhancing resistance, promoting the physiological processes and replenishing the required substances. When excess syndromes are evident, the treatment is aimed at eliminating or dispelling the pathogenic factors. Evaluating a syndrome encompasses noting the cause, mechanism, location and nature of the disease, but also the struggle between the pathogenic factor and body's ability to resist it. In most cases, a doctor practicing Eastern medicine prescribes customized (tailor-made) medicines and treats the patient rather than the disease, while a doctor practicing Western medicine uses standardized (ready-made) medicines for the treatment of disease itself.

7. Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Acupuncture and moxibustion are important components of Eastern medicine and have been practiced for more than 2,500 years to relieve symptoms, especially pain. Acupuncture and moxibustion are also used to cure diseases, maintain health and rehabilitate from illness. The application of acupuncture consists of inserting needles into acupuncture points either by manipulation or by applying electric pulses or other appliances. For thousands of years, the Korean people have appreciated it for its non-pharmaceutical treatment, simple application with good curative effect and low cost. Insertion of acupuncture needles at specific anatomical locations on the skin (acupuncture points), is a mechanical irritation with an established manipulation method using thin and solid needles made of metals such as gold, silver, copper, steel and stainless steel. In ancient times, acupuncture included the application of needles to acupuncture points for stimulation, superficial stimulation with blunt instruments or fingers to manipulate surface points, and moxibustion. In those days, few variations were used, as these basic methods seemed to suffice. The variations that were used for stimulation and sedation included techniques such as flicking, scratching, twisting and moving the needle up and down.

Basic acupuncture, which is based upon the Meridian theory, holds that the lines of energy which pass throughout the body are connected to the 6 viscera (solid organs; liver, heart, pericardium, spleen or pancreas, lung and kidney) and the 6 bowels (hollow organs; gall bladder, small intestine, triple energizer, stomach, large intestine and urinary bladder) and act like an electrical circuit. Acupuncture points are located on the points of the meridians where they emerge to the surface of the body.

Moxibustion or moxacautery, together with acupuncture, is a part of Eastern medicine which harmonizes and improves various functions in the human body. Moxa is burned on acupuncture points and prevents the exogenous pathogenic factors from intruding into the body by producing heat and a peculiar fragrance. The practice of moxibustion begins by making moxa cones of powdered leaves artemisiae vulgaris folium, a species of chrysanthemum. To make the moxa preparation, the moxa leaf, which is devoid of the stem or stalk, should be ground for a long time until it is a light yellow-white color with a cotton-like texture. Finally, the product of this long process is made into small cones of desired sizes. Then the cones are ready for clinical use.

Cupping is a therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin surface using either the negative pressure created by a vacuum suction or by using an ignited material to burn the oxygen in the cup. Even though the resulting vacuum temporarily causes local congestion at the cupped site, it is aimed at promoting the smooth energy flow in the meridians and eliminating or dispelling the pathogenic factors.

In clinical application, acupuncture, moxibustion and other modalities contribute greatly to the cure of diseases and the improvement of health. These Eastern medical techniques have a wide range of applications in the fields of neurology, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, dermatology, opthalmology, ENT and anesthesiology.

8. New Prospectives in Eastern Medicine

In the future, Eastern medicine will be adopted more and more into health care systems and applied in various medical fields, to cure and prevent disease as well as to maintain health and rehabilitate. Especially, preventive medicine from Eastern medicine will be spot-lighted because Eastern medicine is used to activate natural healing powers and is also applied to the modulation of early signal transductions before the detection of morphological change by way of bioelectromagnetic, biochemical and traditional Eastern diagnosis.

In the future Eastern medicine alone or in combination with other conventional therapies will be selectively used according to their efficacy and will further contribute to providing a new theoretical and practical guide to the promotion of health and the treatment of diseases.

The changing world also challenges us to make any possible mobilization in Eastern-Western medicines in order to bring the wisdom of the old to meet new standards for human health. At this time we need both harmonization and cooperation between Eastern-Western medicines, and it is highly appropriate to introduce the uniqueness and advantages of Eastern-Western medicines to the rest of the world. The successful combination of Eastern-Western medicines needs careful planning involving identification of needs and resources, solution of existing problems, development and implementation of positive policies, and the development of a workable unified medical care based on mutual respect, recognition and collaboration. Such measures will make a dramatic advancement toward a universal medicine in the 21st century.