SDLC Cultural Post #6

[June Choi]

One of the unique aspects of Korean culture is the traditional Korean medicine, which is called 한약 or 한의학. It originates from ancient and prehistoric times during which domestic herbs were widely used, along with stone and bone needles. It is heavily influenced by ancient Chinese medicine and thus shares commonalities. Herbal medicine is the use of plant material such as flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, moss, fern, and fungus. They may be in a fresh, dried, whole, or chopped form and also may be prepared as infusions. I have personally had 한약 that is liquid-based and is an amalgamation of different healthy roots and herbs that function to generally strengthen the body and immune system. It has both a bitter and sweet taste to it, and was prescribed to me by a traditional medicine practitioner (한의사). Acupuncture is also a popular traditional medical practice, and it involves withdrawing blood or stimulating specific points by inserting needles into pressure points of the body. The practice originates from the belief that a “life force” circulates within the body in meridian lines. My mother used to take traditional Korean medicine even when we lived in the US, especially after she gave birth to my brothers. I believe that it is a wholesome way to balance out Westernized medicine and also a way to preserve one’s culture.