Opening the Donguibogam library...
Opening the Donguibogam library...

This content is a carefully translated version of traditional Korean medical records (Donguibogam) and its modern interpretations. While prepared by specialized medical translators, it is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions.
Why are we experiencing this pain?
"Have you recently Thought, feeling like 'this is my body, but it doesn't feel like mine'? Perhaps you experience unexplained aches and pains, poor digestion, restless sleep, and fluctuating energy levels. Did you know that all these symptoms could actually be a 'help me' signal from your body's organ?"

The Harmony of the five Zang and six Fu organs. and Imbalance described in Donguibogam can be meaningfully understood through modern science. The organ in our bodies do not operate independently; rather, they form a complex, interwoven 'hyperconnected network' of nervous system, Endocrine System, and Immune System. The Donguibogam saying, 'if one Zang-Fu Organs is ill, it pulls another Zang-Fu Organs into illness,' precisely highlights this modern scientific connection. First, let's look at the body's greatest conductor: the 'nervous system.' Chronic stress disrupts Autonomic nervous system Balance. When responding to danger, Sympathetic nerve overactivation is activated, leading to a decrease in Heart rate quickens, As blood pressure rises, and Digestive function, while muscle becomes Tension. Conversely, Parasympathetic nerve, responsible for 'rest and digestion,' is suppressed. This Imbalance extends beyond mere concern, manifesting as non-specific symptoms in various whole body, including Gastrointestinal disorder (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Indigestion), Chronic Fatigue, Sleep Disorder, Headache, and Myalgia / muscle pain. The 'Liver Qi Stagnation' mentioned in Donguibogam can be Interpretation in modern medicine as Autonomic nervous system Dysregulation caused by stress. Next is the 'Endocrine System,' or Endocrine system. When stress persists, the brain's Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis becomes excessively Activation, leading to Imbalance secretion of Cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol plays a wide range of roles, including blood Glucose Control, Immune response, and Inflammation regulation. If its Balance is disrupted, problems with blood Glucose Control (Insulin resistance) can arise, or Immunity may decrease, leaving one vulnerable to Frequently catching colds or and Chronic inflammatory state. It can also affect Thyroid hormone or Sex hormone, leading to Decreased vitality, Weight Change, and Emotional Fluctuations. And we cannot overlook the currently most discussed 'Gut-Brain Axis.' The intestines are more than just an Digestive organ; they are so closely connected to the nervous system and Endocrine System that they are often called the 'Second Brain.' Gut Microbiota is involved in the production of various Neurotransmitter, including the Happiness hormone Serotonin, and intestinal Inflammatory state directly influences Systemic inflammation and Brain Function. If Gut Health worsens, it can Induction not only Indigestion but also Depressive Mood, concern, Chronic Fatigue, and even Cognitive decline. The statement in Donguibogam that 'Spleen and Stomach' is the source of all Source of Qi and blood can be seen as an insight into the whole body importance of the intestines. In conclusion, Donguibogam's 'Imbalance of the five zang and six fu organs' perfectly aligns with the complex interactions of the nervous system-Endocrine System-Immune System-Digestive system revealed by modern science. Instead of isolating and viewing only one aching part of the body, the wisdom for a healthy life lies in understanding and approaching all of your body's systems holistically—how they are connected, and what has disrupted their Balance.

2 steps you can take right now
Pause and sit or lie down comfortably. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Slowly and deeply inhale through your nose, allowing your belly to expand, then exhale slowly through your mouth, drawing your belly in. This Diaphragmatic breathing / Abdominal breathing will stabilize your Tension autonomic Nerve, supply fresh Oxygen to your Zang-Fu Organs, and even provide Peace of mind. Try to practice this consistently for at least 5 minutes a day.
A light walk after lunch aids digestion and is excellent for Change of mood; Diversion. Exposure to sunlight, in particular, positively influences Sleep hormone Melatonin secretion, promoting restful sleep at night. Rather than Fatigue Exercise, Thought it as a moment to relax and enjoy the warm Sunshine and Pathogenic Wind.

夫心肝脾肺腎 五臟也 膽胃大小腸膀胱三焦 六腑也... 凡一臟有病 必牽引他臟 故病從根本治也.
We analyze Heo Jun's 'Donguibogam', a UNESCO Memory of the World, using modern data science and AI. Our goal is to reinterpret the wisdom of traditional medicine hidden in ancient texts to suit the lifestyles of busy modern people and deliver it in an easy-to-understand way.
Caution (Disclaimer): This content is for providing health information based on historical literature and cannot replace medical diagnosis and treatment. If you have any health problems, please consult a specialist (doctor/oriental medical doctor).