The concept of wind in Donguibogam shares astonishing similarities with the onset mechanism of stroke, whether cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, as explained by modern medicine. Its sudden, unpredictable onset possesses an instantaneous nature just like the wind. Modern medicine defines stroke as an impairment of brain function resulting from blocked cerebral blood vessels, known as ischemic stroke or cerebral infarction, or ruptured ones, known as hemorrhagic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. The primary causes cited include hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, and heart disease, all of which exert a devastating impact on vascular health. When fatty deposits like cholesterol accumulate on the vascular wall and arteriosclerosis progresses, blood vessels narrow and harden, impeding blood flow and leaving them vulnerable to injury even from minor stress. In particular, as Korean dietary habits become increasingly Westernized, the rising intake of salty and greasy foods introduces even more threats to vascular health. Here, I would like to add a perspective from Korean medicine regarding the characteristics of the taeyangin described in Sasang constitutional medicine. A taeyangin is generally considered to have strong lung function and weak liver function, meaning they may constitutionally tend to have abundant heat in the upper body, with qi easily surging upward. When this constitutional tendency meets modern lifestyle factors such as stress, excessive activity, and salty, spicy food intake, counterflow qi worsens, easily leading to increased blood pressure variability, headaches, and dizziness. This can be interpreted similarly to how fire in the body surges upward to stir up wind in Donguibogam. Being a taeyangin does not mean one will inevitably suffer a stroke; however, understanding this constitutional tendency and adjusting daily habits in advance can significantly help lower potential risks. The incidence of stroke among hypertension patients is 4 to 5 times that of healthy individuals, and it is reported that for every 20 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure or 10 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure, the risk of stroke doubles, making blood pressure management an absolute essential. Never ignore the small signals your body sends. They are the most crucial alarms from your body.
