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 ever felt that your body just is not the same after surgery or recovering from a major illness? Even just lying in bed leaves you completely drained, and the slightest movement makes your heart race… In times like these, many people immediately look for ginseng or restorative herbal tonics believed to be good for the body. But taking them indiscriminately can sometimes do more harm than good."

When the concept of primordial qi from Donguibogam is interpreted from the perspective of modern medicine, it can be understood as a comprehensive function that helps all biological systems in our body operate optimally, beyond simply feeling energetic. In particular, the debilitated state experienced after surgery or major illness often manifests as cellular energy depletion, disruption of the immune system, and overload of the stress response system. Ginseng has received scientific attention as a representative adaptogen that addresses these complex symptoms. An adaptogen refers to a substance that enhances resistance to physical and mental stress and helps maintain homeostasis. Surgery imposes tremendous physical and biochemical stress on the body. Ginsenosides, the key active components of ginseng, help regulate levels of the stress hormone cortisol, thereby contributing to suppressing excessive inflammatory responses and reducing muscle loss. In addition, decreased immunity after surgery raises infection risk and delays recovery. Ginsenosides promote the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, and help strengthen the immune system by regulating the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. This plays an important role in protecting our body from external pathogens and assisting the regeneration of damaged tissues. Its effects on replenishing vitality can also be explained by modern science. Ginsenosides improve mitochondrial function to promote cellular adenosine triphosphate generation and reduce oxidative stress, helping alleviate fatigue. Furthermore, they improve blood circulation to facilitate the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the surgical site and assist in waste removal. This is essential for accelerating wound healing and tissue regeneration. Brain function improvement and neuroprotective effects are also under study. Research is revealing that ginseng can help with cognitive decline or impaired concentration that may appear after surgery by balancing neurotransmitters and improving cerebral blood flow. However, because ginseng can interfere with blood coagulation or affect blood glucose levels, you must consult professional medical staff before taking it if you are on medications or have specific health conditions. Choosing the appropriate type and dosage according to your individual constitution and health status is the safest, most effective path to recovery.

2 steps you can take right now
Water is truly vital for recovery. Drink lukewarm water frequently, and replenish fluids with mineral-rich broths like bone soup or chicken stock. Drinks that are overly cold or sweet can hinder recovery, so consume them with caution.
Rather than staying strictly in bed after surgery, moving lightly as your condition allows is far more beneficial for recovery. Engage in gentle activities that do not strain your body, such as taking short walks indoors or light stretching, to promote blood circulation and prevent energy from becoming stagnant.

人蔘 大補元氣, 止渴生津, 調營衛, 補肺脾, 益氣血, 安精神, 開胃進食, 治一切虛證.
Ginseng strongly tonifies primordial qi, stops thirst, generates body fluids, harmonizes nutrient and defense qi, tonifies the lung and spleen, benefits qi and blood, calms the mind, opens the stomach to promote eating, and treats all debility syndromes.
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).