Even if you are still in your 20s, your health condition may not be as great as you would like it to be. Am I right? The modern lifestyle and the fast-paced way of living may have started to cause problems earlier than you expected. Working long hours in front of the computer, not getting quality sleep because of stress, and eating lots of junk food are some major factors of modern life that can endanger your health. You probably already tried various methods to improve your health, but nothing really worked. How about getting back to the old ways, and trying out some Korean traditional medicinal practices?
Mind and body connection
Compared to Western medicine, Korean traditional medicinal practices are centered on the connection between mind and body. If someone suffers from a disorder or a disease, the most important thing is to treat the emotional cause first and then alleviate the physical symptoms.
According to Korean philosophy a healthy mind, free of worries and negative feelings, will always heal the body faster than any medicine. However, before getting any kind of treatment, Korean traditional medicine doctors recommend finding out more about your body type.
Body Types in Korean Traditional Medicine
(์ฌ์์ฒด์ง)
Did you know that, according to Korean traditional medicinal practices, there are 4 body types? Each body type has certain characteristics, tendencies, personalities, facial features, and health risks. Letโs find out more about body types!
Soyang Body Type
(์์์ธ)
People with this body type have a muscular appearance, their body stores a lot of heat and energy. They tend to have a stronger upper body, and a weaker lower body. In western bodytypes, Soyangs are somewhere between an hourglass and inverted triangle shape.
They must avoid consuming foods categorized as warm, such as garlic, pepper, ginseng, and chicken as well as greasy proteins such as pork and makeral.
The best foods for this body type are cold foods such as watermelon, pumpkin, lettuce, and cucumbers as well as detoxifying foods like barley, green beans, and buckwheat. As for proteins low-fat, high-protein, and cold foods are best such as sea cucumber, oyster, shrimp, crab, puffer fish, and dried pollack.
People with Soyang body types are known to be prone to kidney disease and tend to have bladder and hip problems.
For facial features, Soyangs tend to have V-shaped faces. Normally, they will have shining eyes, small thin lips, and dry skin.
And finally, Soyangs tend to have a stong sense of justice and naturally are drawn towards social activism. They are also compasionate quick to accept apologies, but are extremely hard on themselves. Essentially, they are known to look a bit scary on the outside, but are just big teddy bears.
Soeum Body Type
(์์์ธ)
Soeums are the smallest of the 4 Korean body types. They are similar in shape to Taeeum body types, but have a much smaller frame. In the west, this body type is referred to rectangle shaped.
They naturally have a cold nature so they need to consume foods that keep their bodies warm like chicken, goat, garlic, ginseng, etc. They should avoid cold foods like watermelon, cucumber, and pumpkin. Plus, they tend to have weaker digestive systems, so that should avoid difficult to digest foods like corn and beef.
People with this body type are known to be prone to depression, pinched nerves, and are vulnerable to parasitic infections such as tapeworms and lice.
Soeumโs facial features are normally rounded, delicate, and child-like. However, their personality is known to be introverted and shy.
Taeeum Body Type
(ํ์์ธ)
This is the most common body type among Korean people, around 50% of Koreans are believed to have a taeeum body type. They have a similar shape as those with a Soeum body type, but have a larger frame. In the west, these would be referred to as people with a rectangle shape.
The ones who have this body type tend to move fast and sweat a lot. They have a warm nature, in contrast to their soeum counterparts, who may have a similar outward appearance. High protein foods are ideal for this body type including beef, milk, and mushrooms. However, they are prone to rapid weight gain and should avoid greasy foods and midnight snacks.
Those with Taeeum body types are known to be prone to lung and liver diseases.
As for facial features, those with this body type have squarer jaws accompanied by broader noses and lips compared to other body types. Their personality is known to be relentless in persuing their goals. Often, they can loose sight of their humanity and pursue personal greed excessively. However, if harnessed towards a collective goal, it can lead to the betterment of society.
Taeyang Body Type
(ํ์์ธ)
People with this body type normally have a developed upper body, but a weak waist and lower body. In the west, they would be considered to have an inverted triangle body type.
People with this body type burn calories faster than other types, especially during summer. They need to drink plenty of water, eat seafood, vegetables, and appropriate quantities of proteins. The best foods for this body type are considered to be buckwheat, clams, seaweed, and carp.
Taeyangs are prone to nerve problems in their legs, muscle soreness as well as liver and bladder diseases. As for mental illness, taeyangs usually habe a difficult time processing grief and are prone to excessive anger.
They normally have a diamond facial structure with almond eyes and pronounced nose bridges. As for the personality of those with a taeyang body type, they are known to be prideful and have a sense of heroism. They are also known to be the most creative among the types.
For more information related to body types and Korean traditional medicine, donโt forget to check out the Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine by Clicking Here.
Ginseng in Korean Traditional Medicinal Practices
Ginseng is one of the most popular natural remedies in Korean traditional medicine. This root, filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients has been used as a tonic since ancient times. According to experts, ginseng significantly contributes to the overall health by improving circulation, brain function, sleep quality, and the digestive function. Korean people use the ginseng root as a treatment for many disorders or ailments.
You can find it in the form of pills, tea, extracts, and even candies. If you have already visited an oriental medicine center in Korea, you have probably got some ginseng already. However, you can find ginseng products in traditional markets like Namdaemun or Dongdaemun as well.
Disclaimer. Before buying/using ginseng as a tonic, it is important to consult your doctor first. People who suffer from high blood pressure, excessive bleeding, or heart conditions should not consume ginseng. Although it is natural, this traditional medication can significantly impact your coronary system.
Acupuncture in Korean Traditional Medicinal Practices
For many, the first thing you do when you suffer from backpain or insomnia is to take some painkillers. However, Korean people prefer to deal with this kind of problem using acupuncture. Even if for some people may sound scary, acupuncture, if itโs performed by qualified physicians, can work wonders for your mind and body. Donโt worry about pain. When performing acupuncture, the doctor will use very thin needles that penetrates the skin layers and unblocks the energetic nodes of the body. In order to stay healthy, the qi(energy or life force) must flow continuously through the body, nourishing every single cell.
Most of the people who tried acupuncture have stated that their condition significantly improved even after the first session. But, how does acupuncture work? Actually, acupuncture is not an invasive procedure, and it heals instantly.
It is a gentle way to remove energetic blockages and tension from the body, stimulating the energy flow. Many claim that acupuncture alleviates pain, can improve sleep quality, treat digestive problems, strengthen the immune system, and can help lessen symptoms of depression.
Conclusion
Have you ever tried acupuncture or herbal treatment? If the answer is โyesโ, how satisfied were you after completing the treatment? Let us know more about your experience. We are looking forward to hearing from you. If you want to read more articles related to Korean culture, donโt hesitate to subscribe to Koreabyme. Also, if you have any questions, just DM me on Instagram. I will be happy to help you any time.
Want to experience Korean traditional medicine for yourself? Click Here to read about foreigner-friendly traditional medicine clinics in Seoul, as designated by the Seoul Oriental Medicine Association.
