25 volumes of 'Dongui Bogam' summarized in 1 book
Dr. Shim Dong-sup, left, and the cover of “Easy Oriental Medicine” by Dr. Shim
By Kwon Ji-youn
According to Dr. Shim Dong-sup, chairman of the Korean Institute for Electronic Trade and Commerce Promotion (KIETaC), his new book, “Easy Oriental Medicine,” is an abridged version of the “Dongui Bogam”, a series of medical encyclopedia compiled by Heo Jun (1539-1615), a court physician during the reign of King Seonjo of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).
“Easy Oriental Medicine” has taken all 25 volumes of the “Dongui Bogam”, added 22 years of his own study and crammed it into an 870-page, easy-to-read book.
“This book targets any and everyone, even those without a medical background,” Shim said. “It is written from a Western, epidemiological and natural science perspective. I hope the book will serve as a workaround to the ‘Dongui Bogam.’”
The “Dongui Bogam”, the title of which literally translates to “the mirror of Eastern medicine,” is a classic to scholars of oriental medicine today. The original, which was written 405 years ago in Hanja, or Chinese characters, is housed at the Korean National Library.
The book may be 870 pages, but the lion’s share of it is summarized in the introduction and conclusion. It proposes an original framework of analysis to ensure the content is easily understood by all readers so that they can learn the fundamentals of well-being and prevent diseases without having to consult a doctor.
“Preventing disease is the most important part of well-being,” Shim writes in the preface. “Today, we are forced to dig up information from a flood of material, a lot of which may end up damaging one’s health rather than improving it. Hence, to be healthy, one must fully understand the fundamentals of health, and he or she must put such into practice.”
Shim’s fascination with oriental medicine is rooted in his experience studying in the United States.
“Because medical insurance is so expensive in the U.S., and utilizing medical facilities there isn’t easy, I decided it would be important that I look after my family’s health myself,” he writes in the preface. “I have now studied oriental medicine on the side for 22 years. I thought it desirable that I share what I have learned with readers.”
Shim’s inspiration comes from “Cosmos,” a book by Carl Sagan covering the Pulitzer-winning author’s reflections on anthropological, biological, cosmological, historical and astronomical matters from antiquity to contemporary times. Sagan wanted the book to explain complex scientific ideas to anyone interested in learning.
“He popularized the physics of space with ‘Cosmos,’” said Shim. “It is my hope that ‘Easy Oriental Medicine’ will do something similar.”
The book notes that the seven habits of maintaining good health are having good faith, meditating, respiratory circulation, sleeping, water and food intake, neutralization of the thoughts and having an open mind. Shim has taken some existing theories and translated them into terms and viewpoints that people today will better understand.
“The book does not merely provide fragmentary information, but rather a comprehensive discussion of the principles of remaining healthy,” Shim said. “I am sure it will be of great help to people today who are interested in well-being.”
Shim, who also spearheads a project on structured financing and international finance for the law firm Ungbin, served as an administrator of the Small and Medium Business Administration in Seoul and Gyeonggi regional offices before being named chairman of KIETaC.
A second book will be released covering the diagnoses and prescriptions for major health conditions, ranging from herniated discs, cancers and stress-related diseases to mental and infant illnesses.
Communication GongGam. 870 pages. 33,000 won.