Introduction

Along with the desire of clothing, food, and home, the human desire to deal with diseases is one of our most fundamental needs. Thus, a method of medical treatment always existed in every community where basic living culture was established. This kind of medical practice in each community progresses into a more advanced form through conquest, exchange, and transfer. As humankind’s perception and technology developed, medical technology developed as well. The medical method of Oriental medicine, which self-generated in Eastern Asia, came to be completed through this process. Oriental medicine has introduced a natural philosophy called the yin-yang and five phase theory into medicine and developed an academic system. Under this system, experiences and technologies of many people have accumulated and continues on even today.

By studying the formation of this medical system and its influences on later periods, students attain perception that enables them to understand Chinese medical classics and how the root of modern Oriental medical theory formed over time.

Features

• Focusing on the formation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the department of medical history researches how Oriental medicine that generated i n China was introduced into Korea and what relationships it has with Traditional Korean Medicine.
• Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine (Dong-Eui-Bo-Gam), written by Heo Joon, served as a momentum for the Traditional Chinese Medicine to be reinterpreted and reanalyzed into Korean medicine. From then on, apart from China, Korea acquired the capacity to develop Traditional Korean Medicine on its own. This department studies how such effort unfolds.
• Modern Oriental medicine has been distorted and degenerated but also supplemented by the influence of Western medicine. The ultimate goal of this department is to take a look at how Oriental medicine should be developed from a historical point of view.
• The department of medical history intends to propose the direction of medical development and to find the root and the lineage of medicine by studying each medical branch of China and Korea

Prospects

With the advent of the 20th century, the tradition and culture of East Asia has been impaired due to reckless invasion and colonial policy of Western powers and replaced by Western culture. Oriental medicine, which was a part of traditional medicine of the East, was distorted and partially became extinct in this process. However, as Western medicine revealed its own limitations, East Asian medicine which puts emphasis on interchange with nature is newly being highlighted in the global market.

Nevertheless, Oriental medicine is an independent field of study which for thousands of years has been persistently maintaining and steadily developing its internal logic. Thus, it is not something that can be easily evaluated and altered according to Western standards, and it is of utmost importance to clarify the principles and validity of Oriental medicine according to internal logic of Oriental medicine. It can be said that from the perspective of Oriental medicine, the role of medical history is significant in that it observes the process of medical development and reinterprets the forming process of medical theory.

Introduction

Physiology is the most basic study of Oriental medicine which focuses on the physiological state of the human body. Department of physiology studies the function of each organ and their interrelationships, with methods based on principles forming its foundation

Features

• Studies on the mechanism and function of components of the human body such as essence, spirit, qi, and blood.
• Studies on the correlativity between each body part and the five viscera and its validity.
• Studies on the transformation of six qi and correlativity of human body parts.
• Studies on the scientific suitability and deep understanding of the five circuits theory.
• Studies on the adaptation process of the human body to the internal and external environmental changes.

Prospects

• Oriental medical understanding of embryologic process and reanalysis
• Study material shifting, excitement and conduction, and bodily fluids in order to observe vital phenomena
• Establish basic Oriental medical theories by researching various kinds of physiological functions of the human body
• Pursuit of third medicine which includes East-West medicine and 유기능이론
• Study the correlation among psychological state, five visceral functions, and constitutions

Joint Researches

Agreement on the establishment of sisterhood with Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Mclean hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard University, USA for the exchange of academic information and human resources(2001)

Introduction

The department of pathology studies pathology, which is the most basic theory of Oriental medicine. Oriental pathology includes subject matters such as cause of diseases, pathogenic qi, and pattern identification, and it understands and explains diseases from the perspective of Oriental medicine.

Features

• Arrange with inductive method the disease-analyzing process which is shown in Oriental medical classics such as Huangdi’s Internal Classic, Classic of Difficult Issues, and Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases.
• Suggest Oriental medical method of analyzing diseases.
• Determine the types of pattern identification, which is the result of disease analysis.
• Suggest animal model for pattern identification.
• Suggest the probability of equipment usage in pattern identification.
• Introduce state-of-the-art experimental techniques and search for Oriental medical application.

Prospects

• Establish diagnostic standardization through analysis of pattern identification
• Produce experimental animal model of pattern identification
• Establish objectivity of pattern identification using equipments
• Search for Oriental medical remedy for cancer

Introduction

The department of biochemistry researches and analyzes the interrelationship between vital phenomena and Oriental medicine through understandings based on biochemistry and development of problem-solving ability.

Features

• Research the mechanism of gene expression control in the human body and in bacteria. Research enzymatic activation, characteristics and structures of protein, which is the end product of various gene expressions.
• Introduce the latest research techniques of disease interpretation and establish collectional concept.
• Research cells and signal transduction.
• Enable the understanding of disease-related immune system on molecular level.
• Research cancer-causing mechanism on molecular biological level.
• Research congenital genetic diseases and acquired diseases.

Prospects

• biochemical interpretation of the mechanism of Oriental medicinal
• biochemical understanding of causes of disease, route, cure, and prevention
• cope with drastic changes in medical and biochemical knowledge related to life and diseases
• meet new expectations of the creation of third medicine through connection with adjacent studies

Joint Researches

• National Cancer Center(basic research center)
• Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
• Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, USA
• The Fraunhofer Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Germany
• Korean Institute of Tuberculosis
• NRC(National Research Council), Canada

Introduction

Formula is a part of a process so-called ‘principles, methods, formulas and medicinals’. Formula is something that is composed by identifying symptoms, finding out the cause of disease, deciding on the method of treatment, choosing and blending appropriate medicinal material, deciding on the dosage, and blending properly according to the rules of composition, and it is also a significant means of pattern identification. Prescriptionology is a field of study which studies methods of treatment, formulaic theories, and clinical applications.

It is the foundation of every clinical department. Moreover, it researches the evolution of the drug forms and development of new material for more convenient and modern use.

Features

• Research and analysis of medicinal material of the right origin
• Researches on the drug components, dosages, and efficacy shown in classics of formula
• Researches on couplet medicinals
• Education and researches on the basic theories of formula, blending rules, and clinical application
• Researches on modernizing and making simple various Oriental medicinals
• Training, education, and researches on drug forms and decocting method
• Researches on dosage correlation and drug efficacy mechanism of formula
• Researches on an objective efficacy assessment indicator of formula

Prospects

• Establishment of classification system of prescription according to pattern identification
• Secure academic foundation of prescriptionology by establishing basic theories and terminologies in the field of formula study
• Studies on the efficacy and range of application of formula connected to the clinics
• A wide range of research fields thanks to its connection with the clinics
• Research and Development of prescription for new diseases
• Contribute to broadening the applicative range of Oriental medicine by developing new drug form and material

Introduction

The department of anatomy researches embryology, anatomical histology, and neuroanatomy by comparatively studying the Oriental medical principle of understanding the human body structure in whole and its application, as well as structural names.

Features

• Researches on the efficacy of Oriental medicinal, acupuncture, and moxibustion from the perspective of histochemistry, neuroanatomy, and morphometry.
• Development of an animal model fit for Oriental medical experiment, based on the structure and characteristics of vertebrates.
• Comparative studies of the structure of bodily organs and their systematic relationships to viscera and bowels of Oriental medicine.
• Studies on malformation and structural characteristics according to one’s development process and growth.
• Researches on the structural meaning of Oriental medical theories.

Prospects

• Researches on the efficacy of Oriental medicinal, acupuncture and moxibustion relating to brain metabolism and blood flow.
• Researches on structural meaning through characteristics of acupuncture points and meridian distribution.
• Classification of human physiques using biometrics and establishment of standard physiques.
• Researches on correlation between functional system of Oriental medicine and structural system of Western medicine.
• Researches on the mechanism of the structure and functions of airway ciliated epithelium.
• Researches on ischemic damage.
• Researches on visualization of the brain function using [14C]2-Deoxyglucose autoradiography.
• Researches on the mechanism and tractus systematis nervosi centralis of acupuncture stimulation.

Introduction

The department of meridian and acupoint endeavors to research the mechanism of phenomena related to meridian and to standardize meridian and acupoints. The tissues and organs of the internal human body are organically interrelated with external structures.

As organisms adapt to external environmental changes, they show vital activities rooted in a system of perception unique to Oriental medicine which is called meridian and collateral phenomenon. Meridian and collateral are the passageways for the circulation of qi and blood in our body, and they are distributed around the human body like fishing nets. Among the meridians are acupoints, where the functions and reactions of qi and blood appear prominently.

The department of meridian and acupoint deepens and develops the theory of meridian and collateral, which is the root of Oriental medicinal diagnosis and treatment, while at the same time objectifies and standardizes the location and characteristics of acupoints.

Features

In order to educate the most basic knowledge for cultivating Oriental medical doctors through meridian and acupoints study, the department of meridian and acupoint currently educates college students with the following subjects: life nurturing based on understanding of meridian and collateral, characteristics of acupoints that are used in the prevention of diseases, diagnosis, and treatment, the origin of the names of acupoints, locations, acupuncture method, moxibustion method, needle orientation, needle sensation, main treatment, and efficacy.

In the basic research field, this department is concentrating its efforts on straightening out basic theories of classical meridian and collateral based on Oriental medical classics, and objectifying and putting to practical use the meridian theory by reinterpreting it with modern research methods.

• Meridian phenomena caused by a certain meridian or collateral
• Research brain function based on the meridian theory
• Develop acupuncture treatment techniques classified by diseases
• Develop acupuncture treatment techniques classified by symptoms
• Research the treatment techniques of shin-acupuncture therapy

Prospects

The department of meridian and acupoint researches functional and structural changes of vital phenomena from various perspectives and endeavors to expand the understanding of meridian and collateral phenomena.

This department will make efforts to increase the demand for a differentiated acupuncture treatment for certain diseases and at the same time prove the superiority of acupuncture treatment.

Also, we will broaden our understanding of the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture and ultimately contribute to the improvement of public health welfare.

Facilities

The department of meridian and acupoint is located on the second floor of Oriental medical building. Laboratories are composed of meridian and collateral study lab, transport points study lab 1, transport points study lab 2, animal disposal room, medicine and medicinal needle manufacture room, and etc. Equipments furnished in the labs are as follows

• medicinal needle manufacturing machine
• electro-acupuncture device
• EMRS (Extra-cellular Multi unit Recording System)
• ESRS (Extra-cellular Single unit Recording system)
• Video tracking system for behavior test
• Video recording system for behavior test
• Image analysis system for histology and cytology
• fMRI data analysis system
• several mazes for behavioral test (water maze, 8-arm maze etc. )
• stereotoxic
• microdialysis
• PCR
• real time RT-PCR
• western blotting
• immunohistochemistry and basic histochemistry

Introduction

The department of herbology is currently conducting studies on the origin, form, identification, efficacy, clinics and other uses of animals, plants, and minerals. Especially qi and flavor theory, which is the counterpart of Western pharmacology, is the main research interest of this department.

This department studies historical evidences of the efficacy and origins of Oriental medicinal that are introduced in Oriental medical classics such as Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Newly Revised Materia Medica, Classified Emergency Materia Medica, Compendium of Materia Medica, and Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine.

We also research the origins and distributions of herbal medicinal material and focus on the discovery of new medicinal function and interpretation of classical theories through experimental research of medicinal functions and their mechanisms.

Features

• Broad understanding of materia medica, which takes up a large portion of remedial method
• Modernistic approach to the basic theories of Oriental medicinal
• Education for the general public in order to popularize Oriental medicine
• Researches on standardization of Oriental medicinal
• Researches on the changes of Oriental medicinal properties through preparation of Oriental medicinal
• Researches on the functions and mechanisms of Oriental medicinal to the human body through Oriental medicinal experiments
• Translation of Oriental medicinal classics
• Write various materia medica works

Prospects

Currently the department of herbology aspires to standardize medicinal material, reinterpret medicinal properties, functions, mechanisms, and changes of medicinal properties, translate Oriental medical classics, extend application range of Oriental medicinal, and popularization of Oriental medicine.

With the increase in the interest for unique medicine of each nation and natural material thanks to the efficacy and various functions of Oriental medicinal, Department of Herbology, Kyunghee University’s College of Oriental Medicine is preparing to keep up with the rise of Oriental medicine.

Facilities

The department of herbology cultivates and manages about 500 breeds of medicinal plants at a herbological garden at Suwon campus. Also, it owns a specimen room on the fourth floor of Oriental medical building in which are 500 breeds of medicinal material specimen and 5000 photograph slides.

This department consists of the main lab, cell culture lab, animal disposal lab, extraction lab, analyzer lab, darkroom, cool chamber, and etc.

The extracting room is equipped with instruments that mainly extracts samples of drugs and a high-capacity(1L and 10L) rotary vacuum evaporator. It also possesses laboratory spray dryer, rotary vacuum dryer, and freeze dryer in order to process desiccated extract.

We have CO2 culture system, inverted microscope, fluorescence microscope, Laminar Flow System, and Nitrogen Tank in cell culture room. We use them mostly to culture neuron cells and experiment their responses to intake of oriental medicine.

We have stereo toxic device which can cause anesthetic effect on rats in animal lab. We also have operating microscope, operating instruments and devices for pharmaceutical experiments in vivo (edema evaluation device, pain evaluation hot pplate, pressure pain evaluation device, electricity-induced convulsion devicce, Infusion Pump, Physiograph recording system, Langendorff Tube and treadmill.

We have 2 sets of HPLC system, GC, TLC scanner and ELISA in analysis lab.

In central lab, we have devices for molecular biological experiments.

Introduction

The department of pathology studies pathology, which is the most basic theory of Oriental medicine. Oriental pathology includes subject matters such as cause of diseases, pathogenic qi, and pattern identification, and it understands and explains diseases from the perspective of Oriental medicine.

Features

• Arrange with inductive method the disease-analyzing process which is shown in Oriental medical classics such as Huangdi’s Internal Classic, Classic of Difficult Issues, and Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases.
• Suggest Oriental medical method of analyzing diseases.
• Determine the types of pattern identification, which is the result of disease analysis.
• Suggest animal model for pattern identification.
• Suggest the probability of equipment usage in pattern identification.
• Introduce state-of-the-art experimental techniques and search for Oriental medical application.

Prospects

• Establish diagnostic standardization through analysis of pattern identification
• Produce experimental animal model of pattern identification
• Establish objectivity of pattern identification using equipments
• Search for Oriental medical remedy for cancer

Introduction

Pharmacology is the science which investigates changes of vital phenomena caused by medicinal. It belongs to basic Oriental medicine, and yet it is deeply related to clinical Oriental medicine since its ultimate purpose is to reasonably apply medicinal on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

This department is currently conducting in-depth studies on efficacy mechanism of Oriental medicinal substances that are used mostly in clinics.

Features

• Research the world’s highest level of unique efficacy mechanism of Oriental medicinal.
• Researches on the basics of Oriental medicine and clinical studies that can be supported by complete equipment of Western scientific research facility.
• Development of a new concept of 제형 or researches on the increase of efficacy using fermentation engineering and excavating new efficacies.
• Study the relevance of genetic factor to the four constitutions.

Achievements

• Demonstration of experimental efficacy of traditional Oriental medicinal substances(including the four-constitution prescription)
• )Publication of an international journal on Oriental medicine(Oriental Pharmacy & Experimental Medicine) – a registered nominee at Korea Research Foundation
• Publication of a total of 339 research treatises(original article) on SCI-level journals
• Development of 10 brands of Oriental medical products, such as cures for arthritis and allergy, obesity regulator, cholesterol regulator, immune enhancer, and anticancer agent