Blog & Columns
Useful information about health and Korean medicine.
Total 679 posts
My Whole Body Feels Heavy and Achy: Dampness Syndrome in 50s Women
A woman in her early 50s. She described her body as being like an old cotton comforter soaked with water. Ever since her last child left for college and she started feeling the emptiness in her home, an inexplicable heaviness began to weigh down her entire body....
Tests Show No Abnormalities, Yet I Feel Fatigued All Day | Incheon Dysautonomia
Implicit in those words is the fatigue that has accumulated over several months, layer upon layer. Outwardly, they present a neat appearance and a steady gait, but the moment they sit down, their shoulders slump slightly. Knowing that weight, I don't miss this expression....
Traditional Korean Medicine for Crohn's Disease? | Incheon Crohn's Disease
Inside my body, a never-ending war...
Why Is My Abdomen Hard? It Could Be More Than Just Simple Abdominal Discomfort.
It might not just be simple abdominal discomfort.
That 'falling out' feeling? Pelvic pain? What's the cause?
안녕하세요, 백록담한의원 한의사 최연승입니다.<br> While treating patients, I often hear the question, <b>‘I'm told to keep my abdomen warm, so why shouldn't I apply moxibustion to my abdomen?’</b><br> This question actually stems from a misunderstanding that Korean medicine clinics don't apply moxibustion to the abdomen.<br> <br> <b><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">You shouldn't apply moxibustion to your abdomen? That's a misunderstanding!</span></b><br> <br> To get straight to the point, in Korean medicine clinics, we frequently apply moxibustion to the abdomen. In fact, <b>abdominal moxibustion therapy is one of the most important treatment methods</b>.<br> That said, <b>it is best to avoid applying moxibustion directly to the navel.</b> <br> <br> Then why did the saying "Do not apply moxibustion to the navel" come about?<br> This is probably because in the past, there were many cases of burns from applying mugwort moxibustion.<br> The area around the navel has thin and sensitive skin and is deeply recessed, making it vulnerable to burns.<br> Furthermore, the navel is where the umbilical cord was connected, and in traditional Korean medicine, it is an important acupoint called <b>'Shenque' (神闕)</b>.<br> The Shenque acupoint carries the meaning of being a gate through which 'Shen' (神), the source of life, passes, <br> and is known as an acupoint that greatly influences the flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body and the functions of the internal organs.<br> Therefore, greater caution must be exercised when directly stimulating the navel area.<br> <br> However, in modern Korean medicine, various moxibustion treatment methods have been developed that address these issues.<br> There are many methods, such as indirect moxibustion and warm moxibustion, that can effectively provide thermal stimulation to the Shenque acupoint and surrounding acupoints while minimizing the risk of burns.<br>
Teen Depression: Easy-to-Miss Signs | Incheon Korean Medicine Clinic for Depression
Hello, I'm Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung from Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.<br>Today, I'd like to introduce a condition that frequently affects modern people and significantly lowers their quality of life: <b>'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome'</b>. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome refers to a condition characterized by fatigue that doesn't improve with rest for over 6 months, accompanied by symptoms such as decreased memory/concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, and post-exertional malaise. Although the exact cause has not yet been identified, it is presumed to arise from a complex interplay of factors such as viral infections, immune system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and stress. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not just fatigue that improves with simple rest, so appropriate diagnosis and treatment are absolutely essential.<br>At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we identify the root cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and provide personalized treatment.
Lump in the Throat, Heartburn | Incheon Reflux Esophagitis
Incheon Reflux Esophagitis...
Why You Have Watery Stools: Causes of Watery Diarrhea
<p>Hello, I am Dr. Choi Yeon-seung from Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.</p> <p>In the previous post, I summarized what <b>narcolepsy</b> is, its causes, and its main symptoms.</p> <p>In this post, we will delve deeper into daytime sleep attacks and cataplexy, which severely disrupt the daily lives of narcolepsy patients.</p> <p>Daytime sleep attacks are one of the most challenging symptoms for narcolepsy patients.</p> <p>Along with intense drowsiness, they suddenly fall asleep. Patients typically experience sleep attacks in active situations, such as during meetings or while driving.</p> <p>These sleep attacks occur irrespective of the patient's will, and even after a short nap, they don't feel refreshed and typically feel drowsy again.</p> <p>Such frequent sleep attacks severely impact a patient's academic and professional life, and also cause difficulties in interpersonal relationships.</p> <p>Next, let's learn about cataplexy.</p> <p>Cataplexy is a symptom experienced by about 70% of narcolepsy patients, referring to a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotional stimuli.</p> <p>Strong emotions such as laughter, anger, or surprise are typically the triggering factors, causing the patient's muscles to weaken, leading to a slumping body or even collapse.</p> <p>During cataplexy, consciousness remains clear, but the body cannot be controlled, which can cause significant fear and anxiety for the patient.</p> <p>Today, we delved into daytime sleep attacks and cataplexy, which severely disrupt the daily lives of narcolepsy patients.</p> <p>In the next post, we will learn in detail about the diagnostic methods and treatment approaches for narcolepsy.</p> <p>Thank you.</p>
High Cortisol Levels: Causes and How to Lower Them?
Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, a doctor of Korean medicine at Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic. <br><br> In this post, we will explore <b>foods good for cold hands and feet</b>. <br><br> <a href="https://blog.naver.com/puree98/223363327170" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">In the previous post</a>, we covered a general overview of cold hands and feet. <br> Cold hands and feet is a condition where your <b>hands and feet feel cold</b>, and it predominantly affects <b>women</b>. <br><br> Having cold hands and feet can go beyond simple discomfort, sometimes interfering with daily life, and it can also be a precursor to other conditions. <br><br> <img src="https://search.pstatic.net/common/?src=https%3A%2F%2Fldb-phinf.pstatic.net%2F20240315_245%2F171048680693510z2K_JPEG%2FKakaoTalk_20240315_165319401_02.jpg" class="se-image-resource _lazy-loading-target-image" width="700" height="700" alt="Cold Hands and Feet"> <br><br> Cold hands and feet is one of the conditions that can be alleviated through lifestyle improvements and diet management. <br> Regular consumption of foods beneficial for cold hands and feet can significantly help improve symptoms. <br><br> Now, let's take a closer look at <b>foods that are good for cold hands and feet</b>. <br><br> --- <br><br> <h3><b style="">1. Warming Foods (Ginger, Cinnamon, Ginseng, etc.)</b></h3> <br> Cold hands and feet often occur due to poor overall blood circulation in the body. <br> Therefore, it's important to consume foods that warm the body and aid blood circulation. <br><br> <b>Ginger</b> has warming properties, making it effective in promoting blood circulation and raising body temperature. <br> Ginger tea, in particular, is very beneficial for relieving cold hands and feet. <br><br> <b>Cinnamon</b> has the effect of warming the body and improving blood circulation. <br> Consuming cinnamon tea or adding cinnamon powder to food is also a good method. <br><br> <b>Ginseng</b> is a representative medicinal herb that replenishes vitality and facilitates smooth blood circulation. <br> Regular consumption through ginseng tea or ginseng dishes can help improve cold hands and feet. <br><br> <h3><b style="">2. Foods Rich in Vitamin E (Nuts, Seeds, Avocado, etc.)</b></h3> <br> Vitamin E helps improve blood circulation and dilates peripheral blood vessels, thereby facilitating blood supply to the hands and feet. <br><br> <b>Nuts</b> (almonds, walnuts, etc.) and <b>seeds</b> (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.) are rich in Vitamin E, making them beneficial for alleviating cold hands and feet. <br> It's good to consume them regularly as snacks or add them to salads. <br><br> <b>Avocado</b> is also rich in Vitamin E and contains abundant unsaturated fatty acids, which help improve blood circulation. <br><br> <h3><b style="">3. Foods Rich in Iron and Vitamin C (Spinach, Red Meat, Tangerines, etc.)</b></h3> <br> Iron is an important component of blood, and a deficiency can lead to anemia, which can worsen cold hands and feet. <br> Vitamin C plays a role in aiding iron absorption. <br><br> <b>Green leafy vegetables</b> such as <b>spinach</b> are rich in iron and can also provide Vitamin C, making them beneficial. <br><br> <b>Red meat</b> (beef, pork, etc.) is rich in iron, effective in preventing anemia, and helps alleviate cold hands and feet. <br><br> <b>Citrus fruits</b> like <b>tangerines and oranges</b> are rich in Vitamin C, which aids iron absorption. <br><br> <h3><b style="">4. Warming Teas (Ginger Tea, Cinnamon Tea, Chrysanthemum Tea, etc.)</b></h3> <br> Warming teas are effective in warming the body and aiding blood circulation. <br><br> In addition to the aforementioned <b>ginger tea</b> and <b>cinnamon tea</b>, <br> <b>Chrysanthemum tea</b> has the effect of warming the body and relieving tension, which helps alleviate cold hands and feet. <br> It is particularly good for cold hands and feet caused by stress. <br><br> --- <br><br> It's easy to think of cold hands and feet as merely an uncomfortable symptom, but it can lower one's quality of life and even be a sign of other underlying conditions. <br> Therefore, consistent management is important, and we recommend maintaining a healthy diet by referring to the foods introduced today. <br><br> The effects may vary depending on individual constitution and health status, so if your symptoms are severe or you have any questions, it's advisable to consult with an expert. <br><br> Choi Yeon-seung, a doctor of Korean medicine at Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, provides <b>accurate diagnosis</b> and <b>customized treatment</b> for those suffering from <b>cold hands and feet</b>. <br> Please feel free to contact us anytime. <br><br> Thank you.
Experiencing Abdominal Pain and Discomfort | Incheon Functional Dyspepsia
It's not merely a problem of 'indigestion.' It's an issue where the most fundamental act – that of gaining energy and experiencing the joy of life through food – instead becomes the starting point of pain that afflicts me, robbing me of my daily vitality.
The True Purpose of Tonic Medicine - Korean Medicine Clinic
Hello, I am Director Choi Yeon-seung of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic...
Is Gongjindan Really Good for Everyone? - Korean Medicine Clinic
Hello, I am Dr. Choi Yeon-seung of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic...