A Study on the Use of Animal Symbols for Healing of the Korean Traditional Medicine: Focusing on “Donguibogam(東醫寶鑑)”

A Study on the Use of Animal Symbols for Healing of the Korean Traditional Medicine: Focusing on “Donguibogam(東醫寶鑑)”

Animal symbols exert a profound influence on humans. This can be likened to homeopathic magic, with its source tied to the symbol. It has been believed that consuming an animal or crafting items from its parts would imbue humans with the creature’s powers, thereby enhancing its symbolic significance over time. An animal can have various symbolic meanings, and among them, those related to healing have been adopted as folk remedies. Therefore, in this study, we would like to examine an example in which animals were used in folk therapy as a symbol of healing in traditional Korean medicine through “Donguibogam(東醫寶鑑)”. In this context, ‘healing’ not only pertains to direct cures but also encompasses the use of amulets to fend off afflictions and bolster one’s immunity. By looking at animals that have traditionally been used in folk remedies, it is possible to reaffirm the role of animals as healing symbols and to find ways to effectively use animal symbols to enhance the healing effect in the future by recognizing their value.