『素問·金匱眞言論』에 기재된 ‘兪在頸項’의 의미에 대한 考察

A Study on the Meaning of ‘Shu at the Neck’ in the 『Suwen·Jinguizhenyanlun』

Objectives : This study aimed to suggest needling points that match the meaning of the verse ‘Shu at the Neck[兪在頸項]’ through identiying the characteristics of the neck area as written in the Huangdijeijing based on the annotations and commentaries on the verse from the 『Suwen·Jinguizhenyanlun』. Methods : Annotations and commentaries on the verse ‘Shu at the Neck’ by Huangdineijing annotators throughout history were examined. Next, contents related to the ‘Neck[頸項]’ within the Huangdineijing were searched and examined to extract the characteristics of the Neck[頸項]. In addition, big data on health care was analyzed to calculate the change in medical consultations of neck pain patients according to seasonal change in the recent 5 years, so as to determine clinical relatedness. Contemporary research papers were examined as well. Points combinations that match the ‘Shu at the Neck’ were suggested based on the characteristics of the Neck that were determined through the aforementioned process. Results & Conclusions : There were various opinions on the meaning of ‘Shu’ from the verse ‘Shu at the Neck,’ including the Shu point. The Neck, according to the Huangdineijing, was a locus wherein Qi comes into bearing after the Jing Qi ascends from the lower body, in which there is Renying Pulse that is indicative of the Yang Qi of digested food, and where the Fengfu at which pathogenic Qi penetrates exists. These three characteristics are all related to the manifestation of Jing Qi of the Five Viscera. Based on the big data analysis, significant increase in the number of neck pain patients during the Spring season could be verified, supporting the ‘Spring-Liver-Shu at the Neck’ correspondence to be significant beyond the theoretical level. Based on such findings, various points combinations for pathological conditions such as Liver Qi deficiency, Spleen-Stomach deficiency and weakness, pathogenic Qi penetration were suggested. In conclusion, the ‘Shu’ from the ‘Shu at the Neck’ could be understood as a multi-faceted concept that could be applied flexibly according to illness pattern, season, Zhangfu function, and not be limited to a specific needling point.