한의학 원전에 나타난 나력의 개념, 병리기전 및 치법 연구 - 결핵성 림프절염과의 비교를 중심으로

A Study on the Concept, Pathogenesis, and Treatment of Naryeok(瘰癧) in Korean Medical Classics : A Comparative Study with Tuberculous Lymphadenitis

Objectives : This study aims to identify the concept of Naryeok and to conduct a comparatively analysis with Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis, to establish a foundation for applying Naryeok treatment to its contemporary counterpart. Methods : Contents found under ‘Naryeok’ or related keywords in the Korean Medical Classics were selected, organized, and analyzed to grasp the concept. The findings of this process was comparatively analyzed with descriptions of its contemporary biomedical counterpart. Results : Naryeok, caused by a combination of Xianghuo(相火) from food or emotional damage, phlegm-dampness wind-heat(痰濕風熱) coupled with general deficiency(虛勞), is an illness concept defined from a surgical perspective. Its description mostly consists of its physical features, which key characteristic is successive mass growth in the cervial area. The shape and features of the mass differ according to the stage of disease. From a biomedical perspective, its category is ambiguous and wide. Therefore, Naryeok needs to be understood as not a corresponding concept to Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis, but as a comprehensive disease category in which TL is included. Conclusions : To apply Korean Medical treatment, a careful approach that considers the condition and stage of disease, with an understanding of the difference between the two concepts(i.e. the Korean medical concept and its contemporary biomedical counterpart), is required. Next, treatment methods such as cautery, tonics, dietary/emotional regulation and daoyin(導引) could be applied from a contemporary perspective. In particular, the concept of deficiency leading up to Xianghuo as key pathogology could contribute to the understanding of stress induced and chronic consumptive diseases.