Study of Chicken-Foot-Shaped Needling Method (Gaejokchimbup) from the Mid-Chosen Dynasty Era

Abstract

Objectives : The present study was conducted to unveil the existence of a medical technique called Chicken-foot-shaped needling method(“Gaejokchimbup”) from the mid-Chosen Dynasty era and for historical investigation of this technique. Methods : Among historical literatures from China, Korea, and Japan on acupuncture and moxibustion, mentions of “Gaejok”(chicken foot) were searched for and studied. Results : Among the Chinese literatures, some medical scholars made references to “chicken foot” after mentioned in Lingshu Jing. In the Korean literatures, Donguibogam gave it the name Gaejokchimbup and mentioned it. In Japan’s Chimgugeukbeecho which contains the acupuncture and moxibustion knowledge of Korean doctors, the procedural method was explained in detail. Conclusions : According to these ancient medical literatures, Gaejok was used largely in two meanings. First meaning was performing acupuncture with 3∼4 needles in a chicken foot-like shape on a narrow area, whereas the second meaning was using one acupuncture needle and repeatedly inserting the needle while changing directions according to a path in the shape of a chicken’s foot. Based on Rumenshiqin and Chimgugeukbeecho, which contain records of actual clinical experiences, Gaejokchimbup appears to have been used as the second method mention above.