Traditional Indian medicine (TIM) and traditional Korean medicine (TKM): aconstitutional-based concept and comparison

摘要

Abstract Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) plays an integral role in providing health care worldwide. It is based on sound fundamental principles and centuries of practices. This study compared traditional Indian medicine (TIM) and traditional Korean medicine (TKM) basing on data obtained from peer reviewed articles, respective government institutional reports and World Health Organization reports. Despite the fact that {TIM} and {TKM} have individual qualities that are unique from each other including different histories of origin, they share a lot in common. Apart from Homeopathy in TIM, both systems are hinged on similar principle of body constitutional-based concept and similar disease diagnosis methods of mainly auscultation, palpation, visual inspection, and interrogation. Similarly, the treatment methods of {TIM} and {TKM} follow similar patterns involving use of medicinal herbs, moxibustion, acupuncture, cupping, and manual therapy. Both T&CM are majorly practiced in well-established hospitals by T&CM doctors who have undergone an average of 6–7 years of specialized trainings. However, unlike {TIM} which has less insurance coverage, the popularity of {TKM} is majorly due to its wide national insurance coverage. These two medical traditions occupy increasingly greater portion of the global market. However, {TIM} especially Ayurveda has gained more global recognition than {TKM} although the emergence of Sasang Constitutional Medicine in {TKM} is beginning to become more popular. This comparative analysis between {TIM} and {TKM} may provide vital and insightful contribution towards constitutional-based concept for further development and future studies in T&CM.