Soc Sci Med. 1989 ; 28(8): 875-84.

The practice of traditional Korean medicine in Washington, D.C.

Pang KY.

School of Nursing, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059.

Therapeutic relationships between Korean immigrants and their hanui, traditional Korean professional physicians, and the role adaptation of these physicians in the United States are discussed. The professional practices of four hanui who work in the Washington, D.C., area are examined through case studies. Research methods included semi-structured interviews, participant observation, key informant interviews, and examination of documentary materials. In hanbang, the traditional Korean medical care system, illness is related to a disturbed state of ki, the cosmological vital energy. Symptoms are often interpreted in terms of a psychosocial base. Pathophysiology is usually illustrated in functional and holistic terms. Treatment modalities include acupuncture, herbal medicines, moxabustion, and cupping. Improvement is evaluated by the quality of pulse, the disappearance of symptoms, restoration of the appetite and of a healthy look and voice, and the return of the ability to function in everyday life. The therapeutic relationship between hanui and their clients is genuine, spontaneous, and harmonious. Clients actively enter into the clinical process by negotiating with hanui about treatment decisions. Hanui practicing in the United States modify their practices to meet their immigrant clients' expectations in relation to the impact of Western biomedicine. They may use some biomedical diagnostic techniques, offer traditional medicines in tablet form, and explain symptoms and treatment with reference to some biomedical terms. Koreans use both hanbang and Western biomedical treatments. However, clients who receive both types of therapy may experience conflicts because of the lack of cooperation between hanui and biomedical physicians.