Health Articles

Thoughtful guidance for your health journey.

Articles from Dr. Kang on acupuncture, traditional medicine, and practical ways to support your well-being.

August 21, 2026

What Is Migraine?

Understanding Migraine from an Eastern Medicine and Modern Medical Perspective A migraine is a neurological condition that causes repeated episodes of moderate to severe headache. The pain may occur on one side or both sides of the head and is often described as throbbing or pulsating. Migraine attacks may also cause: Nausea or vomiting Sensitivity to light Sensitivity to sound Dizziness Fatigue Difficulty concentrating Some people experience an aura before or during a migraine attack. An...

August 21, 2026

What Is a Headache from the Perspective of Eastern Medicine?

In Eastern Medicine, headaches are not viewed simply as pain occurring in the head. Rather, a headache is understood as a signal that may reflect an imbalance in the functions of the internal organs (Zang-Fu) or an impairment in the circulation of Qi and Blood that manifests in the head. 1. Causes and Major Symptoms of Headaches in Eastern Medicine In Eastern Medicine, headaches can generally be classified into two broad categories. One is External Pathogenic Headache, which is associated...

August 21, 2026

What Is Nasal Congestion Caused by Nasal Allergies?

Nasal congestion caused by nasal allergies is generally one of the main symptoms of allergic rhinitis. When the nasal mucosa becomes hypersensitive to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal hair or dander, symptoms such as sneezing, clear runny nose, nasal itching, and nasal congestion may occur repeatedly. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), nasal allergies are not viewed simply as a problem of the nose itself. Rather, they are understood as resulting from an...

August 20, 2026

What is healing massage?

Healing massage is one of the oldest forms of manual therapy, originating from humanity's instinctive healing actions. The primitive act of rubbing and touching painful areas merged with ancient East Asian medical theory, evolving into a sophisticated manual technique that regulates the body's flow of Qi and Blood and balances the meridian system. A core principle of manual therapy involves pushing and pulling bones, muscles, ligaments, and fascia in sync with the patient's breathing to align...

August 20, 2026

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is a medical system that has evolved over 3,000 years in China and Korea to prevent and treat human diseases. Just as humanity gathered food from nature to survive, remedies to overcome illness were also sought in nature—from plants, roots, bark, minerals, and other natural substances. In essence, it represents the accumulation of wisdom and experience in treating human ailments with natural resources. History of Herbal Medicine and East Asian Medicine Discovery in Nature...

August 20, 2026

What is moxibustion(Moxa)?

Moxibustion (Moxa) is a representative traditional East Asian medicine treatment that transmits thermal stimulation and pharmacological properties generated from burning mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) to acupoints, regulating the flow of Qi and Blood and maximizing the body's self-healing power. Origin and History of Moxibustion Discovery in the Hunter-Gatherer Era: Moxibustion originated from primitive thermal experiences during the Paleolithic era, when humans first began using fire. The...

August 19, 2026

What is cupping therapy?

1. What Is Cupping Therapy? Cupping (附缸, cupping therapy) is a traditional therapeutic technique in which cups are placed on the skin to create negative pressure (a vacuum-like pressure), pulling the skin and underlying tissues upward. Although cupping therapy has been particularly well developed and widely practiced in China and Korea, ancient medical texts indicate that similar forms of suction therapy were also used in ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and Rome. This suggests that cupping is...

August 19, 2026

What Is Acupuncture?

1. What Is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a traditional medical practice that has been used in East Asia for thousands of years. It involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and help regulate the body's functions. Acupuncture has a long history in China, Korea, and other parts of East Asia. Today, it is used in many countries not only as a traditional medical practice but also as a complementary treatment for pain and certain functional health...

August 11, 2026

Who is Dr. Hyowon Kang?

I am Dr. Kang, a third-generation practitioner of acupuncture. But my story began long before I ever became a doctor. I was born into a family in Korea where acupuncture had been passed down from one generation to the next. From an early age, my father was not only my father. He was also my first teacher, my mentor, and my example of what it meant to care for another human being. I grew up watching him treat his patients. When a patient came through the door, my father would carefully observe...