Chimgugyonghombang compiled in 1644 is Korea’s earliest book on acupuncture and moxibustion.
It was authored by Ho Im (1570-1647), a Koryo medical specialist in the period of the feudal Joson dynasty.
He began to acquire medical knowledge as he worked as an odd-job man in a doctor’s home, and took special interest in acupuncture and moxibustion.
While practising the therapies, he broadened his experience and got the knacks of them.
He became widely known both at home and abroad and rose to the status of a court doctor which was a kind of medical officer at the time.
He compiled the book at the closing years of his life by systematizing his long and rich clinical experience and successes.
The single-volume book is classified into 70-odd items and consists of the outline and details.
The outline explains in brief the acupoints physicians may mistake, symptoms of different diseases and their relations with the bowels and meridians, positions and functions of commonly-used 138 acupoints belonging to the 12 hard pulses, methods of applying acupuncture and moxa, indications and contraindications of the therapies and their principles.
The details give a simple and clear description of the causes and symptoms of various diseases occurring in relevant parts from the head to legs and the intestines and cures for them, while bringing together the treatments for various diseases in a systematic way and in a manual style.
He also came up with a unique tonification and excess-curbing method based on his view that patients respond differently according to how the needles are inserted.
More From Pyongyang Times
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year address on the occasion of the New Year 2026. Saying that 2025 was the last year
January 07, 2026
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year address on the occasion of the New Year 2026. Saying that 2025 was the last year
A national photo exhibition “Ushering in an era of gigantic transformation for comprehensive development of Korean-style
January 07, 2026
A national photo exhibition “Ushering in an era of gigantic transformation for comprehensive development of Korean-style
Many countries are raising their voice in calling for the UN to fulfil its responsibility and role in ensuring global peace and
January 07, 2026
Many countries are raising their voice in calling for the UN to fulfil its responsibility and role in ensuring global peace and
Young people in South Hamgyong Province have volunteered to work at major worksites of socialist construction. Those in Sinpho
January 07, 2026
Young people in South Hamgyong Province have volunteered to work at major worksites of socialist construction. Those in Sinpho
Thongloun Sisoulith, president of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, made his New Year address on the occasion of the New
January 07, 2026
Thongloun Sisoulith, president of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, made his New Year address on the occasion of the New
The Pyongyang General Electric Cable Factory 326 is boosting the production of various kinds of electric cables from the beginning
January 07, 2026
The Pyongyang General Electric Cable Factory 326 is boosting the production of various kinds of electric cables from the beginning
New houses have been built at the Taljon Farm in Tanchon City and Kuup and Rimphyong farms in Yodok County of South Hamgyong
January 07, 2026
New houses have been built at the Taljon Farm in Tanchon City and Kuup and Rimphyong farms in Yodok County of South Hamgyong
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a statement on December 30 2025 warned that his country would strongly counter any
January 06, 2026
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a statement on December 30 2025 warned that his country would strongly counter any
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his New Year address on the occasion of the New Year 2026. He said that the Russian
January 06, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his New Year address on the occasion of the New Year 2026. He said that the Russian
The respected fatherly Marshal Kim Jong Un provided a reception for the art troupe of Korean schoolchildren in Japan who
January 06, 2026
The respected fatherly Marshal Kim Jong Un provided a reception for the art troupe of Korean schoolchildren in Japan who
New houses were built at the Changbong Farm in Jonchon County and the Ryonsong Farm in Chosan County, Jagang Province. Ceremonies
January 06, 2026
New houses were built at the Changbong Farm in Jonchon County and the Ryonsong Farm in Chosan County, Jagang Province. Ceremonies
Workers of the Kujang Cement Factory carried out a blasting of 100 000 cubic metres of earth on January 4. The successful blasting
January 06, 2026
Workers of the Kujang Cement Factory carried out a blasting of 100 000 cubic metres of earth on January 4. The successful blasting
The Regional Development 20×10 Policy of the Workers’ Party of Korea aims at building modern regional-industry factories in 20
January 06, 2026
The Regional Development 20×10 Policy of the Workers’ Party of Korea aims at building modern regional-industry factories in 20
What is essential for the development of a state is national self-dependence and its own strength. It is like a suicidal act of
January 06, 2026
What is essential for the development of a state is national self-dependence and its own strength. It is like a suicidal act of
Various units have carried out their plans for the first day of the new year. The Namhung Youth Chemical Complex fulfilled its
January 05, 2026
Various units have carried out their plans for the first day of the new year. The Namhung Youth Chemical Complex fulfilled its
A sub-unit under a major firing strike group of the Korean People's Army conducted a missile launching drill on January 4. The
January 05, 2026
A sub-unit under a major firing strike group of the Korean People's Army conducted a missile launching drill on January 4. The
The present reality, in which the world peace and stability are being disturbed due to the ever-growing moves of the
January 05, 2026
The present reality, in which the world peace and stability are being disturbed due to the ever-growing moves of the
As regards the US’ announcement of a large-scale arms sale to Taiwan of China, the Chinese government issued a decision on
January 05, 2026
As regards the US’ announcement of a large-scale arms sale to Taiwan of China, the Chinese government issued a decision on
The rural communities of the country have taken on a new appearance day after day. Last year, the fourth year of implementing the
January 05, 2026
The rural communities of the country have taken on a new appearance day after day. Last year, the fourth year of implementing the
Proud entities showing rural development were built at the Pobu Farm in Kaechon City and Phungthan and Phyongri farms in Sunchon
January 05, 2026
Proud entities showing rural development were built at the Pobu Farm in Kaechon City and Phungthan and Phyongri farms in Sunchon
More Articles