On September 10, I gave a lecture as part of the regular curriculum at the Gyeongbuk Provincial University for People's Happiness, Gyeongsan Campus.
The Gyeongsan Campus (Bachelor's Program) is located at Daeshin University.
This university aims for the mutual growth of its citizens and the region by enhancing learning capabilities and encouraging lifelong learning participation.
2025 Session 18
Lifestyle Diseases and Korean Medicine
Jewon Lee, K.M.D., Ph.D.
Director, BM Korean Medicine Clinic
In this lecture, I raised awareness about the causes and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and introduced the Korean Medicine approach.
From the time of the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Classic), Korean Medicine has emphasized preventative medicine: "Treating the not-yet-sick (治未病)."
Based on the theory that "to treat the part, one must understand the whole," it values the balance of mind, body, and environment, not just specific symptoms.
A key principle is: "Better not to do than to do more."
For example, even healthy mugwort (ssuk), when consumed as a rice cake (tteok—a refined carbohydrate), can cause a rapid blood sugar spike.
I recommend improving unhealthy eating habits first, before focusing on adding "good" foods to your diet.
Here is a summary of the '10 Dietary Principles for Healthy Freedom' emphasized in the lecture:
- Avoid grains and refined sugars (flour, sugar, etc.).
- Make eco-friendly vegetables your staple food.
- Maintain nutritional ratios (Veg 40%, Quality Protein 25%, Quality Lipid 25%, Sugars 10%).
- Consume sugars from nuts or small amounts of fruit.
- Avoid processed, instant, and delivery foods.
- Be especially wary of liquid sugars (sodas, juices).
- Avoid harmful chemicals (plastics, canned food).
- Choose organic and antibiotic-free ingredients.
- Limit fruit to a small amount (one fist size) per day.
- Secure a fasting window of at least 12 hours daily.
Thank you for listening.
▼Gyeongbuk Institute of Human Resource & Lifelong Education
Gyeongbuk Institute of Human Resource & Lifelong Education
