Report on the Principles of Un-Yang (陰陽) and TaeKeuk (太極), and How Yin-Yang Theory Guides Diagnosis and Treatment as a Theoretical System in Traditional Korean Medicine
I. Introduction
The concepts of Un (음) and Yang (양) and TaeKeuk (태극), which form the foundation of Eastern philosophy, are core principles for understanding the creation, change, and essence of all things in the universe. These two concepts embody a philosophy of harmony and circulation that goes beyond simple opposition, representing the profound worldview accumulated by numerous Eastern sages in their exploration and systematization of cosmic order.1 In particular, TaeKeuk, combined with Un-Yang thought, signifies the origin of all things in the universe and the universal principle on Earth, meaning the law by which all phenomena operate in an orderly and harmonious manner.3
These principles of Yin-Yang and TaeKeuk form the most fundamental basis for the theoretical system of Eastern medicine, especially Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM). TKM approaches disease based on the Un-Yang and Five Elements (음양오행) philosophy, inheriting the academic tradition of Un-Yang and Five Elements theory, which was the mainstream thought in ancient China, and systematizing empirical medical practices into a comprehensive medical system.4 Un-Yang and Five Elements are understood as the basic framework of all Eastern disciplines that logically explain the principles of creation and phenomena of the universe and things.5
This report deeply explores the fundamental principles of TaeKeuk and Un-Yang and analyzes in detail how they guide human physiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment within the theoretical framework of TKM. Furthermore, it presents a contemporary evaluation of Un-Yang theory and current research trends to highlight the modern significance of traditional wisdom. Through this, the report aims to demonstrate that Un-Yang theory is not merely an ancient philosophy but a living medical wisdom that continues to contribute to human health today.