Tonic for the Elderly

Hello, this is Dr. Hyocheong Chae, director of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Dongcheon-dong, a place where kind hearts reside.

Instead of thinking ‘it’s natural to lack energy just because you’re getting older,’ we need treatment methods that effectively tonify (補) by distinguishing between individual causes and symptoms and applying different treatments accordingly. Bo-yak (tonic herbal medicine): Herbal medicine that regulates overall bodily functions, enhances resistance, and replenishes vital energy.

As one ages, it refers to a disease where the five viscera and six bowels, along with yin, yang, qi, and blood, become depleted. This describes a state of weakness where physical strength rapidly declines with aging.

“Heo (虛)” refers to a decrease in physical strength due to aging,

“Ro (勞)” refers to a situation where a lack of vital energy leads to severe overwork.

It is often observed that elderly individuals suddenly experience rapid aging, which indicates a high probability of suffering from Heoro-jeung (depletion syndrome).

As one ages, vital energy declines, the body becomes cold, aches appear in various places, and memory deteriorates. Upon entering old age, physical functions naturally weaken, and immunity also declines. Bo-yak can greatly help promote the physical and mental health of the elderly, assist in disease prevention and recovery, and replenish vital energy and maintain physical strength.

As one ages, the body naturally becomes deficient in Qi (氣) and Blood (血), and the balance of Yin and Yang (陰陽) is easily disrupted. Elderly individuals experience a decline in physical strength, weakened digestive function, and weakened muscles and bones, leading to a state where they are susceptible to chronic diseases and various illnesses. Therefore, Bo-yak is needed to nourish the body and enhance immunity.

The Bo-yak used for the elderly varies depending on the individual’s constitution, health condition, and main symptoms. Gongjindan (供辰丹) is a representative Korean medicine tonic that replenishes the body’s vital energy, strengthens immunity, and clarifies the mind. It is effective in restoring vital energy lost due to aging. Insamyangyeong-tang (人蔘養榮湯) improves sarcopenia and frailty symptoms in the elderly. It improves cognitive function, increases skeletal muscle mass, and enhances exercise capacity.

Deer antler velvet (鹿茸) is a representative medicinal ingredient that promotes blood circulation, aids in physical recovery, and strengthens bones and muscles, often included in Bo-yak for the elderly. Sipjeondaebo-tang (十全大補湯) is a Bo-yak that tonifies both Qi and Blood simultaneously, greatly aiding in boosting physical strength and immunity. It is often prescribed for elderly individuals who are debilitated or suffer from severe fatigue.

Bojungikgi-tang (補中益氣湯) is effective in replenishing vital energy, strengthening the stomach and intestines, and improving chronic fatigue and digestive issues.

Personalized Personalized Prescription — The type and dosage of Bo-yak must be appropriately adjusted according to the elderly individual’s constitution and health condition.

Therefore, it is crucial to receive a personalized prescription through consultation with a Korean medicine doctor.

Continuous Intake — Bo-yak shows its effects with consistent intake. It is recommended to take it long-term according to one’s constitution and health condition, rather than stopping after short-term use.

Q. How much and in what way should Bo-yak be taken? A. The duration of Bo-yak intake varies depending on individual circumstances, but if financial conditions permit, it is best to consistently take herbal medicine suited to your constitution.

If the cost is a burden, it is recommended to take it intensively for three months before winter or summer. For example, taking Bo-yak for three months before winter can strengthen immunity to overcome winter colds or other illnesses. Bo-yak is also effective in improving chronic fatigue and weak constitutions.

It helps restore vital energy and balance the body by replenishing deficiencies according to each individual’s constitution. A crucial role of Korean medicine lies in aiding vital energy recovery and immune system enhancement. It is important to take herbal medicine tailored to one’s constitution at the appropriate time, based on a Korean medicine doctor’s personalized prescription.

Q. I’m taking various health supplements for my health. Can I take them with herbal medicine?

A. Many people take various health supplements to maintain their health. While these supplements can help restore vital energy in the short term, their effects are generally temporary. This is because nutritional components are quickly consumed in the body, often leading to vital energy returning to its original state.

Most health functional foods can be seen as having a duration of about one day. In contrast, herbal medicine, especially Bo-yak, offers more sustained and comprehensive effects. Bo-yak focuses on strengthening vital energy and restoring bodily functions by combining appropriate herbal ingredients after analyzing an individual’s constitution and current physical condition. This not only temporarily restores vital energy but also helps regulate bodily functions in a balanced way and promotes long-term health.

It is possible to take herbal medicine and health supplements together. However, considering the potential interactions between herbal medicine and health supplements, it is important to follow appropriate intake methods through consultation with an expert. Q. How should health supplements be taken?

A. While health supplements are generally thought to have few side effects because they are often made of natural ingredients, side effects can actually occur. In particular, excessive intake of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc., carries a risk of toxicity, and for children, not adhering to appropriate dosages can affect their growth.

Furthermore, health supplements containing chemical ingredients (e.g., growth hormones, fat absorbers, convenient diet foods) can pose serious health risks if not used correctly. The effects of health supplements vary greatly among individuals, so not everyone can take the same ingredients in the same way. Experimental results may lack reproducibility, and individuals may react differently depending on their condition and needs.

Therefore, when taking health supplements, it is important to seek expert advice, adhere to safe dosages, and select only the necessary ingredients. Let’s talk with Dr. Chae about Bo-yak for the elderly.

If you have any questions about Bo-yak for the elderly, please ‘add us as a friend’ on Kakao Channel and feel free to inquire via KakaoTalk or phone. Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Dongcheon-dong pursues evidence-based medicine and integrative medicine.

This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.