Abstract

This study investigates the history and principles of Korean traditional Taekyo by literary research. Taekyo is compared with prenatal care of modern western medicine, and its principles turn out to be just as scientific. Suggestions are made for a nurse to apply Taekyo principles to nursing care. Traditional Taekyo is an antenatal training which emphasizes how an expectant mother should carry herself (behavior) and a frame of mind she should have (her attitude) in order to produce a child with sound mind and body, as well as good personality. Though Taekyo has been originated in China 2,800 years ago, it has been recorded comprehensively in Korea in a series of publications such as Taekyoshingi, and Kyuhapchongseo, and passed on in a various verbal transitions like Samtaedo, Oliltaedo, etc. Taekyo principles can be explained by yin and yang theory, quantum theory, chaos theory, fetal programming, and social support theory. Some part of Taekyo shares the same scientific ground with prenatal care advocated by modern nursing care for women, where it emphasizes the role of a father, and participation of the whole family in helping an expectant mother. Applying Taekyo principles to nursing care is being done through Taekyo programs, which combine traditional Taekyo with modern prenatal care, in classes for child birth and many pregnant women participate. On the other hand, some internet Taekyo programs appear to be rather distorted and overzealous. A nurse has a responsibility to present a guideline and to monitor internet sites, so that pregnant women can understand the correct concept of traditional Taekyo before they practice it.

Keywords

• Taekyo;
• Body and Mind science;
• Prenatal education

• 태교;
• 심신과학;