Korean Cultural Practice Tae-Kyo

When a woman becomes pregnant, she must adhere to the Tae-Kyo practice in Korea, which entails several prenatal cate rites for the mother and child as well as additional behavioral taboos (Purnell et al., 2019). Conception is the beginning of life, according to Korean culture, and the fetus is considered a human being. Because Tae-Kyo promotes healthy fetal growth, pregnant women are required to practice self-control and adhere to it. They also think that a mother’s mental health during pregnancy has a big impact on the growth and development of the fetus. Consequently, the medication is avoided by expectant mothers. However, they are permitted to consume conventional herbs and are instructed to forgo sexual relations. In addition, pregnant women are advised to read, study, and practice arithmetic and English, as well as to enjoy classical music and refrain from watching frightful movies. Pregnant women should practice mindfulness, which is another crucial element of Tae-Kyo. They must therefore refrain from negative thinking and keep a calm disposition.

Tae-Kyo is rather incongruent with allopathic suggestions in this regard. Since Tae-Kyo is based on Korean cultural ideals, it can be difficult for other cultures to accept it. The majority of allopathic prenatal care, however, is given by trained medical personnel (Bornstein, Cote, & Kwak, 2019). Tae-Kyo frequently uses knowledge and talents that have been passed down through the centuries. Additionally, it doesn’t show enough concern for the mother’s and child’s health and instead concentrates mostly on the benefits of Tae-Kyo rites. The mother’s medical history and general health, as well as the health of the unborn child, are the key concerns of allopathic prenatal treatment. The adoption of some Tae-Kyo techniques, including self-care and self-regulation, as well as refraining from using alcohol, smoking, and illegal drugs, must be encouraged by qualified healthcare providers.

Differences in Food Choices

Because it is believed that certain meals had a considerable impact on the appearance of the unborn child, Korean women would refrain from eating things like chicken, duck, crab, and fish with scales when pregnant (Purnell et al., 2019). Noodles, rice, and a few spicy dishes, like kimchee, are nevertheless still permitted for them to eat. To aid in the production of milk and restore their iron stores after postpartum, pregnant women would choose foods like seaweed soup. In the first three weeks following delivery, they are also permitted to have steamed rice but are urged to stay away from cold beverages and meals. Additionally, they use herbal medications that are said to aid in recovery and health promotion.

Cultural Attitudes Towards Drinking

Drinking is not always considered a bad habit in Korean society. Most transactions are made after a few drinks for the business personnel. This is due to their conviction that intoxication causes people to reveal their genuine selves and let their guard down (Kuersten-Hogan & McHale, 2021). Historically, men have consumed more alcohol than women. According to research, a lot of Koreans drink during their free time, during breaks with their coworkers, and while they are with friends at their homes. Koreans’ drinking habits indicate a lot about their way of life, social system, and cultural practices.

Culturally Congruent Strategies

Jay can overcome his drinking issue with the use of a few culturally appropriate techniques. His church and his close church members are one of the best tactics. Churches are frequently the biggest support networks for the majority of Koreans (Kuersten-Hogan & McHale, 2021). Jay and his wife are active members of their church, so the church may give him access to helpful tools like group counseling at home where he can discuss his problems with people who share his circumstances. Additionally, the medical professional ought to make an effort to become familiar with Korean culture to better involve the patient in therapy. For Jay to integrate more smoothly and obtain more work prospects, the healthcare professional must also identify useful resources for him to learn about various cultures and languages in the country.

References

Bornstein, M. H., Cote, L. R., & Kwak, K. (2019). Comparative and individual perspectives on mother–infant interactions with people and objects among South Koreans, Korean Americans, and European Americans. Infancy, 24(4), 526-546. https://doi.org/10.1111/infa.12288.

Kuersten-Hogan, R., & McHale, J. P. (2021). The transition to parenthood: A theoretical and empirical overview. Prenatal Family Dynamics: Couple and Coparenting Relationships During and Postpregnancy, 3-21. New York: Springer.

Purnell, L. D., Fenkl, E. A., Purnell, L. D., & Fenkl, E. A. (2019). People of Korean heritage. New York: Handbook for Culturally Competent Care, 255-262.