35. The Principles of Oriental Medicine ： Jing (Essence), Qi (Vital Energy), Shen (Spirit), and Integrative Medicine

In Korean medicine, Jing, Qi, and Shen (Essence, Vital Energy, and Spirit) are considered the fundamental components of the human being. They are often likened to a candle: Jing is the body of the candle, Qi is the flame, and Shen is the light radiating from the flame.

Jing refers to the essential life substance necessary for reproduction, such as plant seeds or human sperm and eggs. It is the physical, visible part of the body, forming the structural basis at the material level (Physical Factor). It governs growth, development, and reproduction, and corresponds to biomedicine in integrative medicine.

Qi refers to the life energy that activates the body, based on the biological foundation of living organisms. In Korean medicine, it is said that “where Qi gathers, there is life; where it disperses, there is death” (人之生, 氣之聚也). This corresponds to energy medicine in integrative approaches.

Shen refers to the command center that controls the body, representing the mind structure on a psychological level (Psychological Factor). It corresponds to mind-body medicine in integrative medicine.

The human body maintains life through the interplay of Jing, Qi, and Shen. When any of these elements is deficient or in excess, various disorders and symptoms arise. They are inseparably connected to human life phenomena and also deeply influence one another. Even if a physical issue is resolved, if the flow of Qi and the state of the mind remain unchanged, symptoms often recur. This is why cancer often returns after surgical removal if the underlying energetic and mental conditions are not addressed.

Therefore, treatment limited to surgery or medication alone is not considered complete. True healing involves not only addressing physical problems but also fostering good lifestyle habits and mental attitudes that restore the flow of Qi and balance of Shen. Korean medicine always takes Jing, Qi, and Shen into account in diagnosis and treatment. Western medicine is also beginning to adopt the concept of integrative medicine, aiming to treat the whole person rather than just the disease.

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Dr. Jin-man Kim, director of Peace Oriental Clinic