11. I Heal My Own Body : Jing, Qi, and Shen (Essence, Energy, Spirit)

The author summarizes the four essential conditions for strengthening natural healing power as the “4Es”:
EAT (proper diet),
ENVIRONMENT (unpolluted surroundings),
EXERCISE (moderate physical activity), and
EMOTION (mindset).

Fortunately, because the environment here is good, these can be simplified into the concept of Jing-Qi-Shen (精氣神):

• Jing (精, Essence) corresponds to nutrition,

• Qi (氣, Energy) corresponds to exercise,

• Shen (神, Spirit) corresponds to mindset.

There is a saying: “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.”
Many people skip breakfast, mostly because they overeat or eat late at dinner. This creates a vicious cycle: it is natural to lack appetite in the morning, and organs that should rest during the night must digest food instead, impairing their repair. Blood flow to the brain is also reduced, making it difficult to wake feeling refreshed and alert. If this persists, immunity declines, and various illnesses follow naturally.

Exercise should be moderate, such as brisk walking for about half an hour at least five times a week. In winter, indoor exercises like 108 bows or Superbrain Yoga are recommended. Traditional Oriental medicine does not encourage intense workouts or excessive muscle building.

Regarding mindset, the most recommended practice is breath control. Ideally, deep breathing for more than 20 minutes daily supplies maximum oxygen, elevates consciousness to the collective unconscious state, and boosts immunity. Beginners can start with shorter sessions and gradually increase duration.

There is a scientific field called The Biology of Belief, which shows that feelings of love amplify immunity, while anger increases the risk of disease. Thus, teachings like “Love your neighbor” and “Show compassion” are ultimately for our own well-being, as modern medicine confirms.

Maintaining health is not as difficult as it seems. Of course, when disease already appears, treatment becomes more complex. But the basic principle of Oriental medicine always focuses on maximizing the body’s natural healing power.

Acupuncture has very few side effects because it works by regulating natural healing power within the body to reduce pain and promote healing. However, relying solely on acupuncture is not enough; it is crucial to identify and gradually correct the root causes in daily life.

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