35. The Principles of TCM. 1. Integrative Medicine

Jeonggisin (精氣神) is the basic unit structure of the human body in Oriental medicine. It is often compared to a candle. Jeong is like the body of the candle, qi is like the flame burning in the candle, and God is explained as the light emitted from the flame.

In other words, essence refers to the nucleus of life for the reproduction of species, such as plant seeds, human sperm, or eggs. It is a visible body and a material dimension (Physical Factor) that forms the physical structure. It governs growth, development, and reproduction, and corresponds to the biomedicine of integrative medicine.

Ki (氣) is the energy of vital activity that makes the human body work with vital force activated based on biological origin or foundation. Therefore, in Oriental medicine, it is believed that when energy gathers, it lives, and when it disperses, it dies (人之生, 氣之聚也). It corresponds to energy medicine in integrative medicine.

God is likened to a command tower that controls the body and is a mental structure at a psychological level. It corresponds to the Mind Medicine of integrative medicine.

Our human body maintains life through vital organs, and when either is excessive or deficient, various diseases appear. In other words, there is an inseparable close relationship between Jeonggishin and human life phenomena. They are also closely connected to each other and influence each other. Even if the physical problem is resolved, if the flow of energy and state of mind remains the same, it will not take long for it to return to its original state. In the case of cancer patients, this is why it recurs even after the cancer is removed through surgery.

Therefore, it is difficult to consider treatment with surgery or medication alone as a true treatment. Complete treatment lies in helping to change not only the physical problem but also good lifestyle habits and mental attitudes that change the flow of energy. Therefore, in oriental medicine, diagnosis and prescription are always based on the vital organs. Western medicine has also recently introduced a new concept called Integrative Medicine, and attempts are being made to look at and treat the entire human being, not just the disease.
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Dr. Jin-man Kim, director of Peace Oriental Clinic