28. I Heal My Own Body： Nurturing Health Through the Mind

In Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, Toegye Yi Hwang emphasized in Hwalin Sambang (Mind Remedies for Saving Lives) that proper control of the mind prevents illness. If the mind wanders, the spirit becomes restless; if the spirit is restless, energy disperses; and if energy disperses, disease follows. Thus, he stressed nurturing health through mental discipline.

Traditional Korean medicine emphasizes clear air, clean water, and a desire-free mind as the key principles of health preservation. During the Southern Dynasties (around A.D. 500), Tao Hongjing of China presented the following teachings in his book Yangxing Yanminglu (Nurturing Nature and Prolonging Life).

Think less, worry less: Don’t be entangled by distracting thoughts.
Desire less, do less: Avoid being trapped by desires or excessive duties.
Speak less, laugh less: Maintain a calm and quiet heart.
Grieve less, enjoy less: Don’t indulge in sorrow or pleasure.
Rejoice less, anger less: Keep emotions moderate and balanced.
Like less, dislike less: Let go of attachments to likes and dislikes.

Cultivate the mind before nurturing the body. In other words, prioritize mental discipline before pursuing physical health. Stress is often called the root of all disease. When under stress, the body secretes the hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol suppresses white blood cells and weakens the immune system, leading to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and abdominal obesity. In my experience, whenever selfish thoughts arise, negative stress soon follows. Letting go of ego, generously giving to others, and then forgetting you have given—this is a crucial method of cultivating the min

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