47. The Principles of Oriental Medicine ： Regulating Qi, Healing the Spirit

The foundational principle of acupuncture in the Huangdi Neijing is summarized in a single phrase: Regulate the Qi, treat the Spirit (調氣治神). The idea is that by harmonizing the flow of Qi, one can heal the Shen, or spirit. The Chinese character for Qi (氣) includes the character for rice (米), which implies directional flow in all directions. Qi flows ceaselessly and naturally in all directions. When this natural flow is disrupted by unnatural or artificial forces, imbalances and illnesses inevitably arise. Acupuncture’s role is to correct these unnatural flows and restore inner peace to the mind and body. This is also why one must always check the pulse before administering acupuncture—to assess the state of Qi, blood, and the internal organs.

With advancements in science, modern medicine explains the mechanism of acupuncture through the neuroendocrine system: acupuncture stimulates the body to release natural healing substances such as endorphins and serotonin, thereby relieving pain and promoting self-healing. While I agree with this interpretation, I believe it reflects the mechanical limitations of Western thinking. In traditional Korean medicine, each meridian and organ is believed to have its own corresponding spirit. The liver harbors anger, the heart joy, the lungs sorrow, the spleen worry, and the kidneys fear. The phrase “a healthy body requires a peaceful mind” or “all diseases stem from the mind” is rooted in the idea that when these organ-spirits are at peace, true health is achieved.

When I see a patient’s decades-long migraine vanish instantly after a few needles and witness them smile with relief, I am once again convinced of how accurate and profound the phrase “Regulate Qi, heal the Spirit” truly is.

As we approach the Lunar New Year—a traditional Korean holiday—I watched North and South Korea unite once again to participate in the Olympics. It awakened in me a deep, natural sense of brotherhood. The tears that welled up without force felt like the most powerful healing medicine, far more effective than any drug or acupuncture, offering solace for the six-decade illness of our divided peninsula.

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