38. The Principles of Oriental Medicine ： Like Energy Attracts Like

In Oriental medicine, physiological and pathological phenomena are explained using principles such as “Sounds of the same frequency resonate” (同聲相應) and “People of the same energy attract each other” (同氣相求), applying these to clinical treatment. For example, it’s commonly believed that eating animal liver benefits the human liver, or that walnuts, which resemble the brain in shape, are good for brain function. In fact, livers of cows or sheep are rich in vitamin A, which supports vision. Cow bones are rich in collagen and calcium, which help with osteoporosis. Cow knees (tendon-rich parts), chicken feet, and pig trotters are high in collagen, supporting joint and knee health. Fish eyes are rich in vitamin B1 and DHA, helping with age-related vision problems.

However, the original meaning of “Like Energy Attracts Like” (同氣相求) goes beyond nutritional explanations. It refers to a metaphysical concept of qi (vital energy) and the physical forms that resonate with it—suggesting that humans and nature interact through corresponding energy and form. In acupuncture, the Five Transport Points (五輸穴) are a representative example of applying this principle to meridian systems. The flow of qi and blood is often compared to the flow of water in nature. For instance, tapping or massaging the Laogong point (in the center of the palm) together with the Yongquan point (on the sole) is believed to boost energy, harmonize the heart’s fire and kidney’s water, calm the mind, and aid sleep.

There are also principles such as “If a person with cold constitution eats cold food, it injures the lungs” (形寒寒飲則傷肺) and “In spring, the liver is easily affected” (乘春則肝氣受之), indicating that certain seasons and environmental energies correspond to specific organs or constitutions. Therefore, using red ginseng or ginseng for people with heat in their body, or giving chicken wings to stroke patients, violates the principle of “Like Energy Attracts Like” and may cause adverse effects.

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