ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL CLINIC
HEALING SOUL
"Dear friend,
I pray that you may prosper in all things
and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
STORY OF THE MIND
Anger Joy Worry Sadness Grief Fear Shock
Anger
This is an emotion governed by the liver. It arises when motivations are unfulfilled or suppressed, meaning that things do not go as desired. When anger becomes excessive, it can lead to symptoms such as headaches, tinnitus, chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, and forgetfulness. Other symptoms may also include lower back pain, muscle atrophy, insomnia, and frequent dreaming.
HEALTHY TRADITIONAL MEDICINE CARE FOR YOUR WEARY BODY & MIND
Through clinical experience, I have come to realize that the majority of illnesses are related to the mind. Even simple pain often improves when the mind is healed. Most of a person’s mental suffering stems from emotions tied to unpleasant memories of the past. Unprocessed emotions that were not dealt with at the time continue to affect the body, leading to various issues. These unresolved emotions not only cause psychological symptoms but are also the root of numerous physical conditions, such as muscle pain, high blood pressure, and even obesity.
When only the physical discomfort is treated without addressing the root cause, the symptoms may not heal well, or they may frequently recur. Sometimes, the original symptom disappears but manifests as a different condition. In today's world, people are not only burdened by unpleasant memories of the past but also face a range of mental symptoms and illnesses due to the stresses of modern life. Therefore, healing the mind has become more essential than ever before.
WHAT IS MA-UM(xīn)?
%20.jpg)
In Wikipedia, the Ma-um is defined as follows: "The Ma-um(mind) refers to the aspect of intelligence and consciousness that manifests through a combination of thoughts, cognition, memory, emotions, will, and imagination in relation to others or objects. It includes all cognitive processes of the brain.
Scientifically speaking, the mind can be more specifically described as the information processing system or process carried out by the brain. In other words, the series of processes in which external information, such as light or sound, is received through our eyes or ears, interpreted, transformed, stored, and used is what we understand as the mind.
*Words in English that express the concept of the Ma-um(xīn):
1. Heart – Closely associated with the physical heart, referring to emotions, feelings, and sentiment.
2. Mind – Closely associated with the brain, referring to decision-making, reasoning, and mental activities such as thoughts and judgment.
3. Personality – A trait that a person is born with.
4. Emotion – Refers to mood or feeling.
5. Intention; will – Refers to the intention or will to do something.
THE CONCEPT OF THE MIND IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
What is the Mind in Traditional Medicine?
The mind is formed through all experiences with the external world, meaning that all sensory information, such as sounds, surroundings, and touch, enters the brain and accumulates over time, becoming one's mind. The way one experiences these interactions with the external world then shapes how one responds to future encounters. The external world in this context refers to the six qi – wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and fire. These six qi represent elements that trigger sensations like light and temperature. Each of these qi is associated with specific emotions.
In Traditional Medicine, emotions are classified into seven categories, known as the Seven Emotions– anger, joy, worry, sadness, grief, fear, and shock. These seven emotions are emotional responses triggered by psychological and physical stimuli from both inside and outside the body. They are closely related to the function of the internal organs, particularly the five organs– the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. The physiological and pathological states of these organs are directly influenced by the emotions.
Anger
This is an emotion governed by the liver. It arises when motivations are unfulfilled or suppressed, meaning that things do not go as desired. When anger becomes excessive, it can lead to symptoms such as headaches, tinnitus, chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, and forgetfulness. Other symptoms may also include lower back pain, muscle atrophy, insomnia, and frequent dreaming.
In conclusion, the Seven Emotions in traditional medicine are physiological responses, but they are also one of the primary causes of internal injuries. While all emotional activities influence the corresponding organs, they primarily affect the heart, liver, and spleen. Prolonged emotional distress can also lead to the generation of heat. Under normal circumstances, the Seven Emotions do not cause disease. However, excessive, sudden, or prolonged mental stress can disrupt the functions of the organs and Qi-blood circulation, leading to illness. Therefore, maintaining a healthy mind and body requires effort in regulating emotions and stabilizing the functions of the organs.
The great Heo Jun once passed down the teaching in [Donguibogam]-"Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine": “If you wish to treat a person’s illness, treat their mind first.” Traditional medicine fundamentally operates on the theory of the unity of body and mind, which states that the body and mind are not separate but one. Numerous studies have already proven that a healthy mind leads to a healthy body, and conversely, an unhealthy mind cannot sustain a healthy body.
HEALTHY TRADITIONAL MEDICINE CARE FOR YOUR WEARY BODY & MIND
The Goal of Mind Healing in Traditional Medicine
In traditional medicine, the mind and body are not seen as separate entities. Traditional medicine understands both the mind and body as changes in "Qi" (energy). When Qi is unbalanced, it leads to illness in the body, and similarly, when Qi is disturbed in the mind, it results in mental illness. Just as the body is controlled by regulating the flow of Qi, the mind is also healed by adjusting Qi to resolve emotional and mental issues. The goal is to create harmony between the mind and body, achieving an optimal state where Qi flows freely. To reach this optimal state, one must rediscover their own unique rhythm. "Qi" acts as the bridge that connects the mind and body. Mental illness occurs when Qi is blocked or stagnant. Emotions can be understood as complex reactions of Qi, and by working with Qi, one can promote harmony between the mind and body, gaining the strength to overcome illness.
Closing Words on the Discussion of the Mind
Emotions are natural and a gift from God. However, throughout life, various disappointments, pains, sorrows, and stresses prevent our emotions—and the flow of Qi—from always being in a positive state. When emotions become imbalanced, they disturb the flow of Qi, negatively impacting the body and leading to various illnesses.
The main cause of anxiety, worry, fear, and depression is one's own mind. Negative memories from the past fill the mind, blocking the natural flow and circulation of Qi in the body, causing emotional congestion, like a heavy stone lodged in the chest. We ourselves are the ones blocking the natural flow of energy within us.
What we cling to becomes our body's disposition. The essence of traditional psychiatric treatment is to identify and release these tendencies and motivations. All mental disorders are reactions of Qi, and emotions are disturbances in the flow of Qi. Emotions do not act arbitrarily; they follow specific meridians in the body just like physical illnesses.
HOW IS YOUR MIND?
DEPRESSION
I often feel deeply depressed,
tend to be introverted, and experience a tightness in my chest.
WORRY
ANXIETY
I have a lot of worries, and I am sensitive and anxious.
FEAR
STARTLED
I am easily feels fear or
gets startled.
FRUSTRATION
HWA-BYUNG
I feel a tightness in my chest and struggle to relieve stress, often bottling it up inside.
IRRITATION
ANGER
When I am stressed, I feel heat rising or become easily excited.
SENSITIVE
TENSION
With a sensitive personality, I easily become tense and am sensitive to my external environment.
Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and insomnia may be more prevalent among Christians or those who strive to live sincerely and truthfully in the world. They often exhibit heightened sensitivity to sin and hold lofty ideals. When they fall short of God’s standards, the dissonance between their aspirations and reality can become more pronounced, leading to these symptoms. For those who genuinely wish to care for their hearts, look after their bodies, and positively influence those around them, there is no shame or pride in managing their mental and physical health. Healing begins with humility, which involves recognizing one’s own vulnerabilities.
I must safeguard my heart. - "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the source of life." - If our hearts are in turmoil, even God’s words cannot take root within us. It is my responsibility, as the steward of my heart, to cultivate and maintain it as good soil. I cannot protect what I don't take care of-myself or my home.
Just as we visit the hospital when our bodies are unwell, receive injections, and obtain prescriptions, we should seek professional assistance when our hearts are in pain and our emotions are unstable. It is vital to evaluate our emotional state and receive treatment to regularly clear away the burdens of our emotions and rejuvenate our weary hearts. In a traditional medicine clinic, mental health treatment encompasses not only acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, and cupping but also reflects the therapist’s values. Thus, it is crucial to seek help from a trustworthy professional whose values resonate with your own.
HEALTHY
HERBAL MEDICINE CARE FOR YOUR WEARY BODY
& MIND
Mind Treatment with Herbal Medicine
In traditional medicine, alongside acupuncture treatment, countless studies and developments have been made over the years regarding herbal ingredients that address mental health issues. Carefully selected herbal medicines, sourced from nature or cultivated, are used more effectively according to the individual symptoms of patients. Compared to Western medicine, herbal treatments may feel slower in terms of immediate effects. While the immediate response may be gradual, using herbal medicine tailored to the patient's symptoms and constitution can minimize side effects and help restore metabolic balance while providing psychological stability. Furthermore, herbal medicine can be prescribed according to the patient's constitution and other accompanying physical symptoms.
Among the herbal ingredients used for mental health treatment, many have calming effects on the sympathetic nervous system. These herbs can assist in stabilizing an overly hyperactive sympathetic nervous system. The herbs used for mental treatment are mostly mild in nature, enhancing the body's essential energy while calming the mind and nerves.
The herbal ingredients used at our Healing Soul Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic are all sourced from GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified herbs recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, prioritizing non-addictive natural treatments. The patient's emotional condition is assessed through a four-part inquiry- observation, questioning, listening, and palpation, mobilizing all senses to gather information about the patient's condition. Special techniques include *pulse diagnosis, which involves placing fingers on the inner wrist to assess pulse quality and determine the balance of Qi, blood, and yin-yang, and *tongue diagnosis, which evaluates the state of the internal organs based on the color, shape, and coating of the tongue.
Based on all diagnostic information, a basic protocol for herbal medicine is applied according to the state of the six emotions, with adjustments made to select the most suitable herbal formula for each patient. Our Clinic follows a neuropsychiatric protocol developed in collaboration with Dr. Noh Ui-jun from Korea (www.http://gyogam.com/noh/) and Harvard University, focusing on the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders with herbal medicine.
Mind Treatment with Herbal Other Modalities
Acupuncture
In cases where there is a feeling of chest tightness, acupuncture is commonly used to relieve blockages by stimulating specific acupuncture points. Acupuncture is the primary and essential treatment for symptoms related to chest discomfort and stagnation. The goal of acupuncture is to promote overall circulation throughout the chest, abdomen, head, hands, and feet. *Acupuncture Therapy [Link]
Moxibustion
Applying moxibustion to the lower abdomen helps draw heat downward. To complement the two treatments, acupuncture is performed on the chest while moxibustion is applied to the abdomen, creating a balance where the chest feels relaxed and the abdomen is kept warm.
Cupping
For areas of the body where tension is present, cupping can help relieve blood stasis and promote emotional comfort by drawing out stagnant blood. In cases where tension has accumulated over time, it can lead to the formation of phlegm-like substances. Cupping is often used to release both phlegm and blood stasis. *Cupping Therapy [Link]
Other Mind Treatment Methods
Additional methods for mental well-being include *breathing, exercises, stretching, acupressure, dietary adjustments (eating cooling foods), drinking herbal teas, engaging in conversation, walking, writing, drawing, and hobbies. Meditation, prayer, and practicing gratitude are also beneficial practices. *Breathing Techniques [Link]
Closing Words
A calm mind is the foundation of a healthy body. At Healing Soul Clinic, we are committed to helping each patient restore balance to their mind and body, guiding them toward true peace and well-being. Even small steps can lead to transformative healing. Take the first step today to lighten your heart and reclaim your health.
*Healing Soul Emotional Care [Link]