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it, it will fill-up everything between heaven and earth. (Ishida, Kohn, Ed., 1989:58)
According to the Daoist transformational practices on which Qigong is founded, the humble task of working with
what we are given, beginning with the body, has a healing purpose that transcends the body. Although this alchemical
route to individuation and spiritual realization is beautifully mapped, by nature, such a profound path includes circuitous
detours, set backs and blind spots as part of the terrain.
Thomas Cleary has translated The Book of Balance and Harmony, a 13th century anthology of Daoist writings. In
these classic teachings, the alchemical process of “gathering medicine” is seen to potentially mature beyond technique
and linear progress. Gathering medicine means gathering the true sense of the essence of consciousness within oneself.
This is done by first quieting the mind to still the impulses of arbitrary feelings; when stillness is perfected, there is a
movement of unconditioned energy. This is the energy of true sense, and its first movement arising from stillness is
called the return of yang. This is to be fostered until sense and essence, energy and spirit are united. After that, withdraw
into watchful passivity, because if you persist in intensive concentration after the point of sufficiency, your work will be
wasted. (Cleary, 1989)
“Watchful passivity” implies activity and passivity at the same time, an on-going theme of Qigong and Daoism. The
text cautions against the imbalance of compulsive, self-defeating, over-work, and respects a natural spiritual rhythm.
In the same collection, Cleary defines the completion of Outer and Inner Medicines. The outer medicine can be used
to cure illness and prolong life. The inner medicine can be used to transcend being and enter into nonbeing.
Learning the Dao usually should start from the outer medicine; after that you come to know the inner medicine on
your own. Advanced practitioners who have already developed basic qualities know it spontaneously, so they cultivate
the inner medicine without cultivating the outer medicine. (Cleary, 1989:21)
The “outer medicine” is a system and a map for promoting health and also is potentially preparation for spiritual
development as consciousness brings the unconscious to light. Cultivating the “inner medicine” is the search for the
Truth, the “ever changing changeless,” a path that depends on faith.
1 Claude Larre, S.I. & Elizabeth Rochat de la Vallee have translated and commented on chapter eight of the Lingshu
portion of the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine 1995. This section of the ancient Chinese medical classic
explores the metaphysical context of TCM. Deemed “superstitious,” this important work has been omitted from many
post-cultural revolution translations with a more materialistic bias.
George Love Jr. is a primary care physician licensed in the state of Florida since 1986. As a Doctor
of Oriental Medicine DOM and licensed Acupuncture Physician, he is qualified to prescribe herbs
(herbalist) and therapeutic diets (food therapist). He is the former Dean of Acupuncture Studies at
Barna College of Health Science in Ft. Lauderdale, and the author of six health books including
S.H.I.E.L.D. Your Immune System in Just 12 Weeks, Meridian Chi Gong, You Won’t find Love
in the Refrigerator and Ear Reflexology Massage Your Ears to Health. He has been involved in
the Alternative Health industry for 30 years both as an educator and health care provider. He
teaches Self Healing workshops across the country on Ear Reflexology, Meridian Chi Gong, 4
Doors to Healthy Happiness and 21 Days to Wellness.
50 Yang-Sheng (Nurturing Life) Volume 1, Issue No. 10