Chi Kung: The Medicine of Energy, Mind and Form

By Dr Khoo Lee Seng

In modern medicine, we are trained to observe structure, measure pathology, and intervene with precision. As a registered Western medical practitioner who completed Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery residency and also a practitioner of medical acupuncture, I have spent decades studying anatomy, physiology, and the science of healing. Yet, there exists another dimension of medicine—older, quieter, and deeply experiential—that complements what we see under the microscope.

This is the art of Chi Kung (Qi Gong).

Chi Kung is an ancient system within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that integrates movement, breath, and mind regulation to cultivate and harmonise the body’s vital energy—Qi . While Western science may describe its effects in terms of nervous system regulation, circulation, and musculoskeletal conditioning, Chi Kung approaches the human being as an integrated energetic system.

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Qi, Aging, and the Silent Decline of Vitality

Aging, in Western medicine, is often described as cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and progressive degeneration. In Chi Kung, aging is understood more simply—and perhaps more truthfully—as the gradual depletion and stagnation of Qi.

When Qi flows freely:

• tissues are nourished
• sinews remain supple
• the mind is clear
• the spirit is anchored

When Qi stagnates:

• toxins accumulate
• fascia and sinews tighten
• circulation is impaired
• disease begins to manifest

If you look at the electrical circuit in the illustration, you will see that:

1. The Qì channels are like the wires that carry electric current.

2. The internal organs are like the electrical components such as resistors and solenoids.

3. The Qì vessels are like capacitors, which regulate the current in the circuit.

4. The dāntián is like a battery, which stores the charge and provides the EMF in the circuit.

Modern research does show that practices like Chi Kung can improve circulation, flexibility, balance, and even aspects of cardiovascular health . From a surgeon’s perspective, this translates into improved tissue quality, better healing potential, and resilience against degeneration.

But Chi Kung goes further—it addresses the root.

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Sinews, Fascia and the Hidden Network of Health

In surgery, we see the fascia and connective tissues directly. These are not inert structures. They are living, dynamic, responsive. You may read more about the concept of fascia in the link below.

https://drkhooleesengplasticsurgery.blogspot.com/2025/07/fasciadiseaseandacupuncture.html

Figure A- Healthy Fascia which are neatly organized that allow easy gliding and smooth movements

Figure B- Aging and entangled fascia result in chronic pain, loss of flexibility and onset of degeneration.

Chi Kung traditions have long described the importance of “sinews” (tendons and fascia) as the physical expression of internal vitality. Practices such as Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic) specifically aim to transform these tissues—making them elastic, resilient, and energetically alive.

From a biomedical standpoint, this correlates with:

• improved fascial glide
• enhanced proprioception
• reduced chronic tension patterns

                                                      Tight entangled fascia causes lymph stagnation

From an energetic standpoint, it allows Qi to flow unimpeded through the meridians which are flow within the fascial connections.

Where there is stiffness, there is stagnation.
Where there is stagnation, there is disease.

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Toxins: Beyond the Physical

We often speak of toxins in biochemical terms—metabolic waste, environmental pollutants, inflammatory mediators.

But in Chi Kung, toxins also include:

• unresolved emotional states - anger, hatred, apathy, jealousy, evil thoughts.
• chronic stress patterns - worry, anxiety, greed.
• habitual negative thinking - the refusal of accepting facts and truths.

Dr Khoo Lee Seng's Plastic Surgery Blog: EMOTIONS THAT CAN MAKE YOU SICK & EVEN IMPEDE HEALING POST SURGERY by Dr Khoo Lee Seng

These are not abstract ideas. They manifest physically.

Persistent anger tightens the chest and jaw.
Fear weakens the kidneys and posture.
Worry knots the abdomen.

Over time, these patterns obstruct Qi flow and alter physiology.

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The Mind as the Primary Physician

One of the most overlooked truths in both Eastern and Western medicine is this:

The mind directs the body.

In Chi Kung, improper thoughts—particularly:

• anger
• resentment
• blame towards others
• internalised negativity

—are seen as major disruptors of Qi.

When a person constantly assigns blame externally, they lose internal agency. The mind becomes scattered, the breath becomes shallow, and Qi becomes chaotic. This disrupted chi is shown on the face and facial micro-expressions. A cruel person or someone who mentally unsound or even an instigator of evil can be "felt" and "seen" by their aura ("chi") and their facial appearance.

Dr Khoo Lee Seng's Plastic Surgery Blog: Leaking Qi & Depleted Jing- The Cause of All Medical Maladies & Premature Aging by Dr Lee Seng Khoo

This is not philosophy alone. It is observable.

Modern studies show that Chi Kung integrates mental focus, breathing, and movement to regulate both psychological and physiological states .

A disturbed mind leads to disturbed Qi. Disturbed Qi leads to disease.

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Facial Feng Shui: The Face as a Map of the Mind

As a plastic surgeon, I have a unique vantage point.

The face is not merely anatomy—it is history.

Over time, emotional patterns sculpt facial structure:

• chronic anger hardens the jaw and deepens lines
• worry hollows the midface
• resentment tightens the eyes
• fear alters posture and expression

Evil or cruelty can be seen on face due to manifestation of internal states.

(You may watch my webinar on Facial Feng Shui and Cosmetic Surgery here)

https://youtu.be/-SiQubvjpcI

This is what traditional practitioners refer to as facial feng shui—the outward manifestation of internal imbalance. You may read more about Facial Feng Shui and how plastic surgery and emotion management can alter the facial structures and appearance.

https://healthcaretoday.com.my/facial-feng-shui-bridging-aesthetics-with-cultural-harmony.html

No injection or surgical technique can fully reverse what is continuously reinforced by the mind.

Chi Kung, however, works from the inside outward.

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The Systems of Practice I Teach

My training in Chi Kung emphasizes both structure and spontaneity. The systems I practice and teach my students include:

Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades)- Wuji modification

A foundational system of dynamic movements that:

• improves circulation
• stretches the sinews
• regulates organ systems

Microcosmic Orbit- Wuji Modification

A meditative practice circulating Qi through the Ren and Du meridians:

• enhances internal energy flow
• stabilizes emotional states
• builds internal awareness

Yi Jin Jing - Wuji Modification

Focused on transforming muscles and tendons:

• increases strength and elasticity
• improves posture and structural integrity

Xi Sui Jing (Marrow Cleansing)

A deeper internal practice aimed at:

• revitalising internal systems
• strengthening core vitality

Standing Meditation (Zhan Zhuang)

Often underestimated, this is one of the most powerful practices:

• develops a one-pointed mind
• builds internal force
• aligns structure with energy

I also practice moving meditation using Gung Fu forms that realigns the muscles and fascia to promote qi flow and cat-like reflexes.

Spontaneous Chi Flow

At higher levels, the body begins to move naturally:

• releasing deep blockages
• restoring natural rhythms
• allowing the body to “self-correct”

At this stage the body will sway and move on its own accord and practitioners may jump, roll, cry or simply enjoy the movements that allows chi to flow and unblock "blocked" meridians and channels in the human body.

Example of the hand Jue Yin pericadium meridian.

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Death, Stillness, and the Return to Simplicity

Ultimately, Chi Kung is not merely about health or longevity.

It is about alignment—with oneself.

Death, in this framework, is not an enemy but a transition. A life lived with chaotic Qi, emotional turbulence, and internal conflict leads to suffering—both in life and at its end.

A life cultivated through:

• calm mind
• balanced emotions
• smooth Qi flow

—leads to clarity, acceptance, and peace.

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Bridging Two Worlds

As a Western-trained doctor & surgeon, I do not reject science. On the contrary, I rely on it daily.

But science, at its current stage, measures what is tangible. Chi Kung operates in a domain that is experiential, functional, and deeply personal.

The two are not in conflict.

They are complementary.

Where surgery corrects structure, Chi Kung restores function.

Where medicine treats disease, Chi Kung cultivates health.

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Conclusion

Chi Kung is ultimately a practice of responsibility.

Not blaming others. Not inciting hatred. Not harboring evil thoughts or intentions. Not externalizing suffering. Not waiting for cure.

But cultivating:

• clarity of mind
• harmony of emotion
• smoothness of Qi

Health is not given. It is cultivated.

Meanwhile, keep smiling from your heart! Keep pleasant thoughts if not for others, at least for your own health!

Dr Khoo Lee Seng

What God forgot to tell surgeons: the science of acupuncture - My practice of Medical Acupuncture as a Surgeon

 I am primarily a surgeon by training having completed a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery residency (38th Infirmary Santa Casa de Misericordia- Ivo Pitanguy Institute) with international fellowships in both Craniofacial Surgery (Chang Gung Memorial Hospital) and Reconstructive Microsurgery (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona). www.linkedin.com/in/drkhooleeseng

As of the past year, I have an integrated practice dedicated to acupuncture within my surgical practice.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGmrGilPw_Y/?igsh=d2U3dHRtcXUydnp0   (Neck pain treated with medical acupuncture & Botox)

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA3nbmes8lq/?igsh=c3l3MmpocG02bG55    (Weight Loss acupuncture)

As a surgeon, I bring a unique perspective to acupuncture, with a deep understanding of the body’s anatomy, particularly in areas where acupuncture needles are often used. https://drkhooleesengplasticsurgery.blogspot.com/2025/07/fasciadiseaseandacupuncture.html

Having performed surgeries in many of these regions, I’m able to apply my surgical dexterity to acupuncture maneuvers. In addition to acupuncture, I also use acupressure when appropriate, either as an alternative or in combination with acupuncture needles, depending on the situation.

My background in surgery allows me to address post-operative discomforts, like pain, nausea & vomiting, and issues such as slowed gastrointestinal tract movement in my patients. I believe that acupuncture can be considered a specialty of surgery, not because it deals directly with anatomy, but because it influences the body’s energy flow via meridians, which can have a profound effect on healing.

I was born in Malaysia and eventually made my way to read medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. After completing basic General Surgery training, I obtained the Intercollegiate Membership of The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh (MRCS Edin). My background in Surgical Sciences & General Surgery gives me a solid scientific foundation that complements my acupuncture practice.

After General Surgery training, I pursued Plastic Surgery training at the 38th Infirmary Santa Casa de Misericordia Hospital under auspices of  the renowned Father of Modern Plastic Surgery, Ivo Pitanguy.https://www.wmagazine.com/story/ivo-pitanguy  

https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/fashionandbeauty/arid-20271869.html

During my residency, I was honored to receive a research award for best Scientific Research paper (Jane Brentano Prize award) among all Plastic Surgery residents in Brazil. Dr Khoo Lee Seng's Plastic Surgery Blog: Ivo Pitanguy

My interest in Medical Acupuncture was ignited as my mentor in Plastic Surgery, Dr Vasco Senna-Fernandes was also a hand surgeon and a medical acupuncturist. He taught me the concept and technique of using acupuncture points in Plastic Surgery. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2740529/

                      Picture of myself (middle), Ivo Pitanguy (left) & Vasco Senna-Fernandes (right)

Dr Vasco Senna-Fernandes also exposed me to the concepts of using Acupuncture pre-surgery to reduce anxiety and also post-surgery to alleviate pain and discomfort or abdominal bloating. We wrote several papers in Plastic Surgery together one of which was enjoyed immensely was the following (click link)https://www.scirp.org/pdf/MPS_2014033114215017.pdf

Other links to my research papers in Plastic Surgery https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=00YRWlsAAAAJ&hl=en

I then later sought a year-long formal Medical Acpuncture training at the University of New England under Dr Jospeh Audette who was Former Course Director of the International Structural Acupuncture Course for Physicians at Harvard Medical School and currently the President of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA). It was a wonderful training program with a diverse faculty who mostly are medical doctors & healthcare professionals who practice medical acupuncture. The robust and well organized training program allowed me to cosolidate my acupuncture knowledge and skills into mainstream Western Medicine and deepened my understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) https://acumed.org/medical-acupuncture-course-approved-cme-training-program/

                           Myself (middle) with mentors Joseph Audette (right) and Yuan Chi-Lin (left)

        Medical Acupuncture Diploma "Integrated Structural Acupuncture Course for Physicians"

 

Acupuncture, a form of alternative and complementary medicine, is part of the wellness treatments I offer in my practice.

Medical Acupuncture is available at Skin Check Malaysia. I also perform Acupuncture pre and post surgery for enhanced recovery and reduced pain.

What is Acupuncture?

Some details on acupuncture

Is acupressure the same thing? 

Acupressure developed from acupuncture points. They’re related, but not the same. Acupressure is a type of massage, while acupuncture involves placing very tiny needles to achieve bigger results. Both can be used together for enhanced benefits.

Conditions I Treat With Acupuncture

I offer acupuncture care for:

-Acne (and other forms of skin-care–related acupuncture)

-Allergies (allergic rhinitis and skin allergies)

-Asthma

-Back pain

-Cosmetic acupuncture (sometimes called an acupuncture facelift) — this can soften wrinkles and lift areas such as the brows, cheeks, under-eye bags, and even help with a double chin. There is a separate cost for cosmetic acupuncture.

-Vaping/Smoking cessation (the biggest cause of slow wound healing and poor scarring in surgery)

- Carpal tunnel syndrome

- Constipation

-Depression

-Dermatitis and skin diseases ( I also hold a Diploma in Dermatology)

-Diverticular disease

-Endometriosis

-Fatigue

 -Fertility

-Fibromyalgia

-Headaches and migraines

-Hemorrhoids

-Hot flashes

-Infertility

-Menstrual cramps

-Myofascial pain / trigger points

-Pain management

-Sinusitis (often allergy-related)

-Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

-TMJ / jaw pain

-Weight-loss acupuncture for obesity

-Auricular (ear-only) acupuncture or Battlefield Acupuncture

…and more. Feel free to Whatsapp +6014-200 6558 and ask about specific needs.

What to Wear to Your Acupuncture Sessions

Most acupuncture points are located on the extremities — below your elbows and knees. Wearing loose-fitting pants and shirts that can be rolled up works well, or you may wear shorts.
For hip-related back pain, I may need to use acupuncture points around the hip area; we have towels and drapes available for modesty.
If you’re coming straight from work in a uniform or tight clothing, we also have patient gowns. (Keep in mind we are also a surgical clinic.)

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Will I Need?

It depends on your goals and your condition. For most concerns, I usually recommend 4–12 sessions over about two months, followed by a maintenance program anywhere from once a month to once every six months.
Of course, you don’t need to be sick to benefit from acupuncture — so your schedule is ultimately your choice.

 Scared of Acupuncture Needles?

                    Patient recounts her experience undergoing Acupuncture under Dr Khoo

About 8 out of 10 of my patients tell me the needle insertions are completely painless and the session is relaxing.
The other 2 out of 10 say the needles feel like a tiny mosquito bite (they must have been bitten by large mosquitos!). Almost no one tells me the needles hurt “like crazy”—those patients either don’t come back or ran too fast for me to notice.

                                 Patient recounts her experience as an Acupuncture patient of Dr Khoo

I’ve done acupuncture on myself and yes, it hurt a bit — but that was during training when I didn’t realize the sample needles we were given were actually thicker needles reserved for special cases.

In my practice, I use much thinner needles, about 36-gauge, so thin that several acupuncture needles can fit into the hole of a standard needle used to draw blood.
All needles I use are single-use, disposable, and among the highest-quality needles available.

If you sign up for an acupuncture session, you’ll hear plenty more about needles — fun times!

Side note: If you're scared of needles, you’re in good company — I am too, especially the ones used for blood draws. I’m not afraid to use needles on patients, though! And I definitely understand how it feels to be anxious about them.

What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Session With Me

I’ll start by sitting down with you to discuss your goals and what you hope acupuncture can help with. We’ll talk about your symptoms, and I’ll explain what acupuncture may be able to do for you. I’ll answer any questions you have.

I’ll likely take your pulse and perform a physical examination — both are part of Chinese medicine diagnosis — and then I might give you beautifully poetic phrases such as “damp spleen” or “overheated liver”.

We’ll go over some acupuncture point charts so you’ll know what to expect. Then I’ll perform the acupuncture treatment.

During the session, we’ll keep an open dialogue; many patients end up sharing great stories, which I enjoy immensely.

Unapologetically Yours

Dr Khoo Lee Seng

Me and my young patient who came for Acupuncture treatment for rhinosinusitis and allergies. All children are welcome for Medical Acupuncture treatments at my pratice!

The Psychological Aspects of Medical Acupuncture - Treating the Patient Beyond Surface Pathology

As both a medical professional - surgeon and martial artist I meditate a lot. In meditation, we often confront the impulse to judge our thoughts and feelings for example of shock, sadness, anger or guilt. That judgment hardens into rejection; rejection resists the flow; and resistance becomes stagnation. Where there is stagnation, the qi cannot move — and where qi cannot move, suffering takes root and disease sets in.

An example of moving meditation that I do is using the Siu Nim Tao 小念頭 form to guide my mind to only focus on the movements thereby achieving a one-pointed-mind instead of no-mind.https://vimeo.com/1074016019?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Yet emotions are not enemies. They are not to be feared, condemned, or exiled. Nor are they to be indulged without restraint. They are simply energy in motion — echoes of the spirit stirring within the blood. The instruction I received was simple, yet profound: do not cling to the story; feel the energy beneath. Sit with it. Let it rise, and let it fall away like a wave returning to the sea. Breath in and breath out the emotions. Be the observer of the emotions not the bearer of the emotions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7KSMYTsZKM

In the classical view of Chinese Medicine, all emotions are natural — they become harmful only when they linger, becoming trapped in the body. The Huang Di Nei Jing  黄帝内经(Yellow Emperor Classic Cannon of Medicine) teaches us that the Shen 神 (spirit) rides the blood; and when the blood stagnates, so too does the Shen. What we call “emotion” is not merely psychological — it is movement, vibration, a rhythm of energy coursing through the meridian rivers.

There are three layers to this emotional current:

1. Moods – Wei Level

Moods are like weather passing across the surface of the body. These arise without story or known cause — a sudden melancholy, an unexplained irritation often in women but also in men. They dwell in the Wei Qi, the protective energy that circulates through the muscles, skin, and sensory gates. When Wei becomes obstructed, we may find ourselves burdened by emotion that feels foreign or rootless. Clearing the surface — through breath (meditation), movement (chi kung), or needle (medical acupuncture) — restores clarity, allowing the cloudy moods to part.

2. Repression – Ying Level

Repressed emotion sinks deeper — hiding within the blood and sinew, waiting. I once seen and treated a woman who presented with red, scaly patches at her toes, first diagnosed by various dermatologists as athlete’s foot. But the location — Gallbladder 43, "Valiant Ravine" — revealed the truth: heat rising from unresolved anger, trapped and seeking release. 

Medical Acupuncture treatment to restore flow to the Gallbladder meridian and also to treat psychosomatic Shu points on the back eliminated the skin disorder without any prolonged use of topical antifungals.

Repressed emotions is a quiet fire. It may not appear as feeling, but as symptom — pain, inflammation, rigidity in the joints such as arthritis or knee pain. 

The Gallbladder stores our unexpressed courage or anger and frustration.

The Bladder becomes the holding place of unspoken fear and unresolved will.  When these organs bear more than they can transform, the body whispers through pain and manifests as illnesses or diseases. If the person is very nervous or scared, he may urinate out of fear or have frequent urination.

3. Suppression – Shen Level

Suppressed emotions are known to us — we feel them, we know their stories — yet we do not let them go. We keep the motions however painful or uncomfortable within ourselves and not reveal them.

They will the dwell in the chest, in the palace of the Heart and the Lungs. Pain in love connections or in relationships is felt directly at the Heart. The Heart houses the Shen, the sovereign spirit. The Lungs command the Po 魄, the corporeal soul, the part of us that grieves, releases, and returns to Earth. When the chest is open, the Lungs allow us to exhale emotional tension like a bird shaking off rain. The Heart speaks through the tongue — not just in words, but in the vibrational truth of our expression.

But when the chest is closed, when the grief is not cried, when the words are not spoken, the digestive organs must step in — Earth transforming what Heaven could not. 

The Stomach and Intestines begin to digest our emotions, sorting the pure from the impure. We begin to lose appetite, lose weight and cannot digest what we consume.

And if even Earth cannot bear it, the unresolved energy descends into the depth — into the joints, the low back, the bones — hiding within the Bladder and Gallbladder meridians like seeds of latency. 

There, the fire continues to burn, low and unseen, weakening the immune gates and fraying the vitality of the blood giving rise to high blood pressure, blood cancers/dyscrasias and various circulatory disorders of the body.

This article is not intended to invoke fear, but rather a reminder to let some emotions go and walk lighter in life. Do not dwell on emotions such as greed, anger, jealousy, apathy or having a vengeful spite because ultimately this will only injure yourself. 

Focus on emotions of joy or being engrossed in the moment. Become a child again for once and everything is a wonder again. A child does not need much to be amused or to smile. Even after crying, all is forgotten as the child is now giddy with joy again.

Conclusions

Emotions are not separate from qi, nor from blood. They are the spirit’s response to life. To heal is to clear the meridians, restore the free flow, and allow the Shen to reside peacefully in the Heart. Acupuncture, like meditation, opens the gates, revives circulation, and allows the spirit to move freely again.

When the chest opens, when the breath deepens, and the blood warms with flow — we remember what it feels like to be light. To feel. And to let go. And to be a child again.

Unapologetically Yours

Dr Khoo Lee Seng

EMOTIONS THAT CAN MAKE YOU SICK & EVEN IMPEDE HEALING POST SURGERY by Dr Khoo Lee Seng

You eat right, you do regular exercise, you take the correct supplements, heck you don't even smoke or drink but yet you became severely ill! Why? You did everything right but your emotions ran wild....

“The seven emotions give rise to chaos, which leads to the formation of mucus.”

 “Shock, fear, worry, and pensiveness are the roots that produce mucus.”

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine 黃帝內經

These observations are grounded in the ancient wisdom that recognizes the subtle interplay between emotions and the body’s internal balance. Emotions—particularly those that are intense and unresolved—are the source of qi stagnation. 

This stagnation manifests in the body’s most vital systems, especially the lungs and liver, disrupting their natural functions. 

The lungs, which are responsible for the downward movement of qi, and the liver, which governs the upward flow of energy, become obstructed. 

The result is a cascading imbalance that impedes the spleen’s ability to regulate water, giving rise to dampness, which accumulates as mucus in the lungs. This dampness blocks the body’s ability to metabolize water properly, further exacerbating heat and contributing to a cycle of anxiety.

“Strange and difficult diseases come from mucus,” Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine).

Allow me to translate this understanding into the language of Western medicine. 

YOUR EMOTIONS CAN MAKE YOU ILL 

Strong emotions—such as anger, fear, grief, and stress—create a dysregulation in the body's delicate balance. 

For example when the liver is overworked for example processing too much alcohol or toxins such as nicotine or drugs - the person manifests this as easily angered. 

Overthinking and overworking taxes the spleen and disrupts the digestive system leading to constipation or diarrhea. In traditional Chinese medicine, a weak spleen may lead to blood leaving its vessels, which can manifest as easy bruising, and it can also be associated with a low iron count (anemia).

Specifically, they interfere with the production and function of gasotransmitters (such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide) and elevate cortisol levels. 

QI (CHI) STAGNATION

This is the manifestation of qi stagnation. This disturbance leads to an imbalance in the gut and respiratory microbiomes—what the West refers to as dysbiosis—which further impedes the body’s natural water metabolism.

As the body attempts to deal with the dysregulated water, it accumulates in inappropriate areas, creating what we call dampness. 

This dampness becomes a fertile ground for pathogens—molds, vaginal yeasts, bacteria (bacterial vaginosis), and viruses (HPV, Hepatitis, Herpes Simplex 1 & 2)—which trigger a low-grade systemic inflammation and create biofilms to shield themselves from the immune system. 

This is the mucus, the thickened, protective barrier that obstructs the flow of energy, impeding circulation and contributing to further stagnation. This results in tender and blocked meridians that need to be treated with medical Acupuncture and emotional regulation.

A vicious cycle emerges, a loop that strengthens itself over time, leading to the slow decline of health, vitality, and a gradual process of aging.

Sadness & Lung Health

When a person is sorrowful, their lungs often become weak. In Chinese medicine, sorrow is linked to the lungs, both of which belong to the metal element. So, how does one treat a patient with weak lungs caused by sorrow?

A mediocre physician might prescribe herbs to strengthen the lungs directly. A more knowledgeable physician might strengthen the stomach to improve digestion and nourish the lungs, following the inter-creativity principle (earth creates metal). While this is a more thoughtful approach, it still addresses only the symptom.

A master physician, however, understands the deeper issue: the real problem is emotional. Strengthening the lungs directly with herbs will only aggravate the imbalance. If the lungs are weak (yin deficiency), increasing their function (yang) will create a disharmony—too much yang will overwhelm the already frail yin. Strengthening the stomach is a better choice, but it still doesn’t address the root cause: sorrow itself.

USING EMOTIONS TO "TREAT" EMOTIONS

To treat sorrow, the physician must work on the emotion. The Chinese saying “emotional illness is best overcome by using emotions” holds the key. Sorrow corresponds to metal, and metal can be countered by fire—joy. By cultivating joy in the patient, the sorrow is diminished, and the weakness in the lungs gradually resolves.

This is the inter-destructivity principle: joy (fire) destroys sorrow (metal). But the real skill lies in the physician’s ability to bring joy into the patient’s life. The practitioner must invoke the emotion of joy to restore balance, not just focus on physical symptoms.

GOING BEYOND TREATING JUST THE SYMPTOMS

In true healing, the master physician treats the cause, not the symptoms. By addressing the root emotional imbalance, the body’s natural harmony is restored.

Here is a STORY that illustrates how a deep understanding of emotional theory in Chinese medicine can lead to powerful healing—though not in the way most would expect.

An emperor fell ill. Despite the best efforts of his imperial physicians and the finest delicacies prepared by palace chefs, he could not recover his appetite. No treatments worked. (In hindsight, one might wonder whether the physicians could not cure him—or dared not.)

One day, a renowned physician who had long declined palace service in favor of helping the common people offered to treat the emperor.

“I’m glad you’ve finally come to serve the court,” the emperor said.

“This will be my final act of loyalty,” the physician replied. “But I ask only one thing: allow me to roam freely within the palace grounds.”

“Of course,” said the emperor. “Wander as you please.”

Days later, the emperor entered his beloved concubine’s chambers and, to his shock and fury, found the physician appearing to assault her.

“Seize him! Behead him immediately!” the emperor roared in outrage.

And not long after—the emperor was cured. His appetite returned.

Why did this work?

In Chinese medicine, worry corresponds to the earth element. Excessive worry weakens digestion and appetite. To counteract worry, one must engage the wood element—its controlling counterpart. And the emotion of wood is anger.

By provoking intense anger, the physician used the emotional force of wood to destroy the stagnating influence of earth, thereby restoring the emperor’s appetite and internal balance. This was not madness or disrespect—it was a calculated act, rooted in deep medical theory and an understanding of how emotions govern the organs.

This is the power of treating the root cause, not just the symptom. True healing often lies in the unseen, in the emotional landscape that shapes the flow of qi.

An ingenious doctor may invoke certain emotions to cure certain disorders!

Dr Khoo Lee Seng

Leaking Qi & Depleted Jing- The Cause of All Medical Maladies & Premature Aging by Dr Lee Seng Khoo

 

“This leak happens little by little, silently. It doesn’t cause a major illness all at once. But gradually, you grow older, get sick, fall behind — without even realizing it.”

And that’s what’s truly frightening.

It’s not a sharp pain.

It’s not a sudden diagnosis.

It’s like a tiny crack in the pipes hidden behind your walls — dripping bit by bit, day after day, silently wearing you down.

Until one day, you suddenly realize: your energy is gone, your mind scattered, your thoughts cloudy and you are emotional and easily agitated or overreact to everything. It’s like someone has quietly stolen the vitality from your life.

These “leaks” come in three forms:

Qi Leak: Your vital energy drains away. You feel exhausted and sluggish all the time, like a deflated tire that can’t hold air no matter how much you pump it.

Essence (Jing) Leak: Your muscles and bones deteriorate prematurely. You have back pain, stiff joints, and feel like an elderly person despite your age — your body no longer feels like your own.

Spirit (Shen) Leak: Your memory fades, attention scatters, and your mind becomes foggy and slow. It’s harder and harder to focus. Your thoughts drift like you’re walking through a mist. This is the most common and most overlooked leak in modern life.

You may not even realize these symptoms are caused by leaking. Sometimes you may still look pretty good exteriorly from the naked eye but damage to the engine is taking place often irreversibly.

For example, leakage of Qi as it relates to the Middle Jiao, or middle burner, involves how the Spleen is managing blood. In Chinese Medicine, the Spleen’s Qi is responsible for containing the blood in the vessels. A person who bruises or hemorrhages easily likely has a weakness of the Spleen Qi. 

You just assume it’s “stress from work,” “lack of sleep,” or “weather changes”…

You Think You’re Just Tired — But It’s Your Spirit Leaking

In the modern world, spirit (shen) is the most vulnerable to leakage.

Brain fog, forgetfulness, mood swings, lack of focus… these aren’t just issues for the elderly. They’re symptoms of sitting too long, overusing your brain, and having poor posture — all of which prevent qi from rising to your brain.

Many people overwork their mind closing business deals with more and more deadlines, making more connections while struggling to optimise the ones that matter most, seeking money to maintain their image or lifestyle while simultaneously draining their body of the most important lifeforce “qi” thereby draining their “jing”. With high stress levels and cortisol overload coupled with lack of sleep and late nights working or substance abuse to cope with stress; it is little wonder how some seemingly vibrant people suddenly age rapidly in their late 30s and early 40s. Diseases that was supposed to only surface at old age manifest prematurely. 

It’s like charging your phone every day, but only up to 80% — while constantly using energy-intensive apps. Over time, the battery wears out early. Yes, even doctors who chase money or work without rest meet the Grim Reaper early or get ill. "Superman" doctor loses battle with leukaemia in Malaysia: 'He was our pillar of support' | STOMP

Renowned liver transplant surgeon Dr Yoong Boon Koon passes away at 54 - News

It is most important to know where, how, when, and why our Jing leaks. Only then can we begin to prevent it.

To protect our Jing, we must first recognize that the main causes of its loss are not external, but internal. The way we live, the habits we cultivate, and the thoughts we entertain (overthinking) all contribute to the depletion of our essence. Therefore, the responsibility is on us to make the necessary changes.

The mind is one of the most powerful tools for preserving Jing. When the mind is scattered, it creates disturbances in our Qi and depletes our essence. Meditation (Neigong & Qigong) and solitude helps to calm the mind, replenish the spirit, and prevent the excessive use of Jing through overthinking and mental agitation.

Neigong (internal work) focuses on refining the body’s energy channels and improving the circulation of Qi, while Qigong (external work) helps to build strength, flexibility, and stamina. Both play vital roles in reinforcing the body’s ability to retain and store Jing. Such exercises include Hua Tuo's Five-Animal Play Wǔ Qín Xì(五禽戲), Eight Pieces of Brocade- Ba Duan Jin (八段錦), 18 Lohan Hands Shiba Luohan Shou (十八羅漢手) and ultimately the Small Universe - Xiao Zhou Tian (小周天), Muscle Tendon Change Classic -Yi Jin Jing (易筋經) and the Big Universe Da Zhou Tian (大周天) to end dualism by expanding into the cosmos.

In modern life, many people deplete their Jing through overwork, poor sleep, stress, and overindulgence (or severe calories restriction) in food, heavy alcohol intake and smoking or drugs. This creates a vicious cycle where the body and mind become weakened, and Jing leaks out faster than it can be restored. It is essential to adjust your lifestyle so that you can support your Jing. This may involve eliminating unnecessary stress, setting boundaries, and prioritizing rest and recovery.

Jing Loss and the Dangers of Stress: A Taoist Perspective

In the Lingshu section of the Yellow Emperor's Classic, it is written:

"Xue and Mai, Ying and Qi, Jing and Shen are stored by the Five Zang. If a situation becomes such that by a succession of overflowings (leaking) and invasion they leave the Zang, then Jing is lost, and Hun and Po are carried away in an uncontrollable agitation."

This ancient wisdom reveals the profound relationship between the Five Zang, the vital substances — Jing, Qi, Ying, Xue, and Shen — and the importance of maintaining their balance. When these vital substances overflow, leak, or are invaded, they leave their proper storage in the Zang organs, and Jing is especially vulnerable. Without Jing, the Hun (the ethereal soul) and Po (the corporeal soul) become unsettled, leading to chaos in both the body and mind.

Conclusion

Leaking Qi and depleted Jing is common and can negatively impact health, but it is typically resolved with proper diagnosis & treatment as well as lifestyle (mental) & dietary changes. Preventing Qi leakage and depletion of Jing  is crucial for maintaining energy levels and preserving Essence (Jing), which helps slow aging and promotes long-term health and longevity.

When Chi and Jing is restored, one becomes luckier in life and the Shen is seen in the eyes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "shen" (or "shen qi") is the spirit, consciousness, and vitality of a person that is said to manifest in the eyes. When a person's shen is bright and lively, it is seen in sparkling, clear eyes, indicating good mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

PS- Acupuncture is one of the methods used to unblocked blocked meridians to restore qi flow and to rebalance qi in the body. However, without adequate mental rest and without plugging the leaking qi and restoring the depleted jing- good health and vitality remains at large.

The Relationship of Fascia, Diseases and Medical Acupuncture - An Introduction by Dr Lee Seng Khoo

Try answering this question: What helps keep the human body upright?

If you're like most people—about 95 percent—you probably thought of things like "bones," "the skeleton," or "muscles."

All of these elements—bones, muscles, and the skeleton—are interconnected by a flexible, supportive tissue known as fascia. This remarkable structure weaves throughout the body, creating connection and continuity.

Now you may be wondering this structure we call fascia?

A quick but important note about the word "fascia"—because it tends to confuse people.

We’re not talking about the glossy dashboard of a freshly waxed red sports car, and it has absolutely nothing to do with any dark chapters of history. The word fascia comes from Latin, meaning "bands" or "to bind together"—which is exactly what it does. It binds tissues throughout the body into a unified, connected whole.

To help visualize it, think of vacuum-packed vegetables, appliances, or even cuts of meat. Vacuum packing keeps everything tightly sealed, preserving what’s inside. In the body, fascia does something very similar. Every organ, every muscle, every structure is wrapped and held in place by fascia—not plastic—but a living, responsive tissue that supports and connects everything.

STEAK!

Have you ever noticed those thin white lines running through a piece of steak? That’s fascia—a connective tissue that runs throughout your entire body.

Fascia being peeled off the steak

Fascia is more than just a structural layer. It plays a vital role in stabilizing the body, shaping our form, and supporting fluid and nutrient exchange. It wraps around your muscles, bones, and organs, helping to facilitate neurological communication and keeping everything in place.

Describing fascia precisely is tricky—it’s incredibly complex. Think of it like the thin membrane that separates sections of an orange. It acts as a protective and organizing layer, surrounding and connecting all the structures in your body.

Superficial Fascia of human body

Deep Fascia of human body

What makes fascia truly remarkable is its continuity. It forms a single, uninterrupted web that stretches from head to toe. Because of this deep interconnection, pain or tightness in one part of the body can actually be caused by tension or restriction in the fascia somewhere else. Everything is connected.

The Four Main Functions of Fascia

1. Shapes the Body

Fascia provides the body with its structure and form. Acting like a protective barrier, it surrounds, cushions, and shields muscles, bones, and organs—helping to guard against external threats and maintain internal stability.

Superficial Fascia portrait: ~ "Venus-Mary" ~ The entire superficial fascia (subcutaneous adipose layer) of a female form dissected as an autonomous organ and demonstrated alongside the form from which it came. I share this to transform our vision of the fatty fleece beneath our skin so we might consider it with greater appreciation, curiosity and respect.

2. Facilitates Movement

Fascia plays a vital role in movement and mobility. It helps regulate the tension levels in muscles, ensuring the right balance of flexibility and support needed for efficient, pain-free motion.

3. Nourishes the Body

Fascia is essential for the exchange of nutrients and waste within the body. It supports the delivery of vital nutrients to tissues and also aids in the removal of toxins through the lymphatic system, contributing to overall cellular health.

4. Supports Neurologic Communication

Surprisingly, over 80% of all nerve endings are located in the fascia. Between its superficial and deeper layers are sensory and mechanical receptors that allow the body to detect pain, control muscle contractions, and maintain proprioception—our sense of body awareness. This intricate web of communication makes fascia a critical player in how we experience and respond to the world around us.

Fascia is incredibly strong. In fact, during the era of tennis legends like Björn Borg and John McEnroe, professional tennis rackets were strung with fascia derived from cow gut—that’s how durable it is! Even today, surgeons use fascia sourced from sheep intestines—known (somewhat confusingly) as catgut—to tie surgical knots because of its unmatched resilience and compatibility with the human body.

Catgut Sutures

What makes fascia truly remarkable is its impenetrability. It resists almost all biological substances—water, air, blood, pus, and even electrical current tend to slide across it rather than pass through. This property allows fascia to create compartments within the body, forming distinct spaces that serve specialized purposes and allow different systems to function efficiently side by side.

But that’s not all—fascia is also electrically active. It doesn’t just conduct and resist electrical impulses; it actually generates electricity through a property called piezoelectricity. When fascia is compressed or stretched, it produces small electrical charges, which may play a role in cell communication and healing.

Scientific Perspectives on Fascia and Chi

Modern research into fascia has uncovered its vital role in transmitting electrical signals and facilitating communication between cells and tissues throughout the body. These discoveries offer a compelling parallel to traditional concepts of chi (or qi)—the life energy said to flow through meridians in many Eastern healing systems.

The transmission of electrical impulses through fascia-rich networks may provide a biological framework for understanding how energy is perceived to move through the body. Additionally, fascia’s unique ability to contract and relax in response to mechanical tension and movement mirrors the dynamic, flowing nature of chi along the meridians. This growing intersection between ancient wisdom and contemporary science suggests that fascia may be a key anatomical and physiological basis for interpreting the concept of                                            energetic flow in the body.

Fascia is made up of 70–80% water and is incredibly flexible and resilient. In fact, it can withstand significant force while remaining adaptable. When we're young, our fascia is typically more fluid and elastic, allowing for better movement and quicker recovery.

However, when fascia becomes unhealthy or damaged, it changes. It becomes thicker, drier, and less responsive to the body's needs. In this state, the tissue transforms, developing more fibrous cells known as myofibroblasts. These cells are larger and stiffer, contributing to inflammation, reduced mobility, and chronic pain.

Because these myofibroblasts restrict the flow of water and nutrients, movement becomes limited and the fascia loses its ability to support the body effectively. Damaged fascia often becomes dehydrated, leading to adhesions, chronic tension, and even the development of scar-like tissue.

Importantly, this kind of tension doesn’t show up on standard X-rays or MRI scans, which is why fascia-related pain and dysfunction have often gone unrecognized. Yet growing research suggests that fascial tension may play a major role in many modern illnesses—including conditions that were previously misunderstood or lacked a clear medical explanation.

If this tension is ignored or merely masked with painkillers, it can worsen over time, potentially leading to joint degeneration, chronic inflammation, and even degenerative diseases like arthritis.

Issues such as pain, stiffness, instability, joint problems, headaches, and more are increasingly being linked to fascia health. Even how the body retains and distributes water is influenced by fascia. It’s not just about how much water you drink—it’s about how much actually reaches your cells. And that depends heavily on the state of your fascia.

In other words, if your fascia is compromised, your cells may dry out, even if you’re drinking plenty of water. Over time, this internal dehydration can accelerate aging and reduce your body’s ability to function at its best.

Examples of diseased fascia pathologies I routinely see in medical practice includes :

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, tissue in the foot used during walking and foot movement. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of factors, including type of shoes, foot structure, overuse and types of walking surfaces.

Dupuytren's Contracture:

Dupuytren contracture is an abnormal thickening of the skin in the palm of the hand. The skin may develop into a hard lump. Over time, it can cause one or more fingers to curl (contract) or pull in toward the palm. You may not be able to use your hand for certain things.

Peyronie's disease of the penis causing abnormal curvature

The Elusive Channels—Hidden in Plain Sight

Acupuncture meridians have long puzzled Western medicine. While they often trace the paths of muscles and tendons with surprising accuracy, they also seem to veer off unexpectedly, following their own internal logic. Some alignment exists with the body’s known fascial compartments, but that relationship becomes inconsistent once those compartments end.

Despite centuries of anatomical study—bodies dissected, stained, scanned, frozen, and irradiated—anatomists have yet to find any definitive physical structure labeled “meridians.” This absence of direct, observable evidence has been a key argument used to dismiss acupuncture’s validity in scientific circles.

And yet… the answer may have been in their hands all along.

Surgeons and anatomists rely on a tissue system that is omnipresent, almost invisible, yet absolutely essential: fascia. It lies beneath their scalpels, under their gloves, guiding their movements through the human body like a roadmap. Fascia is everywhere—wrapping, dividing, connecting. But because it’s so thin, so translucent, so often overlooked, its significance has gone largely unrecognized in this context.

In seeking proof of meridians, Western science may have missed the very thing under their fingertips—the fascial network. Ignoring fascia while searching for acupuncture channels is like a man looking for his glasses while they’re sitting on his face.

There is a straight connection between a body structure and its function. Think of a car. If it has a flat tire, say on the left side, the whole car will be tilted - i.e. be lower - on the left side. It follows that the function of the car is restricted. You may still be able to drive with it, but it is uneconomical as more fuel will be needed and in the long run, it will be completely wrecked.

As an example, we may look at a forward-head posture. This is a commonly seen structural feature. When your head is in front of your body, your neck muscles and especially the trapezius have to work in order to keep your head from falling off your shoulders. The fascia of these structures around this area will become hard and stiff over time and the normal function will be decreased. More often than not this also leads to neck pain and headaches. 

If I was to work solely on the neck part I could possibly alleviate pain for a while. But after a few weeks (or sooner) it would return. Simply, because the structure has not been changed. The head belongs above the shoulders, not in front of it. So working solely on the neck does not solve the problem. We have to work on the body as a whole and e.g. open and straighten the front line and release the fascial adhesions, maybe work on the position of the pelvis and also work on the feet and legs. As soon as the head is above the shoulders again and the fascia is free gliding, pain will be gone for good and function returns. That's how important body structure and restoring healthy fascia is.

Fascia: A Modern Lens for Ancient Wisdom

Fascia provides a compelling scientific framework for understanding the channels described in acupuncture. Not only does it align with the major meridians, but it also helps explain the intricate network of smaller pathways known in traditional Chinese medicine as the Jing and Luo—the primary and secondary channels. Since fascia is present everywhere in the body, it naturally accommodates the idea of a nearly limitless number of acupuncture points. These points often align with fascial junctions, planes, and lines of tension, making the once-mystical map of meridians anatomically predictable.

Stored Emotions and Unresolved Emotional Trauma Can Affect Fascia Causing Illness

Fascia can harden and become dehydrated also as a result of emotional trauma and the body’s response to extreme stress. This dehydration, tightening, and hardening decreases the space between the fibers and increases friction and irritation inside the fascia. As a result, fibers shorten, thicken, and constrict, putting pressure on the adjoining areas. 

This resulting pressure then compresses nerves and capillaries. Which in turn leads to discomfort, pain, and reduced blood flow in the area, affecting the immune system and reducing your resilience even further causing the onset of arthritis, impaired function and even the catalyst for frequent infections and malignancy (cancer) due to the faulty lymphatic drainage as a result of diseased fascia.

Acupuncture and fascia are interconnected through the concept of the myofascial system. Acupuncture, particularly when targeting trigger points, can influence the fascia, potentially releasing tension and improving musculoskeletal function. The fascia, a network of connective tissue, plays a vital role in overall health and well-being, and its interaction with acupuncture is becoming increasingly recognized. 

How Acupuncture Affects Fascia:

Releasing Tension:

Acupuncture needles inserted into trigger points can cause tense muscle fibers, and the surrounding fascia, to relax. 

Improved Circulation:

Acupuncture stimulates blood flow to the treated area, enhancing circulation within the fascial network and promoting healing. 

Pain Reduction:

By addressing fascial restrictions, acupuncture can alleviate pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome and other musculoskeletal conditions. 

Holistic Approach:

Acupuncture, along with other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques like cupping and Gua Sha, can work synergistically to release fascial tension and improve overall musculoskeletal health. 

One of the most exciting developments in this area is the connection between fascia and morphogens—biochemical signals that direct how cells develop, migrate, and form tissues. These substances play a vital role in stem cell behavior, tissue regeneration, and even cancer development. In this light, Qi is no longer a metaphor, but a living, biochemical process shaped by fascia and its interactions with the body’s signaling systems that can be altered and treated with Medical Acupuncture.

Sincerely yours,

Dr Lee Seng Khoo

Director, Skin Check Malaysia