The Buddhist definition of "consciousness." (PIN YIN“YI SHI”) Buddhism holds that "mind"(YI) and "consciousness"(SHI) have distinct meanings: "mind"(YI) refers to the human “think” state; "consciousness"(SHI) refers to the ability to discern, differentiate, and comprehend things. Both mind and consciousness are functions of the heart-mind, reflecting the workings of mental states. Although heart-mind, mind, and consciousness differ, they are ultimately one. When combined, mind and consciousness form the specific term "consciousness." In Daoism, there is no exact equivalent for the term "consciousness." Related concepts include the primordial spirit (YUAN SHEN), the conscious spirit (SHI SHEN), and true intent (ZHEN YI), which are elaborated below. 1. "Primordial Spirit 元神（YUAN SHEN): What is the primordial spirit? It is when internal thoughts do not emerge, external thoughts do not intrude, and one remains in sovereign clarity—this is called the primordial spirit." "The primordial spirit exists in a state of neither movement nor stillness, yet is vividly alive. It is innate, and all mental activities are grounded in it." Let’s pause here for now. Please reflect carefully on the Daoist concept of the primordial spirit, which closely resembles the nature and state of the "true self"——YI YUAN TI 意元体as discussed in ZHI NENG science...

This study shows that qigong has significant effect on various health conditions.

Updated: Sep 18 The thyroid gland may be small, but its influence on nearly every system in the body is profound. This butterfly-shaped gland nestled in the neck regulates metabolism, energy, temperature, growth, and more through the hormones it produces. When thyroid function becomes imbalanced, whether through hypothyroidism (underactive) or hyperthyroidism (overactive), the effects can be far-reaching and significantly impact quality of life, While conventional medicine typically addresses thyroid disorders through hormone replacement or suppression, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers complementary natural thyroid remedies that address the root imbalances underlying thyroid dysfunction. By working with the body's innate healing abilities, TCM provides gentle yet effective approaches to restoring thyroid health. Understanding Thyroid Disorders Through a TCM Lens In Western medicine, thyroid disorders are generally classified as either hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone production) or hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone production). These conditions are typically diagnosed through blood tests measuring levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In TCM theory, the thyroid region is associated with the "Sea of Qi" (Qi Hai) and is influenced primarily by the Kidney, Spleen, and Liver organ systems. These aren't just the physical organs as understood in Western medicine, but functional systems that govern various physiological and energetic processes in the body. Here's how these systems relate to thyroid function in TCM: The Kidney system is the foundation of health in TCM and governs growth, development, and reproduction. The Kidneys store essential life energy (Jing) and are closely related to thyroid function. Kidney deficiency often underlies hypothyroidism, particularly in cases with symptoms like fatigue, cold sensitivity, and low libido. The Spleen system is responsible for the transformation and transportation of nutrients in TCM. It generates Qi and Blood from the food we eat. Spleen Qi deficiency can contribute to hypothyroidism, especially when symptoms include digestive issues, fatigue, and weight gain.