Tong Shen Ming (Ping Shen) Foundations

Tong Shen Ming (Ping Shen) Foundations

The Highest form of treatment is oneness. (Su Wen chap. 13)

„Ping Shen“ (also known as „Tong Shen Ming“ enabling the brilliance of  the Shen to manifest itself) is a central part of the fundamental lineage of classical acupuncture. It is a “Way of the Heart” (“Xin Fa”) treatment method.

A heart based treatment approach and method that does not require bodily contact between the clinician and the patient.

Historical references to its diagnostic, clinical and treatment concepts and techniques are based upon and can be found in the traditional Daoist, Yogic and Buddhist medical and spiritual texts, in classical chinese medical sources dealing with the “Way of the Heart”, the role of the Heart and Shen, spiritual practice and focus of the practitioner, dating from the period of the Warring States 475 BCE – 212 BCE, and Jin (Qin)-Dynasty 221 BCE as well as the Ling Shu, Su Wenn, Mai Jing, Jia Yi Jing, Da Cheng and Nan Jing.

  • „Qi Bo: The highest form of treatment is one of being in oneness (absolute harmony).
  • Huang Di: What is meant by oneness (absolute harmony)?
  • Qi Bo: Oneness (absolute harmony) is the key to success…”[1]
  • „Before needling, you have to go to the roots of the Shen“, „You have to be rooted in (one with) the Shen“[2]

„The essentials of needling (treatment) are easy to explain but difficult to master in practice. The mediocre practitioner abides by the form, but the superior practitioner abides by the spirit.“[3]

  • Prior to needling , the practitioner should retire to a quiet place and commune with his own spirit with doors and windows shut. (The practitioner’s) hun and po must not be scattered, his mind must be focused, and his essence qi undivided.“[4]

Historical references to its diagnostic, clinical and treatment concepts and techniques are based upon and can be found in the traditional Daoist, Yogic and Buddhist medical and spiritual texts, in classical chinese medical sources dealing with the “Way of the Heart”, the role of the Heart and Shen, spiritual practice and focus of the practitioner, dating from the period of the Warring States 475 BCE – 212 BCE, and Jin (Qin)-Dynasty 221 BCE as well as the Ling Shu, Su Wenn, Mai Jing, Jia Yi Jing, Da Cheng and Nan Jing.

Ping Shen, or „Tong Shen Ming“ treatment method, has three core aspects,

  • The internal attitude and condition of the practitioner,
  • „Ben Shen“ the ability to be one with the roots of the Shen,
  • Oneness

[1] Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen – Kapitel 13

[2] Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu – Kapitel 8

[3] Huang-fu Mi, Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) Book 5, Chap. 4 pg. 290; Translated by Yang Shou-zang and Charles Chace; Blue Poppy Press u. Chap38, Vol. 6,  Ling Shu,

[4] Huang-fu Mi, Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) Book 5, Chap. 5 pg. 309; Translated by Yang Shou-zang and Charles Chace; Blue Poppy Press.

 

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