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Western allopathic medicine, Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), and Energy Medicine often use vastly different scientific-based methodologies, logic, and religious/spiritual paths in the pursuit of health, wellness, and ultimately, the fullness of life. Excellent physical health alone does not equate to an excellent quality of life. Healers who labor to put people in a position to grab all the gusto life has to offer should possess a tool that increases their ability to align, converge, and bring into focus scientific, religious/spiritual, and multiple medical health vantage points to promote wellness and the fullness of life outcome. A Particular Visual Enlightenment (APVE) is a metaphysical refraction, an optical tool, that aligns and converges the disciplines of science, religion/spirituality, and health with a focus on wellness and the fullness of life.
Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States of America
Pacific College of Health and Science, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
*Address all correspondence to: leonidasjohnson@hotmail.com
1. Introduction
Refraction is a test included in a comprehensive eye exam to determine the best prescription to achieve the best visual acuity (BVA) for clear, comfortable, efficient, binocular vision. Physical vision involves central vision plus other things like peripheral vision, night vision, color vision, depth perception, contrast sensitivity, and low/high order aberration sensitivity.
Refraction is also defined as the bending of light. For learning purposes, refraction can also be defined as the art and science of using alignment and convergence to bring things into clear focus and improve vision, physical and metaphysical. A salutogenic perspective magnifies the idea of a wellness continuum ([1, 2], p. 44). Refraction of physical and metaphysical realities with a salutogenic depth of focus (DOF) on health and wellness using fullness of life (FOL) as a focal point would be a valuable individual and collective tool, particularly to healers (see Figure 1, i.e., APVE Eye Graphic illustration).
Figure 1.
APVE eye graphic.
A Particular Visual Enlightenment (APVE) is a refraction of physical and metaphysical realities, a corrective lens-type tool in the form of a diagram that aligns and converges the disciplines of science, religion/spirituality, and health with a focus on the wellness continuum and fullness of life (see Figure 2, i.e., APVE FOL diagram). The refraction of physical and metaphysical realities, which incorporate the concepts of Phenomenal Vision (PVis) (i.e., the physical, mental, and spiritual phenomena of enlightenment), Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) (i.e., body, soul, spirit), Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) (i.e., Acupuncture, Herbal prescriptions, Tui Na Massage, Qigong), Yin-Yang Theory (YY-Theory), Five-phase Theory (FP-Theory), Universal Cause-Effect Paradigm (UCEP), with a focus on wellness and fullness of life, all in alignment with the Ancient of Days (AOD) (i.e., that which existed before time) and eternity, is collectively referred to as A Particular Visual Enlightenment (APVE).
Figure 2.
APVE FOL diagram.
A Particular Visual Enlightenment (APVE), due to its unique structure and composition, can be likened to the flexibility and strength of a bamboo plant. The alignment and convergence of seemingly divergent and contradictory concepts in A Particular Visual Alignment require the mental flexibility of a gymnast and the convictional strength of an African bush elephant. Like a tender bamboo plant rooted in dry ground, A Particular Visual Enlightenment (APVE) is flexible and strong due to its unique structure and inspirational composition.
2.1 The refraction of physical and metaphysical realities
The refraction of physical and metaphysical realities can be related to the art and science of optometric vision care. Physical realities relate to scientific methodology and metaphysical realities relate to the first causes of things and things that do not change, the origin of things and things that are eternal. The philosophical science of metaphysics includes the domains of psychology and religion/spirituality. Switching back-and-forth from physical to metaphysical realities and from realities that are physically visible to those that are physically invisible can easily be accomplished with comparison learning. Comparison is a powerful learning process that has been leveraged to improve learning in a variety of domains [3]. This exercise in comparison learning will help healers stretch toward the mark and high calling to do no harm in the pursuit of better health outcomes, improved wellness, and fullness of life (FOL).
It would be prudent to enter this refractive experience with a perusal of the art and science of bending of light and basic optics. A basic understanding of optics and the nature of light can, by comparative learning, lead to an understanding of physiological optics. An understanding of physiological optics can, by comparison learning, lead to an understanding of refractive and medical eye conditions. An understanding of physical refractive and medical eye conditions can, by comparison learning, lead to an understanding of metaphysical refractive and metaphysical medical eye conditions. An understanding of physical vision can, by comparison learning, lead to an understanding of mental vision. An understanding of mental vision can, by comparison learning, lead to an understanding of spiritual vision. A review of the physical refraction eye test can, by comparison learning, lead to an understanding of this refraction of physical and metaphysical realities. Why go through the iterations of comparison learning? This process reflects the art and science of using alignment and convergence to bring things into clear focus and improve vision.
Vision, what is it? Why focus on vision? Vision is key to unlocking the many mysteries of life. Vision is our most dominant physical sense.
Studies estimate that between 50 and 80 percent of the human brain is dedicated to various forms of visual processing, such as vision, visual memory, colors, shapes, movement, patterns, spatial awareness, and image recollection ([4], pp. xix, 14).
The eye is an extension of the brain, and the brain is most efficient at processing physical information visually (i.e., in a visual format). Eye care specialists have learned that 80–85% of adult perception, learning, cognition, and activities in the physical world involve visual processing compared to 11% from hearing, 3.5% from smell, 1.5% from touch, and 1% from taste [5]. It is of no surprise that, via comparison learning, the brain can efficiently process information about nonphysical metaphysical realities in a visual format. Vision transcends the domain of physical realities and serves as a conduit to the domain of metaphysical realities.
2.2 Phenomenal vision (PVis)
Vision is three-dimensional and time is one-dimensional. Physical vision concerns how we see the physical world (outward look) and its reach in the temporal domain of past, present, and future is confined to the present. Mental vision concerns how we see ourselves (inward look) and its reach in the space–time continuum (past, present, future) is unrestricted. Spiritual vision concerns how we see ourselves in relationship to the world/universe (worldview) and transcends the space–time continuum with a reach from eternity to eternity.
The term Phenomenal Vision (PVis) emphasizes the importance vision plays in seeing physical and nonphysical metaphysical realities. Phenomenal Vision (PVis) is defined as the physical, mental, and spiritual phenomena of enlightenment. Phenomenal Vision (PVis) refers to the life-changing ability to take a general understanding of physical vision and compare that understanding to mental and spiritual vision ([6], p. 6). Application of phenomenal vision, vision that encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of vision, can bring clarity to life, the fullness of life, and unlock mysteries of life ([6], pp. 5, 6). Phenomenal vision (PVis) gives us the ability to look from the various vantage points of science, religion/spirituality, and health traditions/disciplines to improve our decision-making strategy to better individual and collective health outcomes, improve wellness as defined by quality of life, and enter a state where we have access to all the gusto life has to offer, the fullness of life!
2.2.1 Mental vision
Light is electromagnetic radiation with a peculiar and paradoxical nature. Light behaves as a wave and as a particle. Light particles are photons without mass that move at the speed of light and have energy proportional to their frequency. Light waves typically travel in straight lines but when traveling from one medium like water to another medium like air, the speed of light changes causing light waves to bend, refract, at the interface between the two mediums. This phenomenon of refraction can be used to design highly complex optical systems or simple curved surfaces, like a convex lens, to cause the light waves to align and converge to a single focal point. A convex lens bends light waves toward the optical axis to a focal point located behind the lens. A concave lens bends light waves away from the optical axis to a virtual focal point located in front of the lens. An optical illusion can occur when light bends in a manner that deceives the eye, like a mirage of a desert oasis.
Principals of physical optics can be applied to the human eye. The eye is an optical system composed of living tissue that can align and converge light rays to a focal point on the retina. When principles of physical optics are applied to the eye, they are referred to as physiological optics vis comparison learning. If the focal point of an image is formed on the retina, there is no refractive error. If the focal point of an image is formed anterior to the retina, the refractive error is called myopia. Corrective minus powered lenses can be prescribed to move the focal point more posterior so that the image focuses on the retina. If an image is formed posterior to the retina, the refractive error is called hypermetropia. Corrective plus powered lenses can be prescribed to move the focal point more anterior so that the image focuses on the retina. If the eye curvature has a dual nature (two different curves 90 degrees apart instead of one single curvature), the image spreads between different focal points and the refractive error is called astigmatism. Corrective lenses that are bitoric in design can be prescribed to align and converge the two spread-out focal points into one focal point and move the one subsequent focal point in the direction that focuses the image on the retina.
In general, a person who has myopia (nearsighted) has good near sight and poor distance sight. A person with hyperopia (far-sighted) has good far sight and poor near sight. A person with astigmatism has poor near and far sight. The part of the comprehensive eye exam that measures the smallest letter size (visual angle) seen at a specific far or near testing distance is called visual acuity. A visual acuity test measure of 20/20 means you can see the 20-size letter at the far test distance of 20 ft. (6 M) or near test distance of 16″ (40 cm). A visual acuity of 20/40 means you can see the 40-size letter (twice the size of the 20-size letter), and 20/200 means you can see the 200-size letter (ten times the size of the 20/20 size letter) at the testing distance. A visual acuity measure of 20/20 is considered normal. Physical refractive errors can be related to mental refractive errors by comparison learning.
Mental myopia is very much like myopia. In general, a person with myopia has good near vision and poor distance vision. A person with mental myopia also has good near vision and poor far vision but the measure of acuity is not in Ref. to the spatial domain (physical distance of 20 ft. or 16″) but rather in Ref. to the time domain (temporal dimensions of past, present, and future). Mental myopia may exist in various degrees but may present as preoccupation with present daily tasks and poor far strategic planning or the impulsive tendency of committing to an action without foresight to first considering the future consequences of the action in the present. Mental myopia could also present as good backward focusing ability (e.g., past trauma) and poor forward focusing ability (e.g., the ability to resolve past trauma and live in the present or plan). The person who has mental hyperopia would exhibit the opposite qualities like daydreaming or focusing on an anticipated event, considering the consequences of actions before committing to them, dissociation, and blocking out unresolved trauma. A person with mental astigmatism can manifest characteristics of a person with mental myopia and hyperopia.
Glaucoma is a medical eye condition that causes loss of peripheral (side) vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a medical eye condition that causes loss of central vision. Geographic atrophy (GA) is the late-stage form of age-related macular degeneration. Cataract is a medical eye condition that causes loss of the full field of vision due to clouding of the transparent lens inside the eye. Strabismus is a medical eye condition where the two eyes are misaligned, causing the eye focusing and pointing mechanisms to have difficulty working together to point single point in space, creating double vision. The brain cannot process double images and may adapt by suppressing one image to avoid visual confusion. Suppression of vision may lead to amblyopia, the loss of vison.
Mental glaucoma, like glaucoma, affects the field of vision. With glaucoma, central vision is good but peripheral vision is poor. Likewise, mental glaucoma (MGlau) is a condition where there can be abnormal central focus on oneself, a selfish disposition, a bend toward narcissism and poor vision or concern for humanity and the benefit of others. It may also manifest somewhere on the spectrum of being introverted. Mental age-related macular degeneration (MAMD) is a condition also affecting visual field where a person may be so broadly and peripherally focused on the needs of others that they lose central sight of their own needs and neglect themselves. Mental cataracts (MCat) is a condition that can affect the full field of view where one may lose the overall ability to see and reason clearly. In extreme cases, MCat may lead to psychosis, hallucinations, and dissociation from reality. Mental strabismus (MStrab) is a condition that may manifest as a person with bipolar condition, manic-depression, schizophrenia, or multiple personality disorder where there is difficulty integrating and processing two or more different views of oneself or conflicting worldviews.
Mental optical illusions (MOil) are strange situations when things do not match up to reality. A mental optical illusion mirage may manifest as the false appearance of an oasis (person, place, or thing) or safe harbor that does not match up with reality. Mental illusion may also occur in the instance of mental diseases and disorders that can cause hallucinations, irrational thoughts, and unexpected, bizarre behavior. “Only by looking at an image from multiple viewpoints will one realize the true nature of the image ([6], p. 21).”
2.2.2 Spiritual pivot: spiritual vision
Learning by comparison is like mental gymnastics. It builds the strength and flexibility necessary to transition from one vantage point to another. Comparison learning helps one make the transition from physical optics to physiological optics, from physiological optics to physical refractive conditions, from physical refractive conditions to metaphysical mental refractive conditions, and from physical medical eye conditions to metaphysical mental medical eye conditions. Mental vision is the first type of metaphysical vision. Now we will pivot from physical vision to spiritual vision, the second type of metaphysical vision.
Pivoting to spiritual vision from mental vision is natural propagation and iteration. As with mental vision, spiritual vision uses comparison learning to switch back-and-forth from focusing on physical realities (physiological optics and medical eye conditions) to focusing on metaphysical realities (mental and psychological conditions and situations). The accommodative rock between the physical and the metaphysical creates mental flexibility, convictional strength, and is an important component of this metaphysical refraction. This process will allow us to bring into alignment and then converge into sharp focus relevant information from differing vantage points.
As a reminder, a person who has myopia (nearsighted) has good near sight and poor distance sight. A person with hyperopia (far-sighted) has good far sight and poor near sight. A person with astigmatism has poor near and far sight. The eye test that measures the smallest letter size (visual angle) seen at a far or near testing distance is called visual acuity. Whereas physical visual acuity is connected to a measurement in the spatial domain (e.g., 20 ft./6 M), you may recall that metaphysical mental visual acuity is connected to a measure in the temporal domain (past, present, and future). Spiritual visual acuity is also connected to the temporal domain but includes the extended ability to see from eternity to eternity, from before time (Ancient of days) to after time (end of days), and factor this sight into the decision-making process. In other words, spiritual acuity includes the ability to look at the origin of things and things that are eternal (See Figure 3, APVE spiritual vision visual acuity).
Figure 3.
APVE spiritual vision visual acuity.
A person with spiritual myopia, just like the person with mental myopia, has good near sight and poor far sight but the measure of acuity extends to eternity. Spiritual myopia may present as preoccupation with temporal matters of physical life and poor focus on the eternal nature and destiny of the human soul and spirit. There may be an impulsive tendency to commit an action without first considering the eternal consequences of the action. Spiritual myopia could also present as a predominant focus on the hardship and struggles associated with daily life and poor distance focusing ability on faith-based hope that can empower one to survive and thrive in the heat of the day. Hope has the power to pull us forward through life’s difficulties and lift us from depression and depravity to new heights in human technological achievement and wellness when focused on the fullness of life. The person who has spiritual hyperopia would exhibit the opposite qualities of spiritual myopia and could manifest as an extreme focus on eternal matters to the point of neglecting physical human needs, desires, and wants. The spiritual hyperopia may also consistently consider the eternal consequences of actions before committing to them. A person with spiritual astigmatism can manifest characteristics of a person with spiritual myopia and spiritual hyperopia.
As you may recall, glaucoma is a medical eye condition affecting the visual field causing loss of peripheral (side) vision, age-related macular degeneration causes loss of central vision, and a cataract can cause an overall loss of field of view. Strabismus is eye misalignment causing double vision that can lead to suppression of vision and loss of vision. Spiritual glaucoma (SGlau) is a condition where there is an abnormal field of view. With humanity as the fixation point, SGlau can manifest as a narcissistic viewpoint of oneself and the gradual loss of an overarching transcendent and mindful view of God. God’s presence is out of the field of view. Spiritual age-related macular degeneration (SAMD) is also a field of view disorder. With humanity as the fixation point, there is a gradual loss of vision of a narcissistic and egotistical view of oneself with a preserved humbling transcendent mindfulness view of God. God’s presence remains in the field of view. Spiritual cataract (SCat) is a condition where there is a gradual loss, obstructed, hazy, or cloudy overarching view of God. Spiritual strabismus (SStrab) is a situation where the person may exhibit double vision, one heavenly (eternal) view and one earthly (perishable) view. Double vision causes visual confusion. The brain avoids visual confusion by suppressing one image. SStrab may manifest as someone struggling to make a decision to commit to science or religion/spirituality using linear deductive logic.
Spiritual optical illusion (SOil) is a strange, false, or deceptive situation where things do not match up with truth and reality. A spiritual optical illusion mirage may manifest as the false appearance of an oasis (person, place, or thing) or safe harbor that does not match up with reality. Spiritual illusions may also occur in situations involving witchcraft, dark magic, voodoo, false prophets, religious con artists, cults, satanic/demonic influences, and Reki (conduit of energy or spiritual entity).
2.3 Alignment and convergence of phenomenal vision (PVis) and three dimensions of human existence (TDoHE)
The physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of vision are best understood when viewed through a lens that focuses on the trifold nature of human existence. The trifold nature or Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) are body, soul, and spirit. The human body is physical in nature, mortal, and perishable. Upon death, the body deteriorates to the dust of the ground. The human body learns about the physical world through the five senses (e.g., sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch). The human soul is both physical and nonphysical in nature and is divisible into three parts, emotions, mind, and volition. Volition is also known as free-will or will-power. Some aspects of the human soul are mortal and some aspects are immortal. The human spirit is nonphysical in nature, is nonperishable, and immortal. Upon physical death, the human spirt continues to live in eternity. The human spirit is sensitive to supernatural entities and forces in the metaphysical world. According to the Bible, it is through the human spirit that humans can experience intimate fellowship with the Spirit of GOD.1
The three parts of the human soul are emotions, mind, and volition. Human emotions are influenced by the physical body and the physical world. The mind is influenced by the human spirit and the metaphysical world. The human mind is also impacted by a peculiar innate propensity and proclivity, within the human spirit, to call out and seek a relationship with God,2 notable in times of danger or tragedy. The human soul is a bridge between the body and the spirit, between the physical and metaphysical. Upon a deeper inspection and dissection of the human soul, we can further see that volition is a fulcrum, a swivel, a hinge between human emotions and the human mind, between physical and metaphysical realities. Volition is a command center. Human volition (will-power) is the emotional and mental process by which an individual human being decides on and commits to a specific course of action in life.
Decisions may entail an element of uncertainty. Where there is uncertainty, there is room for hope and faith. Hope based on probability is reasonable but may not be expedient. Faith based on evidence that breeds confidence has value. Faith plays a role in mathematics, physics, astronomy, and the scientific method [9]. Faith has an emotional and mental component and impacts the decision-making process. The decision-making process is based on the concept of free-will. Free-will, according to the Bible, is evident in that God will not enter in the Human spirit unless invited.3
The alignment of Phenomenal Vision PVis with the Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) can be seen when physical vision aligns with the human body, mental vision aligns with the human soul, and spiritual vision aligns with the human spirit. Physical vision is in the domain of the physical world, spiritual vision is in the domain of the metaphysical world, and mental vision is in both the physical and metaphysical domains. Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) serves well as an aid in the discussion of metaphysical realities from a religious/spiritual and psychological perspective.
2.4 Pivot to traditional east Asian medicine (TEAM)
The concept of the Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) can be correlated with holistic health and wellness theories of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM).
Healing, however, is shaped not only by the clean lines of theory but also by the messy contingencies of practice; not only by doctors but also by complex interactions among physicians, patients, and nonphysicians caregivers: not only in the exclusive domain of licensed doctors but also in the competition of diverse types of healers; not only in the crisis of illness but also in the day-to-day care of health and in the pursuit of salvation and enlightenment; not only by the exigencies of the sickroom but also by parameters negotiated in complex institutional and economic environments ([10], p. 1).
The major philosophical foundations of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), sometimes referred to as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), include Confucianism, Daoism, Naturalism, and Legalism originating from China and Buddhism originating from India.
Acupuncture is one of the four pillars of Traditional East Asian Medicine (alongside Tui Na, Herbal Medicine, and Qi Gong) [11]. Tui Na should not be viewed as a massage or a bodywork therapy, but rather as a whole medical system that can be used to treat the whole body for both external and internal conditions ([12], p. 19). Qigong involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being [13]. The four pillars/disciplines of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) use different methods to influence qi for health and well-being.
The practice of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) is based on the movement of qi in the body through the channel network (jing luo). There are at least six channel layers. The most superficial channel layer is the cutaneous regions, followed by the sinew channels, the luo vessels, the primary channels, the divergent channels, and the deepest level, the extraordinary vessels. The channel network functions to transport qi and blood throughout the body and render the body as an integrated whole, protect the body by serving as a series of barriers to prevent the deeper penetration of pathogenic factors from the exterior, respond to dysfunction in the body, and to transmit qi to organs and areas allowing for the healing process to occur [14]. Scientific research in acupuncture has grown exponentially in the past 20 years. Acupuncture enjoys a high level of clinical evidence for dozens of conditions and is one of the most widely recommended treatments in modern medicine [15].
2.5 Alignment and convergence of phenomenal vision (PVis), three dimensions of human existence (TDoHE), and Yin-Yang theory (YY-theory)
The philosophy of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) philosophy rests on the foundation of the Yin-Yang Theory (YY-Theory) and Five-Phase Correspondence Theory (FP-Theory).
The theory of yin and yang, derived from agelong observations of nature, describes the way phenomena naturally group in pairs of opposites – heaven and earth, sun and moon, night and day, winter, and summer, male and female, up and down, inside, and outside, movement and stasis.” ([16, 17, 18], p. 1).
The Chinese characters for ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’ are related to the image of a hill with one side dark and the other sunlit….Thus the character for Yin indicates the shady side of a hill, whilst the character for Yang indicates the sunny side of a hill. By extension, they therefore also indicate ‘darkness’ and ‘light’ or ‘shady’ and ‘bright’ ([19, 20], p. 4).
The concept of yin and yang (YY-Theory) aligns with the concept of Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) in the following manner, the body aligns with yin, the soul aligns with both yin and yang, and the human spirit aligns with yang. Upon further dissection of the soul, human emotion aligns with yin and yang but more yin, the mind aligns with yin and yang but more yang, and volition aligns with both yin and yang equally when balanced (see APVE Engendering and Restraining Cycle illustration).
The concept of the “Three Treasures” (Ling/Essence, Qi, and Shen/soul/spirit) also aligns with the concept of the Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) where the human body corresponds to the yin nature of Ling/Essence, the soul corresponds to the yin/yang nature of Qi, and the human spirit corresponds to the yang nature of Shen (soul/spirit). Another way yin yang theory (YY-Theory) aligns with the concept of Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) is to align the cosmological concept of heaven as the yang element, earth as the yin element, and humans as a yin/yang connecting element, humanity as a pillar that connects heaven (yang) to earth (yin). In this alignment, humanity can be viewed as the pivot between physical and metaphysical realities (see APVE Chart Illustration).
2.5.1 Sample APVE pattern diagnosis: APVE Yang vacuity
If a direct spiritual relationship between the human spirit and the Spirit of God is absent in terms of Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE), then in terms of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), this would represent an identifiable and distinct diagnosis pattern.
Pattern differentiation is the process by which clinical information (obtained from the examination) is analyzed, synthesized, and inferred, leading to a clear representation of a particular phase of a disease in a TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) pattern. Pattern (zheng) is a combination of signs and/or symptoms that forms a distinct clinical picture indicative of a particular disorder ([21], p. 4).
The absence of a direct spiritual connection between the human spirit and the Spirit of God in terms of Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) thought would correspond to a APVE Yang Vacuity (Deficiency) pattern in Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) thought. This type of deficiency would prevent one from obtaining the fullness of life experience.
2.6 Alignment of phenomenal vision (PVis), three dimensions of human existence (TDoHE), Yin and Yang theory (YY-theory), and five-phase theory (FP-theory)
The five-Phase theory of correspondence (FP-Theory) is an extension of Yin and Yang Theory (YY-Theory). The five-phase theory (FP-Theory) follows the belief that the human body is subject to and corresponds with a five-phase cause-and-effect relationship that governs the universe.
The theory of the five phases rests on the notion that all phenomena in the universe are the products of the movement and mutation of five qualities: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water ([16, 17, 18], p. 7).
The Illustrated Supplement to the Categorized Canon (lei jing tu yi) states: “The dynamic of Creation cannot be without engendering or restraining; without engendering there is no way by which things may arise, and without restraining, things become unduly powerful and cause harm.” ([16, 17, 18], pp. 8, 9).
Five-phase theory (FP-Theory) is used not only to diagnose and treat the human body and internal organs (aka zang/fu organs) but also the soul/spirit. Wood corresponds to the liver and gall bladder. Fire corresponds to the heart/pericardium and small intestine/san jiao. Earth corresponds to the spleen and stomach. Metal corresponds to the lung and large intestine. Water corresponds to the kidney and urinary bladder.
Concepts of the human spirit and soul are entangled in the five-phase correspondence theory ([19, 20], pp. 99, 100). In a broad sense, the spirit describes the total external manifestation of vital activities which reflect the functions of the zang/fu organs, and in a narrow sense, it describes mental actives including consciousness and cognitive activities ([21], pp. 11, 12). Observation of the spirt plays a key role in TCM diagnosis ([21], p. 14).
There is no distinction between the human soul and the human spirit in Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM). The combined concept of soul/spirit is referred to as Shen (Shen spelled with a capital “S”). Shen with capital “S” is distinguished from shen with a small “s.” Shen with capital “S” represents the overall concept of soul/spirit and shen with small “s” represents the five-phase aspect of soul/spirit which most closely corresponds to the emotional aspects of the mind.
Shen is further subdivided into the following five aspects with respect to five-phase theory:
Wood = Ethereal soul/spirit (Hun)
Fire = shen soul/spirit (shen spelled with a small “s”)
Earth = Intellect soul/spirit (Yi)
Metal = Corporeal soul/spirit (Po)
Water = Will-power soul/spirit (Zhi) ([19, 20], pp. 99, 100).
The Five-phase correspondence Theory (FP-Theory) aligns with the concept of the Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE) in the following manner: the Body of TDoHE corresponds to Po (corporal soul/spirit) and is the Metal phase of FP-Theory, the Emotion component of the human Soul of TDoHE corresponds to shen (mind/emotion soul/spirit) and is the Fire phase, the Mind component of the human Soul corresponds to Yi (intellect soul/spirit) and is the Earth phase, and the Volition component of the human Soul corresponds to Zhi (will-power soul/spirit) and is the Water phase of FP-Theory, and the Human Spirit of TDoHE corresponds to Hum (Ethereal soul/spirit) and is the Wood phase of FP-Theory (see Figure 1, i.e., APVE FOL, APVE Graphic, and Figure 4, i.e., APVE Engendering and Restraining illustrations).
If a direct spiritual relationship between the human spirit and the Spirit of God is absent in terms of Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE), this condition would be identified as an APVE Ethereal/Wood Deficiency Pattern. It is a religious/spiritual pattern that can have multiple physical and psychosocial manifestations.
The Ethereal Wood Deficiency Pattern can be described as a failure of Water/Zhi (i.e., Human Soul-Volition) to engender Wood/Hum (i.e., Human Spirit) in the engendering cycle (Sheng cycle) and an excess or overwhelming of Metal/Po (i.e., Human Body) over Wood/Hum (i.e., Human Spirit) in the restraining cycle (Ke cycle). This could also result in a failure of Wood/Hum (i.e., Human Spirit) to restrain Earth/Yi (i.e., Human Soul-Mind) in the restraining cycle causing Earth/Yi (i.e., Human Soul-Mind) to rebel against Wood/Hum (i.e., Human Spirit) in the restraining cycle and further excess of Metal (Body) from Earth (Soul-Mind) in the engendering cycle.
When the human emotional and mental decision-making process is unbalanced, various metaphysical (psychological, psychosocial, spiritual) and physical (psychosomatic, structural, functional, sensory) dysfunctions may follow.
2.7 Energy medicine
There are two important aspects of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), the first has to do with vital energy or qi. Health is a result of the proper balance (yin/yang) of vital energy (qi) in the body, and disease is a result of imbalance ([22, 23], p. 17). According to Traditional East Asian Medicine, qi, blood, essence, and fluids are the basic elements of all physiological activity.
Blood and fluids are the sustenance of the body, nourishing and moistening the entire organism, and are yin in nature. Essence is the basis of physical development and reproduction. It is the store surplus potential of the human body, and the basis and fluid production. All changes that occur in the human body from birth to death result from the interaction of qi, blood, essence, and fluids.
The word “qi” originally meant cloud or mist. Ancient Chinese natural philosophers, observing how clouds and mist gathered and dispersed, lighted on the idea that the whole universe was made of one basic substance, qi, that could assume many different forms. They also posited that a formless, invisible, diffuse, and active form of qi was responsible for all movement and change in the universe. ([16, 17, 18], p. 17).
Qi is the basis for all physiological and emotional activities of the body. In Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), the Wood phase and Liver zang/fu organ greatly impact emotions.
“…emotional activity is closely related to the liver qi. Only when the function of the liver in maintaining the free flow of qi is normal can the qi and blood be harmonious and the mind at ease. Dysfunction of the liver, therefore, is often accompanied by emotional changes such as mental depression or excitement. When liver qi stagnates, for example, there may be mental depression, paranoia, or even weeping; when the liver qi is hyperactive, there may be irascibility, insomnia, dream disturbed sleep, dizziness and vertigo. While dysfunction of the liver often leads to emotional changes, at the same time prolonged excessive mental irritation often leads to dysfunction of the liver in maintaining the free flow of qi. ([24], p. 36).
Liver-Blood and Liver-Qi need to be harmonized and Liver-Blood must root Liver-Qi to prevent its becoming stagnant or rebelling upwards….The Spiritual Axis in Chapter 8 says, “If the Liver is deficient there will be fear; if it is in excess there will be ager.” ([25], p. 33).
Dalton’s Atomic Theory postulates that all matter is composed of atoms. Even though we now know that the atom is divisible to a nucleus consisting of positively charged protons, neutral charge neutrons, and orbiting negatively charged electrons, Dalton’s theory is still largely true. The human body, which consists of 45–75% water molecules by mass [26], consists of atoms, vibrating, in constant motion. It is no wonder that the human body emits an energy field (biofield). This can explain why the human body is receptive to various forms of energy including the electromagnetic (EM) fields of other humans.
Inside the body is a living matrix of connective tissue fabric consisting of fascia, extracellular matrices, integrins, cytoskeletons, nuclear matrices, and DNA, governed by tensegrity, subject to entrainment, that generates piezobioeletric signals, carries bioelectric signals between every part of the body, and maintains electrical homeostasis throughout the body ([1], p. 588).
Increasing knowledge of the living matrix of the human body, tensegrity [27], entrainment [28], human biological rhythms [29], the role of the practitioner’s heart in health care [30], the human biofield [31], and biological aspects of physics continue to give birth to new complementary therapies. Biological aspects of physics contributing to ingenuity in health and wellness include motion (linear, rotational, gravity), vibration (waves, sound, light) electricity, magnetism, hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, and heart coherence. Promising new health-oriented therapies are numerous and include sound therapy [32], music therapy [33, 34], music medicine [35], meditation [36], prayer [37], reiki [38], therapeutic touch [39], earthing (grounding) [40], electromagnetic radiation (EMR) therapies in the visible [41] and infrared (IR) [42] spectrums, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy [43].
Current knowledge about the roles of electrical, magnetic, elastic, acoustic, thermal, gravitational, and photonic energies in living systems shows that most likely no single “life force” or “healing energy” exist. Rather, the living body seems to have many energy systems, and there seem to be many ways of influencing those systems ([1], p. 589).
The salutogenic spectrum of wellness from the vantage points of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), Western allopathic medicine, and Energy Medicine can all be aligned and converged to create a depth of focus that puts the focal point image of the fullness of life in clear view (see Table 1, i.e., APVE Chart Illustrations and Figure 1, i.e., APVE Eye Graphic).
Phenomenal vision (PVis)
Three dimensions of human existence TDoHE
Yin-Yang theory YY-theory
Three treasures
Cosmology heaven earth pillar
Five-phase correspondence theory FP-theory
Energy medicine
Physical vision
BODY (Human) Nature: Mortal Antenna sensitivity: Physical receptor
Yin
Yin (Ling/Essence)
Yin (Earth)
Phase: METAL ZangFu: Lung/Large intestines Shen (spirit/soul): Po (Corporeal)
A Particular Visual Enlightenment (APVE) chart illustration.
2.8 Refracting the physical metaphysical pendulum
There are two important aspects of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), the first has to do with vital energy or qi. The second important aspect of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) has to do with its celestial origin.
Knowledge of these medical modalities is divinely revealed to humans from celestial sources,…every major aspect of Chinese medicine had is origin attributed to the writings and teachings of semi-mythical divine rulers in the line of Chinese Emperors, attribution to the heavens as the source of all human knowledge, which is channeled through demigod rulers, to mortal humans, forms the basis for Chinese civilization in general, as well as for health and healing ([23], p. 18).
The record of this spiritual origin is found in the Huang Di Nei Jing.
“Huang Di Nei Jing 《黄帝内经》 Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) is the earliest and most important written work of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was compiled over 2200 years ago during the Warring States period (475–221 BC) and is regarded as the fundamental and most representative medical text. The version nominated for inscription in the Memory of the World Register was printed and published by Hu’s Gulin Sanctum in 1339 using the woodblock-printing technique. It is the earliest and the best-preserved version of its kind now extant.” 4
Over time, the Inner Canon has been rearranged by editors into three sections, forming separate books: The Basic Questions (Su Wen), The Numinous/Spiritual Pivot (Ling Shu), and the Grand Basis (Taisu). Taken together, they discuss acupuncture, the piercing of the body with stones and needles in order to influence the qi, and moxibustion, heat treatment to the same end, often performed by burning the plant called mugwort.” ([10], p. 35).
The Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu (aka the Spiritual Pivot or Spiritual Axis) shines a light on the spiritual foundation of the healing arts.
“All norms of piercing [require one] to first of all consider the spirit as the foundation.” [44].
…the Jin Yue Quan Shu says: ‘Adeptness at understanding the meaning of the spirit [is essential]. It is the root of life and death, it cannot be investigated.’ ([45], p. 4).
The notion that the spirit is the root of life and death is not novel. According to the Bible, spiritual sickness and death preceded physical sickness and death. The Christian Bible continues to be, “the best-selling book of all time,” [46] claiming to be the revelation of God the creator of the universe, and the source of all answers to metaphysical questions concerning the origin of things, things that are eternal, and purpose of life. The genesis of human sickness is found in the story of Adam and Eve, part of the creation narrative, in the third chapter of the book of Genesis.5 The Bible also shines a light on the spiritual foundation for healing.6
The importance of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices in health and well-being has great significance in the practice of all forms of modern evidence-based medicine. The importance of religion/spirituality has been downplayed, overlooked, and discouraged at various times and in various ways around the world. The primary reasoning used in science is Aristotelian linear deductive logic where two opposites cannot be true. The primary reasoning used in religion/spirituality and Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) is inductive logic that is complimentary of opposites (e.g., YY-Theory). Inductive logic is a more circular, sexier, logic in that it swerves and curves. Light, is it a wave or a particle? According to deductive linear logic, it presents a paradox, an oxymoron, it can only be one or the other but not both. According to inductive logic, it can be and is both, opposites can be true. Translogical ([9], p. 25; [47], p. 30) thinking embraces paradoxical truths. Deductive and inductive logic may have the same final destination, but the journey is different. The push to advance innovation and modern technology in medicine via scientific methodology has been, at times, accompanied by a counter push to separate and distance advances in medicine via religion/spirituality methods, in both Eastern (separation from shamanism) [10] and Western medicine (separation model in which medicine neglects and avoids spirituality/religion) [48, 49].
The pendulum between science and religion/spirituality has started to swing the other way. Recently, the pendulum between physical and metaphysical health realities has swung toward an explosive growth and acceptance in the number of peer-reviewed articles on the impact of religion/spirituality in medicine ([50, 51, 52], p. 3; [53], p. 435). The relationship between science and religion/spirituality is becoming more complementary, especially when the focus is on issues that build bridges, like wellness and fullness of life, and less adversarial when the focus is on issues that build walls. There is a wealth of evidence supporting the impact religion/spirituality has on wound healing, surgical recovery, overall health, well-being ([54], p. 1225; [55], p. 7; [56], p. 1) including now the impact on the human biofield [57]. As a result, 90% of US medical schools now include academic curricula that include courses that focus on the impact of religion and spirituality on health and well-being ([50, 51, 52], pp. 9–10; [58]). It is with this progressive understanding that the World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity [59].
The alignment and convergence of science and religion, deductive and inductive reasoning, Western allopathic medicine and Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), and health and wellness can be but need not be problematic. The pendular swing between science and religion, between allopathic and alternative medicine can be likened to a refraction of physical and metaphysical realities. Looking at one image of reality, then switching to a different image of reality, always comparing the clarity of one image to the other, and making necessary adjustments along the way until both images are equally clear is a type of metaphysical Jackson cross-cylinder (JCC) [60, 61] refraction. It is possible, through a process called metaphysical refraction, to bring the images of Western medicine, traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM), energy medicine, alternative medicine, and religion/spirituality into clearer focus by not just converging them to a salutogenic depth of focus but rather to a centered focal point image of the fullness of life. A biopsychosocial-spiritual model is blooming in Western Medicine where the biologic, social, psychologic, and spiritual aspects of the person are seen as being inextricably linked with each other ([62], p. 655; [63], p. 352). The APVE refractive tool is simply the inquiry about physical, mental, and spiritual vision during a patient’s initial intake or follow-up encounter along with the use of the APVE diagrams. The APVE tool guides the encounter into a holistic biopsychosocial-spiritual model of care, a Western version of TEAM.
The alignment and convergence of Phenomenal Vision (PVis) (i.e., the life-changing ability to take a general understanding of physical vision and compare that understanding to mental and spiritual vision) and Three Dimensions of Human Existence (TDoHE – i.e., the human consists of a body, soul, and spirit where the soul further consists of emotions, mind, and volition) and concepts of Yin-Yang (YY-Theory) and Five-Phase Correspondence Theory (FP-Theory) of Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) is somewhat reminiscent of preparing a delicious serving of New Orleans seafood gumbo. Ingredients of New Orleans gumbo may include blue crab, shrimp, andouille sausage, smoked turkey meat, chicken meat, green bell pepper, red onions, celery, fresh okra, and various other spices and creole seasonings (see Figure 2, i.e., APVE FOL illustration). Now for the finishing touch, a sprinkle of gumbo file (ground sassafras leaves), the cause-and-effect paradigm.
2.9 Universal cause-effect paradigm
The final step in this refraction of physical and metaphysical realities includes the use of a paradigm prism to balance cause-and-effect phenomena.
2.9.1 APVE universal cause-and-effect paradigm
1.The Paradigm of Cause-and Effect Relations between Correspondence Phenomena
1.1. Causation through Mysterious & Magical Correspondence
1.1.1. Physical Laws
1.1.1.1. Known & Explainable Physical Laws (e.g., science of physics, astronomy, and mathematics)
1.1.1.1.1. Only 5% of the observable universe is visible to humans.
1.1.1.2. Unknown & Unexplainable Physical Laws
1.1.1.2.1. 95% of the observable universe is invisible to us and beyond it is an unobservable universe that is 100% invisible to us ([9], pp. 8, 15).
1.1.2. Contact Phenomena
1.1.2.1. Contact or former union between two elements creates a relationship in which a manipulation of one of the elements produces a visible effect upon the other although separated by distance (e.g., Voodoo doll).
1.1.3.1. Like corresponds to like. Harm inflicted on the image of a person results in harm to the person although separated by distance. May also include the concept of vibrational correspondence grossly alluded to in Hidden Messages in Water [64].
1.2. Causation through Systematic Correspondence
1.2.1. Yin-Yang Correspondence Theory
1.2.2. Five-Phases Correspondence Theory
2.The Paradigm of Cause-and-Effect Relations between Noncorresponding Phenomena
2.1. Causation through Influence of Natural Phenomena (Physical Vision)
2.1.1. Non-infectious
2.1.2. Infectious
2.2. Causation through Influence of Mental/Social Phenomena (Mental Vision)
2.2.1. Psychological
2.2.2. Psychosomatic
2.2.3. Socioeconomical political (e.g., Hegemony)
2.3. Causation through Influence of Supranatural (unexplained) Phenomena – Miraculous Signs and Wonders (Spiritual Vision)
2.3.1. GOD (exist outside the time-space-energy-matter bubble)
2.3.2. Metaphysical Biblical Laws
2.3.2.1. Example:
2.3.2.1.1. Law of sin and death [7, 8] Ez. 18:4; Rom. 3:23
2.3.2.1.2. The Gospel Message [7, 8] John 3:16; Rom. 6:23
A Particular Visual Enlightenment (APVE) is a metaphysical refraction, and as a tool, can be used as a corrective lens to see health and wellness more clearly from a physical, mental, and spiritual point of view. It brings into focus bridges that connect Eastern and Western Health philosophies. It increases cultural religious/spiritual sensitivity and competence in clinical practice. Simply asking the patient about their physical, mental, and spiritual vision during the subjective intake serves as a natural guide into discussions about mental health (mental vision) and their religious/spiritual health and engagement in life (spiritual vision). It clarifies the emotional and mental dynamics at play in the decision-making process. It offers a foundation for the development of a personal decision-making strategy for difficult life decisions. It reinforces holistic interprofessional communication. It breaks down barriers between science and religion, deductive (Aristotelian linear logic) and inductive reasoning (logic that swerves and curves), Western allopathic medicine and Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM), and promotes alternative therapies, complementary therapies, integrative medicine, and energy medicine.
Life’s greatest disease is death. On the other end of the spectrum is the fullness of life. The ministry of healing is a high calling; therefore, healers must always adhere to a high standard. A Particular Visual Enlightenment, when used as a corrective lens, can help the healer stretch toward the mark and high calling by bringing into clear focus an image of the fullness of life.
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Notes
Refs. [7, 8] Rom 8:1-11.
Refs. [7, 8] cf. Acts 17:24-27.
Refs. [7, 8] cf. Rev. 3:19-20.
silkroads@UNESCO.org, 2022.
Refs. [7, 8] Gen. 3:1-24.
Refs. [7, 8] John 3:16; John 10:10.
Written By
Leonidas A. Johnson
Submitted: 07 June 2024Reviewed: 09 June 2024Published: 11 September 2024
Open access peer-reviewed chapter - ONLINE FIRST
