When interpreting the body's qi from the perspective of modern medicine, rather than being an abstract energy, it can be viewed as closer to a complex vitality system encompassing intricate internal biochemical reactions and nervous system regulation. Struggling to wake up easily in the morning and feeling tired all day is a strong signal that various components of this vitality system are out of balance.
First and foremost is an imbalance in melatonin and cortisol, the hormones that regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is secreted at night to induce sleep, while cortisol peaks in the morning to induce arousal and prepare the body for activity. However, if nighttime stress or smartphone use interferes with melatonin secretion, or if the adrenal gland becomes exhausted from chronic stress so that cortisol is not secreted adequately in the morning, the body fails to receive the arousal signal properly, making it difficult to get out of bed. What Korean medicine refers to as a state of depleted qi directly intersects with this hormonal imbalance.
Furthermore, hypofunction of mitochondria, which act as the body's energy power plants, is another key factor. Mitochondria generate energy called adenosine triphosphate within cells; if this process is impaired, the body cannot generate enough energy at the cellular level no matter how much you sleep, much like a broken generator. This can stem from excessive reactive oxygen species (free radicals), nutritional imbalance, and chronic inflammation, causing whole-body fatigue and lethargy. The decline of vital energy in Korean medicine also signifies decreased energy production efficiency at the cellular level.
Autonomic nervous system imbalance cannot be overlooked either. The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic nerve, responsible for arousal and activity, and the parasympathetic nerve, responsible for rest and digestion. In modern individuals, the sympathetic nerve is often excessively heightened due to chronic stress, or its activity fails to rise properly in the morning because of adrenal fatigue. This interferes with deep sleep and prevents the body from smoothly transitioning into arousal mode when it should be waking up feeling refreshed.
Lastly, neurotransmitters have a profound influence. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are deeply involved in mood, energy, and motivation. When their balance is disrupted, one may experience difficulty waking up in the morning alongside depression and lethargy. This can be viewed as a weakened state of qi that becomes the master of the spirit as described in Donguibogam. Ultimately, qi in Donguibogam is not merely an abstract concept, but a wise expression encompassing the complex vitality systems revealed by modern medicine, including hormones, neurotransmitters, cellular energy metabolism, and the autonomic nervous system.
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