通 – Tōng

Tōng can mean to pass through or to go through, to be open or unblocked, to communicate, to understand or to be proficient, to be applicable across various domains or context, or to inform or notify. In TCM, tōng is used to describe the free flow of Qi and blood in the body. There is a saying that incorporates the word tōng that says – ‘when there is flow, there is no pain’. So we want to have free flow within ourselves and we want to be able to flow freely and easily communicate with the world around us.

身 – Shēn

Shēn can mean a physical body or the entire human form, one’s identity or being, the state of being alive, or personal presence or experience. Shēn represents the human who is cultivating their morals or cultivates harmony between body and mind. Shēn not only describes the physical body but emphasizes that humans are an integration of mind, body, and spirit.

通身 – Tōng Shēn

Placing one or more Chinese characters together can change the meaning from the character being on its own. Tōng Shēn can describe sensations or conditions that affect the entire body, especially when discussing the flow of Qi in the body. Tōng Shēn can refer to the integration of strength, coordination, and flow throughout the body. Tōng Shēn more simply can mean throughout the whole body. This means that it can be used together with other characters to describe sensations, physical conditions, or appearances. Tōng Shēn can also mean ‘from head to toe’ which places an emphasis on completeness or thoroughness. In cultural contexts, Tōng Shēn can convey a person’s outward presentation or the impression they give through their entire being—how their posture, movement, and spirit align as one integrated expression.