Recent theoretical developments, such as the paradigm of allostasis, share foundational conceptual and pathophysiological principles with Traditional Chinese Medicine, including a holistic perspective on the relationships between psychological and biological dimensions. These convergences suggest that ancient Chinese insights into the psyche may find validation in the most advanced contemporary understanding of brain-mind function.
Chinese medicine views the "psyche" through the (Wu Shen), each residing in a specific internal organ: The Psyche in Chinese Medicine - Elsevier
Known as the "Emperor," the Shen governs overall consciousness, awareness, mental clarity, and sleep. A healthy Shen manifests as bright eyes and a calm mind.
Conversely, Western psychology offers tools and perspectives that enrich the practice of Chinese medicine. Practitioners today have the opportunity to integrate the sophisticated pattern differentiation of TCM with the diagnostic and therapeutic insights of modern psychology, creating truly integrative approaches to mental health care. the psyche in chinese medicine pdf
Furthermore, while Liver-Qi stagnation is widely recognized as a fundamental pathology in emotional stress, practitioners must recognize that Qi stagnation affects practically every organ. In emotional life, Heart-Qi and Lung-Qi stagnation are particularly important and common, often overlooked in favor of the more frequently emphasized Liver pattern.
The "Emperor" of the psyche. It governs consciousness, self-awareness, and clear thinking.
A restless Hun causes vivid or distressing dreams, sleepwalking, lack of vision, or a feeling of being ungrounded and aimless. The Po (The Corporeal Soul) Organ: Lungs Element: Metal Recent theoretical developments, such as the paradigm of
The Hun is responsible for your dreams, vision, life purpose, and creativity. It is the part of the soul that survives physical death.
Insomnia, heart palpitations, extreme anxiety, incoherent speech, and mania. 2. The Hun (Ethereal Soul) Organ: Liver
The Shen is the overall emperor of the psyche. It governs consciousness, mental clarity, self-awareness, sleep, and memory. A healthy Shen manifests as bright eyes and a calm mind
Clear life direction, healthy ambition, and artistic inspiration.
Emotions in TCM (often referred to as the "Seven Emotions") are viewed as natural responses that only become pathological when they are excessive or suppressed for long periods. 马 万 里 - Giovanni-Maciocia.com
A practitioner can assess the health of your Shen just by looking at you. It manifests as the brightness or "glint" in your eyes, the luster of your skin, and the clarity of your speech.
Housed in the Spleen . It governs cognitive functions, such as thinking, memory, and concentration.