Let’s Talk About Shen Baby

In Chinese Medicine, mental health issues are considered disorders of the Shen.  The Shen is the fundamental texture of human life and the thing that separates us from all other creatures. It is sometimes translated to “soul” or “spirit.” It is the quality in humans that allows for relationships, self-awareness, morality, and values. The Shen is visible in the eyes; when healthy, it creates a vibrant sparkle.

The Shen is divided into five components, each with a complex role, as follows:

•Yi is consciousness, thought, and intention. It’s what gives us the ability to consider and deliberate. It is the part of the spirit that allows for loyalty and faithfulness.

•Hun is similar to reputation. It encompasses the good deeds of our lives and the acts of kindness that may continue to have an effect even after our death. It is benevolence and empathy, and it plays a role in our ability to endure suffering and pain.

•Zhi is our willpower and intentions, and the innate wisdom we hold.

•Po is our “animal” soul, the part that dies with us. This can be thought of as our instinctual and transitory emotions.

•Shen-mind is the part of the Shen that allows us to properly connect with the world. It is in charge of communication and appropriateness. The Shen-mind is our consciousness, cognition, and insight. It is in charge of our sleep, ideas, memory, and worries. It also rules the five senses.

Because Chinese medicine presents a unique view of the body where emotions are closely tied to specific organs, acupuncture can be very helpful in working with mental/emotional conditions. The most common ones we see in the office are anxiety, depression, insomnia, and irritability. We work with patients both on and off medications and often receive referrals from therapists and psychiatrists who are looking for additional tools to help support their patients.