In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Shen can be translated as the Spirit. The Shen is seen as the whole emotional, spiritual and mental aspects of a person and is a vital concept in understanding a patient’s psychological and physical health in clinical practice.
The Shen is one of the three treasures in TCM alongside Jing essence and the energetic life force, Qi. Together, these three support physical health, vitality, and spiritual balance.
What is Shen?
The Shen in Traditional Chinese Medicine is responsible for mental, emotional and spiritual functions in the body. From a mental function perspective, this includes perception, cognition, and consciousness, and from an emotional function perspective includes the balance of the emotions. Spiritual function of the Shen includes insight, awareness and connection of self.
Interestingly, the Shen in Traditional Medicine radiates in the eyes, facial expressions and in speech.
Where is it housed?
The Shen is housed in the Heart from a Traditional Chinese Medicine energetic perspective.
From an energetic perspective in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart governs mental activity, consciousness and emotional wellbeing. When the heart is strong and nourished, the Shen will be clear, calm and settled; although if the Heart is weak or disturbed, the Shen may become restless, scattered or agitated.
An example of this is that the Heart governs joy, and when there is excess or deficiency, this can disturb the Shen.
What symptoms can you experience if the Shen has been unsettled?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, if the Shen has been disturbed or unsettled, then the following symptoms may arise:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low mood
- Insomnia
- PTSD
Is there a clinical parallel with unsettled Shen and the Central Nervous System dysregulation?
From an integrative perspective, the Shen has a similar role to the Central Nervous System in that both govern consciousness, awareness and thought. They both regulate emotions, sleep, memory and mental function and similarly, are both affected by stress, trauma and overstimulation.
Evidence shows that the Biochemical mechanisms of Acupuncture have an effect on the Autonomic nervous system, including the Parasympathetic Nervous System and the Sympathetic nervous system. Research also shows that Acupuncture increases the release of Endorphins. This benefits the regulation of physical and emotional stress. You can learn more about the research here https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-anxiety/
3 ways to calm the Shen
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most effective tools to calm the Shen and to address symptoms such as anxiety, stress, low mood and insomnia. Acupuncture treatment supports a patient both energetically as well as neurophysically to soothe the Central Nervous System.
Specific points are used depending on an individual’s pattern of diagnosis, and needles are often retained for 25 minutes.
Acupuncture is dose-dependent, and a series of Acupuncture treatments will often be recommended.
Acupuncture is often used as an adjunct treatment in a multidisciplinary model of care alongside seeing a Psychologist for mental health support, and then receiving Acupuncture for Central Nervous System regulation.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a therapeutic technique based on the same principles as Acupuncture, although instead of needles, firm pressure is applied to stimulate specific points on the body.
There are a number of specific points that can be used to calm the Shen, although my favourite point is Shen Men.
Not only is this an easily accessible point to use throughout your day, but it is also an effective point that you’ll be able to feel once applying Acupressure.
Shen Men is an auricular Acupuncture point located in the ear, in the upper part of the triangular fossa. This point calms and regulates the nervous system.
When applying Acupressure to this point, use your index finger to the point and apply firm pressure in a clockwise direction for a minimum of 30 seconds and up to 1 minute. Have a break and continue for a minimum of three rounds.
Whilst applying Acupressure, I recommend focusing on slowing down your breathing (Inhale for 4 counts and exhale for 6 counts) and/or putting on a meditation. I recommend using the Insight Timer app.
You can apply Acupressure to this point as many times throughout the day and as many times as you need. This point is safe to use when trying to conceive or when pregnant.
Chinese Dietary Therapy
Chinese Dietary Therapy uses specific foods and flavours to balance the body’s energy and nourish organs to restore balance in the body according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
To calm the Shen optimally from a Traditional Chinese Dietary Therapy perspective is to include mildly sweet foods that are moistening and nourish the blood. The way the food is prepared is also important in Chinese Dietary Therapy, and for Shen calming foods, they should be gentle on the body by being slow-cooked or stewed.
Three foods that calm the Shen and nourish Heart blood include:
- Black sesame seeds (Hei Zhi Ma)
- Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)
I recommend adding both the Hei Zhi Ma and Gou Qi Zi to The Dao Health’s period porridge
- Jujube dates (Da Zao)
Jujube Dates can be eaten raw or added to oats or a soup. Another option is to have a herbal tea that includes Da Zao, such as The Dao Health’s custom Calm tea.
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