The Zhi represents drive, ambition, willpower, and the instinct for survival. It determines our capacity to see our intentions through to completion.
3. The Seven Emotions (Qi Qing) as Internal Causes of Disease
Too much studying or worrying injures the Spleen's ability to make blood. Because the Heart Shen relies on blood to anchor it at night, this leads to anxiety, palpitations, poor memory, and insomnia. the psyche in chinese medicine pdf
Traditional Chinese Medicine operates on the principle of holism ( Wholism ). There is no dualism between the physical flesh and the psychological mind.
The Chinese concept of the "psyche" is not housed solely in the brain. Instead, it is distributed across five distinct yin organs, known collectively as the Five Shen (五神). 2. The Five Shen: The Map of the TCM Psyche The Zhi represents drive, ambition, willpower, and the
The psyche in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is not a separate entity from the body; it is a vital, integrated component of a person's overall health. In TCM, the mind and body are seen as a single, unified system where emotional and mental states are deeply interconnected with the functions of the internal organs. This holistic approach, often documented in foundational texts like the Huangdi Neijing
by Giovanni Maciocia . This comprehensive text bridges ancient Eastern wisdom with Western psychological concepts. Key Concepts from the Guide The Seven Emotions (Qi Qing) as Internal Causes
In TCM theory, emotions are not inherently pathological; they are natural, fluid expressions of energy. However, if an emotion becomes prolonged, intense, or unexpressed, it disrupts the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and directly damages its corresponding organ system. Corresponding Organ Dynamic effect on Qi Causes Qi to rise upwards Joy / Over-excitation Slows down or scatters Qi Worry / Pensiveness Knots or stagnates Qi Grief / Sadness Dissolves or consumes Qi Fear / Dread Causes Qi to descend or drop Shock / Fright Heart & Kidneys Deranges and scatters Qi
This is not merely a theoretical exploration. Maciocia masterfully bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern clinical practice.