Archive
3-04-10 - Shen: The Intersection of Mind and Body
The Shen, often translated as the spirit or mind, plays a vitally important role in determining out state of health. Ancient Chinese medical texts place great importance on the delicate interaction between the emotions and physiological functions of the body. As such, the shen represents both the aggregate of all mental and physical activities as well as the chief executive of the human system. Physical distress causes the shen to go into decline, while a weakened spirit will also manifest in physical dysfunction.
Illness creates a complex circle of emotions and psychological associations that are often difficult to release ourselves from. While acupuncture and herbal medicine strongly benefit the spirit, a regular practice of meditation is the most effective way the “dust off the mirror”. 15-20 minutes of daily focused breathing and quiet reflection can clear the mind of unneeded clutter and relieve psychological and emotional stress at the deepest levels. The results are a healthier body, quieter mind, and brighter spirit.