Shen

Question 1

What are the functions of Shen

Answer 1

Functions
1. Sleep – gives us the ability to sleep well.
2. Memory – gives us the capacity to memorize data and also the ability to remember past events.
3. Thinking – gives us the capacity to think clearly and quickly.
4. Consciousness – responsible for the recognition of thoughts, perceptions and feelings.
5. Spirit – moves the other aspects (hun, po, zhi, yi).

Question 2

What is the pathology of Shen?

Answer 2

Deficient Shen: Dullness; apathy; lack of spirit; lack of vitality; lack of joy.
Disturbed Shen: Insomnia; dream-disturbed sleep; forgetfulness; anxiety; poor memory. Obstructed Shen: Mental confusion; clouded consciousness; if severe, unconsciousness.

Question 3

What is Shen/Heart Spirit?

Answer 3

That by which a given being is unlike another, and makes an individual more than merely a person.

Question 4

What are the five components of Shen?

Answer 4

1. Sleep
2. Memory
3. Thinking
4. Consciousness
5. Spirit – controls the other Spirits

Question 5

What is the Hun?

Answer 5

Liver Spirit: Ethereal (Spiritual) Soul The blue-print of who we are.

Question 6

What is the Po?

Answer 6

Lung Spirit: Corporeal (Animal) Soul Vigorous life force.

Question 7

What is the Zhi?

Answer 7

Kidney Spirit: Will
The tendency towards something.

Question 8

What is the Ye?

Answer 8

Spleen Spirit: Thought
Capacity for applied thinking, studying and concentration.