Shen-Zhi Theory: Analysis of the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Disorder
Item
Title
Shen-Zhi Theory: Analysis of the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Disorder
Description
EJOM (2006), Qu Lifang.
Abstract
The Huangdi Neijing(Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) contains numerous references to ‘spirits’ that are said to reside within the body. The term ‘shen-zhi’ means ‘spirit-mind’ and telescopes the five spirits (shen, hun, po, yi, zhi) of early Chinese medical theorising.Shen-zhitheory explains the principles for understanding Chinese medicine’s perspective on human consciousness. The theory describes how each of thewu shen(five spirits) govern certain aspects of mentality and are closely related to sensory faculties, body tissues, visceral systems, and physiological substances according to thewu xing(five phase) framework of correspondence and relationship. Spirit activities thereby provide the human organism with its distinctive array of mental and sensory abilities including intelligence, insight, focused attention and memory.Shen-zhitheory is derived from key sections of theNeijingthat define the nature of thewu shen, their physiological activities and relationships. When these resources and relationships are disrupted a variety of common or more serious disorders may result. We discuss some of these, and a number of specific disorders that have a particular connection with the five spirits andshen-zhitheory. Broadly speaking, they are ‘mind’ or ‘mental’ disorders. Analysis of their signs and symptoms illustrates the theory and clarifies its diagnostic relevance for modern clinicians.
Alternative Title
EJOM
Creator
Date
Date Created
2/24/2015
Language
English
Type
Journal Article
issn
1351-6647
issue
2
volume
5