Shen is the ebullient spirit of the Heart. Shen embodies mind and thought and is reflected in our higher consciousness. Shen was first discussed in the Huangdi Neijing medical classic in the chapter called the Root of Spirit: ‘Heaven abides so that we have virtue; Earth abides so that we have Qi; When virtue […]
Stillness of Heart and Mind
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The Heart never stops storing impressions and yet it also knows “emptiness.” From birth, we have the capacity to know things by creating distinctions, differentiations, divisions, partiality, and thus duality; and yet also the Heart presence knows “unity.” In its experiencing, the Heart keeps moving, and yet also knows stillness. When the mind is used, […]
WATER INTAKE AND HEALTH
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Turning to traditional Chinese medicine and a Taoist concept of health and long life, one is taught to be moderate in every action and attentive to the signals of the body, and to the prevailing influences of nature. Eating when hungry and drinking when thirsty, we should ingest only enough food and drink to satisfy […]
The Pivotal Role of Emotions
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How All Disease Is a Matter of Heart-Spirit, According to Classical Chinese Medicine The defining classics of Chinese medicine establish that it is the invisible forces of Shen [Heart-Spirit] and Qi [vital energy] that rule matter. While western medicine is rooted in the modern science of matter analysis, modern and ancient physicians of classical oriental medicine […]