Image by Nika Akin from Pixabay 

Mind, Body and Shen

“Mind, body, and spirit” – in these three parts of overall human health, there’s an understanding of what good mental and physical wellness looks like. Spiritual health, on the other hand, can be a bit more ambiguous for us Westerners.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “spirit” is known as shen. One can think of it as the light within. Encapsulating our presence, soul and consciousness, shen helps us connect with the outside world and is what makes us truly “human.” In fact, in Chinese, shen is one of three ways to express “I” or “self.” 

Further, shen…

• Allows one to be conscious of their self
• Defines us as individuals and gives a sense of self
• Feels and assesses emotions
• Is responsible for perceptions, feelings and senses
• Is responsible for thinking, memory, intelligence, wisdom and ideas
• Determines consciousness
• Is responsible for relating with others 

Clearly, shen is an essential part of one’s well-being. 

Using the Eyes as a Diagnostic Tool

It’s been said that the eyes are the window to the soul. Similarly, TCM says that we can see the quality of a person’s shen through their eyes. Just as an acupuncturist inspects the tongue or takes a read on pulse, observing a patient’s eyes offers another perspective of health. For example, shining, bright and clear eyes indicate open spirit/shen and strong vitality (ie. good mental health, clear thinking, ability to connect to others and self, etc.). On the other hand, dull eyes indicate shen issues such as emotional imbalance or drug use (ie. mental illness, slow and dull thinking, inability to connect to self and others, etc.). 

Western medicine has also noted that the eyes can detect patient issues, particularly cognitive and mental health. For example, research has shown that dry eyes are linked to depression and anxiety. Meanwhile, current research is looking at how eye examinations can detect early signs of neurological and mental health conditions.

Additionally, the eyes can reveal a host of other issues, as well:

Deeper eye inspection can yield the health of vital organs. Source: Silky Herbs

Nourishing Shen

If you’re feeling like your spirit can use a boost,, try these 6 ways to support your shen:

Change your diet.

As shen is housed in the heart, it’s important to build a healthy blood supply by eating iron rich foods. Try adding proteins like red meat, pork, poultry and seafood; dark leafy greens, dried fruit and iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas. Also boost your Vitamin C with broccoli, grapefruit, kiwi, melons, oranges, peppers, strawberries, tangerines and tomatoes. Avoid alcohol, refined sugar, large amounts of coffee as well as spicy, fried or processed foods. 

Move. 

Get vigorous exercise, especially if under chronic stress. Or go gentle through walking, qigong, and yoga.

Get good sleep. 

This may mean curbing caffeine during the day, closing down electronic devices at night, or trying herbs for some extra assistance.

Try soft and deep breathing. 

Or go even deeper with these breathing exercises for anxiety.

Love.

Simply allow yourself to love and be loved. Allow gratitude to enter your heart. Tell someone special how much they mean to you.

Traditional Chinese Medicine.

And, of course, get acupuncture or try herbs.

Sources: