This is where the book becomes an invaluable clinical manual. It provides detailed treatment strategies using both acupuncture and herbal medicine for the most common psychological disorders seen in modern practice, including:
Specific acupuncture points possess distinct mental-emotional functions, and an entire chapter in Maciocia’s text is dedicated to explaining these functions. Different points may calm the Shen , anchor the Hun , strengthen the Yi , support the Zhi , or regulate the Po . The selection of points depends upon the specific pattern diagnosis and the particular spiritual aspect that is disordered.
Keen physical senses, clear boundaries, and the ability to process and let go of grief.
Chronic grief or trauma injures the Lung Qi, which in turn weakens the Po, leading to crying, breathing difficulties, physical numbness, or low self-esteem. 3. The Yi (Intellect and Thought) – Housed in the Spleen the psyche in chinese medicine pdf
Chinese herbal formulas are precisely tailored to the individual’s organ presentation:
TCM identifies seven primary modes of emotion that directly interact with internal organ function. When these emotions are excessive or prolonged, they can cause "patterns of disharmony": affects the Liver. Joy (excessive excitement) affects the Heart. Worry/Overthinking affects the Spleen. Grief/Melancholy affects the Lungs. Fear affects the Kidneys. Comprehensive PDF Resources
Understanding the Psyche in Chinese Medicine: An In-Depth Overview This is where the book becomes an invaluable clinical manual
The Ethereal Soul. It is responsible for vision, creativity, life purpose, and "movement" of the mind (like dreaming).
Used to soothe the Liver, smooth emotional volatility, and alleviate depression. Sheng Ke Cycle (Five-Element Psychology)
Version on Internet Archive (Archive.org) The selection of points depends upon the specific
Specific points are selected to anchor the spirit, clear heat from the mind, or move stagnant emotions.
In Western psychosomatic medicine, mental stress creates physical symptoms (e.g., stress causing an ulcer). Chinese medicine emphasizes both psychosomatic and somatopsychic pathways—meaning physical organ imbalances directly generate specific emotional states. Associated Psyche Element Positive Virtue Negative Emotion Shen (Mind) Joy, Love, Propriety Anxiety, Mania, Insecurity Liver Hun (Ethereal Soul) Kindness, Vision Anger, Frustration, Resentment Spleen Yi (Intellect) Empathy, Focus Worry, Pensiveness, Obsession Lung Po (Corporeal Soul) Courage, Integrity Grief, Sadness, Melancholy Kidney Zhi (Willpower) Wisdom, Determination Fear, Paranoia, Timidity
Lack of motivation, easily giving up, chronic fear, or phobias. 3. The Seven Emotions as Internal Causes of Disease