Anxiety. Restless nights. A creative spark you cannot quite reach.
In Chinese medicine, these experiences point back to one idea, the Shen.
What is Shen?
Shen (神) is usually translated as spirit or mind. It is the part of you that thinks, feels, dreams and is aware.
Chinese medicine says the Shen lives in the Heart. That is why it is often called the "heart-mind." In this view, your emotional life and your physical heart are closely linked.
When the Shen is settled, you feel calm, clear and present. Your eyes are bright. You sleep well. Your thoughts are organized.
The Three Treasures
Shen is one of the Three Treasures of Chinese medicine, along with jing and qi.
| Treasure | What it is |
|---|---|
| Jing | Essence, your deepest reserve. See Jing and Winter Kidney Nourishment |
| Qi | Vital energy that moves through the body. See our guide to qi |
| Shen | Spirit and awareness |
Jing is the foundation, qi is the fuel and Shen is the light that shines from both.
Signs your Shen may be unsettled
- Feeling anxious or restless
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Vivid or disturbing dreams
- Difficulty focusing
- Feeling scattered or not like yourself
- Less joy or creativity
These signs can have many causes. If anxiety or low mood is affecting your life, please talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
How to nurture your Shen
Protect your rest
The Shen is said to rest in the Heart at night. Regular sleep is one of the most important ways to care for it. See Natural Remedies for Sleep.
Calm the mind
- Heart centered breathing. Place a hand on your chest and breathe slowly for a few minutes.
- Gratitude journaling. Write down three good things each evening.
- Qigong or tai chi. Gentle movement with steady breathing.
Nourish joy
Joy is the emotion of the Heart. Time with people you love, creative play and laughter all count.
Herbs traditionally used to calm the Shen
- Zizyphus Decoction (Suan Zao Ren Tang), a classic formula for restless sleep. See our Suan Zao Ren Tang guide
- Albizzia Tree Bark (He Huan Pi), traditionally used when emotions feel heavy
- Organic Reishi Mushroom Capsules, traditionally used to calm the spirit. See our reishi guide
- Soothwell (An Shen Bu Xin Wan), whose name literally means "calm the spirit, tonify the heart"
- Polygala (Yuan Zhi). See our polygala guide
For more on the Heart in Chinese medicine, read our Heart guide.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Traditional Chinese Medicine, What You Need To Know. nccih.nih.gov
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Suan Zao Ren Tang. mskcc.org
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Reishi Mushroom. mskcc.org
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Meditation and Mindfulness, Effectiveness and Safety. nccih.nih.gov
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.