The Psyche in Chinese Medicine: An Introductory Guide
Shen (Mind) – Heart
: Often called the "Monarch," it governs overall consciousness, awareness, and emotional life. It is nourished by Heart Blood and manifests in clear thinking and a healthy complexion.
Qi
In TCM, emotions are seen as both a cause and a symptom of physical imbalance. Specific emotions directly influence the flow of (vital energy) in their corresponding organs: How Emotions and Organs Are Connected in Chinese Medicine
- Status: This is the gold-standard textbook (published by Elsevier). While the full PDF is copyrighted, official previews from Google Books or the Elsevier “Student Consult” platform offer 20-30 page PDF excerpts covering the Five Spirits.
- How to access legitimately: Check your university library’s digital lending (Ebrary or ProQuest). Many institutions provide chapter-by-chapter PDF downloads.
Various syndromes in TCM relate to mental health, including but not limited to: