Glossary

The overarching Chinese concept of mind or spirit which can be variously translated as:

1. Spirit; soul; mind
2. Expression; countenance; appearance
3. God; deity; spirit
4. Supernatural; magic; psychic (Wiktionary.org)

In Chinese medicine it is said to reside in the Heart and be reflected in the eyes which are bright and shiny if the Shen is healthy and dull if it is not; as well as in the quality of sleep. As the most Yang aspect of a person its health depends on it being balanced with Yin and so may easily become disturbed by Heat, or by Blood and Yin deficiency. It is considered one of the three treasures (三寶, San Bao) consisting of Jing (精, Essence), Qi (氣) and Shen (神, Spirit) and is itself comprised five different components called the Five Shen (五神, Wu Shen) each associated with one the Zang Organs. These are:

1. Shen (神, Spirit): Heart
2. Yi (意, Thought): Spleen
3. Po (魄, Corporeal Soul): Lung
4. Zhi (志, Will): Kidneys
5. Hun (魂, Ethereal Soul): Liver

Further information: Maciocia, G. (2012): Shen and Hun Psyche in Chinese Medicine. maciociaonline.blogspot.com.