Now that we have an understanding of what shen is, lets look at how to treat it using acupuncture and herbs.
We know that the shen resides in the heart and encompasses spirit and mind, but how exactly do we treat that with acupuncture? Don’t fear! Acupuncture points lie on meridians, or pathways of energy, so we are able to treat the heart without going near your physical heart with a needle!
Acupuncture points can be connected to shen via their location, either on specific meridians like the heart and pericardium meridians that run along the inner arm, or via locations on the body, such as the forehead, close to the mind. Many points also include shen in their name, an indication that they have an effect on shen. An example of this is a point on the forehead called “ben shen” which translates to “root of the spirit.”
These points help create that state we acupuncturists lovingly refer to as an acupuncture high. I certainly felt in an altered, happy, delirious state after my first treatment, like I was literally floating down the streets of NY. These moments of deep relaxation are healing to the body and allow the nervous system to relax on a profound level.
In regards to herbal formulas, the goal is to calm the shen and rebalance the energy in the body, either by nourishing deficiency or sedating excess.
Generalized examples of a deficiency include anxiety, forgetfulness, disorientation, heart palpitations and insomnia. The goal of the herbal formula would be to nourish, strengthen and cultivate the patients overall energy, giving them more substance and grounding.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, excess conditions include feeling overstressed, having manic behavior, aggressive outbursts, and being easily irritated. The focus here is not to increase energy, but instead help it flow more smoothly, and remove potential constraint and heat if present.
Everyone is unique, so it is important to see a trained acupuncturist and herbalist for a proper formula. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas are best utilized in a supportive role in regards to mental health treatment, i.e. not at a clinical level and not when thoughts of suicide are present. In general I recommend being under the care of a trained therapist first and foremost.
