Life’s
vitality and human thought is the Sprit or Shen. In Judaism this is the
light of the eternal mind. In Traditional Oriental Medicine, Shen is
the light of the mind shared with the spirit of man. Oriental Medicine
has denoted Shen as that which is unique to human life.
The great
scientist Magoun in 1954 stated, “It is not
easy for the physiologist to put his finger upon consciousness, though
it is present abundantly and for long periods of time.” In 1948 Cobb
gave the working definitions of consciousness are, “an awareness of
environment and of self”.
Ones
personality, ability to contemplate, discerns appropriate choices are
associated with Shen. Just as Jing was the source of life, and Qi the
ability to activate and move, Shen is the moving force or vitality
motivating Jing and Qi within the Human body.
Just as with
Jing, each parent is thought to contribute Shen. Again, this is likened
to aspects associated with human genes yet the Shen must be nourished
through life with Qi transformed from food and fresh air.
Jing, Shen and
Qi are known as the “three treasures” of Oriental Medicine.
by Dr. Scott Neff, DC
DABCO MSOM MPS FFABS
