Ben Shen: The Five Psychical-Emotional Phases
Annette de Vogel
Wuxing (Five Phase) Theory
In Wuxing theory, all the Phases nurture or feed each other (->) via the Sheng Cycle (Fire -> Earth -> Metal -> Water -> Wood -> Fire) and restrain or control each other (X) via the Ko Cycle (Fire X Metal X Wood X Earth X Water X Fire). This mutual support and control normally ensures balance. However, when one Phase is out of balance the others also have problems.
Ben Shen
The Ben Shen are the Five Phases, or aspects, of the psyche, emotions or mental manifestations. Each of the Five Phases relates to a Zang (Yin organ), a Zang Shu Point a psychic mentality and a Mental Shu Point (1.5" lateral to the related Zang Shu Point), as follows:
In Wuxing theory, all the Phases nurture or feed each other (->) via the Sheng Cycle (Fire -> Earth -> Metal -> Water -> Wood -> Fire) and restrain or control each other (X) via the Ko Cycle (Fire X Metal X Wood X Earth X Water X Fire). This mutual support and control normally ensures balance. However, when one Phase is out of balance the others also have problems.
Ben Shen
The Ben Shen are the Five Phases, or aspects, of the psyche, emotions or mental manifestations. Each of the Five Phases relates to a Zang (Yin organ), a Zang Shu Point a psychic mentality and a Mental Shu Point (1.5" lateral to the related Zang Shu Point), as follows:
fire
Zang-Organ: HT
Zang Shu: BL15
Mentality: Shen, Spirit
Mental Shu: BL44
Zang Shu: BL15
Mentality: Shen, Spirit
Mental Shu: BL44
earth
Zang-Organ: SP
Zang Shu: BL20
Mentality: Yi, Thought
Mental Shu: BL49
Zang Shu: BL20
Mentality: Yi, Thought
Mental Shu: BL49
metal
Zang-Organ: LU
Zang Shu: BL13
Mentality: Po, Instinct
Mental Shu: BL42
Zang Shu: BL13
Mentality: Po, Instinct
Mental Shu: BL42
water
Zang-Organ: KI
Zang Shu: BL23
Mentality: Zhi, Will
Mental Shu: BL52
Zang Shu: BL23
Mentality: Zhi, Will
Mental Shu: BL52
wood
Zang-Organ: LV
Zang Shu: BL18
Mentality: Hun, Courage
Mental Shu: BL47
Zang Shu: BL18
Mentality: Hun, Courage
Mental Shu: BL47
Shen wants to open up to Po
Po wants to open up to Hun
Hun wants to open up to Yi
Yi wants to open up to Zhi
Zhi wants to open up to Shen
The above relationships operate along the Ko route (see diagram above).
1. SHEN (Fire Phase, HT/PC)
Shen belongs mainly to the Fire Phase but Shen itself is divided in Five Phases: the Ben Shen. Negative emotions are Yang and positive emotions are Yin. They are both necessary to feed Shen.
Shen is the power and spirit of life. It has Yin and Yang aspects. Yuan (Original) Shen is Yin, the passive form, the divine form, the higher self. Shih Shen is Yang, the active form, the emotions and the blood of living.
Intuition is a part of Shen, the incarnation of the mental part of the body.
Shen relates to HT and PC. When HT Qi is pure, PC obeys Shen. When HT Qi is weak, PC obeys the needs of the body, resulting in a lust for excitement and stimulating activities.
Shen and the Fire Phase involve love-relationships. When Shen is in balance, love-relationships are also in balance.
Body growth is very fast in puberty. Shen growth cannot keep pace with rapid body growth. Thus, many problems arise with relationships and emotions in puberty, especially problems between parents and pubescent children.
Po wants to open up to Hun
Hun wants to open up to Yi
Yi wants to open up to Zhi
Zhi wants to open up to Shen
The above relationships operate along the Ko route (see diagram above).
1. SHEN (Fire Phase, HT/PC)
Shen belongs mainly to the Fire Phase but Shen itself is divided in Five Phases: the Ben Shen. Negative emotions are Yang and positive emotions are Yin. They are both necessary to feed Shen.
Shen is the power and spirit of life. It has Yin and Yang aspects. Yuan (Original) Shen is Yin, the passive form, the divine form, the higher self. Shih Shen is Yang, the active form, the emotions and the blood of living.
Intuition is a part of Shen, the incarnation of the mental part of the body.
Shen relates to HT and PC. When HT Qi is pure, PC obeys Shen. When HT Qi is weak, PC obeys the needs of the body, resulting in a lust for excitement and stimulating activities.
Shen and the Fire Phase involve love-relationships. When Shen is in balance, love-relationships are also in balance.
Body growth is very fast in puberty. Shen growth cannot keep pace with rapid body growth. Thus, many problems arise with relationships and emotions in puberty, especially problems between parents and pubescent children.
|
gloomy self-doubt discouragement despair depression (empty hopelessness |
Shen
Sorrow Shock Extreme joy Self-confidence Joy Happiness |
very excited, recklessness restlessness, cheerlessness nervousness concern hysteria |
To help in Shen problems:
2. YI (Earth Phase, SP)
Yi governs personal opinions, thoughts, obsession, knowledge translating into words, and learning "by heart" (by rote). Yi relates to Earth and SP.
A strong Yi can take over a weak Shen (reverse-Sheng route). For example, a very intelligent person may be able to verbalize knowledge, but may find it difficult to translate that knowledge into practical action.
Negative remarks indicate a weak Shen or Yi, but can also indicate a strong Yi: intelligence and knowledge can blur vision/insight.
- Strengthen Shen by learning to meditate, having the correct body attitude,walking and standing up straight.
- Use BL44-Shentang (Spirit Hall) or BL15-Xinshu (HT Shu).
- Use HT05-Tongli (Connecting Li, Luo-Passage point) to help with severe problems with relationships, hysteria, unhappiness, fear for other people.
- Use HT07-Shenmen (Spirit Gate, Shu-Stream/Yuan/Earth/Son-Sedation point) to relax people with insomnia and palpitations .
- Use HT09-Shaochong (Lesser Thoroughfare, Jing-Well/Wood/Mother-Tonification point) to tonify people with low spirits .
2. YI (Earth Phase, SP)
Yi governs personal opinions, thoughts, obsession, knowledge translating into words, and learning "by heart" (by rote). Yi relates to Earth and SP.
A strong Yi can take over a weak Shen (reverse-Sheng route). For example, a very intelligent person may be able to verbalize knowledge, but may find it difficult to translate that knowledge into practical action.
Negative remarks indicate a weak Shen or Yi, but can also indicate a strong Yi: intelligence and knowledge can blur vision/insight.
|
lack of concentration forgetful difficulty with giving and receiving affection |
Yi
Sympathy Pity Consideration Nostalgia Overconcern |
worry about muse worry out in the mind obsession fear/concern |
To help in Yi problems:
3. PO (Metal Phase, LU)
Po comes from our mother (Earth). It is a Yin aspect. Po houses all the automatic systems and instincts. It is the way to survive. The instinct develops right after conception. Everything that can breathe has Po. This Phase is always part of the body. Po makes one introspective.
- To help Yi, talk to people who will listen.
- Stimulate Yi by writing, making music, singing, dancing, doing rhythmical activities.
- Use BL49-Yishe (Thought Home) or BL20-Pishu (SP Shu).
- Use SP03-Taibai (Supreme White, Shu-Stream/Yuan/Earth/Hour point) to strengthen memory.
- Use SP05-Shangqiu (Shang Hill, Jing-River/Metal/Son-Sedation point) to sedate Yi and reduce worry and obsession.
- Use SP02-Dadu (Great Metropolis, Ying-Spring/Fire/Mother-Tonification point) to stimulate. Yi and enhance intuition and verbal release of what is bothering one.
3. PO (Metal Phase, LU)
Po comes from our mother (Earth). It is a Yin aspect. Po houses all the automatic systems and instincts. It is the way to survive. The instinct develops right after conception. Everything that can breathe has Po. This Phase is always part of the body. Po makes one introspective.
|
low spirited
oppression heavy hearted egoism miserly |
Frankness Accessible to Disengage yourself |
Po
Sadness Grief Sorrow |
very sensitive, self-pity stoic, arrogance jealousy envy |
To help in Po problems:
4.ZHI (Water Phase, KI)
Zhi is part of Yuanqi (Essential energy); it houses willpower and corresponds with ideals and goals. The more one enforces one's will on another person, the weaker Zhi becomes in the enforcer.
Zhi wants to open up towards the Shen
Shen is open
Yi is the need to verbalize
- Learn low abdominal breathing; in meditation, this banishes stray thoughts and makes one open to Shen.
- Do exercises to improve breathing; Chinese people train their breathing in order to endure pain.
- Use BL42-Pohu (Soul Door) or BL13-Feishu (LU Shu)
- Use LU07-Lieque (Broken Sequence, Luo-Passage point) to stimulate extroversion
- Use LU05-Chize (Elbow Marsh, He-Sea/Water/Son-Sedation point) to sedate Po in people with for example sadness due to an excess situation.
- Use LU09-Taiyuan (Great Abyss, Shu-Stream/Yuan/Earth/Mother-Tonification point) to stimulate Po; this stimulates introversion or introspection; appearances become less important
4.ZHI (Water Phase, KI)
Zhi is part of Yuanqi (Essential energy); it houses willpower and corresponds with ideals and goals. The more one enforces one's will on another person, the weaker Zhi becomes in the enforcer.
Zhi wants to open up towards the Shen
Shen is open
Yi is the need to verbalize
|
feeling superior reckless distrust suspicion paranoia |
Fear Fear Terror |
Zhi
Willpower Trust Determination |
shyness unattainable inferiority afraid of panic phobia |
To help in Zhi problems:
4. HUN (Wood Phase, LV)
Hun is a Yang aspect; it comes mainly from the father. It arrives three days after birth; after death, it returns to the great all. Hun is stored in LV; it gives courage, the "will to live", the will discover the world. When Hun does not feed Shen, one can be afraid to make decisions, or can become suicidal. Hun always wishes to change everything. (Po wants to leave everything as it is).
A weak Hun may manifest as out-of-body experiences or sensations during sleep or wakefulness. Drugs (especially abuse of alcohol, hypnotics, sedatives and narcotics) can drive Hun from the body; one feels disassociated or floating; one's links to the earth and material things are weak and uncertain.
- Self-forgiveness and prayer increase faith and strengthen Zhi.
- Use BL52-Zhishi (Will Chamber) or BL23-Shenshu (KI Shu).
- Use KI04-Dazhong (Great Goblet, Luo-Passage point) to reduce unhappiness, phobia and fear; it brings out energy and opens up possibilities.
- Use KI01-Yongquan (Gushing Spring, Jing-Well/Wood/Son-Sedation point) to sedate Zhi and strengthen willpower.
- Use KI07-Fuliu (Recover Flow, Jing-River/Metal/Mother-Tonification point) to tonify Zhi in people with , for example shyness due to a deficiency situation.
4. HUN (Wood Phase, LV)
Hun is a Yang aspect; it comes mainly from the father. It arrives three days after birth; after death, it returns to the great all. Hun is stored in LV; it gives courage, the "will to live", the will discover the world. When Hun does not feed Shen, one can be afraid to make decisions, or can become suicidal. Hun always wishes to change everything. (Po wants to leave everything as it is).
A weak Hun may manifest as out-of-body experiences or sensations during sleep or wakefulness. Drugs (especially abuse of alcohol, hypnotics, sedatives and narcotics) can drive Hun from the body; one feels disassociated or floating; one's links to the earth and material things are weak and uncertain.
|
irriration grudge hostility bitterness |
Frustration Aggression Anger |
Assertiveness Selfconsciousness Responsibility |
Hun
|
feeling of guilt self-disapproval lack of motivation boredom, apathy, depression |
To help in Hun problems:
Types of insomnia according to the Ben Shen
When Shen is out of balance one cannot sleep because of
When Yi is out of balance one cannot sleep because of
When Po is out of balance one cannot sleep because of
When Zhi is out of balance one cannot sleep because
When Hun is out of balance one cannot sleep because of
In imbalances of the Ben Shen, as discussed above, one may use the Mental Shu or their Associated Zang (Organ) Shu Points (1.5" medial to the Mental Shu) as follows:
- Strengthen Hun by personal achievements, such as winning a sports-game or finishing an essay.
- Use BL47-Hunmen (Courage Gate) or BL18-Ganshu (LV Shu).
- Use GB25-Jingmen (Capital Gate, KI Mu-Alarm point) to help people who are unsatisfied but really do not know the reason.
- Use LV02-Xingjian (Moving Between, Ying-Spring/Fire/Son-Sedation point) to sedate Hun in people with depression, suicidal attempts or no interest in life.
- Use LV08-Ququan (He-Sea/Water/Mother-Tonification point) to tonify Hun in people with for example feeling of guilt, due to a deficiency situation.
Types of insomnia according to the Ben Shen
When Shen is out of balance one cannot sleep because of
- extreme joy (passing a very difficult exam etc)
- restlessness
- nervousness
- excitement (next day is one's birthday or wedding-day)
When Yi is out of balance one cannot sleep because of
- worrying about (for example) one's children
- nostalgia
- worrying in the mind (about learning something by heart)
When Po is out of balance one cannot sleep because of
- grief due to bereavement or termination of a deep relationship
- sadness over getting older
- thinking in envy or jealousy of someone else
- self-pity
When Zhi is out of balance one cannot sleep because
- one is afraid of the dark
- one is afraid of the unknown
- one is afraid of never waking up again
- one is afraid of having nightmares
When Hun is out of balance one cannot sleep because of
- anger, frustration, irritation (for example about one's work or manager)
- hostility
- feeling of guilt
- self-deprecation, poor self-image, self-disapproval (did something really stupid today)
In imbalances of the Ben Shen, as discussed above, one may use the Mental Shu or their Associated Zang (Organ) Shu Points (1.5" medial to the Mental Shu) as follows:
|
For problems of the
Shen (Fire Psyche) Yi (Earth Psyche) Po (Metal Psyche) Zhi (Water Psyche) Hun (Wood Psyche) |
Mental Shu Point
Shentang - BL44 Spirit Hall Yishe - BL49 Reflection Abode Pohu - BL42 Soul Door Zhishi - BL52 Will Chamber Hunmen - BL47 Courage Gate |
Associated Zhang (Organ) Shu Point
Xinshu - BL15 HT Shu Pishu - BL20 SP Shu Feishu - BL13 LU Shu Shenshu - BL23 KI Shu Ganshu - BL18 LV Shu |
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