Do you know what Shen is? Shen is spirit. But whether the Chinese meant ghosts (gui) or not is a matter of some debate. In fact, you can read my paper about the plasmaglyphic and religious origins of that term and others like it, here.
But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (zhongyi), shen is most specifically a reference to the eyes. Unique spiritual cases, or more commonly, mental affectations, often manifest in the eyes or the skin around the eyes.
Let’s take a look at a case that most shows this, in a striking way. Robin Williams. I remember he did an interview the year before he passed. He was smiling on the outside, but the lines around his eyes belied an intense amount of internal pain. The eyes simply won’t lie. I was not surprised when he passed, though of course it came as a shock to everyone.
There’s a lot of body language research about the eyes and face, and I recommend going there before trying to learn Chinese face reading. The point is that the eyes are “Windows to the soul” as well as items in the eyes giving away useful clinical information. Particularly the white regions (sclera) of the eyes.
When we meet you, be sure to meet our gaze as much as possible (and we promise to do the same). Because the information contained in those eyes – and no matter who you are, your eyes are beautiful! – will be part of the key to success in treating your anxiety, depression, pain, worry, grief, trauma, addiction, etc.
By using the feedback of the eyes and acupuncture treatment, we can often hone into what is going on inside the “onion” of layers inside you. Often things not even you are aware of.
We want to get to know you. We care deeply about what you’re going through. TCM is based upon the idea that practitioner and patient are on a journey together.
We want to travel your health journey with you.
HEALTH = Holistic, Energetic, Alternative or All-encompassing, Life-driven, Therapeutic or Transformative, and Holy.
May your spirits be light and free, and your eyes shine brightly.
Matthew 6:22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light”