8 Concepts of Mental Health from Acupuncture Theory

1. Three treasures of humans are our Chi (energy), Jing (structure/essence) and Shen (spirit/vitality/consciousness). Mental state and emotions directly impact the Shen and the Chi. 

2. Shen (spirit/vitality/consciousness) is expressed in the eyes. A good Shen is full of light and awareness, without chaotic movements. A depleted Shen is lacking energy and enthusiasm, and seems heavy or sad. 

3. The facial complexion expresses three things: the Shen, the Heart Blood (important for circulation, nutrition, and energy) and the Stomach Yin (digestion and nutrition). Two main cause of lifestyle disease or un-balanced living are emotions and alimentation, in other words, our mental state and the things we eat and drink. Research has named this and includes the microbiome in the “gut-brain axis”. Eating improperly for our body type or “eating our feelings” is sub-optimal alimentation that causes weaknesses of the chi over time. 

4. Strong emotions have varying effects on the health of the Chi:

Excess joy (mania) slows the chi. 

Worry ties the chi in knots. 

Sadness / grief deplete the chi. 

Anger flares the chi upwards. 

Fear or shock scatter the chi. 

5. A calm, balanced spirit which is “returning to center” or as the old Taoist text Secret of the Golden Flower states it, “turns the light around” is nurturing and protecting the chi. Turning the light around, or ever returning to one’s natural and balanced state, is preserving and growing the helpful chi, and preventing leaks of energy which deplete the chi. 

6. Tai chi and Qi gong are full of gentle, graceful, full-range-of-motion movements that allow Chi to express with freedom, without becoming chaotic. 

7. Acupuncture moves and regulates the chi, and returns balance to the body Yin and Yang. It is said that “all dis-ease starts with the Shen”. This means that the state of our mental health directly influences physical health. An unbalanced mind has the potential to create an unbalanced way of living, which impacts the body. 

8. The ancient Chinese character for “Healing” depicts a heart (Shen) in a boat headed in an away-direction. Healing means a journey to the “other shore”, or moving the heart, one’s consciousness, to another shore which is a new perspective. Taking the next positive step in our life is healing. 

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Introduction to Acupuncture in Mobile, AL

Family Care Acupuncture is located in Mobile, Alabama on Cottage Hill Road. Here is what you need to know, in a list:

Traditional, classical acupuncture treatments are provided.

• Helps a variety of conditions including pain, anxiety, chronic conditions, digestive problems, smoking, stress, sleep troubles, trauma or injury aftermath, low energy, and more.

• This clinic treats most health concerns that acupuncture is known to help with. Calling to speak with a practitioner is the most sure way to find out if you are a good candidate for acupuncture.
• This clinic also services a variety of non-urgent concerns like wellness, relaxation, whole body health (preventative / proactive sessions) and acupuncture for a centered mind similar to meditation.
• The acupuncture tradition here is old: coming from the heritage of the translated classical medical texts by French-Vietnamese acupuncture physicians Dr. Nguyen Van Nghi and Dr. Tran Viet Dzung.
• The practitioners here are friendly and professional, focusing on more than just a problem. Licensed + Board Certified Acupuncturists here will help you reclaim your health, find balance, and enjoy life more.
• Acupuncture is a great complement to almost any health routine, designed since its origins to be universal and treat people from all walks of life.
• Acupuncturists are generally known to have integrity, be kind and nonjudgmental, and cultivate relaxing space in their clinics.
• Most acupuncture does not hurt even with needle insertion, and people surprisingly find the experience to be calming and soothing.
• Acupuncture is a safe, noninvasive system that has been proven by 3000+ years of traditional use and decades of research.