Calm the Spirit

Question 1

What are symptoms of a patient whose shen is disturbed?

Answer 1

1. palpitations
2. irritability
3. insomnia
4. profuse dreaming
5. anxiety

Question 2

What patterns can contribute to a disturbed shen?

Answer 2

1. Heat qi/yang xu
2. Heart blood/yin xu
3. Heart fire
4. Phlegm misting the heart orifices (veil of phlegm between the inner spirit and outside world, confusion, forgetfulness, inability to speak)
5. Liver heat, liver yang rising
6. Liver qi/blood stagnation
7. The 7 evil emotions (esp fright)

Question 3

Which subcategory is used for excess conditions?

Answer 3

Anchor, settle and calm the spirit

Question 4

Which subcategory is used for deficiency conditions?

Answer 4

Nourish the heart and calm the spirit

Question 5

What are cautions and contraindications of herbs in the anchor, settle, calm the spirit subcategory?

Answer 5

substances are heavy minerals and can be difficult to digest and injure stomach qi.

not for long term use

Question 6

What herb from the relieve food stagnation category is added for the substances that anchor, settle and calm the spirit to help aid digestion?

Answer 6

shen qu - massa fermentata

Question 7

What are the 4 main actions of long gu - fossilia ossis mastodi/dragon bone

Answer 7

1. anchors and settles the spirit (helps during periods of mainia)
2. anchors liver yang rising
3. induces astringency to stop leakage (seminal emissions, vaginal discharge, frequent urination, flooding and spotting) - calcine form best for this - duan long gu
4. closes sores and generates flesh

neutral, sweet, astringent
HT, LV, KD
15-30g (boil 30-60 min longer)

Question 8

What are the 5 main actions of mu li - ostreae concha/oyster shell?

Answer 8

1. anchors and settles the spirit
2. anchors liver yang rising
3. induces astringency to stop leakage
4. softens hardness and dissipates nodules
5. reduces stomach acid