Bridging East and West: A TCM Approach to Mind, Body, and Soul for Mental Health

Growing up in Hong Kong, I was surrounded by the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where the health of the mind, body, and soul are seen as interconnected parts of a single whole. When I moved to the United States, I marveled at Western medicine's focus on technology, structure, and the physical body. But there was something fundamental missing—the wisdom of balance, the flow between inner and outer worlds, and an understanding that mental health is deeply rooted in the body's energy systems.

In TCM, mental health is guided by the interplay of jing, qi, and shen. These three vital essences form the pillars of our wellbeing, from our physical stamina and resilience to our emotional clarity and spiritual insight. Unlike Western views that often isolate the mind from the body, TCM views them as a flow, where our essence (jing), life force (qi), and spirit (shen) are constantly in communication.

The Trinity of Jing, Qi, and Shen

Jing is our essence, the foundational energy we are born with. Think of it as a reserve that we can either protect or deplete over time. Overextending ourselves, overworking, or not taking time for self-care all drain our jing, weakening not only our physical health but also our resilience to mental and emotional stress. Protecting jing requires honoring natural rhythms, taking time to replenish, and avoiding excesses in all forms.

Qi represents the life force that moves through us, animating our bodies and allowing us to take action. When our qi flows well, we feel energetic and capable; when it is blocked or weak, we may experience emotional stagnation, irritability, or depression. Practicing mindful movement, breathing exercises, and acupuncture can help restore the flow of qi, promoting emotional stability and mental clarity.

Shen is our spirit, or inner light, closely linked to our mind and emotional state. When shen is balanced, we experience joy, compassion, and connection with others. When disrupted, shen can lead to symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and feelings of emptiness. Nurturing shen is about cultivating peace, purpose, and presence in daily life.

The Role of Chinese Medicine Organs in Mental Health

In TCM, organs do more than just perform physical functions—they influence our emotional and mental wellbeing. Understanding this connection allows us to approach mental health as a balance of organ systems, each with its unique role in stabilizing and supporting the mind.

The Heart in TCM is known as the “Emperor” and is central to mental and emotional health. It houses the shen, which governs our spirit and consciousness. When the Heart is balanced, we experience emotional stability, joy, and mental clarity. A disturbed Heart, on the other hand, can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and an inability to focus or feel joy. Supporting the Heart means creating space for calm, nurturing social connections, and prioritizing activities that bring us genuine joy.

The Liver plays a key role in the smooth flow of qi and is crucial in managing stress. When the Liver’s energy is balanced, emotions can move freely without becoming overwhelming. However, when the Liver is stagnant or overburdened, it can lead to irritability, frustration, or depression. Practices like acupuncture, gentle exercise, and deep breathing help the Liver release tension and allow emotions to flow naturally.

The Spleen is the cornerstone of digestion and mental focus. In TCM, the Spleen is responsible for transforming food into energy and supports clear thinking and concentration. When Spleen energy is weak, we may experience worry, overthinking, or mental fatigue. Nurturing the Spleen involves grounding ourselves with balanced meals, warm foods, and mindful eating practices that promote digestion and mental clarity.

The Kidneys house our jing, or essence, which is the root of both physical and emotional resilience. The Kidneys also relate to the emotions of fear and courage. When Kidney energy is depleted, we may feel anxious, fearful, or ungrounded. Strengthening the Kidneys requires rest, hydration, and avoiding overstimulation or prolonged stress.

Integrating East and West for Holistic Mental Health

Western medicine provides invaluable resources and scientific insights for treating mental health, but TCM offers an understanding that mental wellness requires balance in all aspects of life. Mental health is not simply about the mind alone; it’s about nurturing jing, qi, and shen, and recognizing how our organs, emotions, and environment are all interconnected.

As someone who has learned to walk between both worlds, I believe true wellness lies in bringing East and West together—bridging the wisdom of balance and the power of science. Mental health is not simply a set of symptoms to manage; it’s a lifelong journey to live in harmony, to listen to our bodies, and to cultivate the essence, energy, and spirit within us. In a world that often pulls us in every direction, TCM reminds us to return to our center, to find balance, and to embrace both the yin and yang of our existence.