除秽 Chú Huì ‘ ‘Unclean Shame’ aka: Low Self-Esteem/Over-thinking/Self-Doubt/Self-Criticism. In terms of TCM this is a disorder in the seperation between Turbid and Clear. Physically speaking: Turbid is the waste we excrete (not me), Clear is the nutrition we transform into self (me). Turbid also encompasses the thoughts/behaviors/beliefs we must shun in order to keep our vessel functioning with integrity for well-being. Clear can be reflected in the ability to stay emotionally present despite context, aware of self and others and self-responsible. In this case, one self-identifies as Turbid and undermines their self at every turn. Akin to Feī Dú it also resides below the diaphragm. There is a theory that all unprocessed emotions hang out here. This is more about an observation of being under the influence of the Pò and the specific somatic map it shows up as.

When one worries constantly about things outside of their control, other people’s projections or their own deliberation of self-worth; the Qì 气 will be consumed. Qì 气 is not a noun and is only animate within a context of (not limited to): Circulation, Communication, Influence etc., for it is a Quality of something. No English exists to accuratly describe Qì. The closest would be a relationship. One could infer this phenomenon to be akin to the process Mitochondria perform in the cell which ripples throughout the bodies funtionality. If one self-identifies as Turbid and criticises themselves, they are insulting the integrity and function of their own self. A relationship of any type cannot jive without mutual respect, and so it is when one undermines their Self. Should this undermining become a default setting, it creates a stasis, as one would expect tension to be present in a relationship where demeaning language is used.

Sī 思 or ‘contemplation/to consider’ is made of a Heart radical below the image of a brain inside a skull. In a free-functioning system: the heart may ascend to the brain and the brain may reflect within the heart. In this way, thinking is beyond an idea, it is part of and builds the inner landscape. It is the ability to organize all the subtle nuances and have a clear understanding. It is perception in the subjective way as it is also to perceive in the physiological sense. Remembering to be the observer of your mind, to watch the demeaning internal language and diminish its power by choosing to be gentle, loving and truthful to yourself.

Art: Shame by Penny Siopis