“神”的活动与生理特点

Analysis of the activity and physiological characteristics of Shen

“神”作为独立系统是理解中医心理、身心关系及生命的重要命题,本文总结历代医家论述,认为“神”的主要活动形式包括5种学说:五脏论、心神论、气血论、神机论、经络论,均围绕“神”的物质基础展开。“神”活动有8个特点:宜内守不宜妄动、宜畅达不宜闭阻、宜收敛不宜浮越、宜充实不宜衰乏、宜养和不宜劳耗、宜静安不宜躁扰、需要阳气参与、受形质影响。对理解“神”病理表现(“神”的本身病变、形体异常、色脉异常)和相关疾病、养“神”与治“神”有重要意义。

As an independent system,Shen is an important proposition for understanding the psychology,physical and mental relationship and life in traditional Chinese medicine.This paper summarizes the discussions of the ancient physicians on this proposition and holds that there involve fi ve theories with respect to the main activity forms of Shen,i.e.,fi ve zang-viscera theory,heart-mind theory,qi and blood theory,spiritual mechanism theory and channel theory,all of which are developed around the material basis of Shen.The paper maintains that the activity of Shen have 8 characteristics:it should be kept inside,but not move rashly;should move smoothly,but not be obstructed;should be convergent,but not be unstable;should be adequate,but not be scanty;should be maintained,but not be consumed;should be peaceful,but not be disturbed;need the participation of yang qi,and is aff ected by shape and mass.The analysis is of great signifi cance for understanding the pathological manifestations of Shen(its own pathological changes,abnormal body shape,abnormal complexion and pulse),its related diseases,and for preserving and treating Shen.