Brief analysis on "the brain is the official position of gathering essence,qi,spirit and in charge of mental activity"
Traditional Chinese medicine has a long-standing understanding of the brain;however,the theoretical foundation and treatment approach for diseases related to the brain have not been systematically organized and studied. The three treasures of essence,qi,and spirit are closely associated with the brain in humans. Based on this theory,this study explored the relationship between essence,qi,spirit,and the brain,with the intention that "the brain is the official position of gathering essence,qi,spirit,and in charge of mental activity". It investigated the theoretical implications of the brain,stating that "essence" forms the material basis of the brain's structure,"qi" is fundamental for brain function,and the "conscious spirit" corresponds to the state of the brain,residing in the heart,serving as the external manifestation of the brain,governing aspects like thoughts,consciousness,and emotions. The "primordial spirit" is the axis of the brain,which is rooted in the brain and serves as the internal core of the brain,thereby governing and regulating the central activities of human life. Essence,qi,mental activity,and primordial spirit mutually support and depend on each other,collectively maintaining the function of the brain governing the mental activity. The primordial spirit,which the brain governs,regulating and controlling the essence,qi,and couscious spirit is a specific manifestation of physiological and psychological activities in the human body. This study provides treatment strategies for clinical brainrelated disorders under the theoretical guidance that "the brain is the official position for gathering essence,qi,and spirit,and is in charge of mental activity". These strategies include " nourishing essence and marrow,supplementing qi to ascend clear,and nurturing nourishment and enriching the spirit". This study aims to contribute to the innovation and development of traditional Chinese medicine theories.