The Spleen is also important for maintaining balance in the functions of the internal organs. Located in the middle of the body, it is like a turbine, controlling the upward and downward movement of the Qi. It can therefore connect the Lung and Heart, which are located in the upper part of the body, and the Kidney and Liver, which are located in the lower part of the body. (See Figures 13.1 and 13.2 on page 311.)

Besides the disorders of the internal organs, phlegm and congealed blood can also be causative factors in mental disorders. When the dietary habit of the patient is inappropriate or the function of the Spleen is too weak, phlegm is easily formed. It can be pushed by Qi moving in the body, covering the mind and blocking the meridians, and cause disorders of the Heart-shen. The congealed blood is a pathological product, which is formed when the Qi stagnates over a long period of time. It can block the Heart orifice and also cause disorders of the Heart-shen.

The Lung houses the Po. It relates to the boldness, courage, realistic self-confidence and self-esteem of the individual. The emotional attribute of the Lung relates to the change from optimism and courage to pessimism and sadness. The Lung gathers the Qi, which is mixed from the air from inhalation and the Qi that is generated from food and drink. The Lung is also responsible for distributing the Qi throughout the body in order to carry out all physical and mental activities. This function directly influences the intensity and changes of mental activities and emotions.

When the Qi is strong and disperses properly, the person is optimistic, stable in mood and behaviour, is courageous and dares to take on challenges and responsibilities. When the Lung-Qi is deficient, it is too weak to spread out and the person is prone to sadness, negative and dissatisfied feelings, is unable to take responsibility and does not manage to reach one’s goals in life. When the Lung-Qi descends too much, the person may feel depressed, is often self-critical and feels guilty. On the contrary, when the Lung-Qi ascends too much, a person is conceited and often takes a dominating position. If the Lung-Qi moves upwards and downwards intensely and rapidly, the person may switch quickly from being conceited to having low self-esteem. Moreover, the proper function of the Lung is very closely related with the Heart and Liver, as the Heart governs the blood and directly influences Qi movement; and the proper movement of Liver-Qi may smooth the dispersing and descending functions of the Lung-Qi. In acute stress conditions, the Liver-Qi disturbs the Lung-Qi and Heart-Qi; shortness of breath, restlessness, even hyperventilation and panic attack may occur. (See Figure 13.3 on page 312.)