On the 5 Major Physiological Regulatory Systems of the Brain as Spirit Storehouse in TCM
Xu Guangwen, Switzerland
(Continuing from the previous period)
3. The “5 spirit storehouses”: the connotations of the brain’s 5 major physiological regulatory systems
Chapter 23 of Suwen, entitled “Treatise Explaining the 5 Qi”, clearly states “what the 5 viscera store: the heart stores the spirit, the lung stores the corporeal soul, the liver stores the ethereal soul, the spleen stores reflection, and the kidneys store the mind”[2]. In chapter 9 of Suwen, entitled “Treatise on the 6 Periods and Visceral Manifestations”, Wang Bing comments that “the 5 spirit storehouses [are] first, the liver; second, the heart; third, the spleen; fourth, the lung; and fifth, the kidneys […] the liver stores the ethereal soul, the heart stores the spirit, the lung stores the corporeal soul, the spleen stores reflection, and the kidneys store the mind”[4]. Chapter 8 of Huangting Neijing Jing [Canon of the Inner Vista of the Yellow Court], entitled “The Heart Spirit”, says: “Namely, the heart spirit, lung spirit, liver spirit, kidney spirit, and spleen spirit are collectively referred to as the 5 storehouse spirits.” Integrating discussions from throughout history, “5 spirit storehouses” does not mean that the 5 viscera each store their own spirits, but rather the spirits stored by the 5 viscera all gather in the brain. The spirits are stored in the brain, integrating them into the 5 major physiological regulatory systems of the 5 spirit storehouses.
Physiologically, the heart spirit system maintains the order of life by regulating the viscera, bowels, qi, and blood: “The heart acts as the great governor of the 5 viscera and 6 bowels, commands and controls the ethereal and corporeal souls, and also completes the reflection and mind”(Leijing, volume 15, “Diseases”). “Namely, when anxiety stirs in the heart, the lung responds; when thought stirs in the heart, the spleen responds; when anger stirs in the heart, the liver responds; when fear stirs in the heart, the kidneys respond.” [5] This shows how the brain coordinates throughout the body. Pathologically, disturbance of the heart spirit presents with muddled consciousness (such as senile dementia) and affect-mind abnormalities (such as anxiety or depression), most of which are related to insufficiency of brain marrow and the heart spirit being deprived of nourishment.

3.1 The heart spirit system: the “office of monarch” governing mental awareness
Chapter 8 of Suwen, entitled “Treatise of the Arcane Book of the Orchid Chamber in the Spirit Tower”, says that “the heart is the office of monarch, from which spirit light emanates”[2]. Here, the “spirit” that is “stored in the heart” is a general term for mental activity (including consciousness, thought, and perception), with the brain as the functional carrier. Volume 3 of Leijing, entitled “Visceral Manifestations”, comments that “the yang spirit is called the ethereal soul, the yin spirit is called the corporeal soul, and reflection, mind, thought, preoccupation, and the like are all spirit”[4]. This shows that the “heart spirit” is the core of the brain spirit, controlling the other 4 spirits.
3.2 The lung corporeal soul system: the “office of assistant” controlling instinctive reaction and perception
Volume 3 of Leijing, entitled “Visceral Manifestations”, defines the “functions of the corporeal soul [as] being able to move and act; pain and itching are felt through it”[4]. The “corporeal soul” is the instinctive activity and basic perception that does not require conscious control (such as the heartbeat, respiratory rhythm, pain sensation, hearing, and the crying of a newborn baby). “The corporeal soul moves in and out with the breath; when the breathing is stable, the corporeal soul is quiet and calm” (Xuezheng Lun [On Blood Patterns])[5]. The core mechanism of the lung storing the corporeal soul is “the connection between lung qi and the brain”: chapter 17 of Lingshu, entitled “Vessel Measurement Standards”, says that “the lung qi connects to the nose; when the lung is harmonious, the nose can distinguish between malodor and fragrance”[2]. Yilin Gaicuo adds that “the nose connects to the brain; the malodor or fragrance that [one] smells returns to the brain”[5], showing that the lung enters the brain through the orifice of the nose, and the lung of the brain spirit (the corporeal soul) regulates the sense of smell and respiration. At the same time, “the lung governs qi and is in charge of breathing”; the lung qi drives the ancestral qi to pour upward into the brain, providing an impetus for the activities of the corporeal soul. Pathologically, disturbance of the lung corporeal soul presents with shallow and hasty breathing, a poor sense of smell, and blunted pain perception; for instance, feeble breathing and tendency to fatigue are often seen in those with lung qi vacuity [11].
3.3 The liver ethereal soul system: the “office of general” regulating emotions and the subconscious
Volume 3 of Leijing, entitled “Visceral Manifestations”, explains that “speaking of the ethereal soul, [things] like abstractions and dreams, and the realms of transmutation, illusion, and wandering, all [pertain to] it”[4]. The “ethereal soul” is the subconscious and emotional reactions that are produced along with the activities of the heart spirit (such as dreams, emotional fluctuations, and continuity of thought). The key to the liver storing the ethereal soul is that “liver blood fills the brain”. Chapter 80 of Lingshu, entitled “On Great Confusion”, says that “the liver stores the blood, the blood nourishes the ethereal soul, and the ethereal soul nourishes the eyes”[2]. If the liver blood is sufficient, the brain marrow will be nourished and the ethereal soul will be able to rely on it; emotions will be stable and dreams will be peaceful. If the liver blood is insufficient, the ethereal soul will be deprived of nourishment, leading to insomnia, profuse dreaming, irascibility, and blurred vision. Chapter 39 of Suwen, entitled “Treatise on Pain”, states that “[when there is] anger, the qi moves upward; blood counterflows along with the qi, causing the person to have a headache”[2]; in other words, disharmony of the liver ethereal soul (anger) causes qi and blood counterflow to the brain, proving the physiological connection between the brain and the liver’s ethereal soul [9][11].
3.4 The spleen reflection system: managing memory and cognition
Volume 3 of Leijing, entitled “Visceral Manifestations”, says, “speaking of [when] a thought is engendered, [when] the heart has a direction but is undecided, [this] is called reflection”[4]. “Reflection” is the processing, selection, and memory of external information (including cognition, making plans, and storing experience). The core of the spleen storing reflection is that “the spleen’s movement and transformation engenders essence, which fills the brain”. Chapter 8 of Suwen, entitled “Treatise of the Arcane Book of the Orchid Chamber in the Spirit Tower”, says that “the spleen and stomach hold the office of the granaries, from which the 5 flavors emanate”[2]. The spleen converts the essence of water and grain into qi and blood, which pours into the brain through the channels and network vessels, providing a material basis for the activities of “reflection”. Chapter 17 of Lingshu, entitled “Vessel Measurement Standards”, notes that “the heart qi connects to the tongue; when the heart is harmonious, the tongue can recognize the 5 flavors”[2]. The fact that “the heart opens at the tongue” relies on the regulation of the spleen reflection: when the spleen reflection is normal, one will have a keen sense of taste, clear speech, and a solid memory. Disharmony of the spleen reflection presents with memory loss (such as forgetfulness), cognitive disorders (such as delayed intellectual development in children), and blunted sense of taste; that is, “when the spleen fails to move and transform, qi and blood are insufficient, the brain marrow is deprived of nourishment, and reflection is not preserved” (Yijing Jingyi [Essential Meaning of Medical Classics])[5][9].
3.5 The kidney mind system: the “office of labor” that governs willpower and endurance
Volume 3 of Leijing, entitled “Visceral Manifestations”, gives the following definition: “[when] reflection has made a decision and stands tall and firm, [this is] called mind” [4]. “Mind” consists of objectives that have already been determined and the ability to persevere (including willpower, endurance, and focus). The root of the kidneys storing the mind is the fact that “kidney essence engenders marrow to fill the brain”: Nanjing [The Classic of Difficult Issues] proposes that “the kidneys store essence, essence is transformed into marrow, and marrow fills the brain” [4]. Yijing Jingyi adds that “the kidneys govern the brain marrow […] when essence is sufficient, marrow can work. When marrow can work, the bones are strong. When essence is sufficient and the spirit is strong, naturally there is much ingenuity” [5]. This explains how the kidney essence is the origin of brain marrow. When kidney essence is sufficient, the brain marrow is full, the will is strong, and there is substantial resilience. When kidney essence is depleted, the brain marrow is insufficient, so there will be weakness of the will (such as giving up easily), decreased resilience (such as fatigue after the slightest taxation), and lapses in memory (such as senescent forgetfulness). Pathologically, disharmony of the kidney mind is often seen in premature senility and menopausal syndrome; most cases are related to wearing on kidney essence and brain marrow being deprived of nourishment [9].
4. The relationship between the brain, the 5 sense organs, and the channels and network vessels: concrete manifestations of the spirit storehouse’s regulatory functions
As the center of the “5 spirit storehouses”, the brain must achieve regulation of the whole body through the 5 sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and mouth) as well as the channels and network vessels. The 5 sense organs are the “windows” through which the brain spirit perceives the outside world, while the channels and network vessels are the “passageways” by which the brain spirit transmits signals. Together, they both constitute the connecting threads between the brain and the external world as well as the internal viscera and bowels.
4.1 The physiological connections between the spirit storehouse (brain) and the sense organs
4.1.1 The link between the brain and the eyes: the liver and heart govern vision
Chapter 17 of Suwen, entitled “Treatise on the Essential Subtleties of the Pulse”, says that “bright essence is that which is used to see the myriad things, differentiate white from black, and assess short and long” [2]. Zhang Xi-chun comments that “bright essence is the same as spirit light; the brain is the spirit of bright essence” [5], showing that the core of vision is in the brain. In terms of links to the viscera and bowels: ① The liver governs the eyes: chapter 17 of Lingshu, entitled “Vessel Measurement Standards”, states that “the liver qi connects to the eyes; when the liver is harmonious, the eyes can distinguish among the 5 colors”[2], and the liver blood “enters through the eye tie to connect with the brain” (Lingshu, chapter 62, “Transports”)[2], nourishing the brain spirit’s liver (the ethereal soul) in order to regulate vision. ② The heart governs the eyes: chapter 81 of Suwen, entitled “Treatise Explaining Subtle Essence”, says that “the heart, among the 5 viscera, concentrates essence, and the eyes are its orifice”[2]; the heart spirit “connects to the brain through the eye tie” (Yilin Gaicuo)[5] to guide visual judgment. Pathologically, when the brain marrow is insufficient, “the eyes see nothing” (Lingshu, chapter 33, “On Seas”)[2]; for example, blurred vision in cases of liver blood depletion and clouded flowery vision in cases of heart blood insufficiency are both related to the brain spirit being deprived of nourishment.
4.1.2 The link between the brain and the ears: the kidneys govern hearing
Chapter 5 of Suwen, entitled “Great Treatise on the Correspondences and Manifestations of Yin and Yang”, states that “the kidneys govern the ears […] among the orifices, they are the ears” [2]. Chapter 17 of Lingshu, entitled “Vessel Measurement Standards”, says that “the kidney qi connects to the ears; when the kidneys are harmonious, the ears can hear the 5 notes”[2]. The mechanism for this is the fact that “the kidneys govern brain marrow and the ears connect to the brain [via] an extremely direct and quick route” (Yijing Jingyi)[5]: kidney essence engenders marrow to fill the brain and the brain spirit’s kidneys (mind) “connect to the brain through a small tube in the earhole” (Yilin Gaicuo)[5] to regulate hearing. Pathologically, cases of kidney essence depletion often present with tinnitus and deafness; in other words, “when the sea of marrow is insufficient, the brain spins and the ears ring” (Lingshu, chapter 33, “On Seas”)[2].
4.1.3 The link between the brain and the nose: the lung governs the sense of smell
Chapter 5 of Suwen, entitled “Great Treatise on the Correspondences and Manifestations of Yin and Yang”, states that “the lung governs the nose […] among the orifices, it is the nose”[2]. Chapter 17 of Lingshu, entitled “Vessel Measurement Standards”, says that “the lung qi connects to the nose; when the lung is harmonious, the nose can distinguish between malodor and fragrance”[2]. The key to this is the fact that “the nasal orifice connects to the brain; the brain percolates out as nasal mucus” (Suwen, chapter 81, “Treatise Explaining Subtle Essence”, annotation by Wang Bing)[4]. The lung qi drives the ancestral qi to pour upward into the brain and the brain spirit’s lung (the corporeal soul) perceives scents through the nasal orifice. Pathologically, cases of lung qi vacuity present with a diminished sense of smell; in other words, “ when the lung is harmonious, the nose can distinguish between malodor and fragrance; when the lung is in disharmony, the nose cannot smell malodor or fragrance” (Leijing, volume 8, “Channels and Network Vessels”)[4].
4.1.4 The link between the brain and the tongue: the heart governs speech and the sense of taste
Chapter 5 of Suwen, entitled “Great Treatise on the Correspondences and Manifestations of Yin and Yang”, says that “the heart governs the tongue; among the orifices, it is the tongue” [2]. Chapter 17 of Lingshu, entitled “Vessel Measurement Standards”, states that “the heart qi connects to the tongue; when the heart is harmonious, the tongue can recognize the 5 flavors”[2]. The pathway for this is the fact that “at the center of the tongue there are 2 tubes that internally connect to the brain qi, enabling the tongue to move and create speech” (Yilin Gaicuo)[5]. The brain spirit’s heart (spirit) achieves speech expression and taste perception through the orifice of the tongue. Pathologically, cases of heart spirit disharmony often present with stiffness of the tongue preventing speech (as in wind strike or stroke) and a blunted sense of taste; in other words, “when the heart is in disharmony, the tongue cannot recognize the 5 flavors and the speech is not clear” (Lingshu Xuanjie [Interpretation of the Magic Pivot]).
4.2 The channels and network vessels enter the brain; they are the passageways by which the spirit storehouse (brain spirit) regulates the whole body
Chapter 4 of Lingshu, entitled “Forms of Disease from Evil Qi in the Bowels and Viscera”, records that “[regarding] the 12 channels and network vessels, and the 365 network vessels, their blood and qi all go up to the face and move through the empty orifice; their essence and yang qi move up to the eyes in order to see; their divergent qi moves to the ears in order to hear; their ancestral qi emerges up at the nose in order to smell; their turbid qi emerges in the stomach and moves to the lips and tongue in order to taste”[2]. This clearly points out that the channels and network vessels all move through the empty orifice, which is the brain orifice. The channels and network vessels enter the brain, so they are the passageways connecting the brain spirit (spirit storehouse) with the viscera, bowels, and 5 sense organs. Thus, the spirit storehouse (brain spirit) regulates the senses of vision, hearing, smell, and taste, and controls the physiological functions of the whole body [5].
The channels and network vessels primarily enter the brain through the following pathways:
•The governing vessel enters the brain: Chapter 60 of Suwen, entitled “Treatise on Bone Hollows”, says that “the governing vessel […] passes through the spine and belongs to the kidneys; together with the greater yang [channel], it rises at the inner corner of the eye, goes up the forehead, intersects with the vertex, and enters to connect with the brain”. As the “sea of yang vessels”, the governing vessel transmits the yang qi of the whole body up into the brain to maintain the yang qi of the brain spirit.
•The foot greater yang channel enters the brain: Chapter 21 of Lingshu, entitled “Cold and Heat Diseases”, states that “the foot greater yang [channel] has [a part that] connects to the nape and enters the brain, which belongs to the root of the eyes, and its name is called the eye tie […] it enters the brain.” This channel connects to the brain and eyes through the “eye tie”, transmitting liver and heart blood to the brain; it nourishes the brain to regulate vision[2].
•The hand and foot lesser yang channels enter the brain: Chapter 10 of Lingshu [The Magic Pivot], entitled “Channel Vessels”, says that “the gallbladder foot lesser yang vessel rises at the sharp corners of the eyes [i.e., the outer canthus], goes up to hit the corners of the head, and goes down behind the ears”. The hand lesser yang channel “ties behind the ears, and goes straight up to emerge from the upper corner of the ear”[2]. These 2 channels connect the brain to the ears and eyes, respectively, transmitting the qi of the gallbladder and triple burner to the brain to regulate hearing and vision[5].
The physiological significance of the channels and network vessels entering the brain is: all of the channels gather at the head and enter the network vessels of the brain, and the spirit storehouse (brain spirit) transmits regulatory signals through the channels and network vessels to the viscera and bowels (e.g., the kidneys of the brain spirit regulate the kidneys’ storage of essence through the kidney channel). The viscera and bowels also pour essence, qi, and blood up into the brain through the channels and network vessels (e.g., the spleen moves the essence of water and grain as well as qi and blood to the brain through the spleen channel), forming a bidirectional regulatory loop consisting of “the spirit storehouse (brain), channels and network vessels, and viscera and bowels”[5][11].
5. Discussion and future prospects
5.1 Theoretical innovation: restoring the original theory of TCM brain storehouse manifestations
Through a review of classic literature, this article corrects 2 key cognitive biases: (It breaks free from the limited notion that “the 5 viscera are anatomical organs”, clarifying the fact that the 5 storehouses in TCM are “unified bodies consisting of the physical forms of the viscera and the spirit storehouses”, and the spirit storehouses are centered in the brain, not dispersed in the organs of the 5 viscera. ) It corrects the misunderstanding that “the brain functions belong separately to the 5 viscera”. The core of the “5 spirit storehouses” in Huangdi Neijing is that “the 5 viscera store spirits and the spirit storehouses gather in the brain”. Medical experts throughout the ages have never proposed this “separate” view, which originates from misinterpretations of modern textbooks[5].
The essence of the “brain as 5 spirit storehouses” theory is an expression of the TCM holistic view of “unified form and spirit” “centered on the 5 storehouses”: the physical forms of the viscera (the flesh-and-blood viscera) provide a material basis for the brain and the spirits of the 5 storehouses (the 5 major functional systems of the brain) govern vital activities. Both of these “can be divided, but not separated”; together, they form a living whole. This theory fits the 5-phase attribute pattern in Neijing, i.e. “heaven has 5 phases and humans have 5 storehouses”, and also provides a unique theoretical framework for TCM brain science research.
5.2 Clinical significance: providing new ideas for prevention and treatment of brain-related diseases
Based on the theory of the “5 major physiological regulatory systems of the brain as spirit storehouse”, TCM prevention and treatment of brain-related diseases (such as insomnia, dementia, wind strike or stroke, and anxiety) can be approached from the following directions [7][8][9]:
•Nourish essence to fill the brain: For kidney essence depletion leading to insufficiency of brain marrow (such as senile dementia or premature senility), use methods that supplement the kidneys and replenish essence (such as cooked rehmannia root, lycium berry, cuscuta seed, and Left-Restoring [Kidney Yin] Pill variant formulas). Acupuncture and moxibustion: KI-03 (Great Ravine), KI-23 (Spirit Seal), and KI-25 (Spirit Storehouse) on the kidney channel; HT-07 (Spirit Gate) on the heart channel; as well as BL-23 (Kidney Transport) and SP-06 (3 Yin Intersection), to improve the brain spirit function through “kidney essence engendering marrow to fill the brain”.
•Regulate qi to boost the brain: For lung qi insufficiency leading to disharmony of the lung corporeal soul (such as insomnia or shallow, hasty breathing), use methods that supplement the lung and boost qi (such as astragalus root, codonopsis root, white atractylodes root, and Spleen-Returning Pill variant formulas). Acupuncture and moxibustion: LU-01 (Central Treasury) and LU-09 (Great Abyss) on the lung channel, HT-07 (Spirit Gate) on the heart channel, and GB-13 (Root Spirit) on the gallbladder channel on the forehead, to stabilize instinctive reactions by using “lung qi to supplement the brain”.
•Nourish blood to quiet the brain: For liver blood insufficiency leading to disharmony of the liver’s ethereal soul (such as insomnia with profuse dreaming and irascibility), use methods that nourish the liver and supplement blood (such as Chinese angelica, white peony root, spiny jujube kernel, and Liver-Supplementing Decoction variant formulas). Acupuncture and moxibustion: LV-03 (Supreme Surge) and LV-08 (Spring at the Bend) on the liver channel, HT-07 (Spirit Gate) on the heart channel, SP-10 (Sea of Blood) and SP-06 (3 Yin Intersection) on the spleen channel, and GB-13 (Root Spirit) on the gallbladder channel on the forehead to supplement “liver blood to nourish the brain”, thereby regulating the emotions.
•Fortify the spleen to nourish the brain: For cases of the spleen failing to move and transform leading to disharmony of the spleen reflection (such as forgetfulness and cognitive disorders), use methods that fortify the spleen and supplement qi (such as ginseng root, poria, dioscorea, and Ginseng, Poria, and White Atractylodes Pill variant formulas). Acupuncture and moxibustion: SP-03 (Supreme White), SP-06 (3 Yin Intersection), and SP-10 (Sea of Blood) on the spleen channel; ST-36 (Leg 3 Li) on the stomach channel; HT-07 (Spirit Gate) on the heart channel; and GV-20 (Hundred Convergences) on the governing vessel, in order to improve memory by “fortifying the spleen to engender essence and fill the brain”.
•Quiet the spirit to stabilize the brain: For disharmony of the heart spirit leading to muddled consciousness and affect-mind abnormalities (such as anxiety and depression), use methods that nourish the heart and quiet the spirit (such as polygala root, poria, longan flesh, and Spleen-Restoring Decoction variant formulas). Acupuncture and moxibustion: SP-03 (Supreme White), SP-06 (3 Yin Intersection), and SP-10 (Sea of Blood) on the spleen channel; ST-36 (Leg 3 Li) on the stomach channel; HT-07 (Spirit Gate) on the heart channel; and GV-20 (Hundred Convergences) and GV-24 (Spirit Court) on the governing vessel, in order to quiet and settle the heart spirit by “supplementing heart blood to nourish the brain”.
5.3 Research limitations and future directions
This article is based solely on a review of classic literature on the theoretical system of “the brain as 5 spirit storehouses”; it lacks the support of modern experimental research and clinical data. In the future, it will be necessary to undertake further clinical research to enhance this theory.

Conclusion
The theories of “form and spirit together” and the “5 spirit storehouses” in Huangdi Neijing establish a foundation for “the brain as spirit storehouse”, and generations of medical experts continued to enrich its connotations through clinical practice. The 5 storehouses of spirits in TCM are unified bodies of “physical forms of viscera (flesh-and-blood viscera)” and “spirit storehouses (the brain governing spirit light)”. The brain is the center where the spirit storehouses converge, forming 5 major physiological regulatory systems, the “heart spirit, lung corporeal soul, liver ethereal soul, spleen reflection, and kidney mind”. Through the 5 sense organs, channels, and network vessels, they govern mental awareness, regulate the qi and blood of the viscera and bowels, control vital activities, and regulate the physiological functions of the human body.
The theory of “the brain as the 5 spirit storehouses” not only restores the original theory of TCM brain storehouse manifestations, but also breaks free of cognitive limitations of the idea that “ the brain functions belong separately to the 5 viscera”. It provides a basis for innovation and development in TCM brain physiopathology; at the same time, it offers new ideas that “start from the brain to determine treatment while taking care of the 5 viscera” for the prevention and treatment of brain-related diseases . In the future, it will be necessary to integrate modern science and technology to further verify the scientific nature and clinical value of this theory, and promote the modernization of TCM brain science.


References
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作者简介:
徐廣文,1955 年出生。畢業於上海中醫藥大學,博士,主任醫師。
英國和瑞士注冊中醫師,針灸師。 郵箱:[email protected]
论中医脑为神藏五大生理调节系统
徐廣文 瑞士
(接上期)
3、“神藏五”:腦的五大生理調節系統內涵
《素問•宣明五氣篇》明確“五臟所藏:心藏神,肺藏魄,肝藏魂,脾藏意,腎藏志”[2];《素問•六節藏象論篇》王冰注“神藏五者,一肝、二心、三脾、四肺、五腎也……肝藏魂,心藏神,肺藏魄,脾藏意,腎藏志”[4]。《黃庭內景經•心神》:“即心神、肺神、肝神、腎神、脾神,合稱五藏神。”結合歷代論述,“神藏五”並非五臟各自藏神,而是五臟所藏之神皆匯聚於腦,神藏於腦將其整合為神藏五大生理調節系統。
生理上,心神系統通過調節臟腑氣血維持生命秩序:“心為五臟六腑之大主,而總統魂魄,兼該意志”(《類經•疾病類》)“即憂動於心則肺應、思動於心則脾應、怒動於心則肝應、恐動於心則腎應”[5],體現腦對全身的統籌作用。病理上,心神失調見意識模糊(如老年癡呆)、情志異常(如焦慮、抑鬱),多與腦髓不足、心神失養相關。

3.1 心神系統:主宰精神意識的“君主之官”
《素問•靈蘭秘典論》曰“心者,君主之官也,神明出焉”[2],此處“心藏神”的“神”是精神活動總稱(含意識、思維、感知),功能載體為腦。《類經•臟象類》注“陽神曰魂,陰神曰魄,以及意志思慮之類皆神也”[4],說明“心神”是腦神核心,統攝其他四神。
3.2 肺魄系統:調控本能反應與感知的“相傅之官”
《類經•臟象類》定義“魄之為用,能動能作,痛癢由之而覺也”[4],“魄”是無需意識控制的本能活動與基礎感知(如心跳、呼吸節律、痛覺、聽覺、新生兒啼哭)。“魄隨呼吸而出入,呼吸定息,魄乃安寧”(《血證論》)[5]。肺藏魄的核心機制是“肺氣通於腦”:《靈樞•脈度》云“肺氣通於鼻,肺和則鼻能知臭香矣”[2],《醫林改錯》補充“鼻通於腦,所聞香臭歸於腦”[5],說明肺通過鼻竅入腦,腦神之肺(魄)調節嗅覺與呼吸;同時“肺主氣司呼吸”,肺氣推動宗氣上注於腦,為魄的活動提供動力。病理上,肺魄失調見呼吸淺促、嗅覺失靈、痛覺遲鈍,如肺氣虛者常見呼吸無力、易疲勞。[11]
3.3 肝魂系統:調節情緒與潛意識的“將軍之官”
《類經•臟象類》釋“魂之為言,如夢寐恍惚,變幻遊行之境,皆是也”[4],“魂”是隨心神活動產生的潛意識與情緒反應(如夢境、情感波動、思維延續性)。肝藏魂的關鍵是“肝血充腦”:《靈樞•大惑論》曰“肝藏血,血養魂,魂養目”[2],肝血充足則腦髓得養、魂有所依,情緒穩定、夢境平和;肝血不足則魂失所養,出現失眠多夢、情緒易怒、視物模糊。《素問•舉痛論》“怒則氣上,血隨氣逆,令人頭痛”[2],即肝魂失調(怒)導致氣血逆腦,印證腦與肝魂的生理關聯。[9][11]
3.4 脾意系統:主管記憶與認知
《類經•臟象類》言“謂一念之生,心有所向而未定者,曰意”[4],“意”是對外部信息的加工、取捨與記憶(含認知、計劃制定、經驗儲存)。脾藏意的核心是“脾運化生精充腦”:《素問•靈蘭秘典論》“脾胃者,倉廩之官,五味出焉”[2],脾將水穀精微轉化為氣血,通過經絡上注於腦,為“意”的活動提供物質基礎。《靈樞•脈度》“心氣通於舌,心和則舌能知五味矣”[2],而“心開竅於舌”依賴脾意調節——脾意正常則味覺靈敏、語言清晰、記憶牢固;脾意失調見記憶力減退(如健忘)、認知障礙(如兒童智力發育遲緩)、味覺遲鈍,即“脾不健運則氣血不足,腦髓失養而意不存”(《醫經精義》)[5][9]。
3.5 腎志系統:支配意志與耐力的“作強之官”
《類經•臟象類》定義“意已決而卓有所立者,曰志”[4],“志”是已確定的目標與堅持能力(含意志、耐力、專注力)。腎藏志的根本是“腎精生髓充腦”:《難經》提出“腎藏精,精化為髓,髓充腦”[4],《醫經精義》補充“腎主腦髓……精足則髓作,髓作則骨強,精足神強,自多伎巧”[5],說明腎精是腦髓本源,腎精充足則腦髓充盈、意志堅定、耐力充沛;腎精虧虛則腦髓不足,出現意志薄弱(如易放棄)、耐力下降(如稍勞即疲)、記憶力衰退(如老年健忘)。病理上,腎志失調常見於早衰、更年期綜合徵,多與腎精耗損、腦髓失養相關。[9]
4 腦與五官、經絡的關聯:神藏調節功能的具象體現
腦作為“神藏五”中心,需通過五官(目、耳、鼻、舌、口)與經絡實現對全身的調節—五官是腦神感知外界的“窗口”,經絡是腦神傳遞信號的“通路”,二者共同構成腦與外部世界、內部臟腑的聯繫紐帶。
4.1神藏(腦)與五官的生理病理聯繫
4.1.1 腦與目的關聯:肝心共主視覺
《素問•脈要精微論》“夫精明者,所以視萬物,別白黑,審短長”[2],張錫純注“精明即神明也,腦者精明之神”[5],說明視覺核心在腦。臟腑關聯上:①肝主目:《靈樞•脈度》“肝氣通於目,肝和則目能辨五色矣”[2],肝血通過“眼系入絡腦”(《靈樞•動輸》)[2],滋養腦神之肝(魂)以調節視覺;②心主目:《素問•解精微論》“夫心者,五臟之專精也,目者,其竅也”[2],心神通過“目系通腦”(《醫林改錯》)[5],主導視覺判斷。病理上,腦髓不足則“目無所視”(《靈樞•海論》)[2],如肝血虧虛者視物模糊、心血不足者視物昏花,皆與腦神失養相關。
4.1.2 腦與耳的關聯:腎主聽覺
《素問•陰陽應象大論》“腎主耳……在竅為耳”[2],《靈樞•脈度》“腎氣通於耳,腎和則耳能聞五音矣”[2],機制在於“腎主腦髓,耳通於腦,路甚直捷”(《醫經精義》)[5]——腎精生髓充腦,腦神之腎(志)通過“耳孔內小管通腦”(《醫林改錯》)[5]調節聽覺。病理上,腎精虧虛者常見耳鳴、耳聾,即“髓海不足,則腦轉耳鳴”(《靈樞•海論》)[2]。
4.1.3 腦與鼻的關聯:肺主嗅覺
《素問•陰陽應象大論》“肺主鼻……在竅為鼻”[2],《靈樞•脈度》“肺氣通於鼻,肺和則鼻能知臭香矣”[2],關鍵在於“鼻竅通腦,腦滲為涕”(《素問•解精微論》王冰注)[4]——肺氣推動宗氣上注於腦,腦神之肺(魄)通過鼻竅感知氣味。病理上,肺氣虛者嗅覺失靈,即“肺和則鼻能知臭香,肺不和則鼻不聞香臭”(《類經•經絡類》)[4]。
4.1.4 腦與舌的關聯:心主語言味覺
《素問•陰陽應象大論》“心主舌,在竅為舌”[2],《靈樞•脈度》“心氣通於舌,心和則舌能知五味矣”[2],通路為“舌中原有兩管,內通腦氣,使舌動轉能言”(《醫林改錯》)[5]——腦神之心(神)通過舌竅實現語言表達與味覺感知。病理上,心神失調者常見舌強不語(如中風)、味覺遲鈍,即“心不和則舌不知五味,言不清晰”(《靈樞懸解》)[5][9]。
4.2 經絡入腦,經絡是神藏(腦神)調節全身的通路
《靈樞•邪氣臟腑病形篇》記載“十二經絡,三百六十五絡,其血氣皆上於面而走空竅,其精陽氣上走於目而為睛,其別氣走於耳而為聽,其宗氣上出於鼻而為嗅,其濁氣出於胃,走唇舌而為味。”[2],明確指出經絡皆走空竅,空竅者腦竅。經絡入腦,故經絡是腦神(神藏)與臟腑、五官連接的通路,則神藏(腦神)調節視覺、聽覺、嗅覺、味覺,調控全身生理功能。[5]
經絡主要通過以下途徑入腦:
•督脈入腦:《素問•骨空論》“督脈者……貫脊屬腎,與太陽起於目內眥,上額交巔上,入絡腦”,督脈作為“陽脈之海”,將全身陽氣上遞入腦,維持腦神陽氣。
• 足太陽經入腦:《靈樞•寒熱病》“足太陽有通項入於腦者,正屬目本,名曰眼系……入於腦”,通過“眼系”連接腦與目,傳遞肝血、心血至腦,養腦以調節視覺[2]。
• 手足少陽經入腦:《靈樞•經脈》“膽足少陽之脈,起於目銳眥,上抵頭角,下耳後”;手少陽經“系耳後,直上出耳上角”[2],二經分別連接腦與耳、目,傳遞膽氣、三焦氣至腦,調節聽覺與視覺[5]。
經絡入腦的生理意義在於:諸經匯聚頭部,入腦絡,神藏(腦神)通過經絡將調節信號傳遞至臟腑(如腦神之腎通過腎經調節腎藏精),臟腑也通過經絡將精氣血上注於腦(如脾通過脾經將水穀精微,氣血運至腦),形成“神藏(腦)-經絡-臟腑”雙向調節循環[5][11]。
5 、討論與展望
5.1 理論創新:還原中醫腦藏象理論的本源
本文通過經典文獻梳理,糾正兩個關鍵認知偏差:①突破“五臟即解剖臟器”局限,明確中醫五藏是“形臟與神藏的統一體”,神藏以腦為中心,非分散於五臟臟器;②糾正“腦功能分屬五臟”誤解,《黃帝內經》“神藏五”核心是“五臟藏神,神藏聚腦”,歷代醫家均未提出“分屬”觀點,“分屬”一說源於現代教材誤讀[5]。
“腦為神藏五”理論本質是中醫“形神合一”“以五藏為中心”整體觀的體現——形五臟(血肉之臟)為腦提供物質基礎,神五藏(腦的五大功能系統)主宰生命活動,二者“可分不可離”,共同構成生命整體。此理論既符合《內經》“天有五行,人有五藏”的五行歸屬規律,也為中醫腦科學研究提供獨特理論框架。
5.2 臨床意義:為腦相關疾病防治提供新思路
基於“腦為神藏五大生理調節系統”理論,中醫防治腦相關疾病(如失眠、癡呆、中風、焦慮症)可從以下方向切入[7][8][9]:
• 養精充腦:針對腎精虧虛致腦髓不足(如老年癡呆、早衰),採用補腎填精法(如熟地、枸杞子、菟絲子。左歸丸加減);針灸:腎經的太溪、神封、神藏,心經的神門,和腎俞、三陰交,以“腎精生髓充腦”改善腦神功能。
• 調氣益腦:針對肺氣不足致肺魄失調(如失眠、呼吸淺促),採用補肺益氣法(如黃芪、黨參、白朮。歸脾丸加減)。針灸:肺經的中府、太淵,心經的神門,前額膽經本神穴,以“肺氣補腦”穩定本能反應。
• 養血寧腦:針對肝血不足致肝魂失調(如失眠多夢、易怒),採用養肝補血法(如當歸、白芍、酸棗仁。補肝湯加減),針灸:肝經太沖、曲泉,心經神門,脾經血海、三陰交,前額膽經本神穴。以補“肝血養腦”調節情緒。
• 健脾養腦:針對脾失健運致脾意失調(如健忘、認知障礙),採用健脾益氣法(如人參、茯苓、山藥。參苓白朮丸加減)。針灸:脾經的太白、三陰交、血海,胃經的足三里,心經神門,督脈百會。以“健脾生精充腦”改善記憶。
• 安神定腦:針對心神失調致意識模糊、情志異常(如焦慮、抑鬱),採用養心安神法(如遠志、茯苓、龍眼肉。歸脾湯加減)。針灸:脾經的太白、三陰交、血海,胃經的足三里,心經神門,督脈百會、神庭。以“補心血養腦”安定心神。
5.3 研究局限與未來方向
本文僅基於經典文獻梳理“腦為神藏五”理論體系,缺乏現代實驗研究與臨床數據支撐。未來需進一步開展臨床研究,以昇華其理論。

结论
《黃帝內經》“形與神俱”“神藏五”理論為“腦為神藏”奠定根基,歷代醫家通過臨床實踐不斷豐富其內涵:中醫神五藏是“形臟(血肉之臟)”與“神藏(腦主神明)”的統一體,神藏以腦為匯聚中心,形成“心神、肺魄、肝魂、脾意、腎志”五大生理調節系統,通過五官與經絡主宰精神意識、調節臟腑氣血、統攝生命活動,調節人體生理功能。
“腦為神藏五”理論既還原中醫腦藏象理論本源,也突破“五臟分屬腦功能”認知局限,為中醫腦生理病理學創新發展提供依據,同時為腦相關疾病防治提供“從腦論治、兼顧五臟”的新思路。未來需結合現代科學技術,進一步驗證該理論的科學性與臨床價值,推動中醫腦科學現代化發展。
附圖示:腦神藏五大生理調節系統圖,以直觀展示解悟“神藏形脾臟合一”的生命整體


参考文献
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作者简介:
徐廣文,1955 年出生。畢業於上海中醫藥大學,博士,主任醫師。
英國和瑞士注冊中醫師,針灸師。 郵箱:[email protected]
