Two diverse yet complementary fields converge in this online 6-week Microcredential program. Chinese medicine and depth psychology each possess an expansive view of the body and psyche and are grounded in rich traditions. Though Chinese medicine is over 2,000 years old, its relevance and need today is more apparent than ever. When integrated with depth psychology, we have a potent mix of healing modalities where each field magnifies the strengths of the other. In areas of psychological health where Chinese medicine is weak and falls short, depth psychology soulfully fills in the gaps. Where depth psychology is deficient and could use a practical, hands-on approach, Chinese medicine offers simple and effective tools. This course will provide both a theoretical and practical approach to integrating these two fields. The curriculum emphasizes the fluid nature of the mind-body continuum, touching upon psychic structures, internal organs, physical and psychic energy, and conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and possession. Students will engage with psychoanalysis, analytic and archetypal psychology, acupuncture, herbs, and dietetics. This program will be suitable for those who are interested in an expansive view of mind-body medicine, integrative healing, and for clinicians, researchers, and students keen on delving into two vitalizing traditions.

 

What you will Receive:

• 6 Live Interactive Webinars (via Zoom) with Q & A (listed in Pacific time)
• Recommended Readings and Resources
• A Verified PGI Digital Badge — stackable toward certificate and degree pathways
• 6 CECs

This Course is ideal for:

• Therapists and healthcare professionals seeking to enrich their understanding of Chinese medicine.
• Graduate students, scholars, and clinicians who wish to learn another way of viewing mind-body medicine.
• Healers and curious individuals wanting to grasp the essential features of Chinese medicine and depth psychology.

Course Overview  

Week 1: Introduction

In this opening module we will introduce Chinese medicine and place it within a historical, cultural, and philosophical context. We will examine the crucial role that Daoism, Confucianism, and the I–Jing have played in the development of Chinese medicine. The traditional Chinese view of health and disease will be discussed, along with the primary diagnostic methods and treatment modalities. We then will outline the fundamental ideas and concepts of depth psychology, placing them in a cultural and historical context. Next we will discuss the different ways in which the “self” and emotions are viewed in China and the West, and how these differences influence the theory and practice of therapy. Finally, we will investigate the inherent and pervasive use of images, metaphors, and symbols that are found in both traditions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the historical, cultural, and philosophical landscape in which traditional Chinese medicine and depth psychology are situated.
2. Analyze and differentiate the notions of “self” and emotions in China and the West.
3. Describe the primacy that images, metaphors and symbols play in both Chinese medicine and depth psychology and identify the root metaphors embedded in each.

 

Week 2: Structure of the Body-Psyche, Part I

Depth psychology and Chinese medicine both maintain that the soul is composed of multiple parts, rather than a single, unified soul. This module will focus on what those parts of the soul are and their relevance to health and disease. We will begin with three Chinese terms: Shen (mind), Yi (intellect), and Zhi (will-power). Next we will examine Freud’s concepts of Ego-Id-Superego, as well as Jung’s notion of ego-consciousness. We will conclude this module by introducing Chinese medicine’s theory of the internal organs as “government officials,” each with their own functions and syndromes of disharmony. The organs will be seen in light of the psyche’s propensity to personify, which will lead into Jung and Hillman’s ideas of personification.

Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate the importance of Shen (mind) and it’s central role within the psyche.
2. Explain Freud and Jung’s concept of the ego and evaluate the similarities and differences between Chinese medicine’s notions of Shen (mind).
3. Identify the primary internal organ “officials,” their essential functions within the body-psyche, and understand syndromes of organ disharmony.
4. Discuss depth psychology’s emphasis on personification and explain its relevance to Freud and Jung’s structural model of the multiplicity of the psyche.

 

Week 3: Structure of the Body-Psyche, Part II

In this module we will continue to examine the structure of the psyche. First we will delve into the important role of the Hun (Ethereal Soul), giving special attention to its influence on the imagination, sleep, dreams, intuition, creativity, and life goals. Next we will describe the central ideas from Freud, Jung, and Adler’s theory of the personal unconscious, and how these ideas echo much of the Hun’s characteristics. This will be followed by the last psychic structure within Chinese medicine, the Po (Corporeal Soul), which is the most material part of the soul, that which influences the physiological activity of the body. We will conclude this module with depth psychology’s notion of the somatic unconscious, or subtle body. Beginning with the work of C.G. Carus, we will examine the psyche-soma relationship in the context of therapy and medicine.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and explain the functions and characteristics of the Hun (Ethereal Soul).
2. Evaluate Freud and Jung’s theories of the personal unconscious and differentiate them with that of the Hun (Ethereal Soul)
3. Articulate the main functions and characteristics of the Po (Corporeal Soul).
4. Describe how depth psychology understands the somatic unconscious and the psyche-soma relationship.

 

Week 4: Movement and Stasis of the Body-Psyche

This module will provide an introduction to the dynamic aspects of the body-psyche, the forces that animate and maintain life. We will begin by describing the foundational principals of Yin–Yang and examine the notion of balance and movement as factors in health and disease. We will then discuss Jung and Adler’s theory of opposites and compensation as it relates to psychodynamics. Next we will focus on a key concept in Chinese medicine, that of Qi. The vital role of Qi will be examined in light of Jung’s theory of psychic energy (libido). We will end this module by turning towards pathologies and investigate the crucial phenomena of Qi and blood stagnation, combined with analyzing a major idea of depth psychology—repression.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the main ideas of Yin-Yang theory and its role within Chinese medicine.
2. Assess depth psychology’s view of the compensatory nature of the psyche and evaluate the key principals of opposites.
3. Discuss Chinese medicine’s understanding of Qi and analyze the similarities and differences between Qi and Jung’s theory of psychic energy (libido).
4. Explain the core idea of Qi and blood stagnation and how it relates to depth psychology’s notion of repression.

 

Week 5: Pathologies of the Body-Psyche, Part I

This module will delve into two modern conditions of the body-psyche: depression and anxiety. We will examine several syndromes in Chinese medicine that closely resemble depression, such as Lilly Bulb Disease and Plum Pit Qi. We will distinguish the organ patterns involved and discuss specific acupuncture points and herbal formulas used to treat these conditions. This will be followed by a variety of depth psychological views and treatments of depression. Next, we will analyze two conditions that closely resemble anxiety: Jing Ji (Fear and Palpitations) and Zheng Chong (Panic Throbbing). We will distinguish the organ patterns involved, and discuss specific acupuncture points and herbal formulas used to treat these conditions. A depth psychological approach to anxiety will follow, including the discussion of panic attacks.

Learning Objectives:

1. Assess Chinese medicine’s understanding of depression and the common organ patterns involved.
2. Articulate the various perspectives that depth psychologists have towards depression.
3. Evaluate Chinese medicine’s view of anxiety and panic attacks and the typical treatments employed.
4. Describe depth psychology’s understanding of anxiety and clarify some of the ways therapists help their clients.

 

Week 6: Pathologies of the Body-Psyche, Part II

In part II of body-psyche pathologies we will first examine how Chinese medicine and depth psychology view and treat insomnia and nightmares. Next we will probe the phenomena of possession. The ancient Chinese wrote about Gui (ghost) syndrome, a condition that resembles spirit possession. A discussion of the etiology of Gui and the use of acupuncture to treat it will be compared and contrasted with Jung’s view of possession and his theory of Complexes

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop a critical understanding how Chinese medicine views sleep pathologies and be able to recognize the typical organ patterns and psychic structures involved.
2. Evaluate how depth psychology works with dreams and nightmares.
3. Explain the Chinese idea of Gui (ghost) and the main methods of treatment of possession.
4. Differentiate Jung’s theories of internal and external possession and his development of the Complex Theory.

Suggested Reading

Chinese Medicine

Maciocia, G. (2009). The psyche in Chinese medicine: Treatment of emotional and mental

disharmonies with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Churchill Livingstone.

 

Lifang, Q., & Garvey, M. (2020). Chinese medicine psychology: A clinical guide to mental and

emotional wellness. Singing Dragon.

 

Ni, Maoshing. (1995). The Yellow Emperor’s classic of medicine: A new translation of the

Neijing Suwen with commentary. Shambhala.

 

Kaptchuk, T. (2000). The web that has no weaver: Understanding Chinese medicine (2^nd ed.).

Contemporary Books.

 

Lee, M. (2020). Insights of a senior acupuncturist (22^nd ed.). Blue Poppy Press.

 

Beinfield, H., & Korngold, E. (1991). Between heaven and earth: A guide to Chinese medicine.

Ballantine Books.

 

Shi, A., & Zeng, D. (2011). Essentials of Chinese medicine: Internal medicine (2^nd ed.). Bridge

Publishing Group.

 

Miller, J. (2005). Daoism: A short introduction. Oneworld Publications.

 

Fingarette, H. (1972). Confucius—the secular as sacred. Harper Torchbook.

 

Depth Psychology

Carus, C.G. (1970). Psyche: On the development of the soul. Spring Publications

 

Bettelheim, B. (1982). Freud and man’s soul. Alfred A. Knoph, Inc.

 

Jung, C.G. (1933). Modern man in search of a soul. Harcourt Books.

Adler, A. (1956). The individual psychology of Alfred Adler: A systematic presentation in selections from his writings. Basic Books.

 

Reich, W. (1945). Character analysis. Orgone Institute Press.

 

Stein, M. (2015). Jung’s map of the soul: An introduction. Carus Publishing Company.

 

Hillman, J. (2007). Pan and the nightmare. Spring Publications, Inc.

 

Cowan, L. (2004). Portrait of the Blue Lady: The character of melancholy. Spring Journal

Books.

 

Paris, G. (2008). Wisdom of the psyche: Depth psychology after neuroscience. Routledge.

 

Johnson, R. (1986). Inner work: Using dreams and active imagination for personal growth. Harper & Row Publishers.