Calming The Shen In Dogs
If you’ve spent time exploring Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), you’ve probably come across the phrase “calm the Shen.”
But what does that really mean — and what does it look like when a dog needs this kind of support?
First, What Is the Shen?
In TCVM, Shen (pronounced “shen”) is often translated as the spirit or mind.
It represents a dog’s mental clarity, emotional balance, and sense of well-being.
Shen is housed in the Heart, but is also influenced by other organ systems — particularly the Liver and Spleen.
When a dog has a strong, healthy Shen, they appear:
Emotionally balanced
Engaged with life
Able to adapt to stress or changes
Restful when appropriate, alert when needed
What Happens When Shen Is Out of Balance?
An imbalanced or "disturbed" Shen can show up in a number of ways — and it almost always impacts behavior and emotional regulation.
Here are some common signs of an unsettled Shen in dogs:
Anxiety (restless pacing, panting, whining)
Reactivity (over-reacting to sounds, people, or other dogs)
Nervousness or clinginess
Sleep disturbances (difficulty settling, waking at night)
Hypervigilance (always “on alert”)
Startling easily
Depression or withdrawal
Obsessive behaviors (licking, chewing, tail chasing)
In other words... a dog who can’t seem to find their calm center.
Why Does Shen Become Disturbed?
Many factors can contribute to Shen imbalance, including:
Stress or trauma (past or present)
Changes in environment or routine
Poor diet or nutritional imbalances
Toxin exposure
Underlying inflammation or illness
Aging and cognitive decline
Overactivity of the Liver (excess Yang or Heat) pushing upward and disturbing the Heart/Spirit
Certain TCVM constitutional types (like Fire dogs or Wood dogs out of balance) may be more prone to Shen disturbances.
How Do We Calm the Shen?
When we say “calm the Shen,” we’re talking about supporting the Heart and nervous system to bring the dog back to a state of emotional and energetic balance.
A holistic approach often includes:
Nutrition — choosing foods and supplements that nourish Yin and Blood, support Heart function, and reduce Heat
Herbs — formulas specifically designed to calm the Shen (see below!)
Essential oils — selected oils can help ease anxiety and promote grounding
Behavioral support — routines and enrichment that promote emotional security
Acupressure or acupuncture — techniques that harmonize the Heart and calm Shen directly
Read More about these options in our library
Suggested Supplement To Calm Shen in Dogs
Calm Shen™ is calming blend of herbs for dogs and cats exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, discontentment, or responding to environmentally induced stress. Calm Shen™ helps dogs and cats maintain a normal and relaxed disposition while also helping them cope with external stresses.
Calm Shen™ is a great formula for behavioral problem management and may help to curb destructive behavior by helping dogs and cats maintain calmness. Calm Shen™ may also reduce hyperactivity by promoting a sense of relaxation and mental alertness without drowsiness. The herbs in Calm Shen™ help to maintain contentment during separation, travel, times of loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms, tension caused by changes in your pet’s daily routine, or other situations that may cause anxiousness.
Calm Shen™ supports balanced behavior, a normal emotional balance, and provides help to dogs and cats that are restless due to the effects of normal environmental stress.
It's important to note that TCM approaches are individualized based on a person's specific constitution, symptoms, and imbalances. If you're interested in using TCM to address concerns related to the Shen, it's recommended to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who can provide personalized guidance and treatment recommendations. Additionally, if you have severe or chronic emotional disturbances, it's essential to seek professional medical advice and support.
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