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"Shen-k'uei is a Chinese folk label describing marked anxiety or panic symptoms with accompanying somatic complaints for which no physical cause can be demonstrated." [1]
Shen-k'uei, a Chinese syndrome, is described in the same article as "A form of sexual neurosis associated with excessive semen loss due to frequent intercourse, masturbation, nocturnal emission or passing of white turbid urine which is believed to contain semen. Young people who think they might be suffering from it become anxious and panicky, and complain of somatic symptoms (with no organic cause) such as dizziness, backache, fatigue, weakness, insomnia, frequent dreams and physical thinness," essentially the same set of symptoms as dhat. Women may be seen as stealing vital energy through sexual intercourse, and any form of semen loss could lead to an imbalance in chi. [2]
To sum up the previous paragraph in fewer words, Shen-k'uei is a disorder in which an individual believes too much semen is being lost during different sexual experiences. Since the belief is there that something is wrong, there will be times when individuals feel like they are extrememly sick which could lead to issues such as a loss of sleep or becoming very paranoid about things.
Symptoms[edit]
Shen-k'uei is generally only experienced among the Chinese. Koro is another type of disorder that is seen with the Chinese and is similar to Shen-k'uei. "Shen-k'uei is characterized by weakness, fatigability, insomnia, anxiety, and hypochondria." [3] Much of these symptoms are seen among individuals suffering from panic or anxiety disorders. The yin and yang play a major role in disorders such as Shen-k'uei and Koro. Many individuals will experience a frightening type of symptom in which the yin becomes an issue due to the excessive feelings of feeling cold, thus they have to avoid cold settings or cold food even. It is still difficult to determine what type of treatment is best for individuals dealing with Shen-k'uei.
Primary and Secondary Complaints[edit]
There are many primary and secondary complaints associated with Shen-k'uei syndrome. The aspects associated with secondary complaints can occur anywhere on the body. The Shen-k'uei syndrome has many similarities with the Prameha disease as well, in fact the primary complaints are basically identical. "It is plausible to regard these disorders as a universally occurring disease (sexual neurosis) or group of diseases (e.g., anxiety neurosis, depression, hypochondriacal neurosis) for which illness behaviors, experiences, and beliefs are culture-specific." [4] Many men were studied to determine if Shen-k'uei was present in those who had sexual dysfunctions and if it was not present then they claimed it was after hearing about it. It seems that in more than one culture semen is viewed as a very important source within the body and when something goes wrong with it then it can cause a huge range of problems for the individual suffering from Shen-k'uei syndrome.
Asian Family Consideration[edit]
Asians believe that there are numerous ways in maintaining mental health. An issue that Asians face is that some symptoms of certain mental illnesses may become misdiagnosed for various reasons ranging from a lack of knowledge to some symptoms having never been seen before. Many mental illnesses experienced by Asians causes great stress among not only the individual but with the rest of the "family" as well. Individuals with Shen-k'uei may not experience semen loss in the beginning, instead they may just be experiencing simple things such as dizziness or a loss of sleep. Generally though, they will experience both symptoms along with the semen loss and numerous other bodily issues. Basically, an individual suffering from Shen-k'uei feels as if they are experiencing a panic disorder. "Treatment for the underlying anxiety or depression might decrease the symptoms associated with the syndrome." [5]
Yin and Yang Theory[edit]
Shen-k'uei is just one of many syndromes experienced among the Chinese. It is thought to be the result of having an unsignificant amount of yang within system. With this imbalance of yang, individuals suffering from this syndrome will have a loss of semen through numerous instances ranging from sexual activity to the thought of it passing through the urine. There is also some thought that the kidneys are important in this syndrome as well. "According to the traditional Chinese medical theory, one of the functions of the kidneys is to transform blood into semen." [6] There are numerous disorders experienced among the Chinese which also involve an imbalance of yang. According to the Chinese, yin and yang are particularly important concerning staying properly balanced within the body.
There are numerous groups included within the Asian culture which makes it a rather broad aspect with plenty to consider. The Asian culture typically shares the same values with the strongest emphasis being put on the family and the ways in which it is to be conducted. Medicine is an important component to the Chinese. Since Shen-k'uei has to do with an imbalance of yin and yang, the "Chinese medicine is based on keeping the body's yin (cold) and yang (hot) energies in harmonious balance through diet, lifestyle, acupuncture, and herbal regimens." [7] Whenever the yin and yang experience an imbalance it produces stress among the body and since semen is considered as an important source of the body, it is crucial to keep the body in a good balanced state. Many men who suffer from Shen-k'uei consider this syndrome to be extremely life threatening, thus the yin and yang are of extreme importance to the Chinese.
References[edit]
- ^ American Psychiatric Association(2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revison. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
- ^ Culture Bound Syndromes. Shen-k'uei (China, Taiwan) Accessed March 16, 2011. [1]
- ^ Lin, Tsung-Yi. Psychiatry and Chinese Culture Accessed March 16, 2011. [2]
- ^ Arthur Kleinman, Tsung-Yi Lin (1981). Normal and abnormal behavior in Chinese culture. pp 368. [3]
- ^ Herrick, Charlotte. Mental Disorders and Syndromes Found Among Asians Residing in the United States. Accessed March 16, 2011. [4]
- ^ Shenkui (Semen Loss) and Syndromes of Excessive Yin. Accessed March 16, 2011. [5]
- ^ Juckett, Gregory. Cross-Cultural Medicine. American Family Physician. Accessed March 17, 2011. [6]