Po (魄)
The Po (魄) is the corporeal soul in TCM, housed in the Lungs and associated with the Metal element. It governs instinctive physical responses, sensations, and bodily awareness, entering with the first breath at birth and returning to the earth after death.
Pò
Corporeal Soul
Educational content · Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Source & Origin
The Po is considered a pre-heaven (先天) aspect of the spirit that enters the body at the moment of conception, on the third day, analogous to the appearance of the first crescent moon. It is derived primarily from the mother and works alongside the constitutional essence (Jing) to animate the developing fetus.
Unlike acquired post-heaven substances, the Po is an innate gift that shapes the physical body from its earliest formation. It could be understood as the organizing principle that transforms Jing into physical form, separating the individual from the mother's body through the boundary of the skin. In infancy, the Po dominates all physiological processes—before conscious awareness develops, the Po manages all of the baby's vital functions and responses.
Formation Process
The Po comes into being on the third day after conception and immediately begins its work of materializing Qi into physical form. Classical texts describe this timing as analogous to the rising of the thin crescent moon on the third day of the lunar month—a poetic connection between the Po's emergence and cosmic cycles.
During fetal development, the Po channels the essence (Jing) toward the sensory organs, enabling the capacities of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch to develop. After birth, the Po continues participating in all the transformations that allow the body to grow and mature. Its formation and strength depend on abundant Lung Qi and Yin—when these are plentiful, the Po remains robust and well-anchored in its home.
Location in Body
The Po resides in the Lungs, which is why classical texts state "The Lung stores the Po" (肺藏魄). The Ling Shu elaborates: "The Lung stores Qi, and Qi houses the Po" (肺藏气，气舍魄). This means the Po needs Lung Qi as its vehicle and foundation.
Beyond the Lungs proper, the Po extends its influence throughout the entire physical body, particularly to the skin (which the Lungs govern) and all the tissues where physical sensations are registered. The anus is called the "Door of the Po" (魄门, Pò Mén) because traditional belief holds that the Po exits through this opening after death to return to the earth.
Movement & Flow
The movement of the Po is fundamentally different from the Hun. While the Hun tends upward and outward toward the spirit of the Heart (心神) and the external world, the Po moves downward and inward—it is centripetal, contracting, and focused on the internal world and physical body.
The Po's descending nature aligns with the Lungs' function of descending and consolidating Qi. When balanced, the Po keeps us grounded in physical reality and present-moment awareness. Breathing, which is the pulsation of the Po, represents its constant movement—each inhalation drawing in heavenly Qi, each exhalation releasing what's no longer needed. This rhythmic flow helps anchor the Po in the body and maintain its proper function.
In-Depth Study
The Po (魄), often translated as the Corporeal Soul, is one of the Five Spirits (五神) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Unlike its counterpart the Hun (Ethereal Soul) which is yang and ascends after death, the Po is yin in nature and remains connected to the physical body.
Think of the Po as your body's built-in autopilot system—it manages all the things you do without thinking. When a baby instinctively cries or suckles at birth, that's the Po in action. When you pull your hand back from a hot stove before your conscious mind even registers danger, that's your Po. It governs all our basic survival instincts, physical sensations like touch, pain, and temperature, and our reflexive responses to the world.
The Chinese character 魄 combines 白 (bái, white) on the left and 鬼 (guǐ, ghost/spirit) on the right. The white color directly connects to the Lungs in Five Element theory, suggesting a spirit that dwells within these organs. This connection to white also links the Po to the waxing moon, symbolizing its yin nature and its emergence at conception, much like the thin crescent moon appearing on the third day of the lunar month.
Historical Context
The concept of the Po first appears in classical texts from the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). The Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) established its foundational role in Chinese medicine, particularly in the Ling Shu Chapter 8 (Ben Shen - "Root of Spirit") which states: "That which comes and goes together with the Essence is called the Po."
The ancient Chinese developed a sophisticated soul dualism—believing every person has both a Hun (ethereal, yang soul) and a Po (corporeal, yin soul). Some Daoist traditions elaborate this into the "Three Hun and Seven Po" (三魂七魄) system, suggesting multiple aspects of each soul type. The historian Yü Ying-shih describes Hun and Po as "two pivotal concepts that have been, and remain today, the key to understanding Chinese views of the human soul and the afterlife."
Throughout Chinese history, the Po's connection to the physical body after death led to elaborate burial customs—the bones of the deceased were carefully protected because the Po was believed to remain with the skeleton until complete disintegration.
Primary Functions
Governs Instinctive Responses
魄主本能反应The Po manages all automatic, reflexive actions—like instantly pulling your hand away from something painful or catching yourself when you stumble. These are the survival responses we're born with, not learned behaviors.
Enables Physical Sensations
魄司感觉All physical feelings—touch, pain, temperature, pressure—are processed through the Po. When you feel hot or cold, when something hurts or tickles, the Po is the faculty receiving these signals. This is why Lung problems can dull physical sensations.
Controls Movement and Coordination
魄主动作The Po gives the body its capacity for agility, balance, and coordinated movement. It governs the smooth operation of limbs and the basic motor functions we perform without conscious thought.
Animates the Physical Body
魄主形体The Po is the vital force that makes the body alive rather than inert. It's the organizational principle that coordinates all physiological processes, working with Jing (Essence) to maintain bodily functions.
Supports Breathing
魄主呼吸Breathing is considered the "pulsation of the Po." This automatic process—inhaling and exhaling without conscious control—represents the Po's constant activity. Proper breathing keeps the Po anchored and healthy.
Grounds Present-Moment Awareness
魄主当下The Po keeps us connected to the here and now through bodily experience. This is why breath-focused meditation activates the Po—it brings attention to the present moment through physical awareness.
Governs Peaceful Sleep
魄主安卧When the Po is settled and secure in the Lungs, sleep comes easily and is restful. Disturbed Po leads to light sleep, waking at slight noises, and general restlessness at night.
Relationship to Organs
Stores
The Lungs are the Po's home. When Lung Qi is abundant and Lung Yin is nourished, the Po is well-anchored and functions properly. Lung diseases weaken the Po.
Transforms
As the yang paired organ of the Lungs, the Large Intestine supports the Po through elimination. The anus is called 'Door of the Po' (魄门) through which waste—and after death, the Po itself—exits.
Governs
The Heart's Shen (Spirit) oversees all Five Spirits, including the Po. The Heart-Shen coordinates the Po's activities with consciousness and integrates physical sensations with awareness.
Produces
The Kidneys store Jing (Essence), which is the material foundation the Po works with. Strong Kidney Jing supports robust Po function through the Jing-Po relationship.
Relationship to Other Substances
The Po and Hun are complementary opposites. The Hun is yang, ethereal, and ascends toward the Heart-Shen; the Po is yin, corporeal, and descends toward the Jing. The Hun gives us dreaming, imagination, and spiritual awareness; the Po gives us physical sensation and instinctive response. They must balance each other—excessive Po movement can pull the Hun too far down, while excessive Hun movement can unsettle the Po.
The Po has an intimate relationship with Jing (Essence). Classical texts describe the Po as "the ways in and out of the Essence"—meaning the Po is what animates and directs the Jing. Without the Po, Jing would be inert matter. The Po channels Jing toward the development and function of the physical body and sensory organs.
The Heart-Shen is the supreme commander that oversees all Five Spirits, including the Po. The Po can be thought of as the yin aspect of spiritual activity—where Shen governs consciousness and awareness, the Po governs unconscious, automatic functions. They work together but on different levels.
Zong Qi (Chest Qi) gathers in the chest and works closely with the Po through the breathing process. The center of the chest is the "Sea of Zong Qi," and a healthy Po promotes good respiratory function. In turn, proper breathing and strong Zong Qi keep the Po well-anchored.
Tongue Signs
Po Deficiency: The tongue may be pale, especially at the front third (Lung area), indicating Lung Qi deficiency that fails to support the Po. A thin dry coat suggests Yin deficiency affecting Po nourishment.
Disturbed Po: A red-tipped tongue may indicate Heat disturbing the Heart-Shen and unsettling the Po. Tongue trembling can suggest spirit disturbance affecting all Five Spirits.
Pulse Signs
Po Deficiency: The pulse is typically weak, especially in the right Cun (inch) position which reflects Lung Qi. An empty or deficient pulse indicates the Po lacks its foundation.
Disturbed Po: A rapid, wiry, or hasty pulse may indicate Heat or emotional turbulence unsettling the Po and other spirits.
Deficiency When Po (魄) is insufficient
When the Po is deficient or not properly anchored in the Lungs, a person loses their sense of grounded physical presence. Common manifestations include:
- Light, restless sleep—waking easily at small sounds, inability to sleep deeply
- Diminished physical sensations—feeling disconnected from the body, reduced sense of touch
- Shallow breathing—unable to breathe deeply, sighing frequently
- Vulnerability and anxiety—feeling exposed, unsafe, easily startled
- Difficulty letting go—holding onto past hurts, old relationships, physical possessions
- Depression and sadness—the Lung's associated emotion when imbalanced
- Weakened survival instinct—reduced will to live, loss of self-preservation drive
Po deficiency often accompanies Lung Qi or Lung Yin deficiency, as the Po needs these substances as its foundation.
Clinical Signs
Excess When Po (魄) is in surplus
When the Po is excessively active or "unsettled," it can overwhelm proper function. Classical texts warn: "If joy and happiness are excessive, they damage the Po; when the Po is damaged, there is madness." Excess Po conditions may manifest as:
- Overwhelming physical sensations—hypersensitivity to touch, sound, light
- Obsessive attachment—excessive clinging to physical possessions, people, or past
- Agitation and restlessness—inability to be still, constant physical fidgeting
- Survival instincts in overdrive—hypervigilance, paranoia, fight-or-flight reactions
Excess Po states are less common than deficiency and often involve imbalance with the Hun or Heart-Shen.
Clinical Signs
Stagnation When Po (魄) fails to flow
While stagnation is more commonly discussed with Qi and Blood, the Po can become "stuck" when emotions—especially grief—are suppressed or unexpressed. This manifests as:
- Constricted breathing—feeling unable to take a full breath, chest tightness
- Suppressed emotions—inability to cry or express grief
- Physical tension—chronic muscle tightness, especially in the chest and shoulders
- Stuck grief—unprocessed losses that continue to affect daily life
Supporting the Lungs and encouraging emotional expression helps free a stagnant Po.
Clinical Signs
How to Nourish Po (魄)
Breathing Practices: Since breathing is the "pulsation of the Po," deep breathing exercises, Qigong, and pranayama help anchor and strengthen the Po. Focus on slow, full breaths that expand the entire chest.
Dietary Support: Warm, nourishing foods support the Metal element and Lungs. Beneficial foods include pears, apples, almonds, honey, and ginger. Avoid excessive cold, raw foods that can weaken Lung Qi.
Acupuncture: Regular treatment targeting Lung meridian points strengthens the Po's residence. Self-massage of points like Lung 9 can support daily Po health.
Movement: Gentle practices like Tai Chi and Qigong that emphasize breath coordination help anchor the Po in the body through rhythmic movement.
Emotional Processing: Since the Po is affected by unexpressed grief, allowing tears to flow and processing losses supports Po health. The Lungs and Large Intestine—both Metal organs—govern letting go on physical and emotional levels.
Touch and Bodywork: Because the Po governs physical sensation and the skin, appropriate touch through massage or bodywork can nourish and ground the Po.
Clinical Relevance
Understanding the Po helps clinicians address conditions that blend physical and emotional symptoms. Insomnia characterized by light sleep and easy waking often indicates Po not settling in the Lungs—treatment should anchor the Po alongside calming the Shen. Chronic respiratory conditions may weaken the Po over time, leading to depression and disconnection from the body.
Grief and loss directly affect the Po through the Lung connection. Prolonged or suppressed mourning can weaken both Lung function and the Po's integrity. Conversely, strengthening the Lungs helps process and release grief naturally.
Modern practitioners note parallels between Po functions and the autonomic nervous system—both govern automatic, unconscious bodily responses. Treatment approaches that calm the nervous system often simultaneously settle the Po. Integrating breathwork with acupuncture can be particularly effective for Po-related conditions.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (灵枢)
Chapter 8 - Ben Shen并精而出入者谓之魄
That which comes and goes together with the Essence is called the Po
Su Wen (素问)
Chapter 23 - Xuan Ming Wu Qi心藏神，肺藏魄，肝藏魂，脾藏意，肾藏志
The Heart stores the Shen, the Lung stores the Po, the Liver stores the Hun, the Spleen stores the Yi, the Kidney stores the Zhi
Ling Shu (灵枢)
Chapter 8 - Ben Shen肺藏气，气舍魄
The Lung stores Qi, and Qi houses the Po
Su Wen (素问)
Chapter 9 - Liu Jie Zang Xiang肺者，气之本，魄之处也
The Lung is the root of Qi and the dwelling place of the Po
Modern References
The Foundations of Chinese Medicine
Comprehensive coverage of the Po as corporeal soul, its Lung relationship, and clinical applications in the context of the Five Spirits
The Psyche in Chinese Medicine
Detailed exploration of the Po's psychological functions and treatment of emotional disorders through Five Spirit framework
Nourishing Destiny: The Inner Tradition of Chinese Medicine
Explores the spiritual dimensions of the Po and its role in personal development from a classical Chinese medicine perspective