Our conscious mind is the outer layer of the individual psyche. It is this consciousness which is in charge of giving a definition to who we are and of perceiving and describing the outer reality.

Modern psychology estimates the consciousness to represent only 10% of the overall functions and activities of the psyche. So, in reality, what we perceive is mostly defined by the hidden aspects of our psyche, the subconscious or the unconscious.

The ancient Chinese thought system implies the predominance of thought over the matter, by the affirmation that Shen leads the Qi, signifying that the neurophysiology of the body is primarily subject to the mind and the psyche, what is today broadly classified as psychosomatics.

Our thoughts and beliefs influence not only the body but also how we perceive and respond to outer events, in the form of instinctive reactions and emotions.

This series of lectures aims at unraveling the mysteries of the mind and the psyche from a Chinese medical perspective

Historically, Chinese medicine had emphasized the continuity of the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the human being. By classifying the causative factors of disease, into external, internal, and mixed, and by delegating the emotions, and mental attitudes to the internal causes, they were putting an emphasis on the impact of the psycho-emotional equilibrium of a person. The Chinese premise of “the body holds the mind and the mind contains the body” demonstrates this belief clearly.

Furthermore, the interrelation between the microcosm (the human) with the macrocosm (the outer world) is stressed in Chinese medical concepts. This ancient worldview joins the modern discoveries in quantum physics. We can even affirm that our personal lives and the world we evolve in are but a reflection of our beliefs and thought systems.

Helping our patients in changing their belief mechanisms, in relation to their pain and suffering, is a major step in the Healing process. The PAT exercises (Psychology and Acupuncture Therapy), are based on traditional acupuncture points, known for their impact on the psyche, combined with cognitive affirmations. The PAT are extremely valuable tools for shifting beliefs and breaking away from established ideas and mind-sets

This Mentorship is presented by:

Hamid Montakab, author of several books, acupuncturist, and instructor

Hamid Montakab M.D. graduated from Medical School of Paris, did his residency in surgery and completed a 3-year education in acupuncture. Later spending several months in clinical training in China, followed by 2 years in exploring the local healing in the Philippines and India. He practiced for 5 years in America after obtaining the NCCA certification and a degree in Chinese Herbalism. In 1986 he founded the Academy of Chinese Healing Arts in Switzerland.
Dr. Montakab was commissioned by the Swiss National Fond to conduct a scientific research study on Acupuncture and Insomnia. In 1995 he was the co-founder and president of the Swiss Professional Organization for TCM (SPO-TCM).

Quite often, modern TCM practitioners are lacking the tools or confidence to tackle the deeper psycho-emotional issues of their patients.