Yi is the psychic aspect associated with the Spleen according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

It is equated with reflection, logical thinking or deduction. Maciocia translates it as intellect. Yi includes the capacity to concentrate, generate ideas, study and remember.

Being the level of Earth, it participates in and supports the other psycho-emotional elements.

Concentration

One of the characteristics of the Earth Element is that it "holds", it is the centre, it revolves around itself. Therefore Yi provides us with the capacity to concentrate the mind on a subject, work on it, turn it over, not lose focus. If the mind goes from one subject to another, with difficulty paying attention, it may indicate a Spleen deficiency. If on the contrary, there is an obsession with a subject and difficulty moving away from it and adopting new ideas, the Spleen may be stagnant.

Ideas

• Hun (Liver) generates creative, intuitive ideas, through inspiration. It comes from the ethereal aspect of the universal mind.
• Yi (Spleen) provides ideas within a specific framework, working on them and developing them like one who works the earth.

Remembering

• Yi (Spleen) is related to recent memory that allows you to study or work on a day-to-day basis.
• Zhi (Kidney) and Shen (Heart) are related to long-term memory, old memories or those linked to emotions.

Pathological Function

• Obsession
• Manias
• Poor Concentration
• Difficulty remembering recent data

Points related to Yi

A good function of Yi depends on the correct function of Spleen / Stomach

• BL-49
• SP-20
• SP-21
• GV-20 and Si Shen Cong

See: Shen