Po has its root in the Lung Ki and is the bodily aspect of Shen – for this reason Po is also called the corporeal soul. It reflects our physical existence into our consciousness. Po mirrors Hun. While the etherea soul Hun (Wood Element) is of non-material, spiritual nature and is assigned to the Yang, the Yin part of Shen is embodied by the corporeal soul Po.

Just as there are three Hun souls, according to ancient Chinese tradition there are also seven corporeal souls. These in turn are closely related to the “seven passions” (anger, joy, fear, sorrow, hatred, love and desire).

7 is the number assigned to the Po. Joy and lust in excess damages the Po soul. In very horrible accidents, through surgery and medication, parts of the soul can get lost and cause parts of the body to lose their vitality. Po souls can be brought back through body awareness and breathing (e. g. Shiatsu treatments, breathing exercises, Makko Ho exercises, Yoga. . . )

Po represents the realm of physical, emotional and instinctive forces in the human being that have a close relationship with the body. These forces correspond more to the animalic level, since one reacts reflexively via Po.

Our innate ability of Ki exchange with the universe via breathing is given to us by Po. Breathing can also be understood as the pulsation of the corporeal soul. Po sets the limits in space and the rhythm in time. Po collects its experiences through our senses (e. g. sense of smell or touch). These experiences are extraordinarily vivid and alive because through them we make a connection between the inherent Ki and the Ki of the universe.

Also the tactility of a person, any pain or itching on the skin is the experience of the Po-soul; also the ability of the kinaesthetics – to move, to keep the balance and to coordinate the body in its movement.

Po souls belong to the earth and die with physical death.

In the Chinese view, the feeling of deep, persistent grief is associated with the functions of the Lungs and Large Intestine (Metal Element).

Like any other feeling, grief is a natural, healthy process. If the Metal Element is weakened, grief can depress a person and it will be difficult for him to let go of feelings of grief and loss. Also an inability to mourn indicates an imbalance in the Metal Element.

A balanced Metal Element is adaptable and able to absorb changes and allow losses – to create space for new things in our lives. A grief lived through can give a person the valuable experience of self-knowledge and maturation of personality.