Trauma is the emotional response to a shocking event over time. According to TCM, an emotional shock caused by sudden grief, sadness, disappointment, anger, fear, terror or even sudden happiness can scatter the Qi and leave the person feeling traumatised and out of control. The shock can be emotional or physical, such as a pregnancy loss or a surgical operation. The Shen (Spirit of the Heart), is affected by the shock and may temporarily ‘separate’ from the body and no longer be housed in the Heart.