Gui is the Chinese word for "ghost", but...

It's believed that the term may have been used metaphorically.

Instead of a hostile spirit that bears ill will, these ghosts are thought to be the factors that contribute to the progression of Shen disturbances.

Shen is the mental, spiritual, and emotional energy of the body, and when it's depleted or imbalanced, it can cause people to feel like life has lost its color.

The nature of a ghost's effects on your Shen depends on the individual.

For some, they come in the form of grief or stress brought on by a lingering memory.

Others may feel their influence present itself through compulsive or self-destructive behaviors.

Additionally, highly empathetic people may feel their ghosts manifest when exposed to excessive negative energy in their environment.

But how does a "ghost invasion" progress?

The outcomes may vary from person to person, but one of the first signs is a slight feeling that you're not acting as you usually would.

This is because ghosts enter the body and obstruct your Shen from returning to it's home in your Heart.

When the Shen can't return to the Heart to rest and replenish itself, this obstruction distracts the mind, scatters the spirit, and weakens willpower.

However, If left unaddressed, these uncharacteristic behaviors can progress, and eventually make someone feel like they're losing control over themselves

This "possession" of Shen is why we refer to these factors as ghosts.

Fear, worry, and sadness are difficult to navigate in the first place, but these strong emotions can also have an impact on the way energy flows throughout your body.

It's said that the Kidneys hold the will, while the Heart manifests what the will envisions.

These are the organs that house the Jing (Kidneys) and Shen (Heart).

A weak connection between Jing and Shen can make someone feel uncomfortable, or alien to their own actions and behaviors.