Exploring Vital Substances in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine Concepts

• Yuan Qi is considered the root of the human body in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Qi plays a crucial role in energizing, sustaining life, and maintaining health in the body.
• Kidney-rooted Qi is transported throughout the body by the San Jiao (Triple Warmer).
• Yuan Qi can be depleted by overwork, chronic illness, poor diet, and excessive sexual activity.

Qi Transformation and Nourishment

• The first stage in transforming food into Qi is governed by the Spleen, which extracts the essence from ingested food.
• Nutritive Essence needs to be supplemented and nourished by food essence, also known as Gu Qi.
• Zong Qi, known as Gathering Qi, is vital for respiration and the strength of the voice.

Types of Qi

• Nutritive Qi (Ying Qi) is responsible for nourishing the body and supporting growth.
• Wei Qi is the defensive Qi responsible for protecting the body against external pathogens.
• The organ that transforms Food Qi into Blood is the Spleen.

Functions and Roles of Qi and Body Fluids

• Zong Qi functions in respiratory support and stabilizing emotions and mental activity.
• Body Fluids play a critical role in hydration, nutrient transportation, and maintaining organ health.
• The Small Intestine controls the circulation of Thin Fluids (Jin) in the body.

Growth and Development

• The primary substance for growth and development is Essence (Jing).
• Essence (Jing) plateaus for men around age 40, leading to a gradual depletion of vitality.
• At age 56, the Kidney energy weakens, impacting overall health.

Age-Related Changes in Women

• At age 7, women experience the onset of menstruation, marking a significant developmental stage.
• Women's Essence (Jing) plateaus around age 28; significant changes or decline occur at age 49.
• At age 42, women may experience notable physical changes reflecting declining reproductive health.

Fluid Dynamics

• Ye (thick fluid) circulates with blood and supports lubrication for organs.
• Jin (thin fluids) nourish the body, particularly aiding in hydration.
• Jin can circulate with Blood, while Ye is found in the brain, bones, and viscera.

Blood and Qi Relationships

• Blood is governed by the Heart, made by the Spleen, and stored by the Liver.
• Blood is the mother of Qi, sustaining its function and circulation.
• Qi is identified as Yin, illustrating its nurturing and stabilizing characteristics.
• Food Qi rises to the chest, influenced by Zong Qi during nourishment and respiration.

Essence and Qi Sources

• Yuan Qi is derived from a combination of Parents Qi and Post-Heaven Essence from Food Qi.
• Ying and Wei Qi result from the combination of Food Qi, Air Qi, and Yuan Qi, illustrating the interconnectedness of these vital energies.