氣 Qi - Vital Energy
The fundamental life force that animates all living things.
Types of Qi
- Yuan Qi (Original Qi): Inherited from parents, stored in Kidneys
- Gu Qi (Food Qi): Derived from digestion
- Zong Qi (Gathering Qi): Combines Gu Qi with air, powers heart and lungs
- Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi): Nourishes organs and tissues
- Wei Qi (Defensive Qi): Protects body from pathogens
Functions
- Promoting - drives growth
- Warming - maintains temperature
- Defending - protects against pathogens
- Transforming - enables metabolism
- Holding - keeps organs in place
- Transporting - moves Blood and fluids
血 Blood (Xue)
A denser form of Qi that nourishes and moistens the body.
Production: Produced by the Spleen from food essence, refined by the Heart, stored by the Liver
Functions
- Nourishes all tissues and organs
- Moistens the body
- Provides material basis for Shen
- Anchors the Ethereal Soul
Qi and Blood Relationship
- Qi moves Blood - without Qi, Blood stagnates
- Blood nourishes Qi
- Qi holds Blood - prevents hemorrhage
- Blood is the mother of Qi
精 Essence (Jing)
The most precious substance, foundation of life, growth, and reproduction.
Types
- Prenatal Jing: Inherited from parents at conception
- Postnatal Jing: Derived from food and air
Functions
- Governs growth and development
- Produces marrow
- Foundation of reproductive capacity
- Determines constitutional strength
Preservation
- Adequate rest and sleep
- Balanced sexual activity
- Proper nutrition
- Avoiding excessive stress
神 Spirit (Shen)
Encompasses consciousness, mental activity, emotions, and the spark of life.
Residence: Housed in the Heart, nourished by Blood
Manifestations
- Clarity of thought
- Emotional balance
- Appropriate responses
- Brightness of eyes
- Coherent speech
Five Spirits
- Shen (Heart): Consciousness, awareness
- Hun (Liver): Ethereal Soul, dreams, imagination
- Po (Lung): Corporeal Soul, physical sensations
- Yi (Spleen): Intellect, intention
- Zhi (Kidney): Willpower, determination
津液 Body Fluids
All fluids in the body except Blood.
Types
- Jin (Clear/Thin): Light, watery - tears, sweat, saliva
- Ye (Turbid/Thick): Dense, nourishing - lubricates joints, nourishes brain
Production: Transformed from food and drink by Spleen, distributed by Lung, regulated by Kidney
Functions
- Moisten and nourish skin, muscles, hair
- Lubricate joints and orifices
- Nourish internal organs
- Form a component of Blood
Note: Proper assessment requires professional evaluation.