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Vital Substances
Traditional Chinese
Medicine views the human body as a mini eco-system, which therefore
shares the same qualities as nature. Just as the earth contains air,
water, and land, the basic substances of the human body are Qi, Body
Fluids, Blood, and Essence.
Qi is the
vital energy that gives us our capacity to move, think, and feel. It
protects from illness, and warms the body. Qi is derived from two main
sources: the air we breathe, and the food we eat. When the supply of
Qi to the body is depleted or blocked, organ function is adversely
affected by the inability to transform and transport the "energy" necessary
to fight illness and disease.
Body Fluids
(called Jin Ye) are the liquids which protect, nurture, and lubricate
the body in conjunction with the blood. The moisture nourishes the
skin, muscles, joints, spine, bone marrow, and brain. Dehydration results
in conditions such as dry skin and constipation, while excess fluids
manifest in symptoms such as lethargy, and increased production of
phlegm.
Blood is
the material foundation for bone, nerve, skin, muscle, and organ creation.
It also contains the Shen (spirit) which balances the psyche.
Essence,
or Jing, is the body's reproductive and regenerative substance. Essence
regulates growth, development, reproduction, and promotes and works
with qi to help protect the body from external factors.
The vital substances
circulate through the pathways, or meridians, linking all parts of
the body. When flowing smoothly they contribute to the healthy state,
but if these substances are congested or depleted, symptoms as varied
as aches, tension, swelling, asthma, indigestion, and fatigue may result
from the disruption.
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