Essence, Qi, Blood and Body Fluids Lecture Notes

Vocabulary practice cards covering the basic concepts, functions, classifications, and interrelationships of Essence, Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Essence (Broad sense)

The refined nutritious substances transformed by qi that constitute the human body and maintain its life activity.

Essence (Narrow sense)

The reproductive essence having the function of producing offspring and stored in the kidney.

Innate Essence

Derived from parents, it is the origin of life and is mainly stored in the kidney.

Acquired Essence

Comes from food essence and depends on the spleen-stomach to nourish every viscus.

Functions of Essence

Reproduction, nourishing the body, promoting growth and development, and generating marrow, blood, and qi.

Qi (Basic Concept)

The most basic material to form and sustain life activities of the human body, considered the primary state and energetic material of the universe.

Promoting Function of Qi

Stimulating functions of viscera and tissues, promoting growth and reproduction, and the generation, distribution, and discharge of blood and body fluid.

Warming Function of Qi

Maintaining constant body temperature and promoting the functions of viscera and the circulation of blood and body fluids.

Defending Function of Qi

Consolidating the body surface to defend against the invasion of exogenous pathogens and driving them out.

Consolidating Function of Qi

Maintaining body fluid to avoid loss and consolidating viscera to maintain their fixed location.

Transforming Function of Qi

Promoting metabolism and the inter-transformation among essence, qi, blood, and body fluid.

Qi Movement: Ascending

The movement of qi from the lower part of the body to the upper part.

Qi Movement: Descending

The movement of qi from the upper part of the body to the lower part.

Original Qi

The most fundamental qi generated from innate essence and distributed through the triple energizer to regulate growth and stimulate organ functions.

Pectoral Qi

Accumulated inside the chest, it is formed from food essence and inhaled clear qi to sustain respiratory function and assist heart circulation.

Nutrient Qi

A kind of qi circulating within the blood vessels that serves as the major material for blood generation and nourishes the whole body.

Defense Qi

Generated from vigorous food essence, it circulates outside the vessels in the skin and interstice to protect the body and regulate sweat.

Blood (Basic Concept)

The fluid circulating inside blood vessels (the house of blood) that functions to nourish and sustain life activities.

Functions of Blood

Nourishing and moistening the whole body and serving as the basic material for mental activities like consciousness and thinking.

Jin (Thin Fluids)

Diluted and highly fluid body liquids distributed to the skin, muscle, and orifices for moistening.

Ye (Thick Fluids)

Dense and less fluid liquids distributed to the viscera, joints, and marrow for nourishing and lubricating functions.

Qi is the general of blood

A principle indicating qi generates blood, circulates blood, and consolidates blood within the vessels.

Blood is the mother of qi

A principle indicating that blood generates qi and serves as the vehicle for qi circulation.

Body fluids and blood relationship

Both are generated from food essence and can mutually transform; for example, severe bleeding can lead to dry mouth and scanty urine.