Vital
Substances
Traditional
Chinese Medicine views the human body as a mini eco-system, and therefore
shares the same qualities as nature. Just as the earth contains air,
water, and land, the basic substances of the human body are Chi, Body
Fluids, Blood, and Essence.
Chi
is the vital energy that gives us our capacity to move, think, and
feel. It protects from illness, and warms the body. Chi is derived
from two main sources: the air we breath, and the food we eat.
When
the supply of chi 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 chi to help protect the body from external factors.
The
vital substances circulate through the pathways (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.
