What is the "Qi" in Traditional Chinese Medicine?(II)

What is the concept of "Qi" in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

The human body is an organic whole with nature, constantly exchanging energy with the external environment. Internally, the human body also undergoes continuous internal exchanges of energy and substances. These exchanges are made possible by the action of "Qi."

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, "Qi" refers to a subtle and powerful substance within the human body, playing a fundamental role in maintaining life. Although "Qi" is invisible and intangible under normal circumstances, it is an essential element that operates tirelessly, driving and regulating the body's metabolic processes, thereby sustaining life.

 "Qi" is a highly intricate substance within our bodies, categorized into five types: "Ren Qi" (Defensive Qi), "Yuan Qi" (Original Qi), "Zong Qi" (Gathering Qi), "Ying Qi" (Nutritive Qi), and "Wei Qi" (Protective Qi). These five types of Qi have distinct functions, complement each other, and collectively maintain our vital life activities.

Defensive Qi (Ren Qi)

Defensive Qi, also known as "Ren Qi," is the body's immune system. It actively combats harmful external influences, possesses defense, resistance, and regulatory functions.

 Original Qi (Yuan Qi)

Yuan Qi is the most fundamental and essential form of Qi, derived from the essence provided by one's parents. Stored in the kidney essence, it is gradually released to sustain normal physiological functions and support a long lifespan. Yuan Qi is responsible for promoting and regulating the body's growth, development, and reproductive functions, as well as the activities of the organs, meridians, and sensory organs.

 Gathering Qi (Zong Qi)

Gathering Qi results from the combination of two types of Qi: clear Qi from the external world that is inhaled by the lungs and grain Qi generated by the spleen and stomach from food digestion. Located in the chest, Gathering Qi assists in better lung respiration, aids the heart in circulating blood, and, most importantly, supports the fundamental Qi (Yuan Qi) when it descends into the kidneys.

 Nutritive Qi (Ying Qi)

Nutritive Qi circulates within the meridians and accompanies the blood. It nourishes the body alongside the blood and facilitates the movement of blood through the vessels. Nutritive Qi and blood are closely related and often referred to as "Nutritive Blood." Nutritive Qi acts as the logistical supply team for the body, ensuring normal functioning, growth, and development by supplying nutrients and eliminating waste products.

 Protective Qi (Wei Qi)

Distributed throughout the body, Protective Qi is warm and powerful. It protects the body from external pathogenic factors by defending against their invasion, while internally it keeps the organs and bones warm. Think of it as the "golden armor" of the human body. Additionally, it regulates body temperature by controlling the opening and closing of sweat pores. Overall, Protective Qi acts as the general coordinator, maintaining balance between internal and external aspects of the body.

 In addition to these five harmonizing types of Qi, each of our internal organs possesses its own specialized Qi, referred to as "Zang Fu Zhi Qi" or "Meridian Qi." For instance, the Qi of the lungs allows it to govern respiration, the Qi of the heart maintains a clear consciousness, the Qi of the spleen enables proper digestion and absorption, the Qi of the liver facilitates the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, and the Qi of the kidneys governs the normal metabolism of fluids. As the saying goes, "A person lives with a single breath," and indeed, it holds a great deal of truth.

Therefore, it is crucial to nurture and maintain the Qi of the internal organs, ensuring the overall health of the body. By harmonizing the Zang-Fu organs and promoting the free flow of meridians, one can enhance the body's immune system, improve constitution, and achieve harmony between Qi and blood, which is conducive to health. It is the presence of this vital Qi that sets the human body in motion, making life truly come to life.