TCM Four Vital Substances

Jul 5, 2024

TCM Four Vital Substances Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Lecturer: Clara from AcuPro Academy
  • Goals: Empower practitioners for superior patient care, grow a successful practice, and have fun.
  • Topic: Four vital substances in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Four Vital Substances

  1. Qi (Chi)
  2. Blood
  3. Body Fluids
  4. Essence (Jing)

Qi (Chi)

  • Definition: A vital energy or life force concept, not directly translatable into English.
  • Nature: More 'Yang' (energy) as opposed to 'Yin' (matter).
  • Formation:
    • Congenital Qi (Pre-heaven Qi): Inherited from parents, stored in kidneys.
    • Postnatal Qi: Obtained from air (lungs) and food (transformed by spleen and stomach).
  • Functions:
    • Warming the body
    • Raising (holding organs in place)
    • Controlling (excretion of body fluids)
    • Promoting (production of body fluids and blood)
    • Defending (against pathogens)
  • Classification:
    • Yuan Qi: Source Qi from parents
    • Zong Qi: Chest Qi (involving heart and lungs)
    • Zhong Qi: Middle Qi (spleen and stomach functioning)
    • Wei Qi: Defensive Qi (immune system)
    • Ying Qi: Nutritive Qi (nourishment)
    • Zhen Qi: True Qi (combination of Wei and Ying Qi)

Qi Imbalances

  1. Qi Stagnation: Symptoms include water retention, headaches, slow digestion, moodiness, etc.
  2. Qi Rebellion: Incorrect direction of Qi movement; examples include coughing (lung Qi rebellion) and vomiting (stomach Qi rebellion).
  3. Qi Deficiency: General fatigue, specific symptoms depending on affected organ (e.g., lung Qi deficiency leading to frequent illnesses).
  4. Qi Sinking: Specifically affects spleen; symptoms include organ prolapse and extreme fatigue.

Blood

  • Formation: Produced by spleen and stomach from absorbed food, influenced by Essence, and circulated by the heart.
  • Functions: Nourishes the body, moistens tissues, and supports mental activities.
  • Imbalances:
    • Blood Deficiency: Pale appearance, poor memory/focus, dizziness, etc.
    • Blood Stasis: Purple and painful areas, stabbing pains, fixed headaches.
    • Blood Heat: Abnormal bleeding, feeling hot and irritable.

Body Fluids

  • Formation: From food and drinks.
  • Functions: Moistens and nourishes tissues and organs.
  • Types:
    • Jin: Thin fluids (sweat, saliva, tears, part of blood).
    • Ye: Thick fluids (marrow, eyes, brain, gastric secretions).
  • Imbalances:
    • Excess: Water retention, edema, phlegm, greasy skin, etc.
    • Deficiency: Dry skin, hair, stools, muscle cramps.

Essence (Jing)

  • Definition: DNA or genetic material; fundamental for growth, development, and reproduction.
  • Formation: Inherited from parents (congenital/pre-birth) and influenced by lifestyle (postnatal/post-birth).
  • Functions: Supports growth, reproductive system, brain development.
  • Imbalances:
    • Only deficiency is possible.
    • Symptoms include premature aging (hair loss, gray hair), fertility issues, slow growth in children.

Conclusion

  • Four vital substances are foundational in TCM.
  • Maintaining balance in these substances is key to health and longevity.
  • Visit AcuPro Academy for more resources and courses on TCM.