Podcast on Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

Intro

• Request to follow the show on Apple/Spotify
• Importance of reviews for traction
• Gratitude for listener support

Personal Story

• Born 10 weeks premature
  • Mother smoked during pregnancy
  • Resulted in asthma and scoliosis
• Low confidence due to French accent and non-straight teeth
  • Husband's supportive advice: Focus on helping people, not appearance

Introduction to Four Vital Substances

• Host: Clara Cohen
• Four Vital Substances in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Chi, Blood, Body Fluid, Essence
  • Concept slightly varies among different TCM texts
  • Fundamental to survival
• Show aims to make Chinese medicine and acupuncture accessible

Chi (Qi)

General Definition

• Chi is everywhere; it's a constant movement and change
• Important in all body functions: digestion, breathing, movements
• Comprises subcategories:
  • Congenital Chi (Yuan Chi): Inherited from parents, stored in kidneys
  • Postnatal Chi: Obtained from food, drink, and air

Functions

• Regulates temperature, provides energy, supports growth and development, defensive functions
• True Chi or Vital Chi: Circulates within meridians

Pathology of Chi

• Stagnation: Often liver-related, caused by stress. Symptoms: shoulder tension, irritability, cold hands and feet
• Rebelling Chi: Commonly affects stomach (acid reflux) and lungs (cough)
• Deficiency: Fatigue, weak pulse, pale tongue, organ-specific symptoms
• Sinking Chi: Severe fatigue, organ prolapse, particularly spleen

Blood

Formation

• Congenital blood from kidneys; postnatal blood from spleen and stomach

Function

• Moisten and nourish body
• Material basis of the mind

Pathology

• Deficiency: Pale lips, poor sleep, fatigue, pale tongue
• Stasis: Purple tongue and nails, fixed and stabbing pain
• Heat in the Blood: Abnormal bleeding with heat symptoms

Body Fluid

Formation

• Comes from food and drink

Function

• Nourish and moisten body
• Two types: Jin (thin fluids) and Ye (thick fluids)

Pathology

• Deficiency: Dry eyes, skin, and hair. Cramps and muscle spasms
• Excess: Dampness, mucus, edema, bloating
• Food choices critical for maintaining balance

Essence (Jing)

Definition

• Made of congenital DNA, received from parents
• Prenatal Essence: DNA, includes Yuan Chi
• Postnatal Essence: Lifestyle choices

Function

• Growth, development, aging process
• Found in kidneys

Pathology

• Only deficiency: Early greying, osteopenia, fertility issues
• Preservation through lifestyle, good nutrition, managing stress

Conclusion

• Educate and guide patients; emphasize joint effort for better health outcomes
• Encourages visits and connection through various platforms
• Disclaimer: For educational purposes, not a substitute for professional medical advice