4 Vital Substances Flashcards
Describe the Qi Formation
- Congenital Qi is from our parents (residing in TCM Kidneys)
- Food Qi is transformed and transport by Spleen and Stomach
- Fresh air Qi is allowed by Lung
Describe the Qi Functions
Warming: keep the body temp constant
> by Kidney Yang and Ming Men Fire
Defending: against external pathogens (bacteria, virus, environmental)
> by Wei Defensive Qi and Lung Qi
Promoting:
Growth > by Kidney
Production of fluids and blood > by SP & ST to transform and transport into nutrients
Controlling: excretion of body fluids
> by Kidney; to open and close lower gates to prevent leakage
Holding: blood within blood vessels
> by Spleen to prevent hemorrhage
Raising: hold organs in place
> by Spleen to prevent organ prolapse
What is Yuan Qi?
This Congenital Qi is to promote growth, reproduction, and conception. This prenatal Qi is in charge for all physiological activities.
What is Zong Qi?
Chest/gathering to promote blood circulation and allow breathing. It nourishes both HT and LU functions.
HT - governing blood to promote blood circulation as well as speech and strength of voice
LU - to promote respiration
What is Zhong Qi?
For middle jiao digestion. SP and ST are responsible to transport and transform nutrients to the body and mind.
SP function is responsible to raising the Qi to prevent organ prolapse
What is Zhen Qi?
The true and vital qi which circulates the meridians and nourishes the organs. There are 2 sub-forms of this: Nutritive Qi (internal/yin) and Wei Qi (external/yang)
What is Ying Qi?
Nutritive Qi that is found in the blood. It flows in the meridians and nourishes the internal organs. This Qi is activated when a needle is inserted in an acu point
What is Wei Qi?
Defensive Qi flows in the outer layer of the skin between skin and muscles. It protects against external pathogens. It warms, regulates body temperature, and sweating
Describe Lung, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Heart, Liver Qi.
Lung Qi descends:
For breathing oxygen. Unhealthy = rebels upwards and coughing occurs
Spleen Qi ascends:
Food brings nutrients to the brain and the body. Unhealthy = fatigue (mental & physical), organ prolapse
Stomach Qi descends:
Food reaches the ST then goes down to the intestines. Unhealthy = vomiting, nausea, acid reflux
Kidney Qi ascends:
KD houses Ming Men Fire which allows for libido, reproduction, digestion. Unhealthy = edema on feet, miscarriage, incontinence
Heart Qi descends:
Allows for a calm mind. Unhealthy = anxiety, insomnia, busy mind
Liver Qi in all directions:
allows smooth flow of Qi to spread throughout the body. Unhealthy = tight neck/shoulders, slow digestion
What are the common Qi patterns and imbalances?
Qi Stagnation: most affects the Liver
- irritable, PMS, sighs a lot, tight neck/shoulders
Qi Rebelling:
LU - cough
ST - nausea, acid reflux, vomiting
LR - temporal headache, anger, red eyes
Qi Deficiency:
LU - SOB, catch cold/flu
KD - seminal emissions, incontinence, LB aches
HT - day sweat when anxious, insomnia,
LR - loose stools, fatigue
Qi Sinking: only affects the Spleen
- extreme fatigue, organ prolapse, heavy sensation in lower abdomen
Describe the Formation, Function, and Circulation of Blood.
Formation:
Produced by Spleen, Stomach & food, Kidney & essence
Function:
Nourishes and moistens. Good for all mental activities
Circulation:
SP produces blood, HT moves blood, LR stores blood
What are the common patterns for Blood Deficiency?
Spleen Blood Def: pale lips, poor appetite, weight loss, bruise easily
Liver Blood Def: pale nails, blurred vision, dizziness, numbness & tingling
Heart Blood Def: pale face, poor memory/focus/sleep/blood circulation
What are the common patters for Blood Stasis?
Liver Blood Stasis: purple nails and tongue, fixed stabbing pain, blood clots in menses, dysmenorrhea
Heart Blood Stasis: purple face and tongue, chest stabbing pain
