TCM II Flashcards
(32 cards)
Name the Vital Substances.
Blood, Body Fluids, Jing and Shen.
What organ is the origin of all fluids?
The stomach.
All fluids and hydration are extracted from the food and drink we ingest.
Explain the relationship between Blood and Body Fluids.
Body fluids replenish the Blood so that it does not coagulate or stagnate.
Define Jing.
Jing translates to ‘essence’ or ‘vital substance.’ It is a fundamental concept representing the life force and material basis of the body and nurtures the body and mind in TCM. Jing is not just a single entity but has two aspects: pre-heavenly essence and post-heavenly essence.
Explain the difference between Jing’s pre-heavenly essence and post-heavenly essence.
Pre-heavenly Essence
The essence that one receives from their parents, similar to what modern science calls DNA. It determines a person’s constitution, strength and vitality and what makes each individual unique. Because it is inherited by parents, it is considered fixed in nature. Pre-heavenly Essence is stored in the kidneys.
Post-heavenly Essence
The essence that is representative of what happens to us after birth. It is made up from our food, drink and air we breathe. It is closely related and to the Stomach and Spleen since they are responsible for the digestion of food, known as the ‘root of post-heavenly essence.’ This essence can be replenished daily and supplement for a lack of pre-heavenly essence. When a healthy lifestyle is not maintained, we may draw on our pre-heavenly essence and become weak.
Define Shen.
Shen translates to ‘the mind’ and encompasses the overall spirit and mental faculties of an individual. It relates to one’s capacity to form ideas and the spark of interest and enthusiasm that is infectiously communicated to others. Spiritually, it is the dynamic faith, vitality and force of the human personality that seemingly is able to surmount all obstacles and make things happen.
Shen resides in the heart.
Name the 12 TCM organs.
Liver and Gallbladder
Spleen and Stomach
Lungs and Large Intestine
Heart and Small Intestine
Kidney and Bladder
Pericardium and San Jiao
Define the Pericardium.
Also known as ‘the heart protector.’ A membrane surrounding the heart, its main function is to protect and maintain the heart and communicate with the rest of the body. It also houses Shen along with the heart.
Define the San Jiao.
Also known as the Triple Burner. It is like a large body cavity containing all the internal organs. Its main function is to unify all the organs into an integrated and harmonious system.
Name the Yin organs.
Lungs, heart, spleen, liver, kidney, pericardium.
(Produces and stores the Vital Substances).
Name the Yang organs.
Bladder, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and San Jiao.
(Hollow and remove waste products from the body).
Explain the functions of the Spleen.
- The Spleen governs the digestion and absorption of food and qi.
- It rules transformation and transportation of Body Fluids.
- It controls raising of Qi.
- It controls blood.
- It opens to the mouth.
- It manifests in the lips.
- It controls saliva.
- It is affected by worry.
Explain the functions of the Stomach.
- The Stomach controls the receiving of ingested food.
- It controls the rotting and ripening of food.
- It controls transportation of food essences.
- It influences tongue coating.
- It controls the descending of Qi.
Explain the functions of the Liver.
- The Liver stores Blood
- It ensures the smooth flow of Qi
- It controls the sinews
- It manifests in the nails
- It opens into the eyes
- It controls tears
- It houses the Ethereal Soul (Hun)
- It is affected by Anger
Explain the functions of the Gallbladder.
- The Gallbladder stores and excretes bile
- It is in charge of making decisions
- It controls sinews
- It controls judgement - Indecisiveness may indicate an imbalance of the Gallbladder.
Explain the functions of the Heart.
- The Heart governs Blood
- It controls the Blood vessels
- It houses the Shen
- It manifests in the face
- It opens into the eyes and tongue
- It controls sweat
Explain the functions of the Small Intestine.
- The Small Intestine separates the pure from the impure.
- It sends the pure part of foods to the Spleen for absorption.
- It sends impure foods to the Large Intestine for excretion.
- It sends pure fluids to the Large Intestine for absorption.
- It sends the impure part of fluids to the Bladder for excretion.
Explain the functions of the Kidneys.
- The Kidneys store Essence
- They govern birth, growth, development and reproduction
- They rule water
- The Kidneys produce Marrow and control bones
- They control and promote reception of Qi
- They open into the ears
- They manifest in the hair. Hearing loss and prematurely grey hair indicate a decline of Kidney energy.
- They house will power (Zhi)
- They are the Gate of Life
- They are affected by fear. Shyness can be a sign of constitutional weakness.
Explain the functions of the Lungs.
- The Lungs rule Qi and respiration
- They control Channels and Blood vessels
- They circulate Nutritive Qi in the channels and to the organs.
- They circulate Defensive Qi to the skin and muscles and thus play a key role in immunity.
- They control skin and hair
- They open to the nose
- They manifest in the body hair
- They control nasal mucus
- They house the Corporeal Soul
- They are affected by grief and sadness
Explain the functions of the Large Intestines.
- The Large Intestine controls passing and moving downwards
- It forms and excretes stool
- It controls our ability to let go of things, material or emotional. Sadness, grief and worry affect the Large Intestine and cause Qi stagnation.
Explain the functions of the Bladder.
- The Bladder removes water by Qi transformation
- It get impacted by jealousy, suspicion and holding grudges. Over time, it also responds to anger. The bladder can get infections as a result of being ‘pissed off’.
Which organ governs / rules Qi?
The lungs.
Explain Qi Deficiency.
When Qi is Deficient, it typically appears as tiredness or weakness in the body. Since Qi is lacking, it is unable to perform any of its functions.
What are the general signs and symptoms of Qi Deficiency?
Fatigue, weak voice, listlessness, loose stools, poor appetite, general weakness, aversion to speak, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, frequency colds or flu. It is possible to have Qi Deficiency in specific organs, the most common being the Lungs since Qi is governed in the Lungs.
