Foundations Flashcards
Why is the heart considered the ‘Emperor of the body’?
Because it governs the Shen and is the ‘monarch organ’ (Su Wen) of the 5 Zang and 6 Fu organs. Being Yang within Yin it plays a major role in dominating the life activities of the human body
What does the Heart represent in TCM?
The heart represents the consciousness of ones being and the root of life. As long as the heart remains on its rightful path, all other organs will follow along and function properly
What is the relationship b/w the heart and small intestines?
The two major meridians, heart meridian of hand shaoyin and small intestine of hand shaoyang, connect and tangle each other between the heart and small intestine. Hence the heart and small intestine are believed to be related internally and externally, on a pathological and psychological level. The small intestine is the Fu organ of the Heart Zang organ
What is Shen and what organ houses it?
Shen is the spiritual element of a person’s psyche. It is housed by the heart which is known as the ‘sea of shen’
What are the four basic principles of the Yin and Yang theory?
- Fundamental opposition the Yin and Yang
- Inter-dependance of Yin and Yang
- Mutual consumption of Yin and Yang
- Inter-transformation of Yin and Yang
What organ provides the small intestines with Qi and heat?
The Kidneys
What is the relationship b/w the heart and the tongue?
The heart and tongue are connected through an internal branch and is considered to be the ‘offshoot’ of the heart.
The function of the heart can be seen by looking at the tongue, particularly the tip.
It controls the colour and appearance, taste and speech.
Heat in the heart =. dry, dark red, bitter taste and may have ulcers
Blood deficiency in the heart = pale and thin
What is the function of the pericardium?
Known as the “Heart Protector” (Dan Zhong) and acts as a shield to external pathogens (evil Qi) which will invade the pericardium before the heart
What are symptoms of heat in the pericardium?
Delirium, mental confusion, aphasia and very high temperatures may develop
What are the emotions of the 5 Zang organs?
Heart - Joy Liver - Anger Spleen - Overthinking, worry Lung - Grief, sadness Kidney - Fear
What are the Zang/Fu Pairs?
Heart - small intestines Liver - gallbladder Spleen - Stomach Lung - Large intestine Kidney- Bladder
Pericardium - Triple Burner (San Jiao)
What are the openings on the head of the 5 Zang organs?
Heart - Tongue Liver - Eyes Spleen - Mouth Lung - Nose Kidneys - Ears
What are the outer manifested regions of the 5 Zang organs?
Heart - Face (Complexion) Liver - Nails Spleen - Lips Lung - Body hair Kidneys - Head hair
What are the tastes of the 5 Zang organs?
Heart - Bitter Liver - Sour Spleen - Sweet Lung - Spicy Kidneys - Salty
What are the dominated body tissues of the 5 Zang organs?
Heart - Blood vessels Liver - Tendons and ligaments (sinew) Spleen - Muscles (limbs) Lung - Skin Kidneys - Bones (bone marrow)
What are some primary opposites of Yin and Yang?
Yin: Dark, cooling, inaction, substance, soft, descending, inward. Total material and corresponds to matter
Yang: Light, warming, action, function, hard, ascending, outward. Pure energy, creation and activity
Explain the Fundamental opposition of Yin and Yang
Opposite is relative and by no means absolute.
Nothing is totally yin or yang.
Everything contains the seed of its opposite.
Every single object in the universe has these two aspects.
What is the interdependence of Yin and Yang?
Yin and Yang cannot be separated and cannot exist without the other. Total separation will result in death.
Candle analogy: Yin represents the wax in the candle, yang the flame. Wax nourishes and supports the flame, flame needs the wax for its existence. Yang consumes yin and when the wax is gone, so is the flame.
What is the mutual consumption of Yin and Yang?
Yin and Yang are in a constant state of change, which is a normal process that keeps the balance of physiological functions.
What are the 4 states of imbalance in Yin and Yang? What are the reasons and symptoms?
Excess Yin: Cold from weather or eating cooling foods
Excess Yang: Heat from the weather or heat generated internally from eating hot, spicy foods
Deficient Yin: Decrease in Yin may lead to symptoms of apparent excess of Yang - however very different. Yang is only in apparent excess because Yin is depleted. ‘Known as empty heat’. Can be caused by heavy periods and present as 5 palm heat (heat in chest, palms and soles), dry mouth, heat in afternoon/evening.
Deficient Yang: Decrease in Yang lead to symptoms of apparent excess of yin. Again very different as Yin is only in apparent excess because yang is depleted. Can present with empty pulse and cold feet
What is the inter-transformation of Yin and Yang?
Yin changes into Yang and vice a versa. Change does not happen randomly but when internal conditions are ripe and when the time is right. Ie -sickness, eating cooling/warming foods.
All phenomena have within them the seeds of the opposite state
If Liver-Qi stagnates what emotional symptoms can occur?
Depression, irritability, volatile moods, increase in PMS symptoms
What is the relationship b/w the liver, stomach and spleen Qi?
Spleen: The Liver Qi assists transformation and transportation and facilitates the ASCENDING of Qi. If Liver Qi is not free flowing Spleen Qi will descend leading to loose stools. This corresponds to wood overacting on earth
Stomach: Assists rotting and ripening and facilitates DESCENDING Qi. . If Liver Qi is not free flowing Stomach Qi will ascend leading to nausea, vomiting, hiccups, belching
What elements do the Zang organs correspond to?
Heart - Fire Liver - Wood Spleen - Earth Lung - Metal Kidneys - Water
Why is the Liver known as the ‘army general’?
Because it ensures all Qi flow is smooth and flows in the proper direction
What are the 4 important features of Qi regulation by the liver?
Regulation of digestion
Harmony of emotions
Harmony of mensuration
Harmony of bile secretions
What is the relationship b/w Liver-Blood, activity and rest?
The Liver regulates the volume of blood according to physical activity eg - during rest the body rqs less blood and will flow back to the liver, when the body is active blood flows to the muscles
What are 4 tissues and organs that require liver-blood nourishment?
Eyes
Sinew
Nails
Uterus
What is the relationship between the Liver, eyes and sinew?
The liver channel connects with the eyes and blood of the liver nourishes and moistens the eyes and gives it its capacity to see, if deficient liver blood it would causes dry eyes, blurry vision and night blindness.
The liver controls the sinews ability to contract and relax, and insufficiency of liver blood will result in malnourishment leading to spasms and tremors
What will the nails look like with abundant and deficient liver blood?
*Nails are a continuation of sinew
Abundant = moist, strong and healthy Deficient = soft, thin and brittle
***What do the Zang organs house and describe what each mean?
Heart - The mind (Shen) -
Liver - Ethereal Soul (Hun) - Holds life purpose, survives death and is capable of coming and going in the body. Correlates to spirits and demons. Can present with insomnia, vivid dreams, sleeping difficulties
Spleen - Thought (Yi) - Influences our capacity to think, study, concentrate, focus, memorising and generating ideas.
Lung - Corporeal Soul (Po) - The most physical and material part of a human’s soul. Especially sensitive to mourning and grief
Kidneys - Gate of Vitality (Ming Men)
Why does the liver loathe wind?
Wind affects the liver by interfering with the Livers function of ensuring smooth flow of Qi and storing blood, causes erratic movements such as spasms, convulsions, paralysis or tremors
How can pensiveness affect the Spleen?
Cause Spleen Qi to stagnate resulting in difficulties with digesting food
Why is the Spleen called the ‘Root of post-natal Qi’?
Because Food-Qi extracted by the spleen is the material basis for the production of Qi and blood
Why is the Spleen called the ‘Root of post-natal Qi’?
Because Food-Qi (Gu Qi) extracted by the spleen is the material basis for the production of Qi and blood
What is the central organ in the production of Qi?
The spleen. Food Qi produced by the spleen combines with air in the lungs to form gathering Qi which is the basis for the formation of True Qi
Where does the original Qi come from?
The Kidneys - stores essence of all organs
What is dampness?
When the Spleen is incapable of transforming or transporting body fluids causing accumulation of moisture within the body, often presents as phlegm or oedema
How does the Spleen control the muscles and 4 limbs?
The flesh of the entire body and 4 limbs require nourishment of Food Qi from the Spleen. If deficient will cause weakness or atrophy
Whats the relationship b/w the Spleen and the mouth/lips?
The Spleen channel connects to the mouth and the lips and empowers the mouth to detect and distinguish the 5 flavours. Lips will appear moist and rosy when Spleen is functioning well. The lips reflect the blood in particular
How does the Spleen Qi prevent the prolapse of organs?
The Spleen produces a lifting effect along the midline of the body that make sure the internal organs are in their proper place, which is attributed to the ascending of Spleen Qi. If weak may cause Uterus, bladder or anus prolapse.
How does the Spleen Qi prevent the prolapse of organs?
The Spleen produces a lifting effect along the midline of the body that make sure the internal organs are in their proper place, which is attributed to the ascending of Spleen Qi. If weak may cause Uterus, bladder or anus prolapse.
The coordination b/w the (clear) ascending Qi (Yang in nature) and the descending (turbid) Qi (Yin in nature) also plays a role in keeping the organs in place
What does the Spleen separate fluids into?
Into pure and impure fluids.
Pure part is sent to the lungs to be distributed to the skin and the space b/w the skin and muscles
Impure part moves downward to the intestines where it is further separated
What is the relationship b/w the Spleen and the Stomach?
They worked together to guarantee a balance process of digestion and absorption and are pivotal in the production of Qi and Blood.
They are considered the root of Post-natal Qi
What are the yin and yang aspects of the Spleen and stomach?
Spleen: Stomach:
Yin Yang
Dislikes wetness Likes wetness
Qi ascends Qi descends
Likes dryness Dislikes dryness
Easily suffers for deficiency Easily suffers from excess
Prone to cold Prone to heat
Suffers from yang deficiency Suffers from Yin deficiency
What directions are Yin and Yang?
Yin - North and west
Yang - South and east
What is the difference b/w defensive and nutritive Qi and which is Yin or Yang?
Defensive Qi is Yang in relation and circulates in the skin and muscles (Yang area) and has the function of protecting and warming the body (Yang function)
Nutritive Qi circulates in the internal organs (Yin area) and has the function of nourishing the body (Yin function)
What is the Heart, Spleen and Kidneys influence on memory?
Heart - Memory of distant events
Spleen - Memorising and studying
Kidneys - Memory of recent events
Described how Yin and Yang are known as a divided and unbroken line?
Yang is an unbroken line ______ Solid, closed, unyielding and impenetrable
Yin is a divided line ——- diffuse, open, yielding and responsive
Why is Yin Earth and Yang Heaven?
Yin energy descends and condenses to form the earth.
Yang energy rises and pure Yang should ascend to form heaven
How does sickness affected a person who is more Yin or Yang differently?
Yin - illness develops gradually but symptoms linger
Yang - suffers intensely but recovers quickly
Which organs are more important and why?
Yin organs are more important as they store all the vital substances, whereas Yang are their functional aspect
What is the generating cycle in the Wu Xing theory?
Supportive nourishing cycle where one element gives birth to the other
What does Metal and Water elements correspond to?
Metal - nose, skin and grief
Water - Ears, bones and fear
Explain the elements of the generating cycle?
Fire - produced by rubbing together wood
Earth - Fire reduces everything to ash which becomes part of the earth again
Metal - Derived from earth/
Water - Metal engenders water
Wood - Depends on water for life and growth
What is the restraining or destructive “Ke” cycle?
One element suppresses the other Wood controls Earth Earth absorbs water Water puts out fire Fire melts metal Metal cuts wood
What is the overwhelming cycle?
One element is weakened and each element over controls the other eg - wood will overact on earth if earth is already deficient
What is the rebellion/insulting cycle?
The reverse of the Controlling sequence. Wood insults metal Metal insults fire fire insults water water insults earth earth insults wood
What are the 5 elements cardinal directions?
Water - North Fire - South Earth - centre Wood - east Metal - West
What are the 5 elements as seasonal cycles?
Fire - Summer Water - Winter Metal - Autumn Wood - Spring Earth - centre, point of reference
What is the cosmological sequence of the 5 elements?
- Water
- Fire
- Wood
- Metal
- Earth
What element is the beginning of the 5 element sequence?
Water - it is the basis of the sequence just is the Kidneys being the foundation for all other organs
What is the driving force that pumps blood around the body?
The Yang Qi of the heart is the driving force that pumps heart blood around the body. They are mutually dependant on each other.
What happens if heart Qi fails to promote blood movement and what are some symptoms?
Blood flow stagnates and the heart becomes malnourished leading to pain, palpitations, increase or decrease in HR, change in strength and rhythm.
What organ houses the the true (Primary) Yin and Yang of the body?
The Kidneys
What affect does Heart Qi have on the blood vessels?
If Heart Qi is strong the blood vessels will be in a good state and the pulse will be full and regular
If heart Qi is weak the blood vessels will loose fullness and pulse will the weak and irregular
What does heart blood stasis cause?
Arteriosclerosis
What are the 5 energetic layers?
In order of depth: Skin (Lungs) Muscles (Spleen) Sinew (Liver) Blood vessels (Heart) Bones (Kidneys)
Why are the Kidneys referred to the ‘root of life’?
Because they store the Essence (Jing) which in its Pre-Heaven form is derived from the the parents and established at conception and determines our basic constitution
What is essence and what are the 3 subdivisions?
Essence is the source of life, the root of the human body
- Pre-Heaven essence (Pre-Natal) - DNA
- Post -Heaven essence (Post-Natal) - From nutrition
- Kidney Essence
What is Kidney Essence?
Derived from both pre and post Heaven essence.
More functional form of pre-heaven essence that is stored in the Kidneys and replenished by post-heaven essence.
What does essence control and what happens when it declines.
Essence controls birth, puberty, menopause and death.
Ageing is due to a decline in essence
What is the Kidneys relationship with the brain?
Kidneys store essence that produce bone marrow and marrow fills up the brain. The brain has a physiological connection to the kidneys.
If Kidney essence is strong it will nourish the brain and improve memory, concentration and sight
What is the relationship between the Kidneys and the Bladder (Fluids)?
Kidney Yang supplies heat and Qi to the Bladder enabling it to transform the fluids and excrete impurities in urine.
Kidney Yang deficiency = frequent urination
Kidneys control the flow of urine by acting like gates
What is the relationship between the Lungs and the Kidneys (Fluids)?
The Lungs direct fluid to the Kidneys and Bladder and the Kidneys vaporise part of this fluid and send it back to the lungs to keep them moist
What is the relationship between the Spleen and the Kidneys (Fluids)?
Kidneys provide the Spleen with heat to carry out transformation and transportation of fluids
What is the relationship between the Intestines and the Kidneys (Fluids)?
The Small and Large intestines are under control of Kidney Yang to seperate clean and dirty fluids
How do the Kidneys control the reception of Qi?
The Lungs have a descending action on Qi by directing the natural air breathed in (Da Qi) downward to the Kidneys.
Kidneys respond by anchoring the Qi allowing deep inhalation
Only if Kidney Qi is plentiful and grasping power sufficient can breath be harmonious
If insufficient = Qi rebels upward creating congestion in the chest (breathlessness, asthma)
Which organ controls the lower orifices?
The Kidneys
What symptoms will strong/weak Kidneys have on will-power?
Strong Kidneys = focused mind, overcome fear, pursue goals
Weak Kidneys = lack of will power, easily discouraged, unmotivated (depression)
Where is the Ming Men: Gate of Vitality located and what is its role?
Between the two Kidneys.
Provides heat for all bodily functions
What is the Kidneys relationship with the heart?
Fire from the heart is sent down to the Kidneys to warm them. Kidneys cool the Heart Yang
Why are some urinary problems due to Lung Qi?
Because the Lungs descend water to the Kidneys to keep urination smooth
List 5 functions of the Lung:
Govern Qi and respiration Controls channels and blood vessels Controls dispensing and descending Controls defensive Qi Regulates water metabolism
What is the highest organ of the body?
The lungs
How do the Lung’s govern Qi?
Fresh hair inhaled (Pure Qi) and Food Qi combine to form Zong Qi (gathering Qi) which takes place and gathers in the chest.
Zong Qi promotes lung respiration and aids in the beating of the heart
Overuse of the voice can lead to a weakness in what Qi?
Zong Qi (Gathering Qi)
Where do the blood vessels of the entire body meet?
In the lungs
Blood circulation depends on what Qi?
Zong Qi (Gathering Qi) If weak - blood will pool and stagnate in the chest and heart giving rise to fullness, oppression and heart pain
What organ is known as the Prime Minister and why?
The lungs. As they assist the Emperor (the heart) to control the body
What are the three functions of Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)?
- To protect the body from attack by exterior pathogenic influences eg- wind, cold, Heat
- To warm, moisten and nourish the skin and muscles
- To adjust the opening and closing of pores
What is the relationship b/w the lungs and Wei Qi?
The lungs disperse Wei Qi and fluids all over the body to the space b/w the skin and muscles. Wei Qi warms the skin and muscles and protects the body from external invasion
What is the relationship b/w the lungs and body fluids?
The lungs spread body fluids to the skin in the form of a fine “mist” which moistens the skin and regulates the opening and closing of pores and sweating
What are three symptoms of Lung Qi deficiency?
Get sick
Sweating
Cold extremities
How do the Lungs regulate water metabolism?
After receiving fluids from the Spleen, the lungs reduce them to a fine mist to spray them throughout the spaces b/w the skin and muscles.
They also descend water to the Kidneys to keep urination smooth
What will the skin and hair look like if Lung is healthy?
Skin is lustre, hair is glossy
What is the relationship b/w the lungs and large intestines?
The Lung Qi descends to the large intestine to aid in defecation
What is the function of the large intestine
Receives, transports and excretes the content of the small intestine
What is the most important Yang organ and why ?
The stomach - Prepares the ground for the Spleen to seperate and extract the refined essence of food
What organ is known as the “sea of water and cereals - the root of post natal Qi”?
The stomach. It prefers a moist environment and dislikes dryness.
Transforms ingested food and drink by a process of fermentation called “rotting and ripening”
What is the stomachs reflection in the tongue coating?
Tongue coating gives indication of the strength of Stomach Qi. Too thick could mean dampness
Which organ is considered the lowest organ in the body and what are two functions?
Bladder
- Removes water by Qi transformation
- Stores and excretes urine
How does the Lungs and Liver influence urination?
The Lungs Qi sends fluid to the Kidneys and Bladder to ensure smooth urination and the free flow of Liver Qi also ensures urination is smooth
What is the Tai Yang channel?
6th divisions
The most superficial channel of the meridians. Small Intestine channel connects with the Bladder
What is a symptom of the heart fire blazing?
Painful urination, burning, decreased output. Because it is sent to the SI which connects to the Bladder via the Tai Yang channel
What are the three main functions of the San Jiao?
- Mobilises the Original Qi
- Controls the transportation and penetration of Qi
- Controls the Water passages and the excretion of fluids
Where does the Bladder derive its energy from to perform its functions?
Ming Men
What are the 4 different views of the Triple Burner?
- The triple burner as one of the 6 Yang organs
- The triple burner as a ‘mobiliser of original Qi’
- The triple burner as the 3 divisions of the body
- The triple burner as body cavities
What are the organs in each burner?
Upper (Above diaphragm) - Heart, pericardium, lungs
Middle (Diaphragm to umbilicus) - Spleen, Stomach
Lower (Below diaphragm) - Bladder, Kidneys, SI and LI, Uterus and Liver
Why is the Upper Burner referred to as a sprinkler?
Because its function is to disperse defensive Qi and distribute body fluids all over the body in the form of ‘mist’
What is the main function of the Middle Burner?
Digestion and transformation of food and drink and to direct Nutritive Qi to all organs. Know as ‘Maceration chamber’
What is the main function of the Lower Burner?
The separation of food and drink waste with the reabsorption of useful fluids and elimination of the rest to the Bladder. Compared to a ‘drainage ditch’
How does the Gall Bladder function different to other Yang organs?
It is the only Yang organ that stores clean fluid (Bile). All other Yang organs store impure substances such as waste products from food and fluids
What are some symptoms of Liver Qi stagnation on the Gall Bladder?
Dampness in Gall Bladder, Gall stones,
Bitter taste in mouth
What are 3 functions of the Gall Bladder?
- Stores and excretes Bile
- Controls decisiveness
- Controls the sinews
What is the first line of defence against pathogens?
Skin and hair
Where do the Lungs open into?
The nose, a keen sense of smell and normal respiration depends on healthy Lung Qi
How does the Bladder remove Water by Qi transformation?
The Bladder transforms fluids into urine by Qi and heat from Kidney Yang and Ming Men
holds the fluid until they are acted uo
What 5 organs are involved in decision making?
Heart - Mental clarity and integration SI - Discriminating capacity and critical appraisal Gall Bladder - Decisiveness Kidneys - Drive and will-power Liver - Capacity for planning
What are the 6 Extraordinary Yang Organs and what are the internal organs they are each related to?
Uterus - Kidneys and Liver Brain - Kidneys Marrow - Kidneys Bones - Kidneys Blood Vessels - Heart Gall Bladder - Gall Bladder
What is meant by Extraordinary Yang organs?
They function like a Yin organ (storing Yin essence and not excreting), but have the shape of a Yang organ (ie. hollow)
Which is the most important Extraordinary Yang organ and why?
The Uterus. It functions as both a Yang and Yin organ as it stores blood and fetus (Yin) and Discharges blood at menstruation and the baby at childbirth.
What channels is the Uterus connected to the Heart and Kidneys?
Heart via BaoLuo
Kidneys via BaoMai
What is the Uterus relationship with the Kidneys?
Kidneys are the origin of menstrual blood
The Directing or Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) originate from the Kidneys and both flow through the Uterus regulating menstruation, conception and pregnancy
What do Ren Mai and Chong Mai provide to the Uterus?
Ren Mai (Directing Vessel) provides Qi and Essence Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) provides Blood
How does menstruation blood differ from the Blood that provides nourishment?
Menstruation blood is a precious fluid derived directly from the Kidney- Essence and is equivalent to sperm in men.
What are the four ways the Heart influences menstruation?
- Heart Qi and Heart Blood descend to the Uterus to promote the discharge of menstrual blood during the period and of the eggs during ovulation
- The descending of Heart Qi and Heart Blood bring about the transformation of Yang to Yin with the onset of the period and Yin to Yang with ovulation
- The Heart governs Blood and Heart Blood nourishes the Uterus
- Heart Yang descends to meet the Kidney Essence to form menstrual blood (Tian Gui)
What is the relationship bw the Liver and Uterus?
The Liver provides blood to the Uterus. if the Liver does not store enough Blood the Uterus is starved of Blood and may cause amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual blood)
Liver Blood stagnation = painful periods with dark clots
Liver Blood is too hot = Blood flow reckless causing menorrhagia or metrorrhagia
Liver Qi stagnation = irregular periods (metrorrhagia)
Why does morning sickness occur in pregnancy?
The Uterus and Stomach are connected via the Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) and pregnancy often causes a disruption in Stomach Qi because of changes in the Penetrating Vessel
How is the Brain related to the Kidneys?
Kidneys store Essence, Marrow originates from Essence, Marrow fills up and connects with the Brain and spinal cord
How is the Brain related to the Heart?
The Brain requires nourishment from Heart Blood
What are two functions of the Brain?
1 - It controls intelligence
2 - It is the ‘Sea of Marrow’ and controls sight, hearing, smell and taste
What is Marrow?
The common matrix of bone marrow, brain marrow and spinal cord marrow that is produced by the Kidney Essence.
What are 3 functions of Marrow?
- It fills the bones
- It contributes to making Blood
- It nourishes the Brain
Tonification of which Zang organ can help with osteoporosis or bone fractures and why?
The Kidneys. Kidney Essence declines as we age which is responsible for creating Marrow that fills up the bones
How are the Blood Vessels related to the Kidneys?
They are indirectly related to the Kidneys because Marrow produced by Kidney Essence contributes to Blood production. The Original Qi of the Kidneys also contribute to the transformation of the Food Qi into Blood.
What are 2 functions of the Blood Vessels?
- House Blood and are the vehicle for the circulation of Qi and Blood
- They transport the refined food essences, Qi and Blood all over the body
What does the character of Qi represent?
It indicates that it is something which is, at the same time, both material and immaterial. With one part meaning ‘air’, ‘gas’, or ‘vapour’ and the other character representing ‘rice’ or ‘food’
What are the 4 primary directions of Qi and eg of organs?
Ascending - Spleen Qi ascends to Heart and Lungs, Kidney Qi ascends vapour into the Lungs
Descending - Stomach Qi descends to Intestines
Entering - Heart Qi enters into the Blood Vessels
Exiting - Liver Qi exits the sinews, Lung Qi exits from the space b/w skin and muscles.
What are the 6 functions of Yuan Qi (Original Qi)?
- It is the Motive Force of all physiological activities
- It is the basis of Kidney Qi
- Helps transformation of Gathering Qi (Zong Qi) into
True Qi (Zhen Qi) - It is the conduit for the Triple Burner
- Helps transformation of Food Qi(Gu Qi) into Blood
- It comes out at the Source (Yuan) points
What are the 4 main functions of Zong Qi (Gathering Qi)?
- Nourishes Heart and Lungs
- Enhances and promotes the Lung function of controlling Qi and respiration, and the Heart function of governing Blood and blood vessels.
- Controls the speech and the strength of the voice
- Affects and promotes blood circulation to extremities
Where does Gu Qi (Food Qi) originate from?
The Stomach and Spleen
What Qi is the origin of Qi and Blood?
Gu Qi (Food Qi)
What happens to Gu Qi once it is produced by the Spleen?
It rises to the chest where in the Lungs it combines with air to form Gathering Qi and in the Heart it is transformed into Blood
What organ does True Qi (Zhen Qi) originate from?
The Lungs
What are the functions of Qi?
- Transforming
- Propels
- Holding
- Raising
- Protecting
- Warming
- Nourishes
What is the function of Nutritive Qi (Ying Qi) and where does it flow?
Nourishes the internal organs, flows in the channels and blood vessels
What is Yin Blood?
Combination of Ying Qi and Blood
Where does Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) flow and how often?
It circulates outside the channels in the space between the skin and muscles.
It circulates 50 times in 24 hours - 25 during the day and 25 at night
What is Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) relationship with the San Jiao?
Defensive Qi has its root in the Lower Burner (Kidneys), it is nourished by the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen) and it spreads outwards in the Upper Burner (Lungs)
What does Central Qi (Zhong Qi) refer to?
The True Qi of the Stomach and Spleen
The Spleen’s function of transportation and transformation
The Spleens function of raising Qi
What three organs are directly related to Blood?
Heart - Heart governs Blood
Spleen - Spleen makes Blood
Liver - stores Blood
What is the relationship between Qi and Blood?
Qi is the commander of Blood - it generates, moves and holds Blood
Blood is the mother of Blood - Nourishes Qi and provides Qi with
What are 4 functions of Blood?
Nourishes the body
Moistens the body
Houses the Mind
Determines menstruation
What two organs are the main source of Blood?
The Spleen and Stomach
What are the 3 functions of Liver Blood?
Nourishes Sinews
Nourishes Eyes
Regulates Uterus
Where does Blood circulate?
Within the Blood Vessels and Meridians
What is the relationship between Blood and the mind?
Blood provides the material foundation for the mind.
It houses and anchors the mind.
It embraces the mind providing the harbour within for which it can flourish
What is a dense material form of Qi?
Blood
What is the main difference between Blood and Qi?
Blood has a moistening function ensuring body tissues don’t dry out. ie - Liver Blood moistens the eyes and sinews
What are Jin fluids?
Jin:
- Yang in nature
- Thin, clear, watery and flow quickly and easily
- Follow the circulation of Qi and Blood
- Under control of the Lungs which spread them all over the body with Wei Qi
- Moisten and nourish skin and muscles
- Exuded as sweat, tears, saliva and mucous
- Thin out the Blood and prevent it from stagnating
What are Ye fluids?
Ye fluids:
- Yin in nature
- Turbid, thick, viscous and move slowly
- Under control of the Spleen and Kidneys for their transformation
- Circulate with Nutritive Qi
- Moistens the joints (synovial fluid), spine, Brain (the cerebral spinal fluid), Bone marrow and sense organs
- Moistening lubricant and supplement to Essence, especially in the deep areas of the body such as the Joints and Marrow.
If there is a big loss of body fluids what deficiency will this cause?
Yin deficiency
What is the Qi mechanism?
Kidney Yang warms Kidney Essence to create Original Qi which ascends to the Heart and then takes an active role in the formation of Blood and True Qi
What are 5 functions of Essence?
- Growth, reproduction and development
- Basis of Kidney-Qi
- Producer of Marrow
- Basis of constitutional strength
- Basis for the ‘Three Treasures’ (Essence - Qi - Mind)
What are the differences between Essence and Qi?
Essence:
- Primarily derived from the parents before birth
- Replenished only with difficulty
- Follows long cycles of 7 - 8 years
- Changes slowly and gradually over long periods of time
- Fluid like
Qi:
- Formed after birth
- Easily replenished day-to-day
- Follows brief cycles - some yearly, some circadian, some even shorter
- Moves and changes quickly from moment to moment
- Energy like
How is Gathering Qi transformed into True Qi?
With the catalytic action of the Original Qi that is stored in the Kidneys
What is the relationship between the Ming Men Fire (Kidney Yang) and Essence?
Ming Men Fire (Kidney Yang) provides the motive force and warmth for the Essence to transform vital substances
Essence provides the biological substance for transformation of Qi
What are the 6 Climatic Factors of disease?
Dampness Dryness Summer-Heat Fire/Heat Cold Wind
What organs relate to each of the 6 Climatic Factors?
Dampness - Spleen Dryness - Lungs Summer-Heat - Heart Fire/Heat - Heart Cold - Kidneys Wind - Liver
What seasons related to each Climatic Factors?
Dampness - Late Summer Dryness - Autumn Summer-Heat - Summer Fire/Heat - Summer Cold - Winter Wind - Spring
When does the weather become a cause of disease?
When the equilibrium between the body and the environment breakdown
What is the difference between internal and external dampness?
Internal - Eating cold uncooked foods, greasy or sweet foods, over consumption of alcohol (impairs Spleen T and T function)
External - Living in an area with rainy weather, in a damp environment
What are some characteristics of Dampness?
Turbid Heavy Sticky Hard to cure It infuses downwards It causes repeated attacks It slows things down Obstructive
State which Climatic Factors are Yin or Yang?
Dampness - Yin Dryness - Yang Summer-Heat - Yang Fire/Heat - Yang Cold - Yin Wind - Yang
What is Phlegm?
A more dense, thick turbid substance arising from an accumulation of Dampness
What are some symptoms of Dampness?
- Fatigue
- Feeling of heaviness
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Urinary discomfort
- Swelling in joints
- Heavy sensation in the body
Why does dryness affect the Lungs?
The Lungs are a delicate organ that prefer moisture and fear dryness because dryness injures fluids leading to loss of ability of Lungs to disperse and descend fluids
What are some symptoms of Dryness?
- Dry cough
- Dry mouth, nose and throat
- Dry skin and hair
- Aversion to cold
- Dry and reduced defecation
- Fever
What are some characteristic of Summer-Heat?
- Scorching nature
- Similar to sunstroke
- Only Climatic factor that is solely external
- Rises and disperses
- Affects the head and eyes
- Accompanied with dampness
What are some symptoms of Summer-Heat?
- Aversion to cold
- Fever
- Sweating
- Headache
- Thirst
- Dark urine
- Floating-Rapid pulse
What are some characteristics of Heat and Fire?
- Natural tendency to rise to the head
- Affects the upper part of the body
- Dries out fluid
- Depletes Qi
- Secretions are thick, sticky, hot and yellow
- Affects the mind
Internal: Empty heat from yin deficiency
External: wind, cold, damp and dryness and all turn into heat
What are some symptoms of Heat?
- Haemorrhage
- Aversion to heat
- Fever
- Sweating
- Thirst
- Affects the mind - confusion
- Irritated
- Injures blood and yin
- Overflowing-Rapid pulse
- Dries out fluid
- Constipation
What are some characteristics of cold?
- Contracts and obstructs Qi and Blood flow
- Slows the body down
- secretions are thin, watery and clear
- More common in females
- Causes the skin and body hair to contract and sweat pores to close
Exogenous: Exposure to cold
Endogenous: Insufficient Yang and loss of warmth
What are some symptoms of Cold? **
- Slows the body down
- Poor circulation
- Aversion to cold
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Severe pain in joints (Cold Painful Obstructive Syndrome)
- Diarrhoea
- Sharp cramping pains
What are some characteristics of wind?
- Nature is to harass the uppermost (Most Yang) part of the body
- Light and upward moving
- Easily damages Defensive Qi therefore unable to open and close pores leading to sweating
- Combines with other pathogenic factors
Exterior: Attacks the most superficial part of the body
Interior: Liver Yang rising, Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, Blood Heat. Affects the Liver
What are some symptoms of Wind? **
Interior wind
- Dizziness
- Tremor
- Vertigo
Exterior wind
- Fever
What are the four levels from most superficial first?
- Defensive Qi
- Qi
- Nutritive Qi
- Blood
What are the effects of the 6 Emotions on Qi?
Anger - Makes Qi rise Joy - Slows Qi Sadness - Dissolves Qi Worry - Knots Qi Fear - Makes Qi descend Shock - Scatters Qi
What organs do each of the 6 Emotions affect?
Anger - Liver Joy - Heart Sadness - Lungs Worry - Spleen Fear - Kidneys Shock - Heart
What are some symptoms of Joy?
Palpitations Over excitability Nervousness Inability to concentrate Insomnia Restlessness Red tip of tongue
How does Anger affect the Liver?
Causes an adverse flow of Liver Qi, driving Qi upwards carrying the blood upward with it. May cause Liver Qi stagnation (if anger is suppressed) and after time this will transform into Liver Fire
What are some symptoms of Anger?
Headache (specifically temporal) Dizziness Stiff neck Irritability/sudden outbursts Wiry pulse Tinnitus Red face Blood shot eyes
How does Sadness affect the Lungs and Liver?
It consumes Lung Qi decreasing the body’s defence against disease
In some cases it may deplete Liver Blood (only in women)
What are some symptoms of Sadness?
Low voice Weakness/tiredness SOB Depression or crying Discomfort in chest
How does Pensiveness affect the Spleen?
It stagnates Spleen Qi resulting in loss of T and T function intern affecting the Liver, Kidneys and disrupts the Hearts spirit
What are some symptoms of Pensiveness?
Poor appetite Diarrhoea Bloating Tiredness Pale complexion Palpitations Poor memory Insomnia
How does Fear affect the Kidneys?
Scatters its Qi causing it to descend. Prolonged fear may injure the Kidneys and Essence
What are some symptoms of Fear?
Urinary or faecal incontinence
Bed wetting
Premature ejaculations
Diarrhoea
In some cases it may make Qi rise causing palpitations, insomnia, night sweating, dry mouth, malar flush
How does Shock affect the Heart and Kidneys?
Heart - depletes Heart Qi
Kidneys - The body uses Essence of the Kidneys to supplement the sudden depletion of Qi
What are some symptoms of Shock?
Palpitations Insomnia Dizziness Breathlessness Night sweats Moving pulse
How does irregular eating, insufficient eating and over eating affect Blood and Qi?
Irregular eating - weakens Stomach Qi
Insufficient eating - Leads to Blood and Qi deficiency
Overeating - weakens the Spleen and leads to Dampness and Phlegm
What does excessive sexual activity affect?
It depletes the Kidney Essence and Kidney Qi
What could occur if a women has sex during her period?
Blood stasis
What might be damaged if a women has sex too early?
It may damage the Penetrating and Directing vessels
What does sexual desire depend on?
Kidney Yang and the Fire of the Gate of Life
What symptoms does Blood stasis cause?
Localised severe stabbing pain
Immobile masses in the channels and abdomen
Dark purple
Swelling around the area
What organ is the basis of Phlegm and what organ stores Phlegm?
Basis - Spleen
Stores - Lungs
What might giving birth to too many children cause?
The consumption of Essence and Kidney Qi
What does Weak Constitution depend on?
The parents Kidney Essence and their health at the time of conception
How is the constitution of a person assessed by observation?
By observing their facial features, ears, history, pulse and tongue
What are 9 other causes of disease? (Other than environmental and emotions)
- Diet
- Sexual activity
- Weak constitution
- Over exertion
- Physical overwork
- Wrong treatment
- Trauma
- Blood stagnation
- Phlegm
How does overwork affect the body?
Body draws on Essence to face the demands of the lifestyle
Mental overwork - injures the Heart Blood, Spleen Qi and Kidney Yin
How does Physical overwork affect the body?
Depletes mostly Spleen Qi as the Spleen dominates the muscles
Damages Essence, bones, tendons (sinews) and tissue
What can too much rest cause?
Qi to stagnate leading to dampness and phlegm
What organ does excessive lifting injure?
The Kidneys
What does mild and sever trauma cause?
Mild - Qi stagnation
Severe - Blood stasis
What happens when the skin is damaged through injury?
Results in reduced local Qi and Blood circulation manifesting as swelling, haematoma and pain
What is Blood stagnation caused by?
Qi deficiency Disharmony of emotions Cold and heat pathogens Trauma Unbalanced work/rest Improper diet
What affect does cold and heat have on Blood stragnation?
Cold - Impeded flow of blood
Heat - Steams, dries and thickens blood making it congeal
What are the differences of tangible and intangible phlegm?
Tangible:
- Phlegm with material form
- Phlegm in the lungs
- visible or audible
- Sputum, wheezing
Intangible:
- No concrete form
- Invisible and inaudible
- Dizziness, mania
What affect does phlegm have on the Heart?
Phlegm can block the Heart’s orifices affecting the mind, causing mental symptoms i.e. hallucinations, LOC
What states of Qi do the Three Treasures represent?
Essence - densest
Qi - more rarefied
Shen - most subtle and immaterial
What are the three fundamental physical and psychic substances of a human body?
Jing, Qi and Shen
What affects do Essence and Qi have on the mind?
If Essence and Qi are strong and flourishing the mind will be happy, balanced, alert and the Shen will harmonise the Zang-Fu organs and maintain a smooth circulation of Qi and Blood
If Essence and Qi are depleted the mind will suffer and may become unhappy, depressed, anxious or clouded.
How does the state of the mind affect Qi and Essence?
Qi first in most cases since all emotional stress upsets the normal functioning of Qi
Weakens Essence when combined with overwork and/or excessive sexual activity, or when the heat generated by long term emotional tensions injure Yin or Yang
What organs and states do the Three Treasures correspond to?
Mind - Heart - Heaven
Qi - Stomach/Spleen - Person
Essence - Kidneys - Earth
What happens to the Shen when it dies?
The Shen separates completely from physical body and is called the Hun (Soul)
Where does the Shen reside?
In the upper dantian, in the third eye
What is the relationship between the Shen and Qi?
They have an intimate relationship, like mother to child. Qi accumulates when Shen in concentrated and Qi is dispersed when Shen is distracted
What governs all physiological functions of the ZangFu organs?
The Shen
What vital substance results from the interaction between Yin and Yang?
Qi
