Functions of Yin & Yang Flashcards
Functions of Yin
Cools: yin cools the body, therefore an even temperature is maintained when the yin and yang is in harmony
Nourishes: in the form of Ying Qi, supplies the nourishment to the meridians
Provides Rest: When this nature is in balance with the yang, it enables us to use our energy better, recover easily from fatigue and preserve a good quality of life for a long time. When this nature is not in harmony, hyperactivity will exist and stagnation can develop.
The Functions of Yang
Warms: Warms the body
Transforms: All transformation of energy relies on yang. This is usually provided by its nature to warm.
Protects: This nature is to defend the body against external pathogens. This is provided by its nature to warm.
Moves: Body fluids and blood are dependent on the movement of Yang Qi.
Holds: Even though the nature of yang is to move, yang also has the nature to hold blood, body fluids and organs in their proper place.
What are the 5 aspects of yin/yang relationship
- opposition
- interdependence
- inter-consuming-supporting
- inter-transforming
- infinite divisibility
What are some examples of opposition of yin and yang in nature? In medicine?
Yin/Yang in Nature
- water/fire
- darkness/light
- moon/sun
- matter/energy
- material/immaterial
Yin/Yang in Medicine
- interior/exterior
- cold/excess
- deficiency/excess
- chronic/acute
What are some examples of Yin/yang interdependence
Yin/Yang
- yin corresponds to nutrient substance and yang to functional activites.
- without structure (yin), the function (yang) could not perform
- yin organs depend on the yang organs to produce qi and blood and the yang organs depend on yin for their nourishment deriving from blood and essence
What are some examples of yin/yang mutual consuming
Excess yin: excess cold (interior or exterior) in the body consumes the yang, especially SP yang.
Excess Yang: Excess heat (exterior/interior) consumes the body fluids and leads to dryness
Consumption of Yang: the decrease of yang energy leads to symptoms of a relative excess yin, such as feelings of cold and chills.
Consumption of Yin: the decrease of yin leads to symptoms of relative excess yang, such as feelings of heat
What are some examples of inter-transformation
- day turns into night
- exterior cold (yin) can invade the body and after time can easily change into heat
What are some examples of infinite divisibilty
temperature can be divided into cold (yin) and hot (yang) but cold can be divided further into icy cold (yin) and moderately cold (yang)
5 Element Correspondence- Wood
Yin- Liver Yang- Gallbladder Color- Green Flourishes/Manifests- Nails Sense Organ- eyes Tissues dominated- ligaments, tendons, tissues, sinews Emotion- Jealousy Smell- Rancid (cheese) Flavor- Sour & Acid Climate- Windy Season- Spring
5 Element Correspondence- Fire
Yin- Heart Yang- Small Intestine Color- Red Flourishes- Complexion Sense Organ- Tongue Tissues- Blood & BV Emotion- Joy Smell- Burnt Flavor- Bitter Climate- hot Season- summer
5 Element Correspondence- Earth
Yin- Spleen Yang- Stomach Color- yellow Flourishes- lips Sense- Mouth Tissues- Muscles Emotion- Pensiveness Smell- fragrant flavor- sweet climate- moisture season- indian summer
5 Element Correspondence- Metal
Yin- Lung Yang- Large Intestine Color- White Flourishes- body hair Sense- nose tissue- skin emotion- worry smell- rotten (rotten) flavor- spicy climate- dryness season- autumn
5 Element Correspondence- Water
Yin-kidney Yang- Bladder Color- black Flourishes- head hair Sense organ- ears Tissues- bones/marrow emotion- fear smell- putrid flavor- salty climate- cold and wet season- winter
Mother/ Son/ Promotion/ Shen Cycle
Earth (mother of metal, son of fire), Metal (mother of water and son of earth), Water (mother of wood and son of metal), wood (mother of fire and son of water), Fire (mother of earth and son of wood)
Disharmony of production promotion cycle
the elements don’t promote or support one another because its weak (due to genetics, lifestyle, diet, emotions)
Counteracting Cycle
(Opposite Star formation)
- always pathological if occurs
- Each element is counteracted and humiliated
Control/ Ko Cycle
(Star formation)
- interacts - normal
- over acts- pathological
Functions/ Side Effects of taste- SOUR
Sour- generates fluids and Yin; astringent and can control perspiration and diarrhea
- Side effect: makes phlegm worse
Functions/ Side Effects of taste- BITTER
Clears Heat, sedates and hardens; clears damp heat and it subdues rebellious QI
Side Effects: Injures SP, injures Yin
Functions/Side Effects of taste- SWEET
Tonifies, balances, and moderates; used to tonify deficiency and to stop pain
Side Effects: Creates dampness
Functions/ Side Effects of taste- Spicy
Scatters; used to expel pathogenic factors
Side Effects: Injures Yin
Functions/ Side Effects of taste- Salty
Flows downwards, softens hardness; used to treat constipation and swelling
Side Effects: injures fluids
Sour Precautions
Goes to nerves and Liver
- upsets liver
- should use sparingly if has chronic pain or if SP is diseased
Bitter Precautions
Goes to the bones and HT
- should be avoided in bone diseases and if the Lung is diseased
Sweet Precautions
Goes to the muscles and the SP
- could cause weakness in the muscles
- shouldn’t eat if has KD disease
Spicy Precautions
Goes to scatters Qi and goes to LU
- should be avoided if Qi deficient or if has LV disease
Salty Precautions
Can dry the blood and goes to the KD
- should be avoided in blood deficiency and if HT is diseased
Qi, Blood, body fluids, essence and shen are the basis of all body movements, activities and changes
(statement)
When Qi is condensed it can give rise to (?) and when it is dispersed it can give rise to (?)
Matter; Energy
What are the two types of Qi that all other forms are derived from?
Xi Tian Qi and Hou Tian Qi
Xi Tian Qi: Where is it stored? where is it inherited? Essential for? Can be used up unless....
Also known as Prenatal Qi, Congenital Qi, or before Heaven Qi
- Stored in the Kidneys
- inherited from the mother and father at birth
- essential for growth and development of the embryo, fetus and after birth
- Can be used up during a life cycle unless supplemented by good nutrition, regular lifestyle and moderate sex.
Hou Tian Qi:
Derived from?
Also known as Postnatal Qi, After heaven Qi
- Derived from food and air
What are the 5 main functions of Qi
- transporting
- warming
- protecting
- holding
- transforming
- rising
What are the 4 disharmonies of Qi
- Deficient- caused by illness, old age, mal-nourishment
- Collapse- usually seen in spleen counterflow as prolapse of rectum and uterus
- Stagnation- symptoms are: local pain, feeling of oppression, distension, emotional disturbances
- Rebellious- counterflow of normal direction of qi- examples- Lung: cough, Stomach: hiccups, vomiting, Spleen: dizziness, distension in abdomen, diarrhea
The Qi that the middle burner ( 1? Qi) takes in, produces waste and distills fluids from which it extracts the essences. This the flows into the (2?) where it is transformed into blood. The blood then flows through the blood vessels and is then known as Nutrient Qi ( 3? Qi). Zong Qi is formed from (4? Qi) and (5? Qi)
- Zong Qi
- Lung Channel
- Ying Qi
- Gu Qi (food)
- Qing Qi (air)
Blood is a form of Qi
Blood is thick (a liquid form) and therefore is one of the most dense forms of Qi
Functions of Blood
- Nourishes the body
- Circulates with Nutritive Qi
- Moistens the body
- Houses the Mind (shen)
- Determines Menstruation
The three most important Zang organs in relation to the control of blood are the LV, HT, SP
LV: stores and regulates blood (when the body moves the blood will flow through the channels; when the body rests the blood returns to the LV and is stored)
HT: Governs the blood
SP: contains the blood (prevents hemorrhage, bruising)
Disorders/Disharmonies of the blood
- Blood Deficiency: from blood loss, diminished blood production or impairment of nourishing qualities. Symptoms: dizziness, palpitations, yellow complexion, colorless lips and tongue
- Blood Stagnation: derived from deficiency of blood cold, heat, impact trauma. Symptoms: tumors, painful swelling, stabbing pain
- Heat in the Blood: This is usually the result of heat toxins entering the blood; if heat in blood starts to act on the heart spirit they symptoms will include rapid pulse, crimson colored tongue, and delirium or coma
Qi is the commander of BLOOD and Blood is the MOTHER of Qi.
(statement card)
What are the two categories of fluids
Jin (thin fluids)
Ye (thick fluids)
Jin Fluids Characteristics and Function
- Yang
- clear, light and thin-watery
- circulates with defensive qi on exterior
- moves quickly
- under the control of the LU (upper burner)
- Functions: moistens skin and muscles, manifests as sweat tears saliva and mucus, becomes a component of the fluid part of blood
Ye Fluids Characteristics and Function
- Yin
- more tubid, heavy and dense
- circulates with nutritive qi in the interior
- moves slowly
- under control of SP & KD (middle and lower burner)
- Functions: moistens joints, spine, brain, and bone marrow, lubricates the orifices of sense organs (eyes, ears, nose and mouth)
The pure fluids rise to the (?) and the impure fluids pass down to the (?)
Spleen; Small Intestine
- The pure (clean) fluids travel up to the Lungs and are distributed to other organs. The impure fluids then pass back to the stomach. Within the Lungs fluid is further refined and goes to skin to moisturize. Less refined fluid goes to the KD.
- The UB is responsible for holding and discharging fluid
- The SI is responsible for separating the clear from the turbid
- The LI absorbs fluid and passes waste downwards
- SJ is involved b/c all the related organs are located within the Thee Burners
Upper Jiao
“mist” - refers to Lung function of diffusing the body fluids to the skin.
Middle Jiao
“muddy pool” refers to stomach and spleen function of digestion and separation of food and fluids
Lower Jiao
“drainage ditch” refers to KD, UB, and Intestines and refers to the excretion of body fluids
Damages to Body Fluids involves:
Jin: thirst, dry, rough tongue fur, dry constipated stool, dry lips, throat, tongue, nose and skin and scanty urine
Ye: dry mouth, generally poor health, strong desire for more fluids, tongue may be dry and red in color- more serious and take longer to treat
Essence (also known as Jing)
primary substance responsible for growth and development, metabolism, and daily life activity.
Essence can be separated into three different types:
Prenatal
Postnatal
Kidney Essence
Prenatal Essence
- nourishes embryo and fetus during pregnancy and is dependent on the nourishment from the woman’s kidneys
- cant be influenced in the course of adult life
- cant be added to but can be positively affected by balancing on’s life activities restraint in sexual activity, balanced diet, and balance between work and rest
- prenatal essence makes an individual unique and determines individual strength and vitality
- support by doing Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga or other forms of breathing exercises
Postnatal Essence
derived from food and fluids by the refinement processes of the Stomach and Spleen
Kidney Essence
- Growth, reproduction and development
- Basis of Kidney Qi
- Producer of Marrow
- Basis of constitutional strength
- Basis for the Three Treasures (jing- essence, qi, and shen- mind)
- rules growth, reproduction, and development (when this portion of kidney essence diminishes this will lead to a natural decline in sexual energy and fertility.
- the essence in men flows in 8 yr cycles and in women in 7 yr cycles
Disharmonies of Essence
- improper maturation
- sexual dysfunction
- inability to produce (infertility)
- premature aging
- congenital defects
What are the Three Treasures
- Jing- Source of Life, Kidney Stores Jing (essence)
- Qi- Ability to activate and move
- Shen- vitality behind jing and qi
Shen
Is part of the three treasures
- the mind (shen) is the most immaterial and subtle
- a healthy mind is dependent on the strength of the essence stored in the kidneys and qi which is produced by the spleen and stomach
- the state of mind can be observed through the eyes. Eyes that sparkle show a healthy mind. Eyes that are dull show that the mind is disturbed.
The function of Shen:
- think and discriminate
- show the force of the human personality
Disharmonies of shen
lack luster eyes, muddled thinking, forgetfulness, insomnia, incoherent speech, mania
Blood Nourishes Body Fluids
Body Fluids Replenish Thin Blood
Qi transforms/transports/holds body fluids
Body fluids nourish Qi
Blood nourish/replenish essence
Essence transforms into blood
Triple Burner (San Jiao)
- Upper Burner
- Middle Burner
- Lower Burner
Upper- Lungs- Mist
Middle- SP/ST- maceration chamber
Lower- KD- Drainage Ditch
Relationship between organs and body fluids
Lung- diffuse SP- transform/transports KD- transform, separate, excrete SJ- transform, transport, excrete ST- origin of UB- excrete
What are the 5 Spirits
Hun- Ethereal Soul Shen- Mind Yi- Intellect Po - Corporeal Soul Zhi- Will Power
What are the Functions of Spirit: Hun
Ethereal Soul
- Resides in the LV
- Responsible for sleep, plans, projects, life aims, ‘coming and going of shen’
(Outer Back Shu- UB 47)
What are the Functions of Spirit: Shen
Mind
- Resides in the HT
- responsible for consciousness, thinking, affections, memory, sleep
- mostly used for emotional and psychological problems such as anxiety, insomnia and depression
(Back Shu- UB 44)
What are the functions of Spirit: Yi
Intellect
- Resides in the SP
-Responsible for thinking, memory, concentration
- tonifies the mental aspect of the SP for example: the concentration and capacity to study
(Back Shu- UB 49)
What are the functions of Spirit: Po
Corporeal Soul -Resides in the Lung -Responsible for feelings and sensations -Has a very shooting effect on the spirit and it nourishes Qi when this is dispersed by a prolonged period of sadness or grief (Back Shu 42)
What are the functions of Spirit: Zhi
Will Power
- Resides in the KD
- Responsible for will power, drive, determination
- Strengthens will power and determination which are the mental-spiritual phenomena pertaining to the KD
(Back Shu- UB 52)
Classification and Production of Qi
Qing Qi (air qi- heaven) and Gu Qi (food qi- earth)—> Zong Qi (gathering qi- stored in chest)–> Yuan Qi (original qi- derived from congenital essence)–> Zhen Qi (true qi- last stage of transformation qi) –> Wei Qi (defensive qi) and Ying Qi (nutritive qi)
Qing Qi
Air Qi- inhaled by lung
Gu Qi
Food Qi- produced by SP/ST
Zong Qi
Gathering Qi (Food Qi + Air Qi) -Promotes LU and HT function
Yuan Qi
Primary/ Original Qi
- derived from congenital essence
- supplemented and nourished by food essence
- spreads to entire body via the san jiao
Zhen Qi
True/Vital Qi
- last stage of transformation of qi
Wei Qi
Defensive Qi
- circulates outside the vessels
- protects the surface, defends the body against pathogens
- controls opening and closing of pores
- moistens skin and hair
- adjusts body temp
Ying Qi
Nutrient Qi- circulates inside the vessels
- produces blood and circulates with it
- provides further nourishment of blood (ying-blood)
Zangfu Qi
Organ Qi
- every organ is conceived of having its own qi
- its activity is characterized by the organ which is attacked
Zhong Qi
Middle/Central Qi
- The True Qi of SP/ST
- the SP function of transportation and transformation and of raising Qi
Zheng Qi
Righteous Qi/Upright Qi
- defensive Qi + nutritive Qi + KD essence
- defense of the body from invasion by external pathogens
- contrasted to pathogenic facto (Xie Qi)
Ming Men (Fire of Life Gate)
Comes from KD Yin and KD Yang- Spreads to Internal Organs then to 12 Channels and to the Yuan Source Points
Zang Fu Theory- Liver
Function: Smooth the flow of Qi (affects emotional state- frustration, depression, plum pit, pms; affections digestion; affects secretion of bile)
- stores blood (regulates in relation to rest and activity; regulates menstruation)
Controls: Sinews (contraction and relaxation of sinews and tendons depends on moisture from LV blood)
Manifests: Nails
Opens into: Eyes (nourishes and moistens eyes- also affected by HT fire and KD yin deficiency)
Spirt: Hun- source of life dreams, creativity, sense of direction in life
Emotion: Anger/Jealousy (anger causes LV Qi Stagnation, LV yang rising, LV Fire)
Zang Fu Theory- Heart
Function: Governs/Circulates Blood (food qi is transformed into blood; indirectly influences menstruation
- Houses Mind (sleep, concentration, memory, thinking)
- Controls Sweat (yang def: spontaneous sweating, yin: night sweating)
Controls: Blood Vessels (stasis: arteriosclerosis; deficiency: weak pulse or irregular heart beat)
Manifests: Complexion (blood def: dull, yang def: bright white, blood stasis: purplish or dark, heat: red)
Opens into: tongue (tongue ulcers, soreness, difficulty with speech, stuttering)
Spirit: Shen (sleep, concentration, memory, thinking)
Emotion: Joy (excessive excitement can injure HT, overstimulates mind)
Zang Fu Theory- Spleen
- Governs Transformation and Transportation (T&T: transforms food and drink to make Qi and Blood; separates pure (to LU) and impure (to Intestines))
- Controls Raising of Qi (Qi, Food qi, Fluid=> LU) Ascends clear yang (jin)
- Controls Blood (keeps blood in vessels; makes blood from essence of food)
Controls: Muscles (SP extracts Gu Qi from food to nourish tissue and muscles)
Manifests: Lips (indicator of state of SP- normal: rosy and moist, deficiency: pale, Heat: dry)
Opens into : Mouth (enables chewing and taste)
Spirit: Yi (capacity for thinking, studying, concentration)
Emotion: Pensiveness (thinking too much=> injures SP)
Zang Fu Theory- Lungs
- Dominates Qi and controls Respiration (inhale Pure qi and exhale dirty qi)
- Controls Dispersing and Descending (D&D: disperse Wei Qi, Disperse Jin-Ye, Descends fluids)
- Regulates water passages (diffuses body fluids)
Controls: Skin (wei qi: opening and closing of pores)
Manifests: Body Hair
Opens into: Nose (for respiration)
Spirit: Po (“physical soul” in charge of all physiological process)
Emotion: Sadness
Zang Fu Theory- KD
- Stores Essence
-Produces Marrow (deficiency: poor memory and concentration, dizziness, dull thinking, weak bones, loose teeth) - Governs Water ( controls body fluids of lower jiao)
- Controls the Reception of Qi (deficiency: breathlessness, easy exhalation but difficult inhalation)
- Opens into Ear: (deficiency: deafness)
- Manifests in Hair
- Houses Zhi ( will power, determination, single mindedness)
- Controls Gate of Life (minister fire)- root of original qi- yuan qi, warms lower jiao and bladder, source of fire for all Zang Fu)
Emotion: Fear
