Self Assesment Questions Chapter 4 Transformations of Qi

Question 1

Explain the connection between the Triple Burner and the Original Qi (Yuan Qi?

Answer 1

The Triple burner makes the Original Qi separate and differentiate into its different forms in different places around the body. Thus allowing the Original Qi to facilitate the transformation of Qi in different parts of the body

Question 2

According to Chapter 36 of the ‘Classic of Difficulties’ what is the difference between the two Kidneys

Answer 2

The right Kidney is identified with the Fire of the gate of life and the left is the kidney proper

Question 3

Complete the following.. The Transformation of Qi relies on the ……. As transformation is a Yang process

Answer 3

Warmth

Question 4

Summarise the basic movement of Qi in the Three burners

Answer 4

Upper Burner- Qi goes Up and Exits- under the control of the lungs

Middle Burner- Qi goes Up and Down and In and Out- under control of the Spleen and Stomach

Lower Burner- Qi mostly descends and enters- Under the control of the Kidneys, Bladder and Intestines

Question 5

Complete the following: Heaven ….. is above and it …… but ……. is a yin movement. Earth …… is below and it ….. but ……. Is a Yang movement

Answer 5

Heaven YANG is above and it DESCENDS but DESCENDING is a Yin movement. Earth YIN is below and it ASCENDS but ASCENDING is a Yang movement

Question 6

List three organs which send Qi downwards

Answer 6

1) Lung- Qi
2) Heart- Qi
3) Stomach Qi
4) Kidney Qi
5) Bladder Qi
6) Small intestine

Question 7

List the Yang Channels which transverse the shoulder in order of their depth

Answer 7

Greater Yang (Tai- Yang) Small intestines

Lesser Yang ( Shao Yang) Triple burner

Bright Yang (Yang Ming) Large intestines

Question 8

Which two organs are associated with the space between the skin and muscles

Answer 8

The space between the skin and muscles is part of the Triple Burner cavities, and the movement of Qi in and out if this space relies on the entering and exiting of Lung- Qi

Question 9

Which organs control the movement of Qi in and out of the joints?

Answer 9

The Triple Burner, the Liver and whichever channels traverse the joint in question

Question 10

What are the functions of the membranes?

Answer 10

To wrap and anchor the organs, muscles and bones and connect the organs to each other

Question 11

Complete the following: ‘The Ethereal soul is sometimes defined as the ….. and …… of the mind

Answer 11

Coming and going of the mind

Question 12

In which two main ways are the stomach and the spleen the centre?

Answer 12

1) Physiologically as they are the source of Qi and Blood and therefore all the organs rely on them for nourishment.

2) Anatomically they are central as they are in the middle burner, at the crossroads of many processes and movements of Qi

Question 13

Energetically speaking, where are the Liver and Lungs positioned and in which direction does their Qi flow?

Answer 13

The Liver is in the Lower Burner ( on the left energetically) and sends Qi up. The lungs are in the upper burner (on the right energetically) and sends Qi downwards

Question 14

To which pathology is the Triple Burner especially susceptible?

Answer 14

Qi stagnation

Question 15

Why, if Lung- Qi fails to descend, might there be symptoms of cough, headache and red eyes

Answer 15

Because failure of Lung-Qi to descend affects Liver and riding of Liver-Yang