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🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:
Kidney Essence Water Explanation Video
Show Notes
This podcast episode is dedicated all on the 4 Vital Substances in Chinese medicine. Just like their name indicates, they are VITAL! We can’t survive without them.
Since 2008, I’ve been teaching TCM to future acupuncture professionals and I absolutely love it! Now, my goal is to expand my reach to TCM Rock Stars (yep, that’s you!) all over the world. I want to make Chinese medicine easy to grasp and fun to learn. Enjoy!
The 1st Vital Substance – Qi: energy, life force… ✨
To begin with, all various types of Qi are ultimately one Qi, merely manifesting in different forms. In the body, Qi acts as an essential substance that constitutes the human body and maintains life activities and physiological functions.
Regarding Qi formation, it consists of Congenital Qi (from Parents) found in KD, Food Qi (transformed by the SP & ST), and Fresh air Qi (allowed by the LU).
Qi performs various functions, including warming (keeping the temperature constant), defending (against external forces), promoting (growth, production of fluids, blood…), controlling (excretion of body fluids), and raising (holding organs in place).
Moreover, Qi moves by ascending & descending and exiting & entering.
We classify Qi into Yuan Qi (congenital for growth), Zong Qi (Chest to breath), Zhong Qi (in the SP & ST), Ying Qi (nutritive, in blood), Wei Qi (defensive in skin), and Zhen Qi (True & vital in Meridians).
Finally, Qi directions include LU descending, SP ascending, ST descending, KD ascending, HT descending, and LV moving in all directions.
The 2nd Vital Substance – Blood (Xue) 🩸
Secondly, Qi & Blood are inseparable. They always work together. Qi moves blood, and Blood nourishes Qi.
In terms of blood formation, SP, ST & Food, KD essence, and the heart produce it.
Blood functions include nourishing and moistening the body. It also serves as the basis for mental activities.
Blood circulates with the HT moving it, the SP producing it, the LU dispersing & distributing it, the LV storing it, and the KD assisting in its production.
The 3rd Vital Substance – Essence (Jing) 🌌
Thirdly, the Kidneys store Essence, which also circulates throughout the body, particularly in the 8 extraordinary meridians. Essence combines congenital Qi & lifestyle factors. Replenishing lost Jing proves very difficult.
Essence functions in growth (Child), reproduction (sexual activity, pregnancy), and development (brain). As a person ages, essence diminishes. Essence is primarily Yin in nature.
Additionally, essence produces bone marrow.
The 4th Vital Substance – Body Fluid (Jin Ye) 🥹
Fourthly, Jin Ye (fluids) includes all body fluids, constituting the human body and maintaining life activities.
Jin (Thin fluid) appears watery, clear, light, and sweaty. It includes saliva, tears, and part of the blood.
Conversely, Ye (thick) appears turbid, heavy, dense, marrow, brain, eyes, and gastric secretions.
Jin Ye functions by moistening & nourishing organs, sense organs, and all tissues.
Disclaimer
The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.
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Fantastic
Glad you enjoyed it, Mia! It’s like learning on the go with this one 💖
You keep saying your essence wasnt good because of asthma and scoliosis and crooked unstraight teeth. But i look at your gutsiness, your vitality and most of all your ears which are quite big. As ears are so typical of kidney strength. Also you still have your teeth they are not falling out and your bones are not porous eg as in osteoporosis. Lung health may have been compromised but asthma is not just about lungs it could be an emotional thing
Thank you for sharing Jillian, I like the way you think 💝