Fundamental Substances

Classically, Qi, essence, and spirit make up the three treasures (san bao ). Also known as the 4 (5) treasures. These include: Qi, Shen (spirit), Jing (essence) and Blood and body fluids. Qi: the composition, expression and definition of life force, vital energy, vital force. Everything that exists in the cosmos has Qi, and it is the source of all things Qi in the body motivates, warms and controls all functions of the organs, tissues and channels Matter on the verge of becoming energy, or energy on the point of materializing Therefore, can be said to have two states: dispersion and condensation The Internal Classic distinguishes two types of Qi, namely Yang-Qi and Yin-Qi, but overall more yang Within the human body, there are defensive Qi, nutritive Qi, thoracic Qi, and many other types of Qi that help bodily functions and protection Also evil Qi Shen: (spirit) combination of vitality and consciousness that suggests healthy mental and physical function. Associated with the personality, the ability to think, discriminate, and choose appropriately It encompasses the spirit, consciousness, thinking and related activities Shen is the awareness that shines out of our eye when truly awake WTHNW Needs sufficient blood Stored in the heart Jing, or essence is the genetic material you inherit from your family that allows and promotes proper conception, maturation and ageing. Deficiency of essence causes degeneration of the bones, early ageing and low libido on adult LBP patients. Blood: circulates in the vessels and the meridians, and is the Yin aspect of the more Yang concept of Qi within the human body (Qi as the commander of Blood, and Blood as the mother of Qi). Created by the components of food and fresh air, blood is carried around by the Qi. Blood originates from two sources: essence of drink and food, and jing In general, if kidney-essence is ample the liver has its nourishment and blood has its replenishment Blood is the material basis for mental activities Can stagnate, causing sharp or achy pains that obstruct the proper flow of energy in the channels. Severe blood stagnation causes the formation of masses, swelling and adhesions. Body fluids: In addition to the 4 treasures, the concept of JinYe has persisted in TCM. Jin and Ye are body fluids of different consistencies that occur at different locations of the human body. JinYe nourish and moisten the tissues, bones and organs. Inside the human body the ancients also saw damp, wind, heat, cold, dryness, fire and summer heat trying to invade from the outside environment. They named these tendencies the six pathogenic factors and believed them to be the cause of disease. Figures, Essentials of Chinese Medicine V 1: P 116 ; Fig. 4.2 Body fluids p 143 ; Table 4.1 p 139 Fig. 3.7 The Kidney 3 p 101