In Chinese medicine theory, essence, Qi, blood and body fluid are the basic substances that make up the human body and maintain human life activities. The body's internal organs, meridians, the form of the official body and other tissues and organs by the essence, Qi, blood, body fluid and other substances, and the body's life activities, in addition to a variety of tissues and organs as the structural basis, but also depends on the essence, Qi, blood, body fluid and other supply of nutrients.
“Essence” is a subtle substance in the body, the source of which includes innate essence and acquired essence. The innate essence is inherited from parents, while the acquired essence is generated from nutrients in the diet. Essence supports the growth, development and reproduction of the body, produces marrow and blood, nourishes the organs and tissues of the five viscera and six bowels, and has an important influence on the human spirit and mind. Sufficient essence can keep the body energetic and healthy, while insufficient essence may lead to growth and developmental delays, physical weakness, and decreased immunity.
“Qi” is considered to be the powerhouse of life, acting as an engine to drive blood circulation, ensure the proper functioning of the internal organs, and promote the production and excretion of bodily fluids. If the driving force of qi is insufficient, the body's physiological activities will be affected, resulting in fatigue, weakness and other symptoms. Qi can warm the tissues and organs around the body to maintain normal physiological activities, and consolidate fluids and substances in the body to avoid abnormal loss. The defensive role of qi can help the body against external evil (such as wind, cold, dampness, etc.) of the intrusion. Qi also has the role of reconciling the internal organs and qi, can maintain the stability of the body's internal environment, to ensure that the organs and organs of the internal organs to work in coordination. In addition, the body's essence, Qi, blood, body fluid and other substances of the metabolism and its transformation, as well as the normal lifting and lowering of the internal organs also depend on the normal operation of Qi.
“Blood” in Chinese medicine mainly refers to blood and its related nourishing substances, whose main function is to nourish all tissues and organs of the body, and to maintain the balance of qi and blood in the body. Adequate blood can make all parts of the body fully nourished and moisturized, and keep the skin smooth and healthy. Insufficient blood can lead to pallor, dizziness and irregular menstruation. Blood circulation is closely related to qi, and a deficiency of qi may result in poor blood flow.
The term “body fluid” refers to the normal secretion of various fluids in the body, such as saliva, gastric juice, urine, etc. These fluids have the function of lubricating and regulating the internal environment, moisturizing the surface of the body, nourishing the internal organs and maintaining the balance of body fluids. Insufficient fluid will lead to dry mouth, constipation, dry skin and other problems, while too much fluid may cause edema and other diseases.
In short, in the theoretical system of Chinese medicine, essence provides the foundation of life, Qi provides the power, blood nourishes the body, body fluid regulates the internal environment, essence, Qi, blood, fluid, these four basic substances together constitute the material foundation of the human body and maintains the balance of the body's health.
