TCM Theory · Vital Substances · Clinical Monograph
The Healing Mechanisms of Chinese Medicine
Qi, blood, and body fluids — and how each is replenished
§ Abstract
To understand the healing mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we first have to understand how its foundations work. The goal is to promote health and prevent disease by achieving a state of balance between the body’s various systems and energies. One way to achieve that balance is by giving the body a stimulus that invokes a healing response — through acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, Hijama therapy, and other modalities.
I.
The Importance of Qi, Blood & Body Fluids
In TCM, the body is believed to be sustained by three vital substances. They are believed to work together to maintain the body’s balance and promote health.
01
Qi
The energy that flows through the body’s channels.
02
Blood
Carries oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
03
Body Fluids
Lymph, sweat, saliva and others that keep the body hydrated and nourished.
When the flow of qi, blood, and body fluids is disrupted, the body’s balance is disturbed, leading to various health issues. Promoting the flow and abundance of these substances is therefore essential to maintaining health and preventing disease.
II.
Three Analogies
Qi — The River
Qi is often compared to a river, representing the constant flow of energy that maintains balance and vitality in the body.
Blood — The Water in the River
Blood flows through channels and vessels to nourish the organs and tissues. Just as water in a river nourishes the plants and animals that depend on it, blood nourishes the body with oxygen and nutrients. If its flow is disrupted or blocked, it can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and poor circulation.
Body Fluids — The Groundwater
Body fluids are like the groundwater that seeps through soil to nourish plants, providing hydration to tissues the circulation system does not directly reach. These include saliva, sweat, tears, cerebrospinal fluid, and other secretions. If they are deficient, it can lead to dryness, thirst, and other health issues.
III.
How TCM Promotes Healing
The two most common modalities used to replenish qi, blood, and body fluid are acupuncture and Chinese herbs. The choice between them depends on the nature of the condition being treated.
Acupuncture
Often used for conditions related to the flow of qi and blood.
Herbal Remedies
Often used for conditions related to the deficiency or excess of certain substances, such as blood or qi.
In some cases both acupuncture and herbal remedies are used together to promote healing and restore balance within the body.
IV.
Tonifying Blood
Tonifying the blood through Chinese herbs and acupuncture can help promote circulation and provide additional nutrients to nourish the muscles, skin, and other tissues.
Herbs
Dang Gui Angelica sinensis
Chinese Angelica Root
Used to tonify the blood and promote circulation. Commonly used in formulas for menstrual irregularities, anaemia, and other blood deficiency conditions.
Shu Di Huang Rehmannia glutinosa
Chinese Foxglove Root
Used to tonify the blood and nourish the Yin — the cooling and nourishing aspect of the body. Commonly used for fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms of blood deficiency.
Bai Shao Paeonia lactiflora
White Peony Root
Used to tonify the blood and nourish the Liver. Commonly used for menstrual irregularities, muscle cramps, and other conditions related to blood deficiency.
Huang Qi Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus Root
Used to tonify the Qi and strengthen the Spleen and Lung. Also used to support blood production and circulation.
E Jiao Asini Corii Colla
Donkey-Hide Gelatin
Used to tonify the blood and nourish the Yin. Commonly used for anaemia, dry cough, and other symptoms of blood deficiency.
Acupuncture Points
SP 10
Xuehai
Location Inside of the thigh, about two finger-widths above the knee.
Used to Tonify the blood and regulate menstruation.
BL 17
Geshu
Location On the back, at the level of the lower border of the shoulder blade, between the spine and the scapula.
Used to Tonify the blood and nourish the Heart.
SP 6
Sanyinjiao
Location Inside of the leg, about four finger-widths above the ankle.
Used to Tonify the blood and regulate menstruation.
HT 7
Shenmen
Location Inside of the wrist, at the crease, in line with the little finger.
Used to Tonify the blood and nourish the Heart.
ST 36
Zusanli
Location Outside of the leg, about four finger-widths below the knee.
Used to Tonify the Qi and blood, and boost overall energy and stamina.
V.
Tonifying Qi & Propelling Blood
Qi is responsible for propelling blood to where it is needed in the body, allowing the organs to function properly. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, it can lead to health issues similar to blood deficiency, as the blood may not reach where it needs to be in sufficient degree.
Herbs
Ren Shen Panax ginseng
Ginseng Root
Known for its ability to tonify the Qi, strengthen the Spleen and Lung, and promote the production of body fluids. Often used for fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms of Qi deficiency.
Huang Qi Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus Root
Not only a blood-tonifying herb — it also tonifies Qi and helps propel blood. Often used for fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms of Qi deficiency.
Dang Shen Codonopsis pilosula
Poor Man’s Ginseng
Used to tonify the Qi, strengthen the Spleen and Lung, and promote the production of body fluids. Commonly used for fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms of Qi deficiency.
Bai Zhu Atractylodes macrocephala
Known for its ability to tonify the Qi, strengthen the Spleen, and promote digestion. Commonly used for fatigue, diarrhoea, and other symptoms of Qi deficiency.
Acupuncture Points
CV 4
Guanyuan
Location Lower abdomen, about two finger-widths below the belly button.
Used to Tonify the Qi and nourish the Kidneys.
ST 36
Zusanli
Location Outside of the leg, about four finger-widths below the knee.
Used to Tonify the Qi and blood, and boost overall energy and stamina.
LV 3
Taichong
Location Top of the foot, between the first and second toes.
Used to Tonify the Liver and promote the smooth flow of Qi.
LI 4
Hegu
Location Back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger.
Used to Tonify the Qi and promote the flow of Qi and blood.
LI 10
Shousanli
Location On the forearm, about two thumb-widths above the wrist crease.
Used to Tonify Qi and promote blood circulation in the arms and hands.
VI.
Tonifying Body Fluid
Body fluids — sweat, saliva, tears — play a vital role in nourishing and lubricating the body’s tissues. An imbalance, or an inability to nourish the body, can manifest as dryness, thirst, and constipation.
Herbs
Mai Men Dong Ophiopogon japonicus
Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber
Known for its ability to generate fluids and moisten the Lungs. Often used for dry cough, dry throat, and other symptoms of dryness.
Sheng Di Huang Rehmannia glutinosa
Chinese Foxglove Root
Known for its ability to nourish the Yin and generate fluids. Often used for dry mouth, dry eyes, and other symptoms of Yin deficiency.
Gou Qi Zi Lycium barbarum
Goji Berry or Wolfberry
Known for its ability to tonify the Yin and generate fluids. Often used for dry eyes, blurred vision, and other symptoms of Yin deficiency.
Tian Hua Fen Trichosanthes kirilowii
Snakegourd Root
Known for its ability to generate fluids and clear heat. Often used for thirst, irritability, and other symptoms of fluid deficiency with heat.
Yu Zhu Polygonatum odoratum
Solomon’s Seal Rhizome
Known for its ability to generate fluids and nourish the Yin. Often used for dry cough, dry mouth, and other symptoms of dryness.
Acupuncture Points
SP 6
Sanyinjiao
Location Inside of the leg, about four finger-widths above the ankle.
Used to Nourish Yin and generate body fluids, and regulate menstruation.
KD 6
Zhaohai
Location Inside of the ankle, in the depression between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.
Used to Tonify the Yin and generate body fluids, and regulate menstruation.
LU 9
Taiyuan
Location On the wrist, on the radial side of the radial artery, about one thumb-width above the wrist crease.
Used to Tonify the Yin and generate body fluids, and regulate Lung function.
CV 4
Guanyuan
Location Lower abdomen, about two finger-widths below the belly button.
Used to Tonify the Yin and generate body fluids, and nourish the Kidneys.
HT 6
Yinxi
Location Inside of the wrist, in the depression between the ulnar artery and the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris.
Used to Tonify the Yin and generate body fluids, and calm the mind.
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