We’ve talked about qi in the past, and we have heard of blood. In Traditional Chinese Medicine these two substances are crucial to the body's ability to heal itself. Whether through acupuncture, acupressure, qi gong, diet, etc.
Qi and blood go together, forming a yin-yang pair. (Qi is yang, and blood is yin). They are tied together and support each other’s functions as they circulate throughout the body.
Qi as energy and essence
Some people find the description of qi as kind of “woo-y” or “new-agey”. Likely because we cannot see Qi. It lacks enough substance. However, we can see its effects.
It’s made more confusing as there are different types of qi. Qi is energy, but it is also the “essence,” or "feel we get," of something. For example, we can talk of the qi of a forest, or the qi of an ocean.
Qi as “Life-Force”
When we talk about the qi of our bodies, or “life-force”, it helps to think of how oxygen and glucose provide energy for the body; or how the mighty-mitochondria within cells generates ATP energy.
This can break down even further as there are different types of qi within the body too. We can talk about the qi of the lungs, or of the kidneys. We’re talking about their specific functions; the way they work and what they do for the body, as well as how they relate to one-another.
General Functions of “Life-force” Qi
Within the body the qi has several functions. It helps transform food into energy and waste. It helps move things along, for example circulating the blood, or moving digestion. It protects the body, as part of the immune system, and heals damage. It holds things in place - a weak qi person would lack muscle tone, and suffer from issues like incontinence. Qi - energy keeps our bodies warm, and helps nourish the blood.
Another aspect of Qi, is that it flows throughout our bodies in meridians. A network of channels bringing qi to all parts of the body. We can interact with qi through specific points on these meridians. The proper flow of qi is so important, that in one of the oldest Chinese medical texts, (that we still use today), says, “When there is free-flow of qi, there is no pain.”
All of these qualities are the “yang” side of the equation. It activates, energizes, and gives life to bodily function. Now we will look at its yin partner - the blood. There is another famous quotation in TCM, “Qi is the commander of blood, blood is the mother of Qi”.
The Functions of Blood in TCM
As a yin substance, blood is easier to comprehend. We can see it, it’s the red stuff. But in TCM, it’s also all the stuff that’s mixed in with it. It helps hydrate tissues, lubricate joints, and nourishes the body and all of its parts.
Its strength is derived mainly from food and our ability to process and digest that food. It brings nutrition to organs, tissues, and meridians. It helps maintain healthy movement, and organ function. For example our senses of taste, smell, and hearing, etc all rely heavily on healthy blood. Lastly, it aids the mind in functioning clearly.
Medicine Based on Qi and Blood
By understanding the flow of Qi and Blood within the body, a skilled practitioner can help correct it when things go wrong, and thus improve health and reduce negative symptoms of illness.
For example, pain in the neck and down the arms may be associated with a blockage of qi and blood in that area. Through acupuncture, acupressure, or Qi Gong, we can restore the proper flow, and help the body heal itself. Since the channels are all connected, this can be done with points that are not directly on the spot where there’s pain. For example, the shoulder can be treated by points on the knee.
One last thing worth mentioning, is that since the meridians connect to internal organs, we can treat many other conditions. Such as: digestive problems, headaches, coughs, cold and flu, sleep issues, and more.
That's all for now, thank you.
Michael Savalli LAc
If you’d like to learn more, and how acupuncture can benefit you specifically, email at:
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