The character qi denotes a dynamic essence characterized by both substance and function. For example, clean qi, turbid qi, and the qi transformed from the essence of food are substantial qi, while the qi of the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, stomach, and the qi of the channels and collaterals are functional qi.

The classification of qi in the human body varies with its distribution, origin, and function.

1. Primary Qi (yuan qi)

Primary qi is the most important and fundamental qi originating from the congenitalessence. It is nourished and replenished by the fundamental substance of food after birth. Primary qi is also known as the qi of the kidney, and is distributed to the whole body via the sanjiao functions. It arouses and promotes the activities of the zang-fu organs and tissues. If primary qi is congenitally deficient or exhausted due to chronic disease, then various pathological changes will occur.

2. Aggregative Qi (zong qi)

This is the combination of inhaled clean qi through the lung with the fundamental substance qi of food digested and absorbed by the stomach and spleen. Aggregative qi is accumulated in the chest and has the function of nourishing the lung and the heart, thus promoting respiration and blood circulation.

3. Nutrient Qi (ying qi)

Nutrient qi originates from the essential substance of food transformed by the spleen and stomach. It is the component part of blood flowing throughout the body. The Suwen states, "Nutrient qi is actually the essential qi transformed from food and water." While in the Lingshu it is recorded:

The nutrient qi is secreted by the body fluid, circulates in the blood vessels, and is transformed into blood to nourish the four extremities, the five zang and six fu organs.

4. Defensive Qi (wei qi)

Defensive qi is mainly derived from the essential substances of food and water which form a part of the human body's yang qi. It circulates outside the vessels mainly spreading through the muscles and skin. Its physiological functions are (1) defending the body surface against the invasion of exogenous pathogenic factors, (2) warming and nourishing the tissues and organs, and (3) adjusting the opening and closing of the pores.

Traditional Chinese Medicine pages by Raymond Cheng, PhD DPA FRSA FRSPH

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WHAT IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE?
DI63-048 (c) Image DJ Image Dictionary

With over 3000 years of experience, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has remain one of the many fascinating areas in ancient Chinese culture. First known to be documented in the Yellow Emperor's Canon of Medicine, TCM is believed to have been practised in as early as 475 to 221 B.C. The field of working knowledge of TCM stretches from anything related to general healthcare practice to the philosophy of the mind, the logic of life, religion, and even to as far as cosmology and astronumerology. This is why in order to thoroughly understand the concepts behind TCM, one must be comprehensive in learning and embracing the Chinese culture as a whole.

Just as Douglas Hoff put it when he explained about accupuncture, "The systems of TCM uses the concepts of elements and meridians and are completely immersed in the Asian cosmology which takes shape through the religions." The meridian-brain mechanism, the fundamental working concept of acupuncture, in which the pain block from the message that the needle or burning cone of herbs gives to the point of stimulus, was only found centuries later by the West through science and technology.

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR – MARCH 2020

Raymond Cheng, PhD DPA Thank you for visiting this TCM and acupuncture information website. If you have previously been to this website, you might have noticed that some of the pages on ancient historical ideas and holistic thinkings related to Chinese metaphysics are temporarily taken offline. This is because I will be revamping the whole website and be moving those information into a new \"Ancient Chinese Culture\" section so as to reflect a more current perspective on the interpretation of some of the fundamental concepts as well as to include some of the latest information in the area. But if you have just found this website for the very first time, I welcome you again and wish you could find what you require and, hopefully, you could also be benefitted from reading the articles I published on this website.

Please be patient and do come and check out this website frequently as it's being revamped.

Raymond Cheng, PhD DPA FRSA FRSPH

March 28, 2020.

IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

This website is published, edited and designed by Raymond Cheng, and reflects only and only his personal views and opinions in his individual capacity. The information available at this website is not intended directly or by implication to either diagnose or treat any medical, emotional, or psychological condition or disorder. It is also not intended to create a physician-patient relationship between you and I or between you and Wyith Institute™ and The Office of Dr Raymond K K Cheng. The information here is not a substitute for advice and treatment provided by your physician or by another healthcare professional. It is always recommended that consultation with local healthcare providers be obtained for any of your specific health or medical concerns. Furthermore, any products that can be purchased (yet you can see I don't have much to sell here) through advertisers' banners or through links to other websites are not either explicitly or implicitly given any warranty or endorsement by me, my colleagues, Wyith Institute™ or any of its associated businesses.