Norah McIntire, L.Ac.
8950 Villa La Jolla Drive
Suite B-129
La Jolla, CA 92037

Basic Chinese Medical Concepts:

Chinese medicine envisions the body differently than Western medicine does, providing a specific and unique framework to understand health and its maintenance. Being familiar with the basic ideas of the Eastern medical model can be helpful to understanding the strategy of treatment.  

Yin and Yang:

Simply put, yin and yang are a way of categorizing all phenomena in the universe. The characters that depict yin and yang originate from representations of the shady side of a hill (yin) and the sunny side of a hill (yang).  Yin describes anything relatively cool, quiet, dark, interior, receptive, and still.  Yang describes anything relatively warm, loud, bright, exterior, assertive, and dynamic. Yin and yang only make sense in relation to each other because nothing is purely yin or purely yang. For example, water is yin in relation to the sun, but water is yang in relation to stone.     

The idea of yin and yang is applied to the body and health as a way to understand the nature of any disorder, its progression and its appropriate treatment.  Examples of yin and yang theory to categorize the body and its processes are: structure (yin) and function (yang); front (yin) and back (yang); interior, i.e., organs (yin), exterior, i.e., skin (yang). Medicinals or treatments that promote relaxation, build blood and body fluids, or cool the body are yin. Medicinals or treatments that promote bodily activity, generate energy, or warm the body are yang.  Health is a dynamic balance between yin and yang elements, and treatment is aimed at re-establishing or maintaining this balance. 

Qi (chee):

No exact translation for the Chinese concept of Qi exists in English. For the sake of simplicity, many people fall back on the translation of “energy” as an explanation of Qi.  For practical purposes, however, Qi can be understood by what it does.  Qi is the substance that is the origin of all movement in the body, holds organs and blood in appropriate positions, defends the body against pathogens, warms the body, and transforms food into other bodily substances (Blood, sweat, urine, etc.).[1]  Impairment of any of these activities involves a disorder of the body’s Qi.

Blood:

The Chinese medical idea of Blood goes beyond the Western understanding of the red fluid that circulates through arteries and veins.  Again, this substance can be defined by the specific functions it fulfills in the body. It nourishes the entire body, moistens tissues (eyes, skin, hair, joints/sinews), and supplies the basis for stable emotions. Indications of an imbalance involving Blood can include dry skin, dry hair, vision or eye problems, joint or connective tissue pathology, insomnia, and/or anxiety.

Jing:

Usually translated as Essence, this substance is considered one of the most fundamental and refined materials in the body. Essence is a combination of Pre-natal Essence and Post-natal Essence. Pre-natal Essence is inherited from one’s parents and is responsible for an individual’s constitutional make-up and health.  Post-natal Essence is derived from the refined portion of ingested food.  Essence is responsible for development, growth and reproduction. Under these functions, it governs the growth of teeth and bones, brain development, sexual maturity and reproductive function. Disorders of Essence would possibly include infertility, senile dementia, habitual miscarriage, bone deterioration or poor bone development.

The best way to preserve one’s Essence is to practice a lifestyle that includes adequate rest, plentiful nutrition, and appropriate exercise. The regular practice of Qi Gong and Tai Ji Quan also benefits an individual’s Essence. 

Shen:

Best translated as Spirit, it is the force behind an individual’s personality, mental vitality, and emotions. A healthy Shen is demonstrated by bright eyes, coherent speech, clear mental function, and appropriate behavior for given circumstances and surroundings. Disorders involving any of the above substances (Qi, Blood, Essence) can ultimately affect an individual’s Shen, disturbing mental function, consciousness, and/or emotional balance.