Chinese medicine believes that vital energy - moving and energetic particles, state of blood, and body fluid are the essential substances that compose together to form the human body, and the basis for internal organs to process. They are channeled along a network within the body - Jing Luo as their channels. On the physical side, vital energy serving to promote and warm belongs to the properties of Yang, and blood and body fluid to moisten possesses the properties of Yin. Vital Substances interact with each other to nourish and sustain the body, Together they form the mind and body. The Vital SubstancesEnergy, Blood, Body Fluidsare described as follow:
Energy
Energy is the motor of all human activities; all human activities are a function of Energy. The Chinese say, when Energy gathers, so the physical body is formed; when Energy disperses, so the body dies. With an Energy deficiency, there is a functional decline of the internal organs and a low resistance of the organism against the attack of diseases. It can be seen in chronic diseases, aging, or during the recuperating stage of acute diseases. Energy should travel throughout the body without difficulty. If the flow of Energy along channels (pathways that connect all parts of the body) is disrupted, insufficient, or stagnant, then Yin and Yang become unbalanced, which may result in illness. So, Energy nourishes, protects, and supports all systems and functions of the body.
Blood
Blood has a different meaning in Chinese medicine than it does in Western medicine. It is a product of water and grains undergoing energy transformation, and it is closely related to the heart, spleen and kidneys. It not only transports nourishment, but also vitality. Blood is a material form ofEnergyand is the basis for the formation of our skin, bones, muscles, and organs. Illness may be caused by Deficient blood, Stagnant blood, or Heat in the blood.
Body Fluids (water balance)
Body fluids refer to the water in the body under normal circumstances. The functions of body fluids are to water and lubricate internal organs, muscles, skin, hair, membranes and cavities; lubricate the joints; and moisten and nourish the brain, marrow and bones. Body fluids can be divided into clear fluids and turbid fluids. The former are spread in the muscles and membranes to moisten the muscles, skin and hair, as well as the cavities of the senses, namely, the eyes, ears, mouth and nose. Perspiration and urine are products of clear fluids. The latter which are heavy and thick are spread in the internal organs to nourish such organs as the brain, marrow and bones and to lubricate the joints, but, at the same time, they also have the function of nourishing the muscles. Illness can be caused by deficient body fluids.