The Second Treasure of TCM: Qi
By admin on 2014-12-19

Qi, the second Treasure of TCM, is the energy that creates our vitality. Through the constant interaction of yin and yang, the two moving powers of the universe, change is brought into being and life exists. Qi is the activity of yin and yang. All movement, all functioning and all thought is the result of qi. The nature of qi is to move. The Three Treasures system includes both energy and blood. It nourishes and protects us. Qi is said to be produced as a result of the functions of the lungs and spleen. Therefore, qi tonics strengthen the digestive, assimilative and respiratory functions.

When qi condenses, it becomes jing. Fast-moving qi is considered to be yang while slow-moving qi is yin. In the system of the Three Treasures, blood is considered to be a part of the qi component of our being. Blood is said to be produced from the food ingested after the qi has been extracted through the action of the spleen. The red blood cells are said to be nutritive and are thus associated with the ying qi (yin), while the white blood cells are protective and are associated with wei qi (yang). Qi tonics are generally believed to have potent immune modulating activity. Qi tonics, composed of energy and/or blood tonics, increase our ability to function fully and adaptively as human beings.

Qi tonics increase the amount, and improve the quality, of the energy and blood flowing through our system. This increase in energy and blood results in an overall increase in physical and mental vitality.