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The Language of Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine language is very different to our usual medical language. To illustrate, it refers to terms which used medically such as Liver, Blood and Spleen. Throughout this article I explain what the specific Chinese Medicine terms signify. For example I refer to Organs such as the Liver. I refer to the “Liver Energy“ as an energetic entity. Chinese Medicine depicts each energetic entity has specific functions and associations. The medical term “Liver” is completely different to the Chinese Medicine “Liver Energy“. Thus, I refer to Chinese Medicine “Organ Energies” as “Liver Energy” etc.

Chinese Medicine Theory

Ultimately, the foundations of Chinese Medicine Theory are Yin and Yang.

Yin & Yang

Yin and Yang is the duality of opposites which combine to form one. That is, to make whole. In Chinese, yin means “shady side” and yang translates as “sunny side”. Yin and Yang are forever interchanging to maintain balance. Yin is dark, slow, heavy and deep. Yang is light, fast, bright and superficial.

 

The Three Functional Entities

  1. The Five Vital Substances:Qi (vital force), Xue (blood), Jin Ye (body fluids), Jing (essence) and Shen (spirit).
  2. The Zang Fu Organs:that keep the body in functional harmony and control the vital substances. The Zang Fu Organs follow a Wu Xing (Five Element) Cycle. The Zang Fu Organs collectively refer to the Yin & Solid Organs and Yang & Hollow Organs of the body.
  3. Jing-Luo:The Five Vital Substances flow through the Jing-Lou (Meridians). They flow to the corresponding Zang Fu Organs.
These Three Functional Entities perform the Five Cardinal Functions. The Five Cardinal Functions maintain the complete health and existence of the body.

The Five Cardinal Functions

Actuation

Warmth

Defense

Containment

Transformation

What are the Zang Fu (Organ Systems) in Chinese Medicine?

The Jing-Luo Meridian System integrates all aspects and functions of the body. And so, it connects the body as one holistic, functional and energetic being. There are 12 paired Organ Systems in Chinese Medicine. Chinese Medicine theorises that Qi exists in the body. Thus, the Organs exist as their own energetic entity. The Jing-Lou (Meridians) link every aspect of the body to the “Organ Energies“. Likewise, Chinese Medicine considers and analyses all aspects of life. It associates how functions relate to a particular organ energy. These associations and classifications are in the diagram below.

Acupuncture Channels and Meridians

Jing-Luo, Meridian and Channel are all closely related and inter-changeable terms.

The first main Meridians to consider are the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. These do not associate with the Organs. They are independent and have specific functions within the body such as

Eight Extraordinary Meridians

  • They store the precious substances (Qi and Blood) for the Twelve Main Channels. Due to the fact that they fill and empty as the body requires.
  • The Eight Extraordinary Meridianscirculate Jing. Jing is essence, a most precious and anti-ageing substance. It is what we inherit from our genetics and what maintains our youth and wellbeing. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians circulate Jing around the body. Hence, these Meridians are closely tied to the Kidney Energy.
  • These Meridianscirculate the Wei Qi (Defensive Qi). Wei Qi governs the surface of the body to maintain immunity and good health.
  • The Eight Extraordinary Meridiansprovide deeper connections between the Twelve Main Channels. These subtle, deep connections allows the body to function.

The Eight Extraordinary Meridians

  • Ren Mai– Conception Channel
  • Du Mai– Governing Channel
  • Chong Mai– Penetrating Channel
  • Dai Mai– Girdle/Belt Channel
  • Yin Wei Mai– Yin Linking Channel
  • Yang Wei Mai– Yang Linking Channel
  • Yin Qiao Mai– Yin Heel Channel
  • Yang Qiao Mai– Yang Heel Channel

The Twelve Main Channels

The Twelve Main Channels connect and pair with major Organ energies. So, a Yin & Solid Organ Channel (e.g. Lung) will connect with a Yang & Hollow Organ Channel (e.g. Large Intestine):

  • Lung Tai Yinconnects with the Large Intestine Yang Ming
  • Spleen Tai Yinconnects with the Stomach Yang Ming
  • Heart Shao Yinconnects with Small Intestine Tai Yang
  • Kidney Shao Yinconnects with Bladder Tai Yang
  • Pericardium Jue Yinconnects with the San Jiao Shao Yang
  • Liver Jue Yinconnects with Gall Bladder Shao Yang

Notice other correspondences between these channels

    • Lung Tai Yincorresponds to Spleen Tai Yin
    • Large Intestine Yang Mingcorresponds to Stomach Yang Ming
    • Heart Shao Yincorresponds to Kidney Shao Yin
    • Bladder Tai Yangcorresponds to Small Intestine Tai Yang
    • Pericardium Jue Yincorresponds with Liver Jue Yin
    • Gall Bladder Shao Yangcorresponds to Bladder Shao Yan

What Is Qi?

Understandably, science and Chinese Medicine are forever debating the concept and existence of Qi. Regarding Qi, it is a most simple yet fundamental vital substance. In other words, it is often translated as “life force”. Qi flows through all the Jing-Luo (Meridians) to the entire body. That is to say, the difference between being dead and alive is whether you have Qi or not. Every living thing on earth has Qi, and you can observe the different levels of quality.

The Chinese meaning for Qi is air or gas.

How Can You Quantify The Quality Of Qi?

Imagine a beautiful, plump strawberry with a red, shiny texture that is home-grown in your garden is full of Qi. In contrast, compare it to a sad whitish-green strawberry grown in winter. Because of the fact it travelled thousands of kilometres. Only to sit in supermarket fridge. This latter strawberry would have little Qi in it. Indeed, the former would be full of Qi. This is an example of the variance in Qi and its’ quality.

How Does Qi Flow?

Where Qi flows blood follows.

Qi flows through the Twelve Main Meridians throughout every hour of the day. Thus, there is even a 24-hour Chinese Medicine Theoretical Clock.

How Does Qi Circulate?

Qi flows from the chest area out to the three arm Yin Meridians (Lung, Pericardium, Heart) to the hands. It then transfers to the three paired arm Yang Meridians (Large Intestine, San Jiao, Small Intestine). Then, it flows upward to the head. Then Qi connects with the three corresponding leg Yang Meridians (Stomach, Gall Bladder, Bladder). Finally, it then flows down the body to the feet. In the feet it connects with the corresponding leg Yin Meridians (Spleen, Liver, Kidney). By flowing back up again to the chest it completes the full cycle of Qi.

What Is Illness According To Chinese Medicine Theory?

If Qi stops flowing, the body cannot perform the Five Cardinal Functions. This is how illness occurs. For example, consider stagnation in the Liver Meridian. Headaches, red eyes and sore ribs are Liver Energy Signs given they occur on the Liver Meridian. Qi Stagnation can occur for many reasons. It may be due to lack of Qi or Blood or from an excess condition due to a pathogenic substance

What is Deficiency & Excess?

Chinese Medicine treatment always aims to redirect the body back into balance. So, when there is pain, sickness or disease, the body is in imbalance. This is where assessment, diagnosis and consultation achieves this. The Acupuncturist uses her knowledge and understanding of the body. For instance, she identifies which Organ Energies/Meridians are out of balance and need treatment. This is why it takes years to study Chinese Medicine. To practice Chinese Medicine you must have the education, experience and understanding. This makes an authentic and effective practitioner.

The body is almost always in either excess or deficiency, or a combination of both. Excess appears when there is too much of a pathogenic substance. Examples include dampness, heat, cold, toxin or the stagnation of Qi and Blood. Deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough of an essential substance such as Qi or Blood.

What Are The Vital Substances?

I discuss the Five Vital Substances that generate vitality and health of a human being:

Qi (Vital Force)

Qi is the basic life-force. It flows through the body and nourishes everything inside. Qi travels through the Meridians to communicate to the Organs. Qi provides life and movement to Blood. It keeps us alive.

Blood (Xue)

Is a denser form of Vital Substance than Qi. Blood connects to Qi and the two cannot be separated from each other. In Chinese language, Blood is called Xue. Qi moves Blood and is the mother of Qi. Blood nourishes the Organs that produce Qi. Blood and Ying (Nutritive Qi) are closely connected. Both Blood and Ying flow together in the Meridians. The Blood functions to nourish the body, moisten body tissues and support the Shen (spirit).

Jin Ye (Body Fluids)

Refers to the two types of fluids that moisten the body. Jin refers to the clear, thin and light fluids. These fluids circulate the skin, muscles and body exterior by means of Wei (Defensive) Qi by the Lung. The Jin acts to moisten the skin and muscles and thins the Blood to prevent stagnation. Ye are the turbid, thicker and stickier fluids that nourish the body internally. The Spleen and Kidneys control the Ying (Nutritive Qi). The Ye moistens the joints, spine, brain and bone marrow. The Ye acts to lubricate the orifices of the sensory organs such as the ears, eyes, nose and mouth.

Jing (Essence)

Jing means “essence”. It combines both the soul and physical body of a person. The Kidney Energy stores Jing and it is Yin in nature. Then, Jing circulates through the Eight Extraordinary Meridians and is the densest physical matter. Jing plays a significant role in the production of semen, menstrual blood, and bone marrow. Jing regulates the body’s growth and development. It works with Qi to help protect the body from harmful external factors.

Shen (Spirit)

Shen is the Yang portion of Qi. It translates as “spirit” and regulates emotions. The Heart Energy stores Shen and enters a rested state while sleeping. Blood nourishes the Shen and it flows through the blood vessels. Mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and insomnia manifest as Shen Disturbance. Jing and Qi form the foundation for the Shen.

What Are The Patterns in Chinese Medicine Diagnostics?

There are hundreds! They can be straight patterns or complex in various combinations. Here I discuss two examples.

A patient with weakened Qi presents with:

  • exhaustion
  • poor immunity (catch colds easily)
  • weakened digestion (such as flatulence and bloating after meals)
  • get short of breath when they exercise.

These are symptoms associated with Qi Deficiency. There is not enough Qi in the body to perform the essential functions of life well.

Another patient may present with an excessive pattern:

  • anger and rage
  • rib pain
  • severe Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • headaches

This is an excess pattern in the form of Qi Stagnation. Qi is stuck in a particular Meridian, affects an Organ Energy and can no longer flow.

What Is Ben And Biao (Root and Branch)?

Chinese Medicine analyses the unique constitution, presentation and diagnosis of the individual patient. For instance, there are a myriad of patterns. Especially this famous saying in Chinese Medicine Theory that explains this:

Many diseases, one treatment. One disease, many treatments.

In Chinese Medicine, we always treat the cause (Ben), not just the symptom (Biao) presented. Chinese Medicine is holistic. Considering this, it works when you treat the underlying imbalance (Ben) along with the symptom (Biao).

What Are the Six Climactic Factors?

These Factors invade the body to block or disrupt Qi flow. This causes unwanted signs and symptoms. We live in a world where we are exposed to changes in the internal and external environment. This environment is ever-changing, as is our own.

The Six Climactic Factors are:

  • Wind
  • Cold
  • Summer-Heat
  • Dampness
  • Dryness
  • Heat (Fire)

If the harmonious relationship between nature and the body is out of balance. The body struggles to adapt and becomes vulnerable. This can lead to a Climactic Factor becoming harmful and invading the body.

The Characteristics of the Six Climactic Factors

  • The cause of disease is usually related to seasonal changes in living conditions.
  • The Six Climatic Factorsattack the body. This can happen by a single Climactic Factor or via a combination.

E.g. Cold can combine with Dampness to cause Cold-Damp invasion.

E.g. Wind and Heat can combine to cause Wind-Heat invasion and so on.

  • The nature of the Six Climatic Factorsallows them to transform.

E.g. A patient presents with Wind-Heat invasion. Symptoms are clear runny discharge, chills and exhaustion. Furthermore, two days later the symptoms change. The patient now has sore throat, green discharge and high fever. As a matter of fact, the Syndrome of Wind-Cold has now morphed into Wind-Heat.

The History Of Chinese Medicine In Australia

Historically, Chinese immigrants brought Chinese Medicine to Australia in the 19th century (1880s). Probably along with the gold rush. Did you know Acupuncture was practised only in the Chinese community until the 1950s? Since then, Acupuncture has been largely integrated into Australia. From the 1990s it has experienced a rapid growth spurt. It is now a registered profession with AHPRA. An article by Zhen Zheng, Acupuncture in Australia: regulation, education, practice & research establishes that Australians are fond of natural medicine. 

REFERENCES

Ai-Ping, L., Jia, H-W, Xiao, C. & Lu, Q-P. (2004). Theory of traditional Chinese medicine and therapeutic method of diseases. World J Gastroenterol. Jul 1; 10(13): 1854–1856. Published online 2004 Jul 1. doi:  10.3748/wjg.v10.i13.1854 (Accessed 10 August 2018).

Kennedy, Brian & Beckert, Lutz (2010). A case of acupuncture-induced pneumothorax. The New Zealand Medical Journal. Aug; 123(1320). (Accessed 7 August 2018).

Chan, Wu, Wu, Wong, & Chong (2017). Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews. Sci Rep.; 7: 3369. Published online 2017 Jun 13. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-03272-0

Manheimer, E., Wieland, S., Kinbrough, E., Cheng, K. & Berman, B.M. (2009). Evidence
from the Cochrane Collaboration for Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapies. J Altern Complement Med. Sep; 15(9): 1001–1014. (Accessed 7 August 2018).
doi:  10.1089/acm.2008.0414

Ping, Liu. (2012). Modern research of TCM etiology and pathogenesis theory and translational medicine. J Transl Med. 10(Suppl 2): A36. Published online 2012 Oct 17.

doihttps://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1479-5876-10-S2-A36:  10.1186/1479-5876-10-S2-A36. (Accessed 10 August 2018).

Pollock, Kerryn (2018). Alternative Health Therapies – Asian Alternative-Health

Therapies. Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/alternative-health-therapies/page-5 (Accessed 7 August 2018).

Zheng, Zhen (2014). Acupuncture in Australia: regulation, education, practice and research. Integrative Medical Research. Sep 3(3):103-110. Published online 2014 Jul 3. doi: 10.1016/j.imr.2014.06.002

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