Page 30 - Study Report_PH Amila Nishani Piyasingha

Qi, Blood and Body Fluids

Qi, blood and body fluids are the basic substances constituting the body

and are the organs and meridians in carrying out their respective
physiological activities.

The energy for the physiological activities of the viscera and meridians,
is derived from qi, blood and bogy fluids. The production and

metabolism of such substances are dependent upon the normal
physiological activities of tissues, organs and the meridians. So there are

close relations both physiologically and pathologically among qi, blood

and body fluids and the organs tissues and meridians. Qi, blood and
body fluids, either from the congenital or essential substances of food

and drink, are the material base for maintaining the vital activities of the

body. By the nourishment and the replenishment of these substances the
viscera and meridians perform their normal physiological activities while

at the same time these substances are constantly consumed and
produced.

In TCM “essence” has two meanings. It is also one of the basic
substances constituting the body. In a narrow sense, “essence” means

genital essence that is stored in the kidneys. In a broad sense, essence

includes all essential substance-qi, blood, body fluids and the essential
substances of food and drink. These are collectively called essential qi.

The Meridian-Collaterals

Meridian theories in TCM include the histological structure, physiological

function and pathological changes of the body’s meridian system,

relationship with the viscera and qi, blood, and body fluids. Meridian
theory is an important component of the theoretical system of TCM and

has a guiding significance in a number of modalities, especially
acupuncture and moxibustion.

The meridians are passages through which the qi and blood of the body
circulate, and by which the viscera and the other various tissues and

organs are inter-related. The upper, lower, interior and exterior parts of