The Twelve Primary Qi Channels
In this chapter we will briefly review the twelve primary Qi channels along
with the eight extraordinary meridians. You should also know the organ's Yin
and Yang. In our body, there are six Yang organs and six Yin organs. Each Yang
organ is associated with a Yin organ by a special Yin/Yang relationship.
Paired Yin and Yang organs belong to the same phase in the Five Phases.
Their channels are sequential to each other in the circulation of Qi, their
functions are closely related, and disease in one usually affects the other. In
Chinese medicine, the channel corresponding to the Yang organ is often used to
treat disorders of its related Yin organ.
In the limbs, the Yang channels are on the external side of the limbs while
the Yin channels are on the internal side. Generally speaking, the outsides of
the limbs are more Yang and are more resistant and prepared for an attack,
while the internal sides are more Yin and weaker.
The organs are further subdivided in order to distinguish the different
levels of the Yin/Yang characteristics. The Yang organs are divided into
Greater Yang (Taiyang), Lesser Yang (Shaoyang), and Yang Brightness (Yangming).
The Yin organs are divided into Greater Yin (Taiyin), Lesser Yin (Shaoyin), and
Absolute Yin (Jueyin). In the following discussion, all of the classifications
will be shown in the title, for example: the Lung Channel of Hand Greater Yin.
The lungs (Yin) and the large intestine (Yang)
are considered paired organs. They belong to Metal in the Five Phases, the
westerly direction, the season of autumn, the dry climatic condition, the color
white, the pungent taste, the rank odor, the emotion of sadness, and the sound
of weeping. Their opening is the nose, and they govern skin and hair.
In Qigong practice, since the lungs belong to
Metal, they are able to regulate heartburn. The heart belongs to Fire. Whenever
the heart has excess Qi, deep breathing is able to lead the heart's fire to the
lungs, and therefore cool the heartburn. When the weather is changing from
damp, hot summer into dry and cool autumn, lungs are the first organ to sense
the change. If your lungs are not able to readjust themselves to fit the new
situation smoothly, you will catch a cold. The lungs access the outside world
through your nose. The lungs are responsible for taking Qi from the air, and
for the energy (Qi) state of the body.
Breathing is considered a strategy for leading Qi
to the extremities such as skin and hair. When your breathing is regulated
properly, you are able to strengthen your body's Guardian Qi and generate an
expansive Qi shield to protect your body. You are also able to raise or lower
your Qi state through your breathing. For example, when you are angry, deep
breathing is ab!e to calm your excited Qi state.
The lungs are sensitive to emotional changes,
especially when you are sad or angry. They also control that part of the liquid
metabolism which distributes liquid to the skin.
Because the lungs are usually the first to be
attacked by exogenous diseases, they are called the Delicate Organ. These
diseases can also cause what is called the Non-Spreading of the Lung Qi. The
main symptom of a problem with the lungs is coughing, which is a form of
Rebellious Qi (since the lung Qi normally flows downward). If coughing is also
accompanied by lassitude, shortness of breath, light foamy phlegm, and weakness
in the voice, it is called Deficient Lung Qi. However, if the cough is a dry
one, with little phlegm, a parched throat and mouth, and Deficient Yin symptoms
(such as night sweating, low grade fever, red cheeks, etc.), the condition is
referred as Deficient Lung Yin.
The lungs (Yin) and the large intestine (Yang)
are considered paired organs. From Table 2-1 you can see that they belong to
Metal in the Five Phases, the westerly direction, the season of autumn, the dry
climatic condition, the color white, the pungent taste, the rank odor, the
emotion of sadness, and the sound of weeping. Their opening is the nose, and
they govern skin and hair. The main function of the large intestine is the
metabolism of water and the passing of water. It extracts water from the waste
material received from the small intestine, sends it on to the urinary bladder,
and excretes the solid material as stool. Many disorders affecting this organ
are categorized as spleen and stomach patterns. Certain abdominal pains are
considered manifestations of a blockage of Qi or blood in the large intestine.
In Qigong, the Dan Tian in the lower abdomen is
considered the residence of Original Qi. In order to keep this Qi at its
residence, this area must be strong and healthy. The Qi circulating around the
intestines must not be stagnant. When you practice Qigong you must learn how to
regulate your breathing to smooth the Qi flow in the large intestine and the
lungs. This will allow you to relax the front of your body and regulate the Qi
flow in the other organs.
The spleen (Yin) and the stomach (Yang) are
paired organs. They belong to Earth in the Five Phases, the center, the season
of long summer (the end of summer), the climatic condition of damp ness, the
color yellow, the emotion of ppnsiveness, the taste of sweet ness, fragrant
odor, and the sound of singing. Their opening is the mouth and they control the
flesh and the limbs.
The Yin/Yang relationship between the spleen and
the stomach is a particularly strong example of the relationship between
organs. The stomach receives food while the spleen transports nutrients. The
stomach moves things downward while the spleen moves things upward. The stomach
likes dampness while the spleen likes dryness.
Though there are some patterns relating to
deficiency of the stomach (many of these originate in the spleen), most stomach
disorders are caused from excess. Stomach Fire gives a painful, burning
sensation in the stomach, unusual hunger, bleeding of the gums, constipation,
and halitosis.
Once saliva has begun the process of digestion,
food passes to the stomach, located in the middle Sanjiao (middle triple
burner) area. The stomach breaks down the food, and then passes it on to the
intestines, where the essence is absorbed and converted into Qi, and circulated
through the entire body.
The stomach is related to the emotion of
pensiveness. When you are upset, the stomach will not function normally. In
Qigong, regulating the mind is the first step to maintaining the stomach in a
healthy condition. The type of food you eat is the second consideration. The
proper amount and quality of food will help you to obtain high quality Qi to
circulate in your body.
The spleen (Yin) and the stomach (Yang) are
paired organs. They belong to Earth in the Five Phases, the central direction,
the season of long summer (the end of summer), the climatic condition of
dampness, the color yellow, the emotion of pensiveness, the taste of sweetness,
fragrant odor, and the sound of singing. Their opening is the mouth and they
control the flesh and the limbs.
The spleen is the main organ of digestion. Its
function is to transport nutrients and regulate the blood (regulate means to
keep it within the channels). It is responsible for the transformation of food
into nourishment.
When the spleen is weak, the body will not be
able to use the nourishment available in food. This will cause general
lassitude, fatigue, and a pasty complexion. The upper abdomen is considered the
province of the spleen. Deficient spleen Qi is shown by a sense of malaise or
fullness in that area. Because it is required that the transportive function of
the spleen distribute its Qi upward, weak ness in the spleen will usually cause
diarrhea. Spleen Qi is also regarded as the Middle Qi, and it is responsible
for holding the viscera in place. Insufficiency of the Middle Qi will presage
prolapsed stomach, kidneys, etc. In more serious cases, the spleen Yang Qi will
be deficient, which is manifested in diarrhea, cold limbs, and abdominal pain
that can be soothed by the warmth of frequent hot drinks.
If any of the above symptoms are accompanied by
bleeding, especially from the digestive tract or uterus, it is called Spleen
Not Controlling the Blood.
Cold and Dampness Harassing the Spleen is a
manifestation characterized by a pent-up feeling in the chest and a bloated
sensation in the abdomen, lassitude, lack of appetite and taste, a feeling of
cold in the limbs, a dark yellowish hue to the skin, some edema and diarrhea or
watery stool. The cold and dampness prevent the spleen from performing its
transforming and transporting functions. This leads to a great disturbance in
water metabolism and is one of the origins of Phlegm.
In Qigong training, one of the final goals is to
regulate the Qi flow to its original (normal) levei in the five Yin organs.
Among them, the spleen is the last and the hardest organ to regulate. It is
believed that if you are able to regulate the Qi in your spleen to a normal and
healthy level, you will have grasped the key to health and longevity.
The heart and the small intestine are paired
organs. The heart is considered Yin, and the small intestine is considered
Yang, balancing this paired channel. These two organs correspond to Fire in the
Five Phases, the southerly direction, the summer season, the climatic condition
of heat, the color red, the emotion of happiness, the sound of laughter, the
taste of bitterness, and the odor of burning. Their point of entry is the
tongue, they control the blood vessels and are reflected in the face.
Almost all of the problems and disorders of the
heart are associated with weakness. The four major types of heart weakness are
Deficient Heart Qi, Deficient Heart Yang, Deficient Heart Blood, and Deficient
Heart Yin.
The main functions of the heart are associated
with the spirit and the blood vessels. The heart governs the blood vessels and
is responsible for moving blood through them. It also stores the spirit, and is
the organ usually associated with mental processes. Therefore, some forms of
emotional distress, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and lack of
vitality are common symptoms of heart ailments. Deficient Heart Qi is
symbolized by general lassitude, panting and shallow breathing, and frequent
sweating. If the face is swollen and ashen gray or bluish-green, and the limbs
are cold, it is called Deficient Heart Yang. The symptoms of restless ness,
irritability, dizziness, absentmindedness, and insomnia are typical signs of
Deficient Heart Blood. In Deficient Heart Yin cases, developments with a
flushed feeling in the palms and face, low grade fever, and night sweating will
occur.
The symptom of Heart Excess arises from an excess
of Heart Fire. This is manifested by fever, occasionally accompanied by
delirium, a racking pulse, intense restlessness, insomnia or frequent
nightmares, a bright red face, a red or blistered and painful tongue, and often
a burning sensation during urination. The latter symptom is the result of Heat
being transferred from the heart to the small intestine, which interferes with
the small intestine's role in metabolism and the body's management of water.
In Qigong society, it is believed that the mind
is associated with the heart, and that it is also directly related to the
spirit. The term heart (Xin) is usually used to represent the emotional mind or
ideas. The Middle Dan Tian at the solar plexus is considered the residence of
the Fire Qi. This Fire is used to nourish the brain and the spirit (Shen) at
its residence, the Upper Dan Tian or third eye. In Chinese medicine it is said
that the heart is the temple of the spirit because it supplies Fire Qi and can
nourish the spirit without limit.
Generally speaking, the heart is very sensitive
during the summertime: The heart is a Yin channel, and when the summer Yang
comes it can increase the heart's Qi level and cause problems. Emotional
disturbances, such as excitement from happiness, are considered harmful to the
heart as well, especially during the summer time. Qigong emphasizes regulating
the heart in the summer.
The heart and the small intestine are paired
organs. The heart is considered Yin, and the small intestine is considered
Yang, balancing this paired channel. These two organs correspond to Fire in the
Five Phases, the southerly direction, the summer season, the climatic condition
of heat, the color red, the emotion of happiness, the sound of laughter, the
taste of bitterness, and the odor of burning. Their point of entry is the
tongue. They control the blood vessels and are reflected in the face.
The major function of the small intestine is to
separate waste material from the nutritious elements in food. The nutritious
elements are then distributed throughout the body and the waste is sent on to
the large intestine.
The small and large intestines are located in the
Lower Dan Tian. In order to store the Original Qi converted from Original
Essence, the abdomen must be healthy and the Qi circulation in the area of the
intestines must be smooth and natural. The best way to reach this goal is
through abdominal breathing exercises. One such exercise is to lead the
Original Qi upward following the heart and small intestine Qi channels to cool
down the heart Fire.
The kidneys (Yin) and the urinary bladder (Yang)
are paired organs. They correspond to Water in the Five Phases, the winter
season, the cold climatic condition, the southerly dicection, the color black,
the emotion of fear, the taste of salt, the smell of decay, and the sound of
groaning. Their sensory organ is the ear. Their opening is the urethra. They
control the bones, marrow, and brain, and their health is reflected in the hair
of the head.
The main function of the urinary bladder is to
transform fluids into urine and excrete it from the body.
In Qigong, the urinary bladder has never enjoyed
serious attention. However, its pairing partner the kidney is cne of the most
important organs - one with which all Qigong practitioners are concerned and
train most often. The reason for this is simply that the kidneys are the
residence of the Original Essence.
The kidneys (Yin) and the urinary bladder (Yang)
are paired organs. They correspond to Water in the Five Phases, the winter
season, the cold climatic condition, the southerly direction, the color black,
the emotion of fear, the taste of salt, a rotten smell, and the sound of
groaning. Their sensory organ is the ear. Their opening is the urethra. They control
the bones, marrow, and brain, and their health is reflected in the hair of the
head.
The kidneys store Original Essence (Yuan Jing)
and are therefore responsible for growth, development, and reproductive
functions. They play the primary role in water metabolism and control the
body's liquids, and also hold the body's most fundamental Yin and Yang.
Because the kidneys are the repositories of the
basal Yin and Yang of the body, any disorder, if sufficiently chronic, will
involve the kidneys. More significantly, a disease of the kidneys will usually
lead to problems in other organs. Methods of strengthening the kidneys are
therefore used by both medical and Qigong societies to increase or maintain
vitality and health. The symptoms of Deficient Kidney Yang or Yin are typical
symptoms of the disorder, and will appear to a certain extent as Deficient Yang
or Yin patterns in any organ.
It is easy to undeistand and memorize the
symptoms of Deficient Kidney Yin if one learns the correspondences of the
kidneys and remembers that Yin represents the constructive, nourishing, and
fluid aspects of the body. Usually, the lower back is weak and sore, there is
ringing in the ears and loss of hearing acuity, the face is ashen or dark,
especially under the eyes. It is common to feel dizziness and thirst, and to
experience night sweats and low grade fevers. In addition, men have little
semen and tend toward premature ejaculation, while women have little or no
menstruation.
Deficient Kidney Yang symptoms are significantly
associated with loss of energy or warmth. Similar to Deficient Kidney Yin,
there is commonly ringing in the ears, dizziness, and soreness in the lower
back. However, the soreness is characterized by a feeling of coldness,
lassitude, and fatigue. Weakness in the legs can be noticed. In men, there is a
tendency toward impotence, and in both sexes, clear and voluminous urine or
incontinence.
Usually, Deficient Kidney Yin generates similar
disorders in the heart and liver, while Deficient Kidney Yang disturbs the
functions of the spleen and lungs. The progression could be in the opposite
direction. When this pattern is associated with the lungs, it is called
"Kidney Not Receiving Qi," a type of wheezing characterized by
difficult breathing, mainly during inhalation. In addition to the Deficient
Kidney Yang symptoms, this condition is also manifested by a faint voice,
coughing, puffiness in the face, and spontaneous sweating.
The kidneys perform an important role in the
metabolism of water. If these functions are disrupted, the condition of
Deficient Kidneys will lead to Spreading Water.
In Qigong practice, essence (Jing) is considered
the most original source of human vitality. Qi is converted from essence, and
this Qi supplies the entire body and nourishes the brain and spirit. It is
believed by both Chinese medical and Qigong societies that the kidneys are the
residence of Original Essence. In order to protect your inherent essence, you
must strengthen your kidneys. Only when your kidneys are strong will you be
able to keep your essence at its residence. Therefore, keeping the kidneys
healthy has become one of the most important subjects in Qigong.
Maintaining the kidneys in a healthy state
includes protecting the physical kidneys from degeneration, and maintaining a
smooth and correct level of Qi flow. In order to reach this goal, the diet must
be considered. For example, too much salt is harmful to the kidneys, and eating
too much eggplant will weaken the kidneys. In addition, the condition of the
body is also important. Such things as over working without proper rest will
increase tension on the kidneys and make the Qi flow stagnant. In winter, the
kidneys will have more tension than in summer. Due to this, the Qi flow is more
stagnant in the wintertime than in the summertime. Consequently, back pain
problems increase in the winter.
In order to protect the kidneys, Qigong
practitioners have studied the relationship of the kidneys to nature, food, and
even to emotionalstates. They have developed massage techniques and specific
exercises to increase Qi circulation in the kidneys during the winter. Since
the health of the kidneys is related to the emotions as well, learning how to
regulate the mind in order to regulate the Qi has become one of the major
training goals in Qigong.
The pericardium (Yin) and the triple burner
(Yang) are paired organs. They are said to correspond to the "Ministerial
Fire," as opposed to the "Sovereign Fire" of the heart and small
intestine. Though the pericardium has no separate physiological functions, it
is generally mentioned with regard to the delirium induced by high fevers.
The regulation of Qi in the pericardium is
considered a very important subject in Qigong. It is believed that the heart,
the most vital organ in your body, must have a proper level of Qi circulation
in order to function normally. The Qi level of the heart can be raised easily
to an abnormal state by illness, emotional disturbance, exercise, or injury.
The function of the pericardium is to dissipate the excess Qi from the heart
and direct it to the Laogong cavity (P-8), located in the center of the palm.
From Laogong, the excess Qi will be released naturally and hence, regulate the
heart's Qi level. The Laogong cavity is used in Qigong massage to reduce the
body's temperature during a fever. You can see that the purpose of the
pericardium is to regulate the Qi in the heart through the Laogong cavity.
You should understand that in Qigong it is
believed that there are five centers (called gates) where the Qi of the body is
able to com municate with the surrounding environment, and, consequently,
regulate the Qi level in your body. Two of these five centers are the Laogong
cavities, and two others are the Yongquan cavities (K-1), used to regulate the
Qi in the kidneys. The fifth one is your face. The face is connected and
related to many ofyour organs. Whenever any of your organ Qi is not normal, it
shows on your face.
At least as far back as the 3rd century A.D., in
the "Classic of Difficulties" (Nan Jing) the triple burner was
regarded as "having a name but no form." In the "Inner
Classic" (Nei Jing), the triple burner was considered an organ that
coordinated all the functions of water metabolism. In other traditional
documents, the burners were considered three regions of the body that were used
to group the organs. The upper burner includes the chest, neck, and head as
well as the functions of the heart and lungs. The middle burner is the region
between the chest and the navel, and includes the functions of the stomach,
liver, and spleen. The lower burner spans the lower abdomen, and the functions
of the kidneys and urinary bladder. Therefore, the upper burner has been
compared to a mist which spreads the blood and Qi, the middle burner is like a
foam which churns up food in the process of digestion, and the lower burner
resembles a swamp where all the impure substances are excreted.
Regulating the Qi to a normally
"smooth-flow" state is one of the main Qigong training methods for
maintaining health. It is normal ly done through Wai Dan exercises, and it is believed
that the Qi must flow around internal organs smoothly in order for them to
maintain their normal functions. This means that in order to keep Qi flow
smooth and the organs healthy, you must first learn how to regulate and relax
muscles that are holding and related to a given organ. External movements also
exercise internal muscles. One of the most common external exercises is
regulating the triple burner by lifting your hands up above your head and then
moving them down slowly. These up and down arm movements extend and relax the
internal muscles and thereby increase Qi flow.
The liver (Yin) and the gall bladder (Yang) are
paired organs. They correspond to Wood in the Five Phases, the direction east,
the spring season, the climatic wind, the color green, the emotion of anger,
the taste of sourness, the goatish odor, and the sound of shouting. Their point
of entry is the eyes. They control the sinews (muscles and joints), and their
health is reflected in the finger and toe nails.
The main function of the gall bladder is storing
and excreting the bile produced by the liver. Together with the heart, the gall
bladder is responsible for decision-making.
The main disease related to the gall bladder is a
disorder affect ing the flow of bile, usually caused by Dampness and Heat. This
is commonly manifested by pain in the region of the liver, an oppressive
sensation of fullness in the abdomen, and yellowish eyes, skin, urine, and
tongue.
The gall bladder has never enjoyed serious
attention during Qigong training. Its paired partner the liver however, has
received much more attention.
The liver (Yin) and the gall bladder (Yang) are
considered paired organs. They correspond to Wood in the Five Phases, the
direction east, the spring season, the climatic condition of wind, the color
green, the emotion of anger, the taste of sourness, the goatish odor, and the
sound of shouting. Their point of entry is the eyes. They control the sinews
(muscles and joints), and their health is reflected in the finger and toe
nails.
The main task of the liver is spreading and regulating
Qi throughout the entire body. Its unique character is flowing and free.
Therefore, depression or frustration can disturb the functioning of the liver.
In addition, the liver is also responsible for storing blood when the body is
at rest. This characteristic, together with its control over the lower abdomen,
makes it the most critical organ in regards to women's menstrual cycle and
sexuality.
Depression or long-term frustration can stagnate
the liver's spreading function and result in continuing depression, a bad
temper, and a painful, swollen feeling in the chest and sides. If this
condition worsens, it may cause disharmony between the liver and the stomach
and/or spleen. This disorder is symbolized by the "rebellion" of Qi
in the latter organs, whereby Qi moves in the opposite direction than is
normal. For example, the stomach Qi normally descends, so rebellious Qi means
hiccoughing, vomiting, etc. In the case of the spleen, the Qi ordinarily moves
upward, so rebellious Qi in this organ means diarrhea.
Depression of the liver Qi is the main cause of
many women's disorders, including menstrual irregularities, swollen and painful
breasts, etc.
One of the most important responsibilities of the
liver is the storage of blood with intended emphasis upon nourishing and moist
ening. Whenever the liver blood is deficient, the liver will not be able to
handle the function of moistening. This is generally shown as dry and painful
eyes with blurred or weak vision, lack of supple ness or pain in moving the joints,
dry skin, dizziness, and infrequent or spotty menstruation. If the Deficient
Liver Yin has become serious, the conditions Rising Liver Fire or Hyper Liver
Yang Ascending occur. These occurrences are evidenced in ill-temper, rest
lessness, headache, vertigo, red face and eyes, and a parched mouth. If the
liver Yin is so deficient that it is incapable of securing the liver Yang, many
of the symptoms appear as disorders of the head. Weakness in the lower joints
may also be manifested.
The liver is one of the five Yin organs whose Qi
level the Qigong practitioner wants to regulate. Since the liver and the gall
bladder are directly connected, when the liver's Qi is regulated, the Qi
circulating in the gall bladder will also be regulated. Many methods have been
developed for regulating the liver Qi. Wai Dan Qigong works through the limbs.
For example, when the arms are moved up and down, the internal muscles
surrounding the liver will be moved and the Qi around the liver will be
circulated smoothly. In Nei Dan Qigong, it is believed that the liver is
closely related to your mind. It is also believed that when your mind is
regulated, the Qi circulation in the liver will be normal and therefore the
liver will function properly.
Important Points
1.
The spleen, liver, and heart are the organs with the most
direct relationship with the blood. The spleen filters the blood (modifying the
blood's structure), the liver stores the blood, and the heart moves it. Any
problem associated with the blood will involve at least one of these organs.
2.
The liver and the kidney are closely related. Their channels
cross in many places. The liver stores blood; the kidney stores essence. These
substances, both of which are Yin, have a consider able influence on the
reproductive functions.
3.
The heart (upper burner, Fire) and the kidney (lower burner,
Water) keep each other in check and are dependent upon one another. The spirit
of the heart and the essence of the kidneys cooperate in establishing and
maintaining human consciousness.
4.
The spleen's digestive function is associated with the
distributive functions of the liver. Disharmony between these two results in
various digestive troubles. The transportive and digestive functions of the
splcen (also called the Middle Qi) depend upon the strength of the kidney Yang.
5.
Although the lungs govern Qi, Qi from the lungs must mix with
essence from the kidneys before Original Qi can be produced. The lungs govern
Qi, the liver spreads Qi, and the kidneys provide its basis.