1. Qi Generates Body Fluids
The generation of body fluids (jinye) relies on the promotion and transformation of Qi. The production of body fluids is related to the functions of the spleen (pi) in dispersing fluids, the stomach (wei) in circulating essence, the small intestine (xiao chang) in managing liquids, and the large intestine (da chang) in controlling body fluids. Qi drives the functional activities of the spleen, stomach, large intestine, and small intestine, enabling them to transform water into body fluids. When Qi is abundant, body fluids are generated; when Qi is deficient, body fluids are depleted.
2. Qi Moves Body Fluids
The movement of body fluids must rely on the driving force of Qi to distribute them throughout the body for nourishing and moistening effects. Therefore, it is said that when Qi moves, water moves; when Qi is deficient, water stagnates, and when Qi is obstructed, water is also obstructed. If water stagnates, it can lead to pathological conditions such as dampness, phlegm, and edema.
3. Qi Controls Body Fluids
The distribution and excretion of body fluids must depend on the controlling and regulating functions of Qi to prevent unnecessary loss. This is specifically manifested in the kidney Qi’s control over urination, the spleen and stomach Qi’s regulation of saliva and intestinal fluids, and the lung’s defensive Qi’s control over sweat. If Qi is deficient, it can easily lead to conditions such as frequent urination, excessive urination, enuresis or incontinence, drooling, and spontaneous sweating.
4. The Relationship of Body Fluids to Qi
Body fluids can carry Qi to nourish it. Body fluids are also one of the carriers of Qi; the formless Qi must attach to the tangible body fluids and be nourished by them to prevent dissipation. As stated in the “Yanjing Yan: Yuan Ying Wei,” “Nourishing Qi travels within the vessels, attached to blood; defensive Qi travels outside the vessels, attached to body fluids.” If a large amount of body fluids is lost, Qi will also be lost along with the fluids, a phenomenon known as Qi escaping with body fluids or Qi leaking with fluid loss. The “Jin Gui Yao Lue Xin Dian” states: “After vomiting and purging, there will be no complete Qi left.”