An overview of the differences and functions of Ying Qi and Weiqi

Ying Qi and Wei Qi are the two major components of Qi and blood in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. They have the same origin as the essence of water and grain, but their functions and operation paths are completely different.YingqiBelonging to Yin, it travels in the meridians and nourishes the internal organs and metabolizes blood;Wei QiIt belongs to Yang and travels outside the pulse. It mainly protects against external evils and warms and nourishes the body surface. This article will start from the generation, distribution, function and mutual relationship, and systematically analyze the core differences and applications of the two in five sections.

1. The difference between generation and source

Both Ying and Wei qi are transformed by the water and grain essence transported and transformed by the spleen and stomach, but the transformation paths are different.YingqiIt is generated from the "pure and soft" part of the essence of water and grains, and is transformed into blood through the action of the heart and lungs;Wei QiIt originates from the "strong and slippery" part of the water and grain essence, and relies on the lung's function to spread throughout the body. "Lingshu Ying Health Association" pointed out: "People receive Qi from the grains, and the grains enter the stomach...the clear ones are Ying, and the turbid ones are Wei." Zhang Jingyue, a doctor in the Ming Dynasty, further emphasized: "Ying governs blood, and Wei governs Qi. Both of them depend on the source of transformation by the spleen and stomach."

2. Operation path and distribution characteristics

The running trajectories of the two determine their functional differences.YingqiIt circulates within the meridians like a ring without end, day and night, providing nutrients to the internal organs;Wei QiThen it disperses outside the pulse, travels to the yang component of the body surface during the day, and enters the yin component at night, forming the physiological rhythm of "day essence and night silence". "Huangdi Neijing" describes that Wei Qi "warms the flesh, fills the skin, fattens the body, and regulates opening and closing". Its defensive function is similar to the concept of immune barrier in modern medicine.

3. Functional synergy and pathological correlation

Although the camp and guards each perform their own duties, they are interdependent. Ying Qi provides the material basis for Wei Qi, and Wei Qi protects the normal operation of Ying Qi. Ifcamp-guard disorder, which may manifest as spontaneous sweating (wei fails to solidify the surface), insomnia (wei fails to enter yin) or malnutrition (nutrients fail to transform into blood). Zhang Zhongjing of the Han Dynasty created Guizhi Decoction to harmonize Yingwei in "Treatise on Febrile Diseases", which is still the basic prescription for treating external factors and deficiency syndrome. Modern Chinese patent medicines such asJade screen particles(Manufacturer: Beijing Tongrentang) uses this principle to enhance Wei Qi.

Summary and practical value

Understanding the theory of nutrition and health has guiding significance for health preservation and disease prevention: a balanced diet maintains nutrition qi, and moderate exercise strengthens health qi. Common Chinese patent medicines such asShengmai Yin(Manufacturer: Tianjin Darentang) replenishes qi,Astragalus Oral Liquid(Manufacturer: Yangzijiang Pharmaceutical) Yiwei Qi. The two work together to form the disease prevention concept of traditional Chinese medicine that "righteousness exists within and evil cannot be eliminated", which embodies the overall thinking of traditional medicine.

Quote source:1. "Huangdi Neijing·Lingshu" medical classics from the Warring States Period to the Han Dynasty 2. Zhang Zhongjing's "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" Eastern Han Dynasty medical works 3. Zhang Jingyue's "Leijing" Ming Dynasty medical notes Note: The Chinese patent medicines must be used under the guidance of a physician, and the specific efficacy is subject to the instructions.