Overview of body fluid metabolism in traditional Chinese medicine

Body fluid metabolism in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the process of generation, distribution and excretion of water in the human body, which is an important link in maintaining life activities. Body fluid is metabolized from food, water and grains, and relies on the coordinated operation of the spleen, lungs and kidneys.The spleen governs transportation and transformation(Generation and distribution),Lung Lord Xuan Jiang(regulating water channels),Kidney controls fluid(Transpiration and excretion). If metabolism is imbalanced, it can lead to edema, phlegm and other symptoms. The content will be divided into three parts: body fluid production, transport pathways, excretion mechanism and conditioning methods.

The production of body fluids and the transportation and transformation functions of the spleen

Body fluids originate from dietary water and cereals, and areSpleen and stomach transportationLater, it is transformed into subtle substances and transported up to the lungs. The spleen is the "foundation of acquired nature", and the strength of its transportation and transformation function directly affects the production of body fluids. "The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic" mentions that "drinking into the stomach will overflow the essence and flow up to the spleen", emphasizing the core role of the spleen and stomach. If the spleen is deficient, water and dampness will stop inside, which will be manifested as loss of appetite and thick and greasy tongue coating. It needs to be treated with spleen-strengthening prescriptions such as Sijunzi Decoction.

The transmission and distribution of body fluids and the lung’s function of promoting and descending

The lungs are the "source above water", throughProclamation of surrenderDistribute body fluids throughout the body: spread them to the body surface (such as sweat), and then sink them to the kidneys and bladder. If the lungs fail to clear the lungs and reduce phlegm, it may cause excessive phlegm and cough. Sangju drink is often used to clear the lungs and reduce phlegm. In addition, the lungs and large intestine are related to each other, and constipation may also affect the distribution of body fluids, reflecting the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine.

Excretion of body fluids and qi transformation of kidneys

The qi transformation of kidney yang is the final step in body fluid metabolism, regulating the opening and closing of the bladder and the production of urine. "Su Wen" states that "kidney governs water." When kidney deficiency occurs, frequent nocturia or edema may occur, and kidney yang needs to be warmed and replenished, such as Jingui Shenqi Pills. At the same time, sweat, breathing and other pathways are also involved in excretion, forming a metabolic cycle of "correspondence between nature and man".

Summary and conditioning suggestions

Body fluid metabolism is a dynamic balance of the spleen, lungs, and kidneys. When imbalance occurs, it can be treated with dietary therapy (such as barley, yam) or traditional Chinese medicine (such as Poria, Alisma). Modern Chinese patent medicines such asShenling Baizhu Powder(Manufacturer: Beijing Tongrentang) can strengthen the spleen and remove dampness, but it needs to be used based on syndrome differentiation. On a daily basis, you should avoid raw or cold foods and exercise moderately to promote water circulation.

Quote sources:"The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic Su Wen", Zhang Zhongjing's "Synopsis of the Golden Chamber", Beijing Tongrentang official website product description.