Essence, Qi, and Spirit, as concepts in traditional Chinese medicine, respectively represent the material foundation of life, the driving force of life activities, and the collective term for mental awareness activities. When any of these three are deficient or obstructed, both bodily functions and psychological states can be affected.
The depletion of essence, Qi, and spirit can be primarily divided into three points: insufficient essence, obstructed Qi, and unsettled spirit.
1. Insufficient Essence
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, essence is divided into congenital essence and acquired essence. Insufficient congenital endowment, along with prolonged excessive fatigue, inappropriate diet, and emotional disturbances from the acquired aspect, can easily lead to the depletion and deficiency of essence, resulting in a general decline of bodily functions.
This condition often manifests clinically as lack of energy, sluggish thinking and response, significant memory decline, and symptoms such as depression, severely impacting individuals’ quality of life and health.
2. Obstructed Qi
Qi, as the core driving force of human life activities, is responsible for promoting and regulating various physiological functions. When encountering unfavorable factors such as emotional stagnation or external pathogenic factors, the smooth flow of Qi can be obstructed, leading to inadequate nourishment of the heart and spirit by Qi and blood.
This pathological state not only prompts individuals to develop negative and pessimistic emotional tendencies but, if it persists long-term, can gradually evolve into depression.
3. Unsettled Spirit
Spirit, as the governing factor of human life activities, encompasses core aspects such as mental, awareness, and thought. In a state where essence and Qi are abundant and flowing smoothly, it can effectively regulate the physiological and psychological activities of the body.
However, when essence and Qi are insufficient or when the flow of Qi is obstructed, the state of tranquility will be disrupted, leading to disordered normal regulatory functions. This pathological change often accompanies a series of symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness, irritability, and emotional instability.
