Correlation of Qi Types with Ganglionic Plexuses, Yin-Yang Aspects, and Western Correlates

The beauty of reconsidering the language of early TCM practitioners lies in how it described the observed effects in the qualitative language of the time. I was fortunate to study for many years in my TJM cohort under Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey sensei, who emphasized that the classics should be read with the understanding that these are conceptual rather than literal descriptions.

Ikeda reflected that the classics, as written, should be considered gossip. Until they become alive through our understanding and our talent, they remain a concept with little clinical value. TCM's reluctance to redefine abstract, vague terms has contributed to trivializing this rich tradition, keeping it in the realm of the subjective, which makes it prone to interpretation and projection. To a Western mind, for example, Zhong Qi and Ying Qi sound alike; they remain theoretical concepts with little clinical use. Applying a polyvagal lens to these concepts, however, significantly expands our understanding and clinical application.

Modern neurology reveals that all sensory input is sympathetic by nature (Yang/+ charge). This includes all input through the five sense organs: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. The sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the fight-or-flight response, correlates with the protective and outward-moving nature of Wei Qi. Regardless of a literal interpretation, Wei Qi, defined as defensive Qi, falls under the influence of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and is inherently Yang in nature. This ANS mobilizes the body’s defenses against external threats by increasing heart rate, redirecting blood flow to muscles, and heightening alertness, particularly preparing the body for possible flight, fight, or freeze responses by diverting blood and vital fluids to the Yang skeletal muscles, especially below the waist.

On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system (PANS), associated with rest, digestion, and repair, correlates with Zhong Qi. Zhong Qi is responsible for vital functions fundamental to digestion including secretory functions required for digestion: enzymes, stomach acid, bile delivery, insulin. It is the gestalt of the entirety of the digestive process. The Spleen is responsible for extracting the "clear essence" from food and drink. This clear essence, known as "Gu Qi" (food Qi), is transformed by the Spleen into usable energy and nutrients through insulin. Zhong Qi reflects the efficacy of post-natal Qi, responsible for vital energy and digestive processes. It is a qualitative description of a parasympathetic function.

Ying Qi can be seen as more yang, an extension of Zhong Qi. It is the nutritive Qi that flows through the vasculature, delivering oxygen-rich blood to facilitate local cellular processes and nourish the body. In prolonged sympathetic dominance, the heightened arousal states mean that cells are not in a parasympathetically neutral state to receive nourishment, impacting both Zhong and Ying Qi functions. Zhong is about quantity, and Ying is more about patency and the local vascular environment.

In the absence of a threat, the vagus nerve, a major component of the parasympathetic system, ideally sends impulses through the brainstem and cervical area to signal the body to relax, take deep breaths, and return to a resting state for rest and repair. This vagal response helps to stop muscle contraction and promotes relaxation, allowing for restorative processes to occur.

Therefore, the TCM concept of harmonizing Ying and Wei takes on a new meaning: balancing the activities of the sympathetic (defenses) and parasympathetic (rest, digest, repair) systems to ensure overall health.

Seven External Factors (External Pathogenic Factors)

These factors are often referred to as the "Six Evils" (六淫, Liù Yín) with an addition, making it seven. They represent climatic or environmental conditions that can invade the body and cause illness when the body's defenses are weak:

1. Wind (风, Fēng)
2. Cold (寒, Hán)
3. Heat/Fire (火, Huǒ)
4. Dampness (湿, Shī)
5. Dryness (燥, Zào)
6. Summer Heat (暑, Shǔ)
7. Pestilence (疫, Yì)

Internal Factors (Emotional Factors)

The internal factors in TCM are primarily related to emotions. These are known as the "Seven Emotions" (七情, Qī Qíng), and they can lead to internal disharmony and illness if they are extreme, unbalanced, or suppressed:

1. Joy (喜, Xǐ)
2. Anger (怒, Nù)
3. Worry (忧, Yōu)
4. Pensiveness (思, Sī)
5. Sadness/Grief (悲, Bēi)
6. Fear (恐, Kǒng)
7. Fright (惊, Jīng)

The external factors, as sensory inputs, are sympathetic by their nature, therefore yang. They represent external stimuli that activate the body's defenses. In contrast, the internal factors are tied to emotions and the limbic system, reflecting the emotional sense of resilience. These internal factors are linked to the development of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the parasympathetic sense of safety. They are mediated by the limbic system and governed by the cranial nerves and primitive reflexes, which are formed during the formative years.

By viewing these external and internal factors through the lens of the ANS, we gain a deeper understanding of how they influence health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic activities.

Correlation of Qi Types with Ganglionic Plexuses, Yin-Yang Aspects, and Western Correlates

In TCM, the various types of qi have specific functions and locations in the body, which can be correlated with ganglionic plexuses and functions in Western medicine. Additionally, these types of qi can be categorized as either yin or yang based on their functions. By examining the overlaps between TCM and modern neurology, we can expand these definitions to be more relevant and inclusive of both systems. I've also included what happens during prolonged states of fight-flight-freeze.  We are not separate from the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and understanding the overlap allows us to enhance our treatment approaches.

 

1. Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)

TCM Function: Protects the body from external pathogens, circulates on the surface, particularly in the skin and muscles.

Western Correlate: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

• Function: Mobilizes the body's defenses against external threats, increases heart rate, blood flow to muscles, and alertness.
• Ganglionic Plexus: Sympathetic Chain Ganglia
• Location: Runs parallel to the vertebral column.
• Function: Controls the fight-or-flight response, regulating sweat glands and blood flow to the skin and muscles.
• Predominantly: Sympathetic
• Yin-Yang Aspect: Yang - Wei Qi is defensive in nature and involved in the body's active response to external threats.
• Primitive Reflexes: Moro Reflex, Startle Reflex
• Function: Triggers defensive responses to sudden stimuli.
• Nerves: Sympathetic nerves, Spinal nerves
• Sustained Fight-Flight-Freeze Response: Hyperfunction - Wei Qi would likely become hyperactive, potentially leading to chronic inflammation, heightened immune responses, and excessive energy expenditure.
• Endocrine Function: Correlates with the activity of the adrenal glands, specifically the secretion of adrenaline and cortisol, which are crucial in the body's fight-or-flight response.

2. Zhong Qi (Central Qi or Gathering Qi)

TCM Function: Associated with the middle jiao (stomach and spleen), responsible for digestion and energy production.

Western Correlate: Parasympathetic Nervous System (PANS) and Vagus Nerve

• Function: Supports digestion, rest, and repair processes; regulates heart rate, gastrointestinal motility, and inflammatory responses.
• Ganglionic Plexus: Celiac Plexus
• Location: Upper abdomen, around the celiac artery.
• Function: Innervates the stomach, spleen, liver, pancreas, and parts of the intestines, regulating digestive processes.
• Predominantly: Parasympathetic
• Yin-Yang Aspect: Yin - Zhong Qi is tied to rest, digestion, and energy production, supporting the body's restorative functions.
• Primitive Reflexes: Rooting Reflex, Sucking Reflex
• Function: Stimulates feeding and digestion.
• Nerves: Vagus nerve (CN X), Splanchnic nerves
• Sustained Fight-Flight-Freeze Response: Hypofunction - Zhong Qi would likely be suppressed, leading to digestive issues, reduced nutrient absorption, and overall decreased energy production.
• Endocrine Function: Correlates with the function of the pancreas (insulin and glucagon secretion) and gastrointestinal hormones (such as gastrin, secretin, and cholecystokinin), which regulate digestive processes and energy metabolism.

3. Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi)

TCM Function: Flows in the blood vessels and meridians, nourishes the organs, and supports growth and development.

Western Correlate: Circulatory System and Nutritional Absorption

• Function: Delivers nutrients and oxygen to cells, supports growth and development.
• Ganglionic Plexus: Aortic Plexus
• Location: Along the aorta.
• Function: Influences the vascular system, supporting the circulation of blood and nutrients.
• Predominantly: Mixed, but with significant parasympathetic influence.
• Yin-Yang Aspect: Yin - Ying Qi nourishes and supports growth and development, contributing to the body's maintenance and repair.
• Primitive Reflexes: Palmar Grasp Reflex, Plantar Grasp Reflex
• Function: Supports development and interaction with the environment.
• Nerves: Vagus nerve (CN X), Peripheral nerves
• Sustained Fight-Flight-Freeze Response: Hypofunction - Ying Qi may be diverted away from nourishment and growth towards immediate survival, leading to malnutrition and impaired development.
• Endocrine Function: Correlates with anabolic hormones such as growth hormone (GH), thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), which facilitate nutrient utilization, cellular growth, and tissue repair.

4. Yuan Qi (Original Qi or Source Qi)

TCM Function: Foundational energy stored in the kidneys, derived from congenital essence and nourished by postnatal qi.

Western Correlate: Endocrine System and Genetic Blueprint

• Function: Fundamental energy source, akin to hormonal and genetic influences on growth and development.
• Ganglionic Plexus: Renal Plexus
• Location: Around the kidneys.
• Function: Innervates the kidneys and adrenal glands, regulating their function and influencing energy balance.
• Predominantly: Sympathetic
• Yin-Yang Aspect: Yin - Yuan Qi is tied to fundamental life processes, including growth, reproduction, and development.
• Primitive Reflexes: Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex
• Function: Influences posture and balance, fundamental to growth.
• Nerves: Renal nerves, Splanchnic nerves
• Sustained Fight-Flight-Freeze Response: Hypofunction - Yuan Qi may be depleted over time, leading to adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and reduced overall vitality.
• Endocrine Function: Correlates with the function of gonadal hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) and adrenal glands (aldosterone and cortisol), which are essential for growth, development, reproductive health, and overall vitality.

5. Zong Qi (Pectoral Qi)

TCM Function: Gathers in the chest, supports respiration, and circulates blood.

Western Correlate: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems

• Function: Supports breathing and oxygenates blood.
• Ganglionic Plexus: Cardiac Plexus
• Location: Around the heart.
• Function: Innervates the heart and lungs, regulating heart rate and respiratory function.
• Predominantly: Mixed, but with significant sympathetic influence.
• Yin-Yang Aspect: Yang - Zong Qi is involved in active functions like respiration and circulation, which require dynamic energy.
• Primitive Reflexes: Landau Reflex
• Function: Supports respiration and coordination.
• Nerves: Vagus nerve (CN X), Phrenic nerve
• Sustained Fight-Flight-Freeze Response: Hyperfunction - Zong Qi may become overactive, leading to increased heart rate, hypertension, and respiratory issues.
• Endocrine Function: Correlates with the activity of the thyroid gland (thyroid hormones T3 and T4) and adrenal medulla (epinephrine and norepinephrine), which enhance respiratory and cardiovascular function, supporting the body's dynamic energy needs.

6. Jing Qi (Essence Qi)

TCM Function: Stored in the kidneys, responsible for growth, reproduction, and development.

Western Correlate: Genetic and Reproductive Systems

• Function: Influences growth, reproductive health, and development.
• Ganglionic Plexus: Inferior Hypogastric Plexus
• Location: Pelvic region.
• Function: Innervates the reproductive organs and lower urinary tract, influencing reproductive health and development.
• Predominantly: Mixed, but with significant parasympathetic influence.
• Yin-Yang Aspect: Yin - Jing Qi supports procreation and growth, which are restorative and generative processes.
• Primitive Reflexes: Spinal Galant Reflex
• Function: Influences growth and reproductive organ function.
• Nerves: Pelvic splanchnic nerves, Pudendal nerve
• Sustained Fight-Flight-Freeze Response: Hypofunction - Jing Qi may be diverted from growth and reproduction towards survival, leading to reproductive issues and developmental delays.
• Endocrine Function: Correlates with the secretion of sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone), growth hormone (GH), and other developmental hormones, which are critical for reproductive health, genetic expression, and developmental processes.

7. Qi Hua (Transforming Qi)

TCM Function: Responsible for the transformation and movement of substances within the body, such as fluid metabolism.

Western Correlate: Metabolic Processes and Enzymatic Functions

• Function: Regulates metabolic processes and enzymatic transformations in the body.
• Ganglionic Plexus: Mesenteric Plexus
• Location: Around the mesenteric arteries.
• Function: Innervates the intestines, regulating digestion and fluid absorption.
• Predominantly: Mixed, but with significant parasympathetic influence.
• Yin-Yang Aspect: Yin - Qi Hua is involved in transformation and movement of substances within the body, essential for maintaining internal balance and repair.
• Primitive Reflexes: Babinski Reflex
• Function: Influences the movement and coordination of the lower body.
• Nerves: Vagus nerve (CN X), Enteric nervous system
• U Hypofunction - Qi Hua may be impaired, leading to digestive and metabolic disorders, and fluid imbalance.
• Endocrine Function: Correlates with metabolic hormones such as insulin, glucagon, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), and cortisol, which regulate metabolism, fluid balance, and the body's ability to transform and utilize nutrients.

Summary

These correlations between types of qi in TCM, specific ganglionic plexuses, Western medical functions, their yin-yang aspects, primitive reflexes, nerves, and hypotheses on their behavior during sustained fight-flight-freeze responses highlight how ancient and modern medical systems can intersect. Understanding these relationships can enhance our holistic approach to healthcare by integrating the strengths of both Eastern and Western medical perspectives.

 

 

Bibliography

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• Selye, Hans. The Stress of Life. McGraw-Hill, 1956.