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TCM

Jin Ye Body Fluids 津液

Jin Ye Body Fluids 津液
Jinye Body Fluids Photo by Matt Seymour / Unsplash

1. What are Jin-Ye (Body Fluids) in TCM?

Jin-Ye (津液), or Body Fluids, refer to all liquids present in the body, playing a crucial role in moistening, nourishing, and maintaining physiological balance. These fluids are derived from food and drink and are processed by the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys.

Jin-Ye is categorized into two types:

  1. Jin (津) – "Fluids": Clear, light, and watery, these fluids circulate on the exterior, moistening skin and muscles.
  2. Ye (液) – "Liquids": Thicker, denser, and more turbid, these circulate in the interior, moistening joints, spine, brain, bone marrow, and sensory organs.

2. What are the functions of Jin-Ye?

Jin-Ye plays an essential role in hydration, nourishment, and organ function.

1. Moistening the Skin and Muscles

  • Jin (Fluids) circulate with Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) and maintain skin elasticity and hydration.
  • They also produce sweat, saliva, tears, and mucus.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: LU-7 (Lieque, 列缺), REN-12 (Zhongwan, 中脘).

2. Lubricating the Joints, Spine, and Organs

  • Ye (Liquids) moisten joints, brain, spinal cord, and sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, mouth).
  • These deeper fluids prevent dryness and friction in the body.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: BL-23 (Shenshu, 肾俞), KI-6 (Zhaohai, 照海).

3. Supporting Blood Circulation

  • Jin-Ye plays a role in preventing Blood stasis by keeping Blood thin and circulating properly.
  • If Body Fluids are deficient, Blood becomes thick, leading to stagnation.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: SP-6 (Sanyinjiao, 三阴交), SP-10 (Xuehai, 血海).

4. Regulating Body Temperature and Elimination

  • Jin-Ye ensures proper sweating to maintain body temperature.
  • It also aids in urine production and bowel movements.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: BL-22 (Sanjiaoshu, 三焦俞), ST-28 (Shuidao, 水道).

3. How are Jin-Ye (Body Fluids) produced and distributed?

Jin-Ye originates from food and drink, processed through multiple stages:

1. Transformation by the Spleen and Stomach

  • The Spleen extracts "clean" fluids and sends them to the Lungs and Kidneys.
  • The "dirty" fluids go to the Small Intestine for further filtration.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: ST-36 (Zusanli, 足三里), SP-6 (Sanyinjiao, 三阴交).

2. Distribution by the Lungs

  • The Lungs spread Body Fluids to the skin and direct excess fluids downward to the Kidneys and Bladder.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: LU-9 (Taiyuan, 太渊), REN-17 (Shanzhong, 膻中).

3. Regulation by the Kidneys

  • The Kidneys control fluid metabolism by separating pure and impure fluids.
  • Kidney-Yang warms and moves fluids, while Kidney-Yin nourishes and moistens.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: KI-3 (Taixi, 太溪), BL-23 (Shenshu, 肾俞).

4. Excretion by the Bladder and Large Intestine

  • The Bladder processes excess fluids into urine, while the Large Intestine absorbs water and excretes waste.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: BL-28 (Pangguangshu, 膀胱俞), ST-25 (Tianshu, 天枢).

4. What is the relationship between Qi and Jin-Ye?

Qi and Body Fluids have a mutually dependent relationship:

1. Qi Transforms and Transports Body Fluids

  • Qi is responsible for moving fluids throughout the body.
  • If Qi is weak, fluids accumulate, causing edema, Dampness, or Phlegm.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: SP-9 (Yinlingquan, 阴陵泉), ST-28 (Shuidao, 水道).

2. Qi Holds Body Fluids

  • Qi keeps fluids inside the body.
  • If Qi is weak, fluids may leak, leading to excessive sweating, urination, or vaginal discharge.
  • Key Acupuncture Points: REN-6 (Qihai, 气海), BL-23 (Shenshu, 肾俞).

5. What are the common Jin-Ye disorders?

1. Jin-Ye Deficiency (津液不足, Jīn-Yè Bùzú)

Symptoms:

  • Dry skin, lips, throat, and eyes.
  • Constipation, scanty urination, thirst, night sweats.Key Acupuncture Points: KI-6 (Zhaohai, 照海), SP-6 (Sanyinjiao, 三阴交).

2. Accumulation of Jin-Ye – Dampness and Phlegm (湿痰, Shī-Tán)

Symptoms:

  • Heavy limbs, bloating, excess mucus, foggy mind.
  • Can lead to edema or Phlegm-related conditions (e.g., chronic cough, sinus congestion).Key Acupuncture Points: SP-9 (Yinlingquan, 阴陵泉), ST-40 (Fenglong, 丰隆).

6. How can Jin-Ye be nourished and balanced?

1. Lifestyle Practices

  • Stay hydrated: Drink warm water and herbal teas.
  • Avoid overexertion: Excess sweating depletes fluids.
  • Practice breathwork: Supports Lung function and moisture retention.

2. Dietary Support

  • Hydrating foods: Soups, broths, cooked vegetables.
  • Moistening foods: Pears, tofu, seaweed, black sesame.

3. Herbal Medicine

  • Mai Men Dong (麦冬, Ophiopogon): Nourishes Yin and Body Fluids.
  • Sha Shen (沙参, Glehnia Root): Moistens Lungs and Stomach.
  • Tian Hua Fen (天花粉, Trichosanthes Root): Clears Heat and generates fluids.

4. Acupuncture Therapy

  • SP-6 (Sanyinjiao, 三阴交): Tonifies fluids and Yin.
  • KI-6 (Zhaohai, 照海): Moistens dryness, especially in the throat.
  • REN-4 (Guanyuan, 关元): Strengthens Kidney-Yin and fluids.

7. Conclusion

Jin-Ye (Body Fluids) are essential for hydration, nourishment, and balance in TCM. By supporting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys, ensuring proper hydration, diet, and lifestyle choices, one can maintain fluid balance and overall health.

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